POA vs POI

[eighteenninetytwo]

Was at the range yesterday with Beretta 92 fs. At 7 yards the center of each (poor) group was about 2-3 inches low with standard sights. Not sure how much of this it my shooting but it was consistent at least. I don't really want to go down the adjustable rear sight route, so can you get replacement rear sights in a variety of graduated heights?

[ronlglock]

Remember that the bullet takes a vertically curved path to the target due to gravity. POA and POI are distance dependent and will vary with the velocity of the ammo you use.

If you are doing precision target shooting at one distance with the same match ammo every time then yeah, adjust the sights.

If not,then you might want to learn where your POA needs to be to put your POI where you want it.

[k1dude]

Before you change sights, let someone who is good with a pistol test your gun first to see if it corresponds to your findings.

It's also ammo dependent. I have some pistols that change their POI up to 3" at 10 yards depending on what ammo I'm shooting. Hotter self defense ammo often has a totally different POI than bulk ammo.

If it isn't your shooting or the ammo, then yes, you can calculate the difference you need and can order new sights from Dawson Precision. Also, use the ammo you plan on shooting the most to calculate which sights you need. Or, if it's a self defense gun, use the self defense ammo you plan to use to calculate which sights you need.

[theLBC]

sure, you can get various height rear sights to change your poa/poi.
you might want to shoot some off a rest to verify you aren't shooting low because of anticipation before choosing your sight.
some guns come with a "combat" sight picture, where the front dot is the poi, while many prefer a "target" sight picture, where the poi is above the post.

here is one option

https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Beretta-92-96/products/465/

[eighteenninetytwo]

thank you

[Ruber]

POA vs POI

Read through this post on Beretta forum as well before changing anything:

https://berettaforum.net/vb/showpost.php?p=1132373&postcount=3

[Foothills]

This could be an interesting Red Dot conversation too.

[eighteenninetytwo]

Interesting post on the Beretta forum. Beretta suggests covering the target with the front sigh but I wasn't doing that - in fact given a 5 inch black the top of my front sight was 2/12 " lower than their suggestion. This would seem to be the reason for a grouping 2 - 3 " lower than the center of the black.

I always learn from the folks here.

[Whiterabbit]

can you get replacement rear sights in a variety of graduated heights?

Yes!



But IMO fix the poor group first. Once tight, adjust "whatever" to mate POI to POA.

[Fastattack]

I've had a couple of handguns that I swore shot low. However, I did have a friend shoot one and he did fine, so it was me. On both (one a revolver and the other a semi-auto) I changed the grips and that was enough to make a difference. Cataract surgery helped too.

[XDJYo]

[eighteenninetytwo]

is there a reason the Wilson combat sights do not have dots on the rear sight? is this a benefit generally or is it dependent upon individual eyesight?

[Tarmy]

As mentioned, let someone who is a good shooter try it. My shooting buddy can shoot my guns better than I could when I got them. He helped me get some pointers on shooting out the bullseye as I progressed and gained experience. The distance issue will come with experience at various set ups. A good shooter can get you set on the best path for addressing your situation….if it you or the gun with issues.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Was at the range yesterday with Beretta 92 fs. At 7 yards the center of each (poor) group was about 2-3 inches low with standard sights. Not sure how much of this it my shooting but it was consistent at least. I don't really want to go down the adjustable rear sight route, so can you get replacement rear sights in a variety of graduated heights?

Have someone else who you know is a good shot shoot it first before doing anything to see if it in the sights or if it’s you. I’ve had a couple 92’s and they’ve all been dead on with the factory sights.

I’ve never had any issue with my Berettas being picky with ammo. They’ve cycled everything I’ve put through them; hollow points, NATO +p, whatever cheap FMJ is on sale, etc.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

is there a reason the Wilson combat sights do not have dots on the rear sight? is this a benefit generally or is it dependent upon individual eyesight?

Dots can be distracting. Most people Incorrectly line up the dots when they should be lining up the top of the front sight with the top of the rear sight. Doing this may mean the dots don’t line up, but that’s the correct way to align your sights. Ignore the dots!

I personally prefer blacked out sights since they are much less distracting to my eyes. For firearms that I want night sights on I prefer a figure-eight sight picture over 3 dots. Heinie Straight 8’s are my go-to, but they don’t make them for every handgun I own.