Vaquero shooting to the left

[Okie69]

I recently bought a 45 Vaquero on Gun Broker with custom grips and and action job. The gun looks great and functions good except it shoots about 6 inches low and to the left at 8 o'clock. I filed the front sight and got the elevation corrected. My question, can I open up the rear sight channel to the right side with a file and correct the point of aim? Is this a common procedure?
Thanks,
Barry

 

[G2]

Is this a common procedure?
Thanks,
Barry

NO,

Usually the adjustments all happen to the front sight on a Vaquero.

Bend it a little and or turn the barrel in/out AND this is usually performed by those in the know when it's as far out as 6".

 

[Jbrown75]

Do you happen to be right handed? Did you have someone else shoot the revolver in question before filing the sight? It's typical that folks tend to shoot low-left when right handed if they aren't used to shooting SA's.

 

[The Preacher]

I'll disagree and say yes. I did it to my Bisley Vaquero and it worked fine. Doesn't take much so go slow and shoot a lot in between filling. Did I say it doesn't take much? Make certain it isn't you pulling to the left and then have at it. Cold blue will blend the shine in well with the faux case colors....and did I say it doesn't take much?

The Preacher

 

[G2]

Do you happen to be right handed? Did you have someone else shoot the revolver in question before filing the sight? It's typical that folks tend to shoot low-left when right handed if they aren't used to shooting SA's.

Very good point !!

 

[eric conrad]

I'd also check the throats. Tight throats on the 45's are the norm. The vaquero is famous for low and left.
Eric

 

[Okie69]

I have 6 Ruger single actions and shoot every week, maybe 1,000 rounds this past 3 days, weather was nice for a change. I have no trouble with the other guns, they are all adjustable sights but most are centered. I believe I will open the sight channel a little to the right before I bend any front blades. This was my first Vaquero.
Thanks
Barry

 

[flatgate]

I bet the sight pops out of it's slot on the barrel if you try to bend it......

I'd turn the barrel if it was my gun.

flatgate

Info HERE

 

[G2]

I bet the sight pops out of it's slot on the barrel if you try to bend it.....

flatgate

I agree if your going for a 6" movement in POI. A little as mentioned, Nahhhhh

I have found it's difficult to give Gunsmith advice on the net, as what is easy to one can be a total can of worms to others.
Success usually depends on the abilities of the homeboy gunsmith, of which we really have no idea of the ability.

To me opening up the rear channel only gives a big O'l hole to look down and the gun isn't pointing strait and shooting strait. It's still pinned to the side.
Rear is blurred, front is put on target. Front needs to be POI.

Just my opinion ,,, and it usually stinks. :roll:

Good Article !

 

[powder smoke]

Carl Thanks for that link awesome instructions. ps

 

[Okie69]

Flat Gate, thanks for the link to Hamilton Bowen's article on turning the barrel. I have 4 different loads made up and as soon as the weather moderates, I plan to have one more shooting session to make sure it is not the load or ME that is causing the Vaquero to shoot to the left. If it is the gun I will rig up the apparatus and turn the barrel. I will let you know how it turns out. [no pun intended]