After reading various threads over the past year about canted barrels, I was left a bit suspicious. While I felt most claims were legitimate, I thought that some may have been gratuitous piling on and pot stirring, which some internet trolls are wont to do. Last eve, I was down at the LGS and a friend told me about his two new production 686s, and how one would not hold groups like the other. I mentioned that it might be a loose or misaligned rear sight, but possibly a canted barrel ... claims of which had been popping up on this forum. He took out the two revolvers, a 686 and 686 +, both identical except for cylinder capacity, and I gave the + a close look. The rear sight was indeed off, but lo and behold, the barrel was canted several millimeters to the left. I then examined the 686 ... the barrel was also off to the left, not as severely as the +, but off enough for a sharp eye to notice. It appeared to be two cases of simply over-torquing the barrels upon installation, something that could be corrected by merely backing up a few clicks. S&W needs to recalibrate the barrel machinery, or bring this matter to the QC folks, as it is definitely real, and totally unacceptable. Having seen not one, but two cases side-by-side, on newer minted revolvers, I am convinced that canted barrels are not urban legend.

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I'm with the banned ...

I have a 617 that has to go back because of a canted barrel . Shoots way right . What's really bad is I received this 617 right from S&W to replace a bad 617 . They replaced the gun under warranty for a bad frame and now the replacement has to go back .
My luck .

I've got an early '70's or so Model 10-5 who's barrel is a degree or two off but at the range it's intended to shoot and I practice with it I've never been able to see any major problems. I noticed this more than twenty years ago and never thought too much about it, other than being a bit odd.
If I had one in a target type revolver I'd be concerned, but the fixed sights and 2" barrel don't cause me much heartache.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

My 686SSR made a trip back due to the canted barrel. When I called to check the status, they said spec is +- 1 degree. My revolver was 5 degrees to the left. They did fix it, for free of course, but it was still frustrating. Has anyone watched the video from Shooting USA on youtube? It was a tour of how the Pro Series guns were assembled. Their "precise" barrel to frame fit is a worker with what looks like a pipe wrench who torques the barrel. There are no stops to prevent over torquing. It seems like there could be a better system to align the barrel correct the first time. I'm just thinking postage and wages to workers fixing canted barrels would be expensive, even if affected guns are 1%

My beloved 3" 686+ was made in 2012 and the barrel is perfectly straight.

I guess mine was made by the guy who gives a dam.

I have said this before but I really wish an S&W employee (I know you guys read this) would give us the truth on canted barrels.

Use a pseudonym.

I won't tell

a group of 10 or 12 629s arrived at lgs all were aligned properly. i havent personally seen a canted barrel on a S&W , hope i never do .
i have a ruger new vaquero with a slightly corked front sight , used to drive me mad now i dont care anymore its good enough for shooting steel!

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the rules? there are no rules

I had a 6" 66-2 with a canted barrel (it had been over-tightened). Maybe 3-4 degrees. Shot OK but it bothered me. All others I've owned 627-0, 686-5 MG, 66-2 3", 686 cs-1, 66-6 f-comp, 60-9 have had perfectly aligned barrels.

Meh. Doesn't matter and don't care much.

If there's a problem with a S&W they'll take care of it and rather quickly, too.

We'll never know the actual frequency, regardless. I'll buy with confidence.