Canted front sight on 66-1

dirty gary · #1 02-24-2012, 09:47 PM

Just read about a frame crack - The dreaded frame crack, posted by ladder 13 - and a comment asking if the front sight was canted (which it was). I have a 66-1, the front sight is skewed slightly. Its as if the barrel was tightened just a bit past TDC. Is this a problem that may lead to a crack developing? I've only fired this revolver 2 or 3 times, always aware of the condition but haven't gotten around to correcting it. There is no crack that I can detect, but maybe Smith should correct this before something develops. Is this a widespread problem, and has anyone had repairs made to their satisfaction?

stuch77 · #2 02-24-2012, 09:59 PM

my 29-2 just got back from smith for a canted barrel. before the repair the sucker shot waaaay left. dead balls accurate now. oh the repair was written up as barrel alignment.

Rapidray · #3 02-25-2012, 11:22 AM

Smith will take care of it. And as stuch77 has stated his is now dead ball accurate.

Ashlander · #4 02-25-2012, 12:56 PM

The cant is not a strain on the frame -- no added danger of the frame cracking. If your gun shoots to point of aim and the cant is only slight -- I would not bother to try to have it fixed. The problem was that the threading and the shoulder have to match up exacting at 12:00 and that is time consuming hand work. So there are certain tolerances allowed -- so some slight cant is good enough to pass spec.

Of course, my idea of "slight" is I wouldn't notice unless you called my attention to it. If slight to you is "Oh wow -- look at that!!", then you might consider sending it to S&W for an adjustment.

stuch77 · #5 02-25-2012, 01:01 PM

the smith at smith told me on the ph theres two ways to fix it loosing the barrel up and retighting it easy way. or if that doesn't fix it they have to cut the barrel threads ever so slightly and retighten it. the 2nd could get costly if not under warranty.

TNFrank · #6 02-25-2012, 01:11 PM

Seems like they should cut the barrel so the front sight is at 12 O'Clock on an adjustable sighted gun. I know on a fixed sight gun you have to sometimes cant the sight a bit to get the windage tweaked in but I'd for sure keep an eye on the flat on the frame where the barrel screws in and if it starts to develop a crack I'd get it sent off to S&W before it gets any worse. I really hate to hear about stuff like this especially since I love my little 642 so much for EDC/CCW.

Sportsterguy · #7 02-25-2012, 03:27 PM

Been down this "Canted Barrel" road a few times. I missed Ladder 13's post. First -1 I've heard with a canted barrel and coming from L13 I believe it as he's a stand up guy. Not single one of my prelock S&W's has a canted barrel. Carefully checked them all 5 times! As I previously stated I contacted J.D. Jones from SSK Industries (SSK Handcannons) and Bog Cogan from Accurate Plating and Weaponry. Both outstanding GS's who have done work on my Contender in 30/30 and .375 JDJ, Browning HP, Springer 1911, Colt Commander. AP&W refinished a few S&W's, my now gone (DUMB MOVE) BHP plus an 870 riot for my bear gun when we lived on Kodiak and Sitka, Ak. with their hard chrome brushed finish. I trust these men more than any other S&W representative. Have known J.D. since I was a kid and he's a no BS kinda guy. Both said the barrels were incorrectly installed if they were canted.

If it's under warranty, and it seems like this problem mainly effects the newer Smiths, I would send it back and have em make it right. Your's is not covered I'm afraid. If it's shooting dead on with your adjustments it's your choice to send it back for repair. Not sure on the cost. I shot my original 6" 57 out of time badly back in 85 from thousands of HEAVY handloads loads and it was splitting lead. I sent it back to S&W for repair. They recut the barrel, replaced the hand and a few other pieces and tuned her up for $125.00 IMS. That was way back then, which was big bucks but it shot extremely accuately and still shoots great with the fantastic trigger job they did. I was extremely impressed with their work and still am as it will still hit a target 100 yards away if I stay away from the coffee and have a good rest.

Can't say the same today on their work and QC as it's hit or miss with them from my readings here and seeing a 686 lock itself up at a match. After witnessing that I'd never buy an IL revolver and if I did I would immediately lose the lock and plug it up.

I think they need to tighten up their Quality Control. Flew on helos for 22 years and was no room for sloppy maintenance or we crashed and possibly died. My fellow aviators will back me up on this one! If it's a SD weapon the same applies IMO. You can buy an older model for less than a new one and have a well fitted revolver that should last a long time if you maintain it properly.

Off to read L13's post.