Adjusting sights on a Beretta

1479 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Mad Ogre, Sep 4, 2004

igli

Discussion Starter · Sep 3, 2004

Here we go

A friend bought a used Beretta 92 Compact, along with several magazines plus some other goodies for the obscenely low price of $250. He's fired it already, loves everything about it. One problem: for some reason, the drift adjustable rear sight is positioned a good bit to one side. And he tells me his groups are also *way* to one side. I haven't seen the gun, but will be going shooting with him tomorrow. He's of the opinion that centering the rear sight is needed. He's a sharp guy, I'm assuming that his mental geometry is correct. After I see the gun tomorrow and apply my mental prowess :shock: to the problem to see if I agree centering them will be a step in the correct direction, the fun begins.

I've never done it.

The manual simply states that it is "drift adjustable". He's already tried carefully... it isn't moving, and he's smart enough to not just get a bigger hammer without seeking advice. I know "B-Square" sells a sight pusher for it, but it's a $40 unit. Is there a better way that is safe and smart, and cheaper?

I'm hoping some of you have been there and done that. Or at least can advise me what *not* to do, which is also invaluable.

By the way... I work 3rd shift in a factory that has a machine shop. I have access to toolmakers and serious machines at an hour that allows for potential "Government Projects". A sight pusher could probably be arranged, if need be. I'm just wondering if there's an easier way.

Thanks in advance...

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Dean Speir

· #2 · Sep 3, 2004

Most "drift-adjusting" of a rear sight, in my experience, at least, has been done with a small punch and a li'l brass hammer… Lyman makes a nice little set, but I'm confident that you get the idea.

There's actually an adjustment formula (using a micrometer) that Ted Yost and Pete Wright taught me ten years ago in the confines of the Gunsite 'Smithy, which I really did write down… but long ago lost! (Ack!) Perhaps Charlie knows the equation.

Otherwise, it's a simple trial 'n' error process.

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Mad Ogre

· #3 · Sep 3, 2004

If the gun is shooting way off like that, try dropping in the barrel and locking block from another gun and see how it shoots. Wear can cause a misalignment during lock up and the results are wandering groups or wide open groups.

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Tim Burke

· #4 · Sep 3, 2004

DeanSpeir said:
There's actually an adjustment formula (using a micrometer) that Ted Yost and Pete Wright taught me ten years ago in the confines of the Gunsite 'Smithy, which I really did write down… but long ago lost! (Ack!) Perhaps Charlie knows the equation.

Sight correction = (Sight radius) X (POI Error) / (Distance to target)

All measurements should be in the same units.

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Sarge

· #5 · Sep 3, 2004

Beretta sight adjustment...

I'm with Dean on this one, except for maybe the size and construction of the hammer. :wink:

I have adjusted several 92/96 rear sights for windage deflection, and they can be a particular pain in the arse for three reasons-
first, the sights are usually real tight in the dovetail, and

second, the "flats" (or sides) of the slides on this series are very narrow by nature of the design; and

third, because of the cussed barn-latch safety mounted right in the way, there on the side of the slide.

I finally drilled an oak block to accomodate slide-mounted safeties on these guns, and I usually get someone to hold the slide in position while I whack the rear sight with the hammer & punch. Whack, eyeball results, shoot for zero confirmation. Low tech I know- but it works. Sight charts are interesting reading, but what's important is that it shoots on the money for the man that's carrying it. Good luck & have fun.

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igli

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 4, 2004

Thanks to all who replied... the problem was resolved without surgery, after all. The rear sight wasn't nearly as far to one side as I had been told. Almost centered, in fact; the gun shot dead on for me.

He was gripping it using the hooked trigger guard, and completely unaware it could affect his shooting. After I suggested he go to a standard grip, things improved greatly for him.

Nice gun... Seemed overly wide and heavy, to me, though. Very comfortable to shoot 9 mm in a gun that size/weight, a real pussycat. No malfunctions of any kind. SA trigger pull, not too bad.
Accurate, for me. I'm too used to my 1911 now to really warm up to it, but I can understand people getting to like them. And he got a box of 100 rounds from Wal Mart for around $10... that isn't to be sneezed at. But if I were going to carry a gun that size/weight, I'd want it in something bigger than 9mm, I think.

And I don't think I'll ever be able to use that hammer-drop safety on a chambered round without *wincing*.

And a safety that goes UP to fire... that is just wrong, for me. I'm probably just too stuck in my 1911 rut.

Thanks for the good advice, again... nice to have a panel of experts on hand.

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Mad Ogre

· #7 · Sep 4, 2004

Pilot Error?
Well... then that's different.

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