Would you send this back to S&W?

arobahn · #1 03-21-2012, 12:53 PM

I'm a new S&W owner as of a couple months ago. Purchased a brand new 686-6 plus. Finally got out the the range last weekend and put about 100 rounds through it (half 38 special, half 357 magnum).

Every time I fired, the point of impact was to the right of where I aimed. I'm pretty new to shooting, so I'm sure part of the problem was just me. However, I adjusted the rear sight all the way to the left, and was still missing to the right. Several times I had nice groups (looked like one big hole) but several inches to the right of where I was aiming. All of this was with the target at only 7 yards away.

The barrel appears to be overtightened, so that the front sight is canted a bit to the left when aiming. I probably wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't seen the grooves on top of the barrel not lining up with the top strap of the frame. I attached a couple pictures.

Could this be causing the problem? Would you send this back to S&W? What exactly would you ask them to repair/do?

Thanks for any advice.

Falo308 · #2 03-21-2012, 01:12 PM

Not sure why these are gettin past s&w quality dept, sure some will say that this,is,within their specs, but come on take some pride in your work, I find tbis unacceptable on a brand new gun from a huge company as s&w. Id call then and get a return label and have them fix it right.
Ive got a 29 44mag the off even more,

18DAI · #3 03-21-2012, 01:30 PM

Yes. I'd send it back, on their dime. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

UDR2 · #4 03-21-2012, 01:46 PM

I do think it is within specs; however, I agree with Falo308.

Is it just the photograph, or is he blade on the front site bent, or twisted to the right?

In any case, a gun that does not shoot to point of aim should be sent back.

BTW, you say you are new to S&W and new to shooting. If you are left handed, bullets may be thrown to the right due to poor trigger control. If you are right handed, poor trigger control will throw bullets off to the left – so if you are right handed, the gun definitely needs to go back. But if you are left handed, work on trigger control first.

halco46 · #5 03-21-2012, 02:00 PM

Yup, I`d send it back and have it made right!.

Tyrod · #6 03-21-2012, 02:25 PM

What I fear is that these revolvers with the canted barrels have an issue larger than the barrel being mis-indexed. I believe the hole in the frame is either not straight or is mis-located by some small amount causing the barrel to appear canted or that because of the frame problem S&W is canting the barrels purposely to compensate for either of the frame barrel hole problems.

UDR2 · #7 03-21-2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrod

What I fear is that these revolvers with the canted barrels have an issue larger than the barrel being mis-indexed. I believe the hole in the frame is either not straight or is mis-located by some small amount causing the barrel to appear canted or that because of the frame problem S&W is canting the barrels purposely to compensate for either of the frame barrel hole problems.

Interesting... and upon what evidence do you base such conclusions? I owned a 686+ for 3 years before I regrettably sold it (to finance another gun purchase). It's barrel was canted by about as much the OP's, but it shot raged holes at 15 yards and right to the point of aim.

andyo5 · #8 03-21-2012, 03:08 PM

In a word: "definitely!"

icemn · #9 03-21-2012, 03:13 PM

absolutely!

Bobmar · #10 03-21-2012, 03:26 PM

I agree it should be sent back. Also,Tyrod please don't start unsubstantiated statement such as you just have IMNO Bob

GregG · #11 03-21-2012, 03:26 PM

That one needs to make a trip back to S & W, or find a local gunsmith with a receiver wrench and barrel vise to fix it. He'll do it quicker.

arobahn · #12 03-21-2012, 03:47 PM

I really appreciate all of the replies. I purchased the gun a couple months ago for home defense, right before my daughter was born. It was a big and serious purchase, and I planned (and plan) on practicing with it until I am it's master.

I really thought I did a lot of research before buying it, but apparently I missed the ton of threads and youtube videos about canted barrels from S&W. A little bit frustrating--I figured that since it's probably going to be my only gun I might as well shell out and buy a new one from a good brand. After further research I realize how naive I was. I'll send it back and give them a chance to make it right, and I will let everyone know the result.

arobahn · #13 03-21-2012, 03:50 PM

Also, UDR2, I am right-handed. I don't think the front sight is bent but I'll take a closer look when I get home. I was looking at it in great detail last night and it really is a beautiful revolver, aside from the barrel issue.

ladder13 · #14 03-21-2012, 04:09 PM

CS is open until 8pm

1-800-331-0852

OldBlood · #15 03-21-2012, 04:27 PM

Gee, Your picture looks like my picture. I have my label from Smith, little concerned that it might come back with other problems. Good guns, lousy Q.C.

M29since14 · #16 03-21-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arobahn

...Every time I fired, the point of impact was to the right of where I aimed. I'm pretty new to shooting, so I'm sure part of the problem was just me.

Before you send it back, if you can let an experience hand give it a try - just to verify what is going on - it might be a good idea. If he gets the same results, then obviously, yes - send it back and get it adjusted. If the old hand doesn't have that problem, do a little dry-firing and see what you are doing when the hammer falls. (Be sure to take appropriate precautions if you do the dry-firing.)

