Hey guys, my LGS has a new 617 4" bbl that I will be looking at tomorrow and hoping to purchase. Please explain the "canted" barrel issue to me and what to look for. Also please explain tool marks and any other thing that I need to look for. I'm very excited about getting a 617 and and after hearing all the bad things about S&W quality control I want to make sure that I'm getting a good one. Thanks in advance for explaining this "canting" issue for me.

Look at the barrel from the front where the barrel meets the frame.

Proportionally the lines will tell you if it is canted or not.

I still don't know what it is you are describing. What does "can't" mean? I know what it means in a semi-auto, but not a revolver.

I understand the term to mean that the rib/front sights aren't perpendicular to the top of the frame.

Like the barrel got screwed into the frame too far, or not far enough, leaving the rib/front sight tilted in relation to the rear sight.

The term " canted" barrel refers to the relationship of the barrel to the frame, hence, whether or not the front sight is set at top dead center (12 o'clock) or "canted" to one side or the other (11 o'clock or 1 o'clock). I don't have a "canted" example handy, but these pics show correct frame/barrel relationship.

The flat on the top of the frame is a little wider than the flat on top of the barrel. If the barrel is "clocked" correctly, there should be equal distance on both sides of the barrel flat in relationship to the frame flat.

Hope this helps

Ned

Ned, Thank You Very Much for the pictures and info. It was exactly what I needed. When I look at the new 617 today I will know exactly what to look for. Thank You.

Alan