Adjustable sights on handguns

[ej25wrx]

Please pardon my ignorance, but I was wondering the purpose of adjustable sights on handguns. I understood that a handgun is more of a back up weapon and to be used in close combat. Why would you need to have adjustable sights?

I thought maybe competition shooting? But, how far do you shoot pistols? 30yrds? 50yrds? So you really need them for something that close?

Please educate me, the reason I'm asking all this is because I was going to buy a glock 17 and they have adjustable and fixed sights. I cant make up my mind. I just want it for target shooting.

[G-forceJunkie]

For a Glock 17, fixed sites are perfect. Its a combat arm, not a competition bullseye gun. Adjustable sites can be beneficial to target shooter and bullseye shooters. Various ammos do shoot to different points of impact. For a combat arm, they are just more moving parts to break, move, or fall off.

[Turbinator]

My opinion only - adjustable sights on handguns are better for target shooting applications, such as punching paper at your local range. That way, if there is a failure of the sights of some sort, your life is not on the line.

Turby

[Army]

All sights are adjustable with the right hammer

Adjustable sights allow you to center your hits, without relying on Kentucky windage or guesses. They also let you tailor the gun to the ammo.