I've read Soviet infantry instructions that specifically call for shooting at the Germans' belt buckles, not their chests, at the correct distance settings. Obviously there is a problem with the sights if they were teaching riflemen to aim 12" low.
I say again, this is not a "problem"!! The sights are made this way on purpose, so the soldier can aim at the enemy's belt buckle and hit him somewhere between his neck and his groin all the way out to 500+ yards, without having to adjust his rear sight! These are combat weapons,
NOT HUNTING RIFLES!!