Got to shoot my most recent half-lug GPs today for the first time. Was on an indoor pistol range with the max range 50', which is OK for shooting guns for function and practice, but I prefer an outdoor 25 yard range. Here that is two hours drive away unless you are a member of a gun club.
Was shooting up my supply of 130 gr. Winchester "White Box" bulk .38 Spls. These are FMJ with a marked flat point/meplat which would make them a bit more effective than the old military 130 gr. FMJ that used to be issued to security personnel. These also seem loaded a bit hotter.
My 1989 6" blued .357 must have been sighted in for 125 gr. bullets because it shot these 130s dead on to POA at 50'. I could shoot 6 of them into 2 1/2- 3" offhand either double action or single action slowfire all day long (two-handed hold standing). This is the first revolver I've had where I could shoot just as well (or badly) DA as SA. I think somebody worked on the trigger/action on this gun before I got it. Can't wait to try it with some full-house .357s--with the .38s it was as controllable as a .22.
My most recent acquisition, a 4" half-lug stainless .38 spl from 2000 with fixed sights wasn't so successful. It shot low and right with this ammo, and I wasn't getting conistent groups. Part of the problem is that the front sight needs rebluing--it seems to be the only worn part of the gun, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't getting a nice clear sight picture because of glare off the shiny part of the sight. Another part is that it isn't as smooth as the blue .357. I was getting "groups" that varied from 2"high by 4" wide, to 1 1/2" high by 3" wide, all were centered about 3-4" low. I may also have been getting tired by the time I got to this .38.
Both guns functioned perfectly; no hitches or boggles. Brass was only slightly smoked and no blems.
I had intended to put a red ramp on the .357 but may just leave well enough alone. I'll try sight black on the .38 and see if that sharpens up the sight picture. Unfortunately I can't do much about my 68 year old eyes.....
Is there a chance that the .38 was sighted for 158 gr. .38 Spl. "Police Service" ammo? Would that account for the low shooting???
A fun afternoon: the only other Ruger I shot was a new (to me) MKIIRST4. Point and click .22! I'd forgotten what fun they are! Ten pops, ten holes in the black.....