Hi Bluegoose.
I will share what was shared with me. First, do your load testing and shoot for group size. Don't worry about where it is on the paper.
Once settled on a tight-shooting load, then worry about regulating your sights.
I have experience with a longrifle constructed by a novice. The barrel was unmarked by the maker. The novice didn't account for runout, or didn't know where the runout was. Runout is the small error in boring a barrel versus the exterior profile. Good barrel makers either have no runout, or they make sure and mark the barrel so the runout is at the top or bottom, and that can be handled with filing the sights. Horizontal runout has to get handled by drifting the sight(s).
In the case of the rifle above, the runout results in a rifle with the rear sight hanging off to one side in an unsightly manner. The solution there is to "fudge" with both sights.....the front one way and the rear the other way. It isn't perfect, but better than the rear hanging way out to one side.
As was shared previously, the rear sight needs to be moved in the direction you want the group to move. The front sight is the opposite.
There are many here with vastly more knowledge of longrifles than me. I am just sharing with you what I learned along the way from helpful folks. If I have mis-spoken, I welcome correction.
Best wishes, and God Bless, Marc
