New 617 leads around barrel and top strap

[motocowboy]

I received a new 617 from my wife for Christmas! I have been trying to get one for the last 6 months and now I have one. After shooting twice and putting 1 brick of Federal 550 Bulk through this gun I have discovered an issue I have never had with any of my other revolvers. After 150 to 200 rounds through the 617 the double action trigger pull becomes more difficult. Further investigation shows lead on the top strap between the barrel and the first sight screw hole which is causing the cylinder to drag.

I am not new to Smith & Wesson revolvers as I have 13 others to go along with my new 617, nor is this my first .22 revolver as I have a 317-2 3", 4" 63 no dash, and a model 18-1. I shoot both IDPA and Ruger Rimfire, IDPA with a revolver is much more fun then with an auto. Not that I do not ever use an auto, mostly 1911 45 ACP but the revolver either 625JM or a model 65 is more enjoyable for me.

As for the 617's accuracy I am very pleased, my model 18 maybe the most accurate .22 revolver I have owned and shot but the 617 is probably an equal.

I am not displeased with the 617 but was wondering if others have had a similar issue.

 

[2238945]

I Have a 617-5 that does the exact same. Its annoying but I believe it is caused by blowback from the bullet conforming to the forcing cone. I scrape it off gently with a screwdriver every 4-500 rounds.

 

[scooter123]

I'd suggest checking the B/C gap with some valve adjustment shims. I have a 617 no dash with a 0.009 inch B/C gap and it will lead up pretty good after 150 rounds downrange. However, I normally don't shoot this much ammo with it in one range session so it's not really a problem for me. If you find your B/C gap is over 0.012 inch you should be able to have it corrected under warranty. Otherwise, you'll probably have to either clean the gun more frequently or pay a gun smith to set the barrel back one full turn and then re-fit the B/C gap.

 

[sjmjax]

A friend of mine recently bought his first revolver. Also a new 617. Did the same thing. Amazing amount of lead build up around forcing cone and top strap with very few rounds. So much it quickly binds up the action.

He's sent his back to the factory. Still waiting to see the outcome.

Did not make a good first impression on a new customer.

 

[dentkimterry]

My new 617 did the same thing with the same Federal Champion 525 bulk ammo. I switched to CCI Blazer ammo with the plain lead round nose bullet and the problem went away. Maybe it's ammo related?

 

[kennyb]

some lead there is very natural (as it is with other calibers) however...it should not be binding after a few rounds
welcome to the forum!

 

[sjmjax]

I'm no rookie with S&W .22 revolvers.

This wasn't normal. You could cast bullets with the **** we scraped off his gun after less than 100 rounds.

Oddly, it was pretty accurate but didn't match my 17-4 we were also shooting that day.

Just guessing, but either the cylinder/barrel alignment is way off or someone forgot to cut the forcing cone taper.

Can't check it now because he already got the call tag and sent it back.

 

[Chubbs103]

Federal bulk makes a mess out of my Model 17-3. I do not have a problem with CCI Mini-Mags. My pistol also shoots them very well.

Chubbs

 

[motocowboy]

I do have CCI Blazers that I use in a 1911, I will give that a try tomorrow and see if the 617 has less leading.

.22's can be a real pain at times but I like the amount of shooting you can get for lower cost.

I bought this revolver to shoot steal and as a practice revolver for my 625 and 65, nice gun being 10 rounds but I like my older guns better as the seem to be of a higher standard then todays models.

Thank you all for your help.

 

[NJRColt]

I shot my 617-4 yesterday and I get the same build-up with the remington bulk ammo. I had better luck with the winchester solid nose bullets. I know that if I wipe my gun every so often I usually do not have the build-up problem.

 

[JamesArthur60]

Mine does the same thing. I just shot maybe 150 rounds of Federal bulk and had similar build up. My guess is the ammo brand. It cleans up well using a flat blade dental tool between the forcing cone and top strap. I wouldn't send it back or worry. I will admit though, my cylinder wasn't biding up as you described. The DAO is hard (from start to finish), but not due to lead residue build up.

 

[motocowboy]

Just to make sure everyone understands, the cylinder turns but I use the gun double action only and when the leading starts to drag on the cylinder I know it is happening. If you were using the gun in single action mode you probably would not notice it as soon.

I too scrape off the lead build up and continue with the gun until I am finished for the day. This should not be an issue for a steel or rimfire match as I will start with a clean gun.

 

[motocowboy]

Range Update

I went to the range today with the new 617 and a brick of Blazers shot 400 + through the gun with some leading. I can live with the amount of leading from the Blazers as the gun was still functioning as well as when I started in double action.

I then put some Federal Champion 525 bulk through the 617 and I noticed right away I felt some splatter on my face. I will not use Federal or Remington in this gun and I will stick with the CCI brand 22 ammo. I have found the CCI to be the best in other guns too and plan on using the bulk Federal in autos like my MKII's that don't seem to care unless you want good constant accuracy. CCI is making the best .22 ammo at this time and I will stick with it.

Thank you all for your help, I enjoy this forum and the great amount of knowledge the forum posses.

Have a happy and safe new year!

 

[dentkimterry]

Glad the CCI's are working for you. Same results I had. I use the Federals I have left in my S&W 22a. They work well enough in it but I won't be buying any more bulk Federal.

 

[mbnatt]

I had one, found it had excessive cylinder gap, had to send it back and it looks like they reset the barrel, worth the time to send it back it's a great gun now! bought it used, got a good deal, guess the previous owner was too lazy to send it in!

 

[Texan]

Try this, my 617 had this problem too. New sight screws might do it.
Smith & Wesson 617 Lead Build-Up & Fouling - RimfireCentral.com Forums

 

[cgb]

This is my 617 after 300 rounds of CCI Mini Mags.

 

[motocowboy]

Mine is dirtier then you show in your pictures with the CCI Blazer.

 

[cgb]

I put another few hundred rounds without cleaning and it realy did not get any dirtier. It functions fine, and the barrel and forcing cone did not lead up at all. I figure it's normal.

 

[$2Ray]

Try this, my 617 had this problem too. New sight screws might do it.
Smith & Wesson 617 Lead Build-Up & Fouling - RimfireCentral.com Forums

Interesting. Thanks for the link.