What is a common sign of an improperly adjusted sight?

A common sign of an improperly adjusted sight is consistent misses to one side of the target. When a firearm's sights are not correctly aligned with the bore of the barrel, it can cause the shots to consistently land off target, typically in a specific direction. This misalignment means that even if the shooter is aiming at the center of the target, the rounds will strike in a predictable pattern to one side, indicating that the sight needs adjustment.

The other options do not typically relate to sight adjustment. Excessive recoil is more associated with the ammunition used or the firearm's design rather than sight alignment. Overheating of the firearm usually indicates prolonged firing without sufficient cooling or abnormal mechanical issues, while excessive noise can stem from various factors, including ammunition type or firearm condition, and not necessarily from sight misalignment. Thus, consistent misses to one side are a clear indication that the sights require adjustment to ensure accuracy.