Adjusting fixed sights

[twoshooter]

If your SAA shoots too low, would you file the sights? Or just aim high ? I am hesitant to start filing on my Vaquero.

[gcrank1]

Dont go to filing quite yet; try different weight cast bullets and/or loadings, as well as perhaps tuning up the way you hold the revolver. For instance, I shoot low if I use a Weaver two hand hold compared to one hand (even though I bobble less) and off a bench is good to dial in an accurate combination but tells me little about where I will shoot it offhand.
Ive been leaving fixed sights as is for years now and a hang-tag note & pic of my sight picture for a load (I typically have only one load to deal with).

[MePlat]

While it is true that one can just hold to compensate.  The one thing you can do is find a load you and the gun likes and if it is still low file the sight to bring it in at the distance you want to zero at.  It is not rocket science and anyone can do it if it is taken slow.
Shoot offhand or if you take a rest just LIGHTLY touch the rest with the gun so it will not shoot too low off the rest.  Just enough to take out some of the movement.
If you do that you will be okay. 

[Bigeasy]

I would really like to see more six gun manufacturers offer "non traditional" tall, dove tailed front sights in their fixed sight models.  It would make it a lot easier to bring a gun to POA with its preferred load.
 
As has been said, S/A's tend to be grip sensitive, so experiment.  Also, heavy bullets tend to shoot higher then lighter weight bullets, so using the proper load for your gun / grip style may work.  Filing the front sight is an option, once you have settled on a favorite load, just go slow.  I have had my best consistency with single actions from the bench when resting my wrists on sandbags, as opposed to the gun, as this seems to more closely mimic POI of a non supported gun, at least for me.
 
Larry

[Victor3]

I would really like to see more six gun manufacturers offer "non traditional" tall, dove tailed front sights in their fixed sight models.  It would make it a lot easier to bring a gun to POA with its preferred load.
 

That would be nice, but I imagine a majority of buyers prefer form over function in their "cowboy" guns.


Then there's the other end of the spectrum. 

[Mike in Virginia]

I have done that very thing.  Filing on a Ruger I mean.  Generally, Rugers shoot to point of aim with the standard weight bullet for that caliber.  Shoot lighter bullets and usually get lower groups.  What I do (may not the best thing for you) is develop the load I want, and then file if needed.  I use small hobby files so not to take off too much or leave gouges.  Then when I have it the right height, I use a smooth sharpening stone and emery cloth to polish it smooth.  If it's a blued sight, be careful not to touch the flat side that faces you. 
The last gun I filed was a Charter Arms.  The 200 grain factory rounds I wanted to carry shot way low, so I took the gun and the files to the range and commenced adjusting by filing, shooting, and repeating until I was dead center at 20 yards.  You can even file the front sight for windage, but turns out untidy. 
You can even file the front sight for windage, but most guns don't lend themselves to that without the end result looking untidy.  Let's say you wanted the front sight moved to the right; just take some off the right side of the front blade, then to center in the rear notch, you'd have to pull the front end a little closer that way. 

[44 Man]

Most of the manufacturers make their front sight tall enough to work with any load you might like to shoot.  If that load is not your favorite, go ahead and file the front sight to shoot with the load you like most.  I shoot 250 gr lead bullets over 9.0 gr of Unique for my 'go to' load.  That load requires filing the front sight down to get it to shoot to the sights.  My practice load of 8.3 gr of the same powder shoots about 2" higher and that is fine with me.  It drives me nuts to own a gun that does not shoot where it looks and I refuse to 'hold off' as I have too many and I probably would not remember which required which hold.  I have done everything from filing down to front sight to turning the barrel and when that wasn't available, I have just whacked the front sight against the shooting bench to align it horizontally.  At least with a verticle change that you need, filing is very easy to do.  Just do it slowly and keep checking so you don't take off too much!  44 Man

[gcrank1]

Now if I could just get rid of that shot named 'Flyer'..............

[Savage]

Only have a couple of SA revolvers. One is a 38/357 with traditional blade and notch. It shoots to point of aim with my 180gr cast bullet load. The other is a .45 with adjustable sights, so no problem there. I do whatever is necessary to make my guns shoot to the sights. No hold off for me thanks!
Savage

[Frank V]

I would not alter my sights until I was absolutley sure I had the load I was going to use for everyday.
If it still shot low you can raise point of impact by a careful filing of the sight to lower it. A tip, if you choose to do this I shoot my gun several times on different days to be sure it's actually the sights & not me on a given day.
Frank

[44 Man]

I though I would just back in here for just a quick note.  Over the past 66 years, I have developed 'favorite' loads in most calibers.  When I buy a new gun (or used), I don't try to find a load that works for where the sights are looking, I alter the gun to look where my load shoots.  All my .45 colts will shoot to the sights with my 9 gr Unique load.  .44 spl's will shoot to 7.5 gr Unique load.  44 Mag is the only caliber that is different.  My Ruger is sighted in with full loads (it has adjustable sight anyway), while my Hy Hunter single action is filed to hit with loads averaging 1000 fps.  That gun is the only exception.  It is a bear to shoot with full 44 mag loads!  44 Man