Would you rather aim high or low ???

[Purebred Redneck]

The wheels are still turning in my mind on what blackpowder gun I should be getting in the next couple weeks

Cap and Ball revolver question.

From what I gather, a 1858 shoots about 3 inchs low at 25 yards.
The 1860 shoots about 8-10 inchs high at 25 yards.

Assuming that you do not attempt to correct the point of impact by filing on the front or rear sights, would you rather aim high or low?

Aiming high is always a problem because you actually don't know where the target actually is. This can be especially be hard if you were to play around at 50 yards where it can be 8 inches low.

However, aiming almost a foot low is not the best option either. In fact, it might be worse


On the 1860, I guess you could take a finer bead when aiming --- I assume you can.
The other option would be to file the rear sight (the notch in the hammer lower) --- and we all know how disasterous that is going to be I'll be slandering the fine folks at Pietta over that for sure ;D

What say you?

[klsm54]

I wouldn't want to aim high or low... I would fix the gun to hit dead on. You don't need to file the notch on the frame, either replace the front blade or add to it by welding or brazing more metal to it.

[deputydon]

klsm54 said:

I wouldn't want to aim high or low... I would fix the gun to hit dead on. You don't need to file the notch on the frame, either replace the front blade or add to it by welding or brazing more metal to it.

Iagree w/ 54 on this. However I know your trying to spark conversation sooooooo. I'd want to aim high cause thats the natural thing you have to do when shooting long distances. Rather it be w/ a MLer; rifle; or short gun.

[bounce]

Get the Colt and shoot for the balls and hit the heart, or get out your file and go to work.

[dakota]

If they are riding Shetlands aim low.

[jimiowa]

I think I would take the Skeeter Skelton method over either.
He used a high front sight with gold crossbars inlayed at the ranges he shot. And he sometimes shot at outrageous ranges for a handgun cartridge.

If thats not an option I find it easier to hold over rather than under.

[Purebred Redneck]

I'm getting mixed answers on how the blade on the colt is attached to the barrel. Some say it's sodered on and other say it's pinned in.

So any 100% positive answer would be appreciated.

A problem that I see is that heat required in welding may harm the barrel.

Has anyone actually took a file to the hammer and how did that turn out???

[bounce]

Never seen one to be pined, yes if nesessary the notch in the hammer can be lowerd some. work on the front one 1st more often it just needs 1/2 of it filed off or so...

[Purebred Redneck]

With the 1860, you have to raise the front sight though.

[twomoons]

Now for the historical perspective...
All b/p cap and balls accepted for the military shot high, 10" or more at 25 yards. This was done on purpose as the guns were meant for a point blank hold up to 100 yards. Troopers were taught to hold on the belly of the man they were shooting at and then even at long range they would be on target. A ball from an 1860 would be dead on at 100 paces. All the early repro's followed this pattern and you had to change the sights on them for modern style shooting, or you had to find some dam'n yankees to shoot for practice. In about 1980 Navy arms started putting higher front sights on the guns so now some are and some arn't. As to the remington's shooting low it all depends on your powder charge and your bullet. A full load will be about on, but a wimpy target load will fall low.

The solution to your problem...
My favorite for the colt is to follow the lead of Wild Bill (not Rayer) and dovetail a silver blade in place of the bead. They you file to height and drift to center. The front sight goes in the opposited direction that you want your group to go. So if you want the ball to go up on the target you file off the front sight, ect. When you do this first work up your load and whey you are grouping your shots into 2" or so at 25 THEN move the sights. For the Remington just file off the front sight to POA and if windage is off turn the barrel to move the sight. (Red take it to your smith for turning and DON'T use your pipe wrench!)

A good load combination in a good 1860 will put 5 shots in 2" at 25 yards and a Remington will do a tad better. I adjust mine to put the ball right over the top of the front sight at 25.

[Purebred Redneck]

Best thing would be to get the 1858 model that adjustable sights. I was hoping to get something a little more historical accurate

This may seems a bit odd because I just thought of 5 seconds ago (and it's definatly far from historically accurate).
What's the chance of a snap-on shotgun floresent bead for a 410 would fit the round barrel of a 1860 I can't get a pic here at work but those 2 or 3 inch black pastic pieces.

[dovehunter]

As I recall, the last time I shot my '58 Remington Repro. it was right on the mark at 25 yds. using a measured 30 gr. of FFFg black powder, round balls, and wonder wads.

[twomoons]

PBR you don't need the adjustable sight just a little common sense work. For most of the modern repro's 15 minute with a file at the range and you are fixed for life. Just dont be like the fello who brought me a Remington repro with almost no front sight, " I cut it down to nothing and it still shoots too high".

[bounce]

Red the only BP wheel gun I have anymore is a Colt Walker. Rear sight has not ben touched front is brass blade filed down to 0.123 and is right on at 25yds........ at least as right on as I am able to shoot, LOL

[twomoons]

Hey and on Bounce, the Walker looks like a baby dragoon.