Pistol Adjustments
Sights
| Adjustable Sights |
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 Pardini K2S Sights © Pardini |
Windage
windage – Side-to-side adjustment of the sights, used to change the horizontal position impact point of the shot.
For most ISSF pistol shooting, windage is not a factor for consideration once the pistol has been set correctly for left – right alignment.
Elevation
Elevation – Up-down adjustment of the sights, used to change the vertical position impact point of the shot.
Most pistols designed for ISSF competitions will readily accommodate both center aim and area aim (under the black aiming mark) – see Where to Aim, and the Sight Picture
Some caution is advised in relation to sight elevation – most sights can be adjusted beyond their normal capacity:
- sights can be adjusted upwards, to the point where the sight assembly comes apart. For most ISSF pistols, unless the shooter wants to aim very low on the target this adjustment would be well outside that normal range – for pistols such as the S&W Model 14, adjustment of the factory-supplied sights to use area aim can lead to over adjustment and sight disassembly; a front sight of less height is the solution.
- sights can be adjusted downwards to the point where the sight adjustment can be damaged. Never try to force a sight adjustment!
- on many ISSF target pistols the rear sight blade extends back beyond the pistol frame; on some, the adjustment downwards can be interrupted by the grip. Never try to force a sight adjustment!
Rear-sight Notch Width
Many modern target pistols are adjustable for notch width and some for notch depth.
Front-sight width and height
The front sight blade on almost all target pistols can be changed to vary the overall height and the width of the blade. Most manufacturers list a range of front sight blades.
On some pistols this operation can be as simple as loosening the retaining screw and slipping the blade out of its dovetail, on other pistols the blade is retained by a rolled pin.
