Pistol Zeroing

[tom_thumb]

I've got a second hand Gamo Compact arriving shortly with a view to shooting 6yd & 10m targets. From what I've read of setting the sights up, they should be set so that the black bull sits on top of the front sight....I can see why & I understand the logic.

But I will also probably end up joining in with some of the postal comps on here where I think the above zero will not be of much use (think of the snooker target for example).

So given the two types of target - whats the best way of setting the sights?

Thanks

Tom

[derekm]

When aiming a pistol, especially with open sights, you should be aiming at an area, not a point. Point aim is fine for a rifle because it can be held steady, but even a champion's pistol moves around.

The usual setup for the sights is so that there is a gap (size to suit the individual) between the black bull and the front sight. If you try to sit the bull on the sight, the two tend to blend together. It's known as "sub six".

The bull is also known as the "distraction bull" because you are supposed to be only looking at the front sight, not the target.

This is still probably the best setup for any target.

Try shooting a blank sheet of paper, area aiming somewhere below centre. You'll be surprised just how good your "scores" would be if a bull and scoring rings were superimposed.

[cookie]

Hi Tom, You right about the bull on top of the target, and what Derek says is spot on, but it can make it difficult on the fun shoots like the snooker. I recently shot the snooker without adjusting the sights on my HW40 and scored a 105, but that come with lots of practise and knowing your pistol. also with a little practise you will know how many clicks on your sight to move it to a centre shot suitable for the side comps.

There's no real hard and fast rules, but i would suggest setting up your zero for the Bull targets and once your happy and hitting constant groups, adjust it up until your are aiming at the centre of the bull, counting the clicks on the way. you can then swap between the two without any real hassle in no time at all.

hope this helps

Jason

Send me a tag-line like the ones found in the members list and i'll make you a UBC member.

[Firestorm]

I find if I shut my eyes and imagine a georgeous naked lady, I always hit the target.

(just try several different set-ups and you will find the one that suits you, it's an individual thing really).

and of course, practice practice practice....

Russ

[tom_thumb]

Well it turned up this morning - I've started setting it up using the black bull on top of the sights - seems to be going well so far....scored 40/50 on my first 6 yd target despite being full of strong coffee, so I'm pretty happy so far. I've obvously got quite a way to go yet - I think I need to modify the grip as well as my thumb is suffering a bit already.

Thanks for the input chaps - I need to go and get plenty of practice now!

Tom

[Jim McArthur]

From what I've read of setting the sights up, they should be set so that the black bull sits on top of the front sight....I can see why & I understand the logic.

But I will also probably end up joining in with some of the postal comps on here where I think the above zero will not be of much use (think of the snooker target for example).


Tom

I know what you meam. I'm using my Smith, with the sights set to point of aim, for the UBC's Bullseye, Snooker, and Police comps. Works quite well for Snooker and Police, but not so for Bullseye.

I just figure that I'm more interested in the Police comp!

The ideal would be to have two pistols - I have a P3 set for 6 o'clock - but I don't like it's light weight - so am really interested in any solutions offered here.

Jim

[Adam77K]

With an open sight pistol there are only three solutions:

1. Cope with it (i.e. learn what to aim off)
2. Re-zero (and remember how many clicks you dialled!)
3. Buy another pistol (always my favourite!)

[Phil G]

All the advise given here is correct. The UIT style of shooting requires a 6 o'clock sight picture and that was the way I was taught many years back.

I followed the advise for a long time, but there was this nagging thing in my head "aim for what you want to hit". I readjusted my sights and did the 'black on black' sighting. Somehow it just felt right, aiming at what you want to hit.

I suggest you try out all methods and see what you're comfortable with, btw Gamo Bulls-eye targets have a white 9 and 10 scoring ring, so no problem with point of aim using those.

Good luck and enjoy your new Gamo, persevere and practice.

Phil