How can I make my P345 hit to poa??

[Masterblaster1]

Hello all, my new to me Ruger P-345 45 acp does not hit to poa with any 230 grain load I have tried.  All test shots have been bench rested at 25 yards, the guns grouping has been consistant but the point of impact is 5-6 inches higher than my point of aim. The gun only has windage adjustable sights, and as far as I can tell, no one makes a fully adjustable rear sight for it. So all this considered, what are my options to make this gun hit to poa with 230 grain loads? Heavier recoil spring? Does anyone make custom sights etc?

[Redhawk1]

I don't know if this would help you or not, but I shoot most on my handguns with open sights. I hardly every shoot off a bench while shooting open sighted handgun.  About 3 years ago I was shooting my new 510 GNR single action handgun, getting ready for my up coming black bear hunt. I was shooting it off hand, and at 25 yards I was getting very good groups. I wanted to see how tight I could get the groups, so I went to the bench. I started shooting and my groups were great, but there were all a lot higher than when I shot off hand. The only thing I could concluded is how I was holding my head, as I was looking down the sights. As soon as I got up and shot the gun off hand, my groups went right back to point of aim. My buddy was with me and thought it was odd as well

Give that a try, as that seemed to be my problem.

[jimster]

I agree with Redhawk, shoot it off hand or just rest your forearms on a bag and don't let the pistol touch anything.  I have had the same experience of shooting high benchresting pistols or revolvers.  The pistol will act differently in your hand/hands than having any part of the gun resting on a bag.

[Savage]

Or------------------get a taller front sight. Changing to a lighter/faster bullet will help some as well.
Savage

[Redhawk1]

Or------------------get a taller front sight. Changing to a lighter/faster bullet will help some as well.
Savage

That would not of help me out at all. I understand what you are getting at with the taller front sight, as I have had to add taller front sights to some of my handgun.  But in some cases it will not solve the problem as in my case. I think he should try shooting off hand first, and then if that does not help. Look into the front sight. But that is a great suggestion and something to check into..

[simplicity]

Well two things that I can suggest is either go to a faster bullet ie 185 or 200. The reason being with handguns slower bullets are in the barrel  longer and are change more by recoil of the gun so they will hit higher. The other is to have a "6 o-clock hold" which from the older days of target shooting where all there was were black targets and black sights so with a 6" diameter taret you would set the whole target on top of your sights so you could see you sights. You round would go through the bull and impact 3" high. It's the way my father taught me to shoot.

[Masterblaster1]

will try offhand and see if it makes a difference. As far as I know no one makes any taller sights for this gun, may have to look at getting something custom done to it.

[Savage]

You could have a gunsmith re-mill your sight dovetails to accept sights of your choice. Don't know if you want to invest that much money in your Ruger, but it's one more option.
Savage 
edit: You might give Ruger a call. Perhaps they can help you.

[jimster]

I agree if shooting off hand does not help by all means get a taller sight.  I was under the impression all shots taken this far was with the pistol on a rest.  I was just saying give it a try, I have seen poi change a lot when using a bench rest for a handgun.

[Savage]

I sight in my handguns just like my rifles, using a proper rest.  Once that's done, I know my guns shoot to the sights without the human element. Then if I do my part, I know I can hit what I'm aiming at. With a heavy recoiling handgun, I rest my forearms and wrists making sure the gun doesn't touch anything to recoil against. It's worked for me so far.
Savage

[Darrell Davis]

Just an Ol'Coot's opinion, but ---------------

My P345 is for a social issue need, and nothing which needs to hit anything at 25yds.

It will, slam shot after shot, just as fast as I can come back onto target into the head/neck or heart area of a target at a social distance.

If I want to shoot at any distance greater then that found in a social issue, that is what my 357 or 44 are there for, and they are both much better suited for 25, 50, 75yd distance and beyond.

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

[irold]

I somewhat agree with D Davis.  My 345 shoots real well at 15 yds , 1-1 1/2 grps , off hand.  I went to a 200 gr. XTP over a good dose of bullseye.  I did have to adjust for windage, it was 3-4 inches off center.  Its nice to be able to cut the center out of a target....But consider what your 345 is designed for.  And consider the cost of the weapon.  I think the Rugetr P-345 is a great gun....and a great value , for its intended use. OMHO

regards irold

[Farrier Matt]

I had a 22 rifle like that, it shot high, and didnt have enough adjustment to come down, so I ran a small file through the rear sight, now it has a really nice buckhorn sight and shoots to point of aim, and it kills a lot of squirrels for me in the fall. You might think about giving it a try. Find a file that is the same width or a little narrower than your rear sight, and take a little out, a little at a time. It might fix your problem.