I recently bought an ANIB 651 with a factory fitted LR cylinder. I was a happy camper until I started shooting it. FYI, I have been an experienced SW shooter for 45 years and shoot my multiple Smiths (including 3 other kit guns) at least weekly on my backyard range. I have never had any trouble adjusting my sights so the POI matches the POA. This 651 shot WAY left and WAY low with the sights moved to their extremes (all the way up and all the way to the right).

I solved the 'WAY down' problem by installing a higher rear sight slide. That problem fixed. The windage problem probably has no DIY solution. FYI,the barrel is not canted. A gunsmith is only solution, I suppose.

Any idea how long the mother ship would take to fix this, and what method they would use? Would sending it to a non factory smith be as efficient and quicker? Suggestions?

If it were mine I would sell it or trade it away for the problems you describe and with your experience taken into consideration. I have had revolvers that did not satisfy me for the same reason so I understand your disappointment.
Jim

If it will shoot groups, just not where you want them, could be a muzzle crown problem. If it's leading or not shooting groups, might be timing or forcing cone. Could be something else, but I like to check the simple things first.

Truly no offense meant, but I just made a note to not consider anything you ever put up for sale here on the forum.

I have sometimes bought something that wasn't quite right, but I have NEVER sloughed it off on someone else.
In this particular instance, "if it were mine", I would send it back to the manufacturer and let them sort it out, even if it cost me some.
More likely in this case, the manufacturer, I think, would take care of it as a warranty issue unless some kind of user caused damage was uncovered.

Would not pawn this off on someone else. Crown appears ok and there is not any leading. Groups are ok, just way left at this point.

I will call Springfield tomorrow. Anyone have recent experience with time frames on revolvers of this age?

I have purchased guns that had problems that someone else had and had S&W fix it sometimes with a cost I had to pay. One was a 29-3 with a 10 5/8" barrel. Smith said that one chamber was blown , it cost me 200.00 for a new cylinder . I have the old cylinder and I still can't find a crack or where it stretched? I really wanted it but the one I might have sold it to was the original numb scoal that dumped it to the dealer than to me . I'll be waiting to hear what S&W finds if Intothewoods gets it fixed .

Mailing label on the way. Any idea on the time frame I might experience?

No offense taken at all. If I sold off a gun with those problems it would certainly be full disclosure. Someone that wants to try to fix it would welcome it. OP described it as severe. Leading and crown not withstanding it would not stay in my stable very long.
I do hope S&W will make it right. Good luck.
Jim

I did not read which of the cylinders is giving trouble or is it both? I'm not sure it matters but I think that would be one of the questions the manufacturer will ask. This is very disappointing to learn as I read that the factory did the fitting of the .22LR cylinder and surely test fired the revolver with the newly fitted cylinder.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

That's entirely different and not unfair at all.
A while back, I was offered a stainless 6" Python for $400.
The owner admitted that it was badly out of time (and he was right), and he "just didn't want to mess with it". I would never have attempted to shoot it the way it was. But I took the chance since I knew the situation.
I sent it in to Colt, and they charged me for a full check out, and sent it back perfectly timed.
They charged me $80 for the work, and it's one of my favorite shooters today.

Is the rate of twist in the barrel the same for both 22 Long Rifle and for 22 Magnum?

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It is the magnum cylinder that I have been using during this ordeal. I doubt if the LR cylinder has ever been installed.

The rifling twist rate is generally the same for both calibers. On dual cylinder firearms, the revolver is usually bored for the magnum, slightly larger than a LR barrel. Since this is a 651 chambered primarily for the magnum, it would have the larger diameter barrel. Dual cylinder revolvers are generally more accurate shooting magnums.

I used Winchester SuperX 40 grain magnum hollowpoints, Gold Dot 40 grain magnums, CCI 45 grain WRFs, and the new Winchester 45 grain subsonic magnums when attempting to sight in this revolver. All shot way left.

In the old days, a babbit bar would solve the issue. Or a recrown.

I have a 351pd in I bought used . Been there about a week and a half . I have had a few guns in and they usually have 4-6 weeks in shop , but I’ve heard some are sooner depending on the repair . The longest was 1 yr for a cracked frame on an early 317 that they couldn’t repair until they retooled for the next j frame run . Yeah and I waited 8 months to find one after S&Wcataloged it. I’d like to hear how you faired later as I’ll right up mine . Good luck and quick repairs.

How long ago? Last time I called Colt, they weren't taking in revolvers for repair. Then someone said it depends on who you talk to......