OldBlood · #17 03-21-2012, 04:46 PM

If the barrel is properly set up, the gun should group. If you have to move the rear site all the way to left or right to get the group on center target (as with my 686) it ain't right . Send it back and let us know how it goes. I'll keep you posted on mine.

allglock · #18 03-21-2012, 05:14 PM

Send it back. Did S&W hire any assemblers from Ruger?... Because Rugers have been having this problem for years!

youngda9 · #19 03-21-2012, 05:19 PM

Somebody needs to be FIRED at S&W.

amazingflapjack · #20 03-21-2012, 05:42 PM

PUTRID-absolutely PUTRID.

robotoid · #21 03-21-2012, 09:37 PM

I just sent my 63-5 for the same thing, canted/overtighten barrel from the factory. Still can't believe I missed it on the once over before I took delivery.

Pisgah · #22 03-21-2012, 10:27 PM

Several inches to the right is way too far to be accounted for by the minor cant I see there if the rear sight is all the way left. Have a knowledgeable shooter watch you shoot and give you some coaching. My bet is shooter, not gun. And don't feel bad about it -- been there myself.

Such minor misalignment is certainly nothing new -- most SWs I have seen in the past 50 years have had it to one degree or another. It is normal.

mchech · #23 03-21-2012, 10:35 PM

My 625 is back there now for the barrel cant thingy. PC guns are also included in this malady. Yep it was my fault for bringing it home but I was distracted by the poorly fitted patriotic grips I intended to replace anyway. Here is the view after zeroing POI at 50'.

If there is one thing I have learned from my last 2 new S&W purchases is the only QC is the consumer and FedEx is getting fat and sassy on E shipping. I just wonder what Fedex shipping costs adds to the price of every gun we buy from S&W.

DanWales · #24 03-22-2012, 12:09 AM

I have an idea Tyrod is more right than wrong.

I had an issue with a 625. New it shot high right and I do mean high right. I thought it was just me and shot a bunch of different ammo before it did finally dawn on me it was the gun.

Good news free trip to and from S&W.

Bad news now it shoots WAY high. I decided to work the high shooting problem myself instead of sending it back. I bought new front sight and rear blade to correct the high shooting. Shoots really sweet now. Spent the bucks and put a SDM Gold front sight on sa-weet.
I would also like to add this pistol had an unreal amount of machining burr's, more than any pistol I have seen or put my hands on. I spent and honest 2-3 hrs with 1000 and 2000 smoothing the edges actually the whole dang pistol.

These returns just have to be affecting S&W's profits. Good lord you can imagine how many are returned the numbers you see on this one sight are unreal I can only imagine how many out there are from people that have only bought one S&W for home or just fun use.

Dan

PA Reb · #25 03-22-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M29since14

Before you send it back, if you can let an experience hand give it a try - just to verify what is going on - it might be a good idea. If he gets the same results, then obviously, yes - send it back and get it adjusted. If the old hand doesn't have that problem, do a little dry-firing and see what you are doing when the hammer falls. (Be sure to take appropriate precautions if you do the dry-firing.)

No way would I keep that gun as is even if it shot holes in pennies at 100 yards. Make them fix it right and please let them know yours isn't the only one out there like this.

I agree 100% with "youngda9" 's post above but I also think there's more than one person that needs a talking to at S&W.

shadowrider · #26 03-22-2012, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falo308

Not sure why these are gettin past s&w quality dept, sure some will say that this,is,within their specs, but come on take some pride in your work.....

I agree completely. The real issue is exactly that they are not paying attention to detail. Fitting up the barrel with the rib centered is sort of an art. It only takes a couple of tenths of a thousandth of an inch to make it off center. It's definitely a hand fit operation if you want it right.

It seems that they put very little effort into revolvers these days. My M&P autos and M&P15 are fantastic. I don't get why they are obviously cutting corners on the very item that made their company. Come on S&W! I know you have to make a profit and I also know you are making a nice profit on the new tacticool toys you make. But keep your flagship product top tier like it ought to be! You don't have to deal with Colt in this market anymore. Jeesh....

Snakeshift · #27 03-22-2012, 03:24 PM

Quality Control for recent S&W's have been shoddy at best, downright unacceptable at worst.

robotoid · #28 03-27-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robotoid

I just sent my 63-5 for the same thing, canted/overtighten barrel from the factory. Still can't believe I missed it on the once over before I took delivery.

Email today from S&W with Fedex tracking, mine should be back tommorrow, at the shipping hub 3 cities over now. There and back in less than 2 weeks I think. We'll see if its fixed now tommorrow.

robotoid · #29 03-28-2012, 10:54 PM

after

before

My pictures are for krap, but it appears somewhat fixed. Now I think the rear sight may not be milled straight in the frame, and the ribs on the top of the barrel are not exactly even either. Guess I'll just live with it as is now, it's a good shooter. I'm talking just fine details here, like millimeters that don't really show in the pictures with the flash and shadows. Gun was gone 14 days exactly.