Colt SA .44spl Shooting High

[Burnston]

I've been getting advice and help from many of you old hands for almost three years, and still get daily reminders that I'm still an amateur. 

I've had my grandfather's old 3rd gen SA .44spl for three years and have been trying to get it into shooting condition. With the help of Garza, Harton, Powers, and a few others we're gradually getting it into shape. 
The problems began with it's factory .434 cylinder. As of a week ago that cylinder has finally been replaced with a .429 former .357 cylinder provided by Mr. Harton. My 250gr .430 Keith style wadcutters from Matt's shoot as high as high can be with 7.5gr of Unique at 25 yards. Windage is acceptable, but elevation only becomes manageable when my front sight disappears below my rear notch. I've reduced my charge to 7.3, and then 7grs with no discernible improvement. What is step two? 
A. Start experimenting with other bullets/powder charges?
B. Try a lighter bullet?
C. Ask Mr. Powers to add a bit of height to my front sight? 

[Joe S.]

Someone used to make a brass cover for the blade sights. I am not sure if they add height or not but i would think they would add a little at least.

A dovetailed front sight looks great on a fixed sight gun.

[nicholst55]

Power Custom and Bowen both make replacement sight blades for the Colt SAA. Neither one is drop-in.

www.midwayusa.com/product/1500116638?pid=918991
bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/front_sights.html

And the brass sight covers are here:

onlineoutpost.net/product/sure-hit-revolver-sight-by-slick-magic/
www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_89&product_id=271

[mccartycfii]

Try 180 or 200 grains at higher velocities. Should shoot to lower point of aim.

[Encore64]

If mine and not a collector's grade gun, it would go to Dave Clements for a windage adjustable front sight. This would eliminate the problem and most any future problems.

[potatojudge]

My vote would be to set the original barrel aside and find another 44 barrel in your desired length and have it fit with a Bowen dovetail front sight base with a couple of different blade heights.

[jgt]

I would keep it simple. Have a dovetail cut and get Fermin to make a sight. Talk to him first, he may be equipped to cut the dovetail by now.

[jdoc]

Fermin has made some New Frontier sights in the past. You will have to check his website or contact him.

[bula]

Others have layered JB weld and filed to shape, cold blued, and been happy. You have options.

[marcruger]

As was noted here, lighten the bullet weight and increase the velocity.

The longer a bullet spends in the barrel, the higher the muzzle is pointed when the bullet exits.

250 grain in a .44 Special is fairly heavy, and slower than lighter bullets with the same charge. Reducing the charge is only taking you the wrong way.

I would try a 200 grainer with that same 7.5 grains of Unique.

I would certainly try that before modifying the gun.

I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc

[oddshooter]

The lighter faster bullet does lower POI. At 50 yards, I have been able to drop about 5". Those were hot rounds. The problem was I needed 10" drop. The hassle of different bullets for one gun only is a PITA.

The new sight is the answer.

Prescut