Two questions: sighting a .22 with iron sights

[Father Forkhorn]

My apologies if this should be in another forum.

I was checking an old hand-me down Remington 511 that's consistently missing squirrels and discovered its three inches high at 25 yards when fired from sandbags and a bench.

1. Something in my memory says a .22 should de dead on at 25 yard, but I'm not sure. What's the norm for a sight-in distance for a .22 without a scope?

2. After rezeroing, at the lowest setting, I'm still an inch high at 25 yards. To move it any lower, I'm guessing I'd have to file the rear sight or try to remove the little slotted wedge to get it lower.Your thoughts?

[Pawildman]

25 yds. is a good sight-in distance for that type gun. I don't know what you are shooting for ammo, but at that range most of it should shoot relatively close. You may want to try some different brands. You may remove the rear sight elevator and try it like that, or you could have a taller front sight installed. Another option you might consider is to have a peep sight installed. They generally will give you more elevation and windage adjustment than the standard factory sights, and you will be able to concentrate on the squirrel instead of having to worry about three alignment problems with the leaf sights.

[SDK]

It's not a direct answer to your question, but have you considered a scope? With thier lack of range and recoil, you can get away with a "much" cheaper scope on a 22lr.

I have two 22.s and have Simmons "22 Mag" 4 x 32 scopes on both of them. I went with them after reading literally dozens of good reviews. They can be had for less than $40 and include a plenty good set of rings, coated optics and work great for squirrel and other small game.

If you do decide to try one, get the fixed 4x mag and steer clear of the 3-9 x 32. The variable zoom is a bit much to ask for at that price point. The 4x is much more durable.

Link..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=355632

[Father Forkhorn]

I've thought of a scope but haven't decided to buy one yet. Even $40 can be expensive for me.

[SDK]

I hear you on that.

I'm not familiar with the front sight base on that particular model, however, are you handy with tools?

I would cut off the front sight post, and drill/tap a small hole in the sight base. You can then either glue or thread something taller in there and file it down to size. That should work and cost you nothing, or next to nothing.

If you have a well stocked gun shop, you may be able to browse some replacement front sight posts and find something you can make work. Or you could just cut down any appropriate piece of metal like from a small nail, paint it black and add a white dot after you file it to the right height...