Pistol shoots low

Ganderite

Ganderite

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SIG 226 with non-adjustable sights. At 20 yards it shoots about 4 inches low.

I understand I can buy a lower front sight from SIG. I have a Hi Viz front sight for it that just might be a bit lower, so will try that first.

I tried hot and mild loads, but they shot to about the same place, even though there was 250 fps difference in velocity.

The fact that the mild load (180 gr @725 fps) still functions the action makes me wonder if maybe I should try a heavier recoil spring.

Would a change to a heavier spirng have any effect on elevation?
 
20 yards is a pretty decent ways away, you sure its not your grip/squeeze? I am pretty sure all my shot placement issues are due to these 2 factors the bullet load shouldn't make much difference at that range either. otherwise i would say its your sights, miniscule differences translate to big changes on pistols.
 
I'm not convinced it would, but I'm just thinking intuitively, no practical experience with it.

I assume you tried shooting from a rest?
 
Yes on the rest. I just did some load development for my 40's (4 of them). Noticed the SIG shot low. For IDPA, if anything, I would rather it shot a bit high. Don't like to cover what i am shootng at.

At 10 yards it is about an inch low. I have lived with that. My HiViz front sight should fix it.

I re-springed all my 9s and don't think I have seen any differnce in elevations.
 
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Changing springs will not have any impact your sights. There should be a small number located on each sight. Is it possible that the sights have been changed from the factory specified ones? Sig recomends firing from a rested position and point of impact should be point of aim at 25 yards.
If you decide to change sights it's numbers up, groups up; numbers down ,groups down. this is true for both front and rear sights. Start with the rear sight first as it's much easier to change and much harder to break.
At 25 yards each rear sight change will move the strike of the bullet approx. 2" and each front sight change approx. 1".
Something is wrong if your rounds are 4" low at 20 meters.
 
Thanks for the numbers and how much they move. Good point about beaking the sight. I broke a front sight once.

As I said, my HiViz sight looks to be a bit lower, so will try that first. Then a higher rear, if needed.
 
Could it be your sight picture. There is a differnece betwene marksman sights and combat sights.

I have a Sig P220 with night sights and I need to put the dot of the front sight over my point of aim so it is completely covered. I don't actually see what I'm shooting.

Just about every other gun, and rifle sight I've used required a "6 o'clock hold" where I place the tip of the front sight where I want to hit.

If you mistake combat for marksman you will be hitting low.

This is with combat sights:

sigsightpicture.jpg


This is with marksman sight:

6oclockhold.jpg


Forgive the ####ty paint job. I'm not an artist.
 
drvrage, your pictures are exactly like the gun. I usually expect the bullet to hit just above the front sight. Withthe SIG I need the dot on the target.

OK. I am too old to change my sight picture, so will try a shorter HiViz front sight.

thanks.

And Gatehouse, I tried 155, 170, 180 and 190 bullets and POI did not seem to change. I thought it would. But 180 is my bullet of choice and that is the one hitting low. Not much heavier is available.
 
Why change sights? You bought yourself a premium self defense package. Keep it and use it as such. It is not less accurate, it was designed for combat shooting. You may be opening yourself up to new disciplines in handgunning.

Enjoy.
 
I can, and will, change sights. It is the sight picture I won't change.

I have 4 SIGS. This 40 cal is the only one that shoots low.

I will ask gunsmith to install my new Hi Viz sights. last time i tried it, i broke the front sight.
 
Ganderite said:
I can, and will, change sights. ........I have 4 SIGS. This 40 cal is the only one that shoots low............
Click to expand...

Just curious if you had the chance to have another experienced shooter try out your Sig to reconfirm your observations? Maybe ask an RO on your next trip to the range. The results may divert your decision to replace the sights. Good luck and happy shooting. BTW, I too am a Sig fan. IMHO - Best out of the box polymer pistol!!!




SKS Russian Tula 1950, 1952 and 1953, Sig Sauer P226, Beretta 92 SBC, CZ85 Combat, Para P14 45 Ltd., Para P16 40 Ltd., SigPro 2022 .40S&W, Kimber Custom TLE/RL II, Marlin 60
 
I know it was too pretty to keep on the gun, so I swapped the Hogue. I'm keeping the original wood in a zip lock and will only ever put it back on it I eventually have to have it deactivated and it becomes a display piece. :eek: Yes yes. I know bite my tongue.
 
I was testing ammo tonight and shot some of the 40s at 20 yards. Once again the SIG shot low. This picture will give you an idea of the problem. Can't wait to get the new front sight on. I will drift the rear to make it shoot to the middle of the target.

The two groups on the right are from the SIG.

SIGSHOOTSLOW.jpg
 
This is nothing to do with the SIG's
But there is a fellow in the club that shoots a
S.W 41 (22Rf) , I was working on it for him and it
shoots to top edge of the target , if he shoots any one
of mine or other members , it shoots at bottom edge of the
paper, and he uses a 6oclock picture.
Can't figuare that one out at all.
The targets are the same as the ones in above post.
Marshall
 
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