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August 8, 2013
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Thanks for all of the replies.
I did reset the gap to .006. Will report back on whether that has any impact.
Etrier said
Thanks for posting the pictures, it certainly takes the broken rear sight theory out of play. I agree that there are no visual ques from your pictures that something is clearly wrong that would cause the accuracy problems. The front sight is pinned and not interchangeable, the muzzle looks to be in typical condition for a revolver of it's age, fixed rear sight groove confirms that there should be no issue with rear sights. There are a few things that you might want to keep in mind while trying to figure this out.The factory cylinder gap setting is .006", my manual states that a smaller cylinder gap could cause lead spitting. If this is happening the bullets leaving your muzzle might be slightly misshapen and unbalanced causing erratic flight even at short range.
To help eliminate other factors fire for accuracy by bench resting the revolver and firing single action.
The most likely range distance when these revolvers were developed would have been 25 yards. Shorter distances will effect your point of impact.
The most likely bullet weight would have been 148 grain for 38 special and 158 grain for 357 magnum.
When these revolvers were developed the traditional point of aim was the 6 o'clock position of the target. On an 8" diameter target my point of aim with a model 15-2 is the bottom of the target and expected point of impact is center of the target. At 15 yards I am still slightly high. It would be understandable that a model 14 marketed as a service revolver by DW would have been designed and manufactured to this criteria.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply.
I think at least part of the problem is my expectations of POI vs POA. Still don't understand the large group sizes. The gun is very, very easy to hold firm when aiming and releasing the trigger. I have been shooting for a long time, and I just can't imagine it's shooter-related.
I will say that I have a S&W that locks up tight when the trigger is cocked. This DW is somewhat looser. Not "loose", but definitely not quite as tight. Not sure if that could have some impact?
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I am not as experienced as many commenting here but I think the front lockup of a Dan would mitigate the looser lockup than your Smith. Is the locating pin on the frame straight and tight? Does the shroud rest firmly against the frame? You might try different degrees of tightening of the barrel nut. Like a guitar string, the tension may make a difference. A new barrel tube may be needed if all else fails.
December 4, 2014
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Been shooting my DW since 1980 and have found that mental focus and concentration have significant impact on my groups. When shooting for my best accuracy I find that when I shoot single action and have an extremely stable sight picture, I only think about pressing the trigger until the gun fires. If I actually move to press the trigger my point of impact expands considerably. My range targets seem to affirm what my level of focus is while I am shooting. My experience has been that the DW revolvers are extremely accurate to the point that it is my level of focus and technique that makes the difference. Chances are that your group size is likely related to where the firearm is pointed as it fires.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Be one with the force Luke.
December 4, 2014
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As an illustration to my previous post, about a year ago a friend and I went to the range. My friend had not had a range trip in a long time and I was as interested in how he was doing. I was shooting a model 15-2 6VH with 38 special reloads with various bullet types.
7 yards, grouping not so hot with 1 flyer. As I look around everyone on the line was firing at 7 yards and I am standing there with a DW that is capable of doing this at 25 yards and further.
My next 7 shots at 15 yards, with 1 flier. Obi Wan spoke to me.
Once I had proven my point that I had a very accurate DW (thank you to EWK for the barrel assembly) I went back to punching holes at 15 yards. Same gun same shooter with various results. Point being that accuracy and group size can be a function of technique and mental focus. That light saber may work for Luke, but I prefer my DW.
Hope this helps you patriot07.
October 17, 2017
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Reading back through this topic again there is one statement that patriot07 made that may serve as a clue. He says "You'd think a big, 6" 357 would shoot most anything well". I'm wondering if maybe the other guns he mentioned in his collection were 4" (or even less) barreled revolvers. I find that the 4" revolver balances perfectly in the hand. Longer barrels have the potential of better accuracy due to the longer sight radius, but I've found they can be more difficult to hold steady, particularly over a long shooting session.
My own recent experience with a new to me revolver deals with some different aspects.
My DW 15-2 has always shot very well for me with either the 4 or 6 inch barrel. My newly acquired Colt Trooper MK lll has so far been a little disappointing. I KNOW it is capable of superb accuracy, but I'm struggling to obtain it. In comparing the two revolvers the MK lll has just a tiny bit lighter trigger release, and also has a noticeably longer hammer travel. These are subtle differences that I'm having a difficult time overcoming. When I dry fire practice I can tell that the MK lll is sometimes straying off a tiny bit while the DW stays put. Of course I'm more used to the DW; I've had it longer and have shot it a lot more. I'll eventually get there with the MK lll, but it will take extensive dry fire practice and range time for me to achieve the excellent accuracy I know this revolver is capable of.
April 25, 2008
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Silhouette shooters regularly use 8-10" barreled revolvers and single-shots in standing competition. It is just a matter of practice and getting used to it. To me, anything under 6" seems too unsteady, due to the lightness of the gun.
The Savantist
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