Adjustable vs. Fixed sights..... an advantadge?

[Capt. Jack McQuesten]

This topic came up my post about what type of guns ya'll are packing. There was/is a rumor that the "Modern" class is going to be eliminated from CAS. The theory behind it is that most folks with adjustable sighted guns don't use the adjustment feature to give them an advantage over the fixed sight guns at matches.

I feel that one of the primary reasons behind the separation of the Modern and Traditional class was to maintain the "Look".

Due to my age and eyesight, the adjustable sights are easier to use as they are larger and more defined (longer barrels help a bunch here too!), but for the average handgun target distance at a CAS match are sights even used?

What do ya'll think?

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Kid,

I believe the current talk is about eliminating the category, not the guns. 
In my opinion, the category is underused.  It could be an excellent way to shake thing up and re-align the categories to make more sense.. but SASS seems to like the band-aid approach.

Adios,

[Will Ketchum]

It's just another of the problems I have with SASS rules.  Under their defintion of "modern" a 19th Century Flat Top Colt or Target Bisley would be in that class although there isn't anything modern about them

In NCOWS, which doesn't have a modern class you could use a flat top Colt or clone there of.

Will Ketchum

[Silver Creek Slim]

It's just another of the problems I have with SASS rules.  Under their defintion of "modern" a 19th Century Flat Top Colt or Target Bisley would be in that class although there isn't anything modern about them

In NCOWS, which doesn't have a modern class you could use a flat top Colt or clone there of.

Will Ketchum

Yay, NCOWS!

Slim

[Russ T Chambers]

During the discussion of this topic at the Territorial Governors meeting at EOT, one of the Governors (obviously either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist) brought up the point of the sight picture difference.  Whether you adjust them or not the sights on a Ruger Blackhawk are easier to see, with the square notch and wide back sight, than the V of a standard colt sight.  Some people shoot Blackhawks simply because they can see the sight picture on them.  If they were to collapse the Modern category into the Traditional, I would also push for the inclusion of the Blackhawk into the Frontier cartridge category.  There are probably some folks out there that would like to blow some smoke, but don't because they don't have the right guns.

[Silver Creek Slim]

If they were to collapse the Modern category into the Traditional, I would also push for the inclusion of the Blackhawk into the Frontier cartridge category.  There are probably some folks out there that would like to blow some smoke, but don't because they don't have the right guns.

I agree.

Slim

[Shiloh Sharpie]

I do not see the fuss.  Adjustable sights don't add a real advantage in my opinion and who cares anyway. It's a game, remember?!

[Silver Creek Slim]

I do not see the fuss.  Adjustable sights don't add a real advantage in my opinion and who cares anyway. It's a game, remember?!

Slim

[RowdyBill]

This is good news (if they collapse Modern into other categories).  Personally, after handling several single action revolvers, I much prefer the Ruger Blackhawk in .357.  It feels right and the adjustable sights mean I don't have to mess with turning barrels or filing down the front sights to get things right.  Plus, as strong as Vaqueros are, I have a feeling the Blackhawk is even stronger (at least stronger than the New Vaquero, though I could be wrong).

So, thinking of entering the game as a Modern Category guy.  Guess that lets me shoot one category for revolver, then the usual for shotgun and rifle.  I'm not competitive, at least in terms of speed.  I'm an accuracy and history guy, not a fast draw buff, so I could just hang out and jaw about my amazing exploits (i.e., fighting off an Apache raid single handedly.  Being known as the "two gun kid" with the ladies, even though I carry only one revolver, etc...)

[Doc Shapiro]

There is talk about Modern going away fairly often.  I don't expect that it'll happen.  The reason is that it provides another venue for folks to get awards.  More people getting awards means more bigger smiles.  That's a good thing.

That said, no, there's no advantage other than easier sight adjustment.  The V-notch rear sight on some of the traditional type guns can be milled or filed out to a square notch.  No problem there at all. 

