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.
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V/R
Roger / SG
Last edited by Sportsterguy; 02-25-2012 at 03:32 PM.
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