Need a little help picking out new front sight for M83

[Wiking]

Got a little problem that I hope you can all help me with.
I have a M83 Premier Grade in .357 mag with 4 3/4 bbl. I like my sights set dead on, so I practically hit what I aim at. Problem is that due to the height of the front sight, when the rear sight is elevated enough so the alignment fits, there is no more thread left on the rear sight screw. I thought about just filing the front sight down a little, but I then learned that FA offers a wide selection of sights. Only thing is I don't know which one would suit my needs better? I thought about either the "Express Brass Bead Front Sight" or the "Notched Partridge Blade Front Sight" only I haven't got a clue as to how they look, or which height I need. I read the sight height chart, but that only confused me even further. Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated!

Wiking.   

[Ken ONeill]

What is the height of the sight that you have, in inches, ( .330", .380", etc. ) as measured from the top of the base to the top of the sight, and what bullet weights do you shoot and want to shoot ?

[Wiking]

I measured it to be .430", which is exactly was FA says it is in their sight height chart! I'm shooting 180gr bullets, which is the weight I wish to focus on. I will probably be shooting some 158gr but mainly the 180gr....

[IronAir]

I agree that the Freedom Arms website is not the best for figuring things like this out.  More close-up pictures of every option that they offer would be very helpful.  Most everything is on there if you dig for it, but the pictures are very small. 

The front sight blades come in increments of 0.050 inches and if your rear sight is up all the way, you will most likely need the next size lower.  The spec sheet says your gun comes with a .430, so I would try a .380.  Each increment is worth about 7 inches at 25 yards with your 4 3/4 inch barrel.

I think the notched patridge sight looks like this



I know the brass bead sight looks like this



Not the greatest pictures, but the best I could come up with.  The brass bead sight is designed to be used with a V notch rear, although some guys have tried it with the square notch standard rear.

[Wiking]

IronAir

Went to the range today, and made some test shootings and measurements. When my rear sight is set approximately in the middle, the shot deviates some 14" from the bulls eye. I made some calculations with a friend at the range, and reached the following: as the .380 sight is 2mm shorter than the .430, it should along with the length between my 2 sights and the shooting distance of 25 yards, provide me with the 14" needed. You said that each increment is worth 7 inches at 25 yards. So I think I just buy both the .380 and the .330, as the rear sight doesn't leave much room for adjustments. Does this make sense )?? 

Do you know if the notched patridge sight fits my square notch rear sight??

[IronAir]

Wiking,

If you have the rear sight where you want it, and you are shooting 14 inches low at 25 yards, I believe that you need a front sight blade that is 0.100 inches lower than what you have now.  I maybe misunderstood your first post to mean that your bullets were hitting where you were aiming, but that the rear sight was up as far as the screw would let it go.  I was suggesting a 0.050 lower front, thinking that would put the rear about in the middle of its adjustment range.

I have never seen the notched patridge sight in person, and I am not even sure that the picture I posted is a notched patridge sight.  Hopefully, someone that has one will see this and let us know the details.  I would only be guessing if I told you it would work with your standard rear.  All the pictures of it that I have seen, show it matched up with a silhouette rear.
 

[Ken ONeill]

Wiking,
I believe that you need a sight .100" shorter than the one you have, or .330". Your idea of getting a .330" and a .380" is a good one. The standard ramp sight is available from FA in those heights. You should be able to return the .430" they furnished you, for credit but the cost of return from the RSA may be a hindrance. A brass/gold  bead front sight will work with either the "V" Express sight or the square notch rear. Although the use of the square notch is a bit unconventional, it works fine. The same is true of the fiber optic sights, however, they are of a smaller diameter than the brass/gold beads, and personally, I'm not a fan of them. Your opinion may be different. All of these are available in the same heights from FA, including .330", .380", .430" etc.
The notched severely undercut patridge front sight mentioned above by another poster was intended for use with a hood, and a silhouette rear sight (the notch held the hood on). It is no longer offered by FA, and was replaced by an adjustable post which would not be suitable to your application. The undercut was also so severe that it tore up holsters when used without the hood (and the hood wouldn't work in a conventional holster).
With your short barrel, a standard FA ramp of .330 or .380" may provide you with exactly what you want. To my knowledge there is only one undercut patridge available, and its undercut is not as severe as the old notched FA blade. Thus, it is more suitable for use with holsters, yet gives a blacker sight picture than a ramp.. I'll send you a PM on it tomorrow when I'm able.

[Wiking]

Thanks a lot guys 

I now know exactly what I need. I'll just ask Freedom Arms what the name of the standard sight is that comes with a Premier Grade, that way I at least know what i get. Not easy when there aren't any pictures on their website.