How To Adjust Rear Sights That Shoot 1 Oclock

How to Adjust Rear Sights That Shoot 1 O'Clock

If your firearm is shooting consistently to the one o'clock position, it means your bullet impacts are grouping to the right and slightly upward from your point of aim. This is a common issue easily remedied by adjusting your rear sights. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you get back on target.

Understanding Your Rear Sights

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with your rear sight's adjustment mechanisms. Most rear sights have two adjustment screws:

• Windage: This adjusts the horizontal position of your point of impact. Turning the windage screw to the right generally moves the point of impact to the right, and vice versa.
• Elevation: This adjusts the vertical position of your point of impact. Turning the elevation screw up generally moves the point of impact upward, and vice versa.

Important Note: Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before making any adjustments. Double-check!

Adjusting for a 1 O'Clock Impact

Since your shots are impacting at 1 o'clock, this means you need to adjust both the windage and elevation:

1. Correcting the Windage

Because your shots are landing to the right, you need to move the point of impact to the left. To do this, turn the windage adjustment screw to the left. Make small adjustments, typically a quarter or half turn at a time.

Key Tip: After each adjustment, test fire a few shots to assess the change in point of impact. Avoid making drastic adjustments; small, iterative corrections are key.

2. Correcting the Elevation

Your shots are also impacting slightly high, meaning you need to lower the point of impact. To achieve this, turn the elevation adjustment screw down (clockwise). Again, make incremental adjustments.

Key Consideration: The amount of elevation adjustment needed will depend on the distance to your target. Adjustments at shorter ranges may need to be less significant than those made at longer ranges.

Testing and Refinement

After making your initial adjustments, test fire your firearm again from the same position and distance. This allows you to assess the effectiveness of your corrections. You may need to repeat steps 1 and 2 in small increments until your point of impact is centered on your target.

Troubleshooting

• Inconsistent Impacts: If your shots are still scattered, despite adjusting your rear sights, check for other factors that may be affecting accuracy, such as ammunition inconsistencies, improper grip, or trigger control.
• Difficulty Adjusting: If you encounter difficulty adjusting your rear sight screws, refer to your firearm's manual or consult a qualified gunsmith. Some screws can be very tight.
• Beyond Your Skill Level: If you're not confident in adjusting your sights yourself, seek help from a qualified professional or experienced shooter.

By following these steps and practicing safe firearm handling, you can effectively adjust your rear sights and improve your shooting accuracy. Remember, patience and small, incremental adjustments are crucial for success. Always prioritize safety and responsible gun ownership.