SIXGUN SIGHTS

[JimT]

The poll on Blackhawk and Vaquero got me to thinking. Looking at the comments, most choose adjustable sights because they test ammo, shoot different loads etc. And that's great.

I have never made it a secret that I like fixed sight sixguns. I prefer them for my carry guns and for general use. I am not saying they are better than adjustable sighted guns, and I would never say that! It's just that if I have a choice I will take the fixed sight pistol over the adjustable sight one. It could be my preference is due to growing up on Colt single actions, Smith & Wesson Victory Models and 1858 Remington cap & ball pistols.

A lot of my life was on a ranch and living in the mountains. In the “back country” I wanted things that would not come apart easily, that lasted, would not get out of adjustment and worked everytime I needed them. The fixed sight pistols fit the bill for me.

I carried Colt single actions and Colt copies. When I got a 454 Casull I got a fixed sight one. It never let me down. The Ruger Blackhawk .45 that I used was modified so that the rear sight was no longer adjustable and was locked in place.

Again, I am NOT saying these were “better.” They were and are what I prefer. Do I have adjustable sighted pistols? Of course! I just don't adjust them. I don't test various loads and ammunition much anymore and if I do, I just find where they are hitting and put a spotter on the target to aim at rather than messing up my sights.

Am I weird about this? Probably. That's what is great about this country. You can be as weird as you wish. Just look around when you go to town.

As to what is "the best" ... the best is what you choose and learn to use to the best of your ability. It is not what marketing propaganda is trying to sell you. From what you all post on here, I believe there are a bunch of us who understand that.

[Griff]

Thank you Jim. I've had & have adjustable sighted handguns... Ruger Blackhawk, Mdl 19 S&W, and a Colt Gold Cup. But, for working guns... I'll stick with fixed sights also. Modify 'em to shoot to POA, add an insert to enhance visibility, sure... 3-dot combos, great... but maintaining that durability of the fixed sight is important to me. I even prefer a fixed rear sight in the backstrap of the firearm, like the Colt SAA, S&W 65 and others... the dovetailed sight on a 1911 is somewhat less durable in my mind. I've never had one shift on me, and somewhat strangely now that I think about it, I never had to shift one from its centered position, even when shooting out to 50 yards!

[JimT]

I shot this target with my fixed sight Freedom Arms 454 Casull.

IMG_8608.JPG

[jeepnik]

I prefer adjustable sights because they are generally easier for me to see. As to needing the adjustability, I pretty much find a load that does what I want, and stick with it. I am not someone who makes up different loads just for stuff and giggles. So once I settle on a load and adjust the sights they stay there.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I like these sights.

[Galloway]

I believe Keith said if fine shooting was to done a sixgun should have good adjustable sights. That said i think plenty of things can be done without fine shooting.

[Ysabel Kid]

I like any sights I can actually see!

Well put Jim. I guess it's like ice cream. You can like one flavor over another, or like them all.

[Scott Tschirhart]

That being said, when I was doing police work I preferred fixed sights particularly on a SAA (yes I did carry one) or a Smith revolver.

A 3 inch Smith 13 or 65 is pretty much the perfect gun fighting gun in my opinion. Nothing to knock out of line or break.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen an officer with a Smith revolver in his holster with a broken rear blade.

[Twodot]

That being said, when I was doing police work I preferred fixed sights particularly on a SAA (yes I did carry one) or a Smith revolver.

A 3 inch Smith 13 or 65 is pretty much the perfect gun fighting gun in my opinion. Nothing to knock out of line or break.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen an officer with a Smith revolver in his holster with a broken rear blade.

hope it wasn't the same guy, more than once.
..