I'm debating on whether to get a 686ssr or a 627 Pro. I've read of canted barrel problems (several on this board) with the 686's etc and was wondering if the problem carried into the Pro Series as well. Because of where I live the purchase would have to be online so I can't examine before I buy.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect they could exist on any of their products. I can understand anectdotally how the Pro or PC might have a lower rate of them.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

I suspect the problems are rare numbers-wise. So you're not likely to get one regardless. Even if you do and are unhappy with it, you can send it back. S&W has a tremendous reputation for customer service, they're fast typically, have a great life-time warranty to the original buyer, and I have yet to hear of anyone sending theirs back for this and not eventually made happy.

Buy with confidence. Enjoy whichever you end up with.

My 625 JM came in with a cockeyed barrel. Bad enough that I had to shift the rear sight 3 clicks for full left to zero the sighting at 25 yards. Being someone who just hates the thought of someone else working on "my stuff" I used it as an excuse to purchase a frame wrench. Made up some Delrin barrel clamps, pulled the barrel, added a custom crown, and lapped the forcing cone and crown. Then I made sure to get it perfectly straight up when I re-mounted the barrel to the frame.

With 230 grain bullets I have to run the rear sight about 1/32 inch to the right of center. Based on my experience the barrel on my 625 needed to be over rotated by just a whisker but I'm not going to bother doing it again. Fact is that I found out it's not at all easy to "creep" that barrel in perfectly because it gets VERY difficult to inch along when it's neary fully in position.

my 686 pro series (7 shot, 5 inch barrel) was so badly canted, that when i sent it back it s&w, the customer service rep said that it could not be fixed. to be fair, they made it right by providing a refund. i then went on to use those funds to get an ssr, which was also ordered by my lgs. when it arrived, it was less canted than the previous one. i don't buy sight unseen anymore, but its hard to find pro series and performance center stuff where i am though. your luck may be better than mine.

My 627 pro came in with a canted barrel. The gun shop sent it back to Smith & Wesson. Came back two weeks later straight. The first time I shot it I noticed that the cylinder hits the forcing cone as I close it. I guess I have to call S&W and send it back again. Mike

Wow, none of this is good news.

OK guys now you have my attention. I've bought 4 new Smiths recently, all new. How do you know whether the barrel is canted or not? None of these have been fired yet.

When the rear sight is tilted towards the left. They actually screw the barrel on ... it threaded and on mine it was over tightened

Truthfully, I'm not in the market for a new Smith at the present time and wonder when I will be. What amazes me is that they don't seem to be hearing people crying about these things. Do they not listen? Do they not care? This is terrible for a company who should want to maintain their reputation as the premier gun manufacturer in the United States. They once were, weren't they?

My SSR had a canted barrel. It's actually back at S&W right now. I absolutely love the gun, and the trigger feels awesome. The LGS I bought it from had three at the time when I purchased mine. All three had the canted barrel, so I knew what I was getting into when I purchased it. I have looked at other SSR's since, and they seemed fine. Like anything else, it's probably just luck of the draw.

Guys,
The canted barrel is a standard feature for the Gansta's and wannabe's. (just being a smart aleck here)

Randy

You read my mind.

I've bought the following new Pro series revolvers:

Model Acquired
625JM 2/05
627 Pro 5/08
60 Pro 1/11
632 Pro 9/11

Each one came as near perfect as you could expect. Of course, so did the other new S&W's I've bought in my ten year history of buying such. Well, except for two 2 5/8" PC627 UDRs (4/10 & 10/10) - they both came with poorly fitted Eagle wood boot grips - which didn't fit my hand, either - and were replaced! They have properly fitting Eagles now - in their boxes.

We hear the horror stories - but I still think my examples are likely representative of the rule rather than the exception. It's just terrible when you do get a poor example - my heart goes out to anyone who has made it home with a new firearm only to find that it isn't 'right'. The good news is that S&W will take care of you. Best of luck!

Stainz

PS We think they are expensive now... can you imagine what they'd cost today if we weren't the final QC inspectors??

I've heard several people now say that the majority of new Smiths in the display case at their LGS have canted barrels now...that's scary.

I've only noticed the canted barrel on L frames, mostly 686's. Has anyone had a canted barrel on a larger frame?

My 627Pro N frame was canted. Gun shop sent it back. It is straight now. Mike