Detective Special shoots left--front sight adjustment?

[Eldon Hickey]

I recently got a D Special in .32--70's vintage, unshrouded ejector. I've tried several different loads and it shoots consistently to the left--about 5 inches at 15 yards. The gun is in as-new condition but the front sight appears to lean slightly to the right....appears to have come from the factory that way. The front sight is the modified half moon type fitted directly to the barrel. How can this be repaired?

[dfariswheel]

In the 70's Colt seemed to have a continuing problem with not getting the "D" frame barrels aligned correctly.
The "usual, was it wasn't screwed in properly and the front sight would be to the right.

The only "fix" is to send it in to Colt and have the barrel properly re-set.
Since this is long out of warranty, even though it's Colt's fault, they'll probably charge for the repair.
"Possibly" they won't, but don't count on that.
Since there isn't much Colt can't fix in less than an hour, the charge would probably be less then hourly charge. I "think" the hourly charge is $75.

The cost will be in the shipping. If you ship it yourself, you CANNOT use the post office. Only FFL Dealers can ship USPS.
You have to ship via UPS or Fed-Ex and they require it be shipped by the fastest method, which is the most expensive.
Colt will charge to ship it back.
If you know a FFL Dealer, it's possible he'll mail it for you for less.

A BAD decision would be to take it to a local gunsmith and ask him to repair it. He almost certainly won't have the correct "D" frame Colt frame wrench and barrel vise setup. He may TELL you he does, but doesn't. This is how Colt's get damaged.

[saemetric]

[Eldon Hickey]

Thanks. It looks as though that's the problem....barrel not set properly. Not taking any chances with a pristine gun....I'll try Colt.

[dfariswheel]

A wise decision.

[Calibre 38]

LOL-----saemetric

[Collects]

Why not just bend the barrel until it looks like this?



Uh, er, ...perhaps you should follow dfariswheel's exert advice.

[Collects]

LOL-----saemetric

+1

[Boge]

Before you do anything let me toss in one piece of advice re DS's. Are you shooting ONE particular load? This is THE most important factor for any fixed sight revolver. I have one DS that shoots most rounds left and a little high BUT it shoots my primary CCW load dead nuts on. Since it's used as a CCW that is where the rubber meets the road. The DS is hardly a target/range gun. The load that shoots good in this particular DS is the Double Tap 110 gr. solid copper HP. It is a +p load. Before you do anything see how it shoots with your CCW load first.