Its been a while since I bought a new revolver. So this is my first one with the firing pin in the frame.
Also, the rifling is not cut like they used to.
I am not complaining about anything but if you can, educate me on what I am seeing.
Oh btw, it is a 3" 686+ boxed in June 2016.

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The rifling is done by a process called ECM - electro chemical machining. Very precise and uniform, just doesn't have the sharp corners of broach cut rifling. Google ECM for a complete explanation.

The frame mounted firing pin makes it more resistance to discharge if dropped. Some states have drop tests.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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I have learning to do.

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The new rifling is a cost saver.

I wouldn't spend my money on one.

So many better out there

Everyone can have their own opinion so here's mine. I have S&W revolvers with both kinds of rifling. The best shooting revolvers I have are a couple with the new rifling. So to each their own.

Please explain who makes a better double action revolver.

Broach cut rifling is a cost saver in itself over traditional cut rifling.

ECM is faster and there are no tool bits to wear out, whereas a broach needs near constant sharpening to get a consistent cut and finish. ECM is also faster, and, oddly, generates little heat to stress the metal and can produce a mirror finish.

Rifling is actually a great application for ECM. Cutting grooves inside a bore, especially of a liger barrel, is complicated using traditional machining methods, and Smith wisely employs newer technologies to stay competitively priced. The accuracy of new Smiths is kind of the proof in the pudding that the method works.

That said, broach cutting looks prettier. Keep in mind how hard to clean sharp corners are, though.

I may be new, so I still have learning to do. However, my new S&Ws shoot every bit as good as my older models. I can say that it took proper sized and better lubed bullets to not lead my M69, can't wait to wring out my new 3" 686+

Better how?

I roll my own loads, have tens of thousands of rounds through both and can't tell the difference on target between my broach cut guns and ECM.

I started this conversation just because my newest gun looks so different than my others.
You know how you give it a look over at the counter, but then really check it at home? I like to put my thumb over the firing pin hole and look down the barrel to see rifling. At first it looked smooth inside and clean.
The action is not all that bad either.
I am well pleased with my new revolver.
Thanks for the education.

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I've been wanting to get my mitts on a late model 686+ but havent seen a local deal on one yet. You will enjoy that piece alot. All of my late production guts can drive nails.

I had the same question when I got my 640 Pro last November or December. It's a relief to know your latest purchase is okay!

Is that the same process that Kahr and Glock call "polygonal" rifling ?

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John

I cleaned my new gun just now and notice the brush does not rotate as others do when you pull it through the barrel.
So I asked S&W via email if this is normal.
Still a bit concerned.

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Before passing judgement, perhaps you should examine a broached barrel and one cut with the ecm process and make an informed statement instead of one based upon speculation.

Believe it or not, not everything 'new' is bad.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Now I'm wondering.....what is it that you see inside?

Lands and grooves. Grooves are the "lines" within the metal. Lands are the flat spots. What do you see? Can you take a pic?



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No, it is actual rifling. Starting with a round tube, an electrode is then passed through the tube and metal is deposited on it in the pattern that was made on the tube. This rifling is so smooth & uniform that the BATF was concerned that projectiles shot through a barrel rifled by this process would not leave any rifling marks capable of being used for forensic identification.

Polygonal rifling really isn't rifling at all. It is a multi-sided, twisted tube.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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I would posit that it is normal. Since the transition from land to groove is a smooth, rounded one, your brush may be able resist turning with the rifling. Either that or you have so much lead build-up that there is no rifling to cause the brush to turn. That is said partially tongue-in-cheek - I really don't want to get started on the "ECM rifling causes excessive leading" tirade again. Too many other variables to go there.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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Best I could do.

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That looks normal and no, the cleaning rod won't spin on those...

Doesn't seem to have much of a twist? But I think, because it's a snub. Right?

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Got a response from Smith;

Dear Customer,
No this doesn't look abnormal. The rifling process is ECM which is slightly shallower than EDM rifling. If you experience any problems with your revolver I would recommend you contact us until then enjoy your firearm!
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us
Thank you and Have a Great Day!

Now I wanna learn more about ECM.

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It's actually pretty neat. Check out this video. It's simple but it gives the basic idea.

How Electrochemical Machining Works - YouTube