Doc

[tarheel mac]

You know, I have to really agree with Doc on this one..although I am so new here and at AS in general I still have the price tag on me...But it seems to be that once you are sighted in, adjustable sights offer no really huge advantage...So a "unneeded" category would furnish more chances for trophies, and smiles...and like the good Doc says...that can't be anything but good...

[Warthog Zeke]

With close targets, the larger sights don't help, but if the targets where farther away the sights might very well become an advantage.  At 7 yards, are sights really even needed?

[Doc Shapiro]

Zeke, I don't think the adjustable sights even help at longer distances unless you are shooting a game where the distances between targets change enough that you raise or lower your sight for each string.

I shoot steel challenge with my Vaquero's and do reasonably well.  Targets as small as 10 inches and as far away as 35 yards.

Maybe those are still too big and too close for what you are referring to?

Doc

[Micheal Fortune]

Well there is a difference between large adjustable sights and Colt v sights and the large adjustable have the advantage.

Without modification adjustable sights are quicker and easier.

Yes you can modify your traditional sights, and file into your load, and file you sights wider and modify you traditional gun so it's as easy to shoot as an out of the box modern.

You can also change load without much forethought on a modern gun.  Case in point,,, They are coming out with this new Trailboss powder that's supposed to fill the case on my .45Colt, that means the possibility of cleaner burn, more constant velocities and such.  Now I'll have to work that load to fit my current modified traditional sights.

Bottom line is I think the two different categories should remain separate.  If someone don't like being called a modern shooter then gear up for the game.

[Joyce (AnnieLee)]

For some folks, all sights are adjustable. Some take a screwdriver to adjust, others need a Dremel.

AnnieLee

[Delmonico]

Any one who says there ain't no differance between the two never tried to hit something beyond 25 yards.  A person who knows about loads, ain't afraid to open the throttle up to where it belongs can do amazing things (to those who never tried) with a ajustable square nothch a good Patrige front and a good load with a heavy bullet. 

I know I wouldn't stand a 400 yards and ask me to try to hit you at 400 yards with my 32 mag ruger and the 124 gr. bullet.  I might not hit you but I can garrentee I'll scare to poop out of you, but I shoot at that distance for the fun of it.

Thats why most of the working cowboys I know use the 6 1/2 inch 357 Blackhawlk.  Many can hit a coyote at a 100 yards or more fairly often.  I not it ain't so much a game or maybe it is.  It's all part of havin' fun. 

[Hemlock Mike]

A shooter asked me one time if he could shoot his Blackhawk -- Adjustable sights.  It was a local match and I told him to go ahead.  If he needs the rear sight at 7 yards -- he's no threat for score 

I do, however, like to see "traditional" guns.

Mike

[RowdyBill]

Got the Ruger Blackhawk, 6 1/2 inch stainless steel in .357 today.  I know this will plop me into Modern Class if I join the local SASS group, but I just like this gun.  Very solid, looks well built.  Action is a bit rough, but I'm not into slip firing or anything like that, so maybe this won't be an issue.

I do like the adjustable sights better than the prospect of filing away at fixed sights and being limited to a specific load for best accuracy.

[Trigger Bill]

Well folks, I have been lurking around the  CAS forums for awhile. I haven't posted before or attended a CAS match, but plan to soon. For me, its simple economics. In my safe I have
several Ruger Blackhawks, a Super Blackhawk, a Bisley Blackhawk and an adj. Old Army.
I can start out with a pair of .357's (6.5" BH & 7.5" Bisley BH) or .44's (4 5/8" BH & 10.5"
SBH) All I need is the proper leather. I think that the main reason Modern exists is for guys like me to get started with. And for that reason it is a very valuable asset. For those folks whose eyes don't see sights too clearly (like me) the adj. sights may be helpful. But its certainly no advantage at the ranges these matches are shot. If it was the top shooters would use them and shoot Modern. Thats my take on this, and I hope to get all the gear
together this year and start out shooting matches. When I do it'll be shooting Modern.
Thanks for all the advice and experience. You can't know how much it has helped.
Trigger Bill