Does anyone know what the deal is with all the barrel alignment problems with Smith and Wesson revolvers. I purchased a 629 stealth hunter. Performance center and all. I spent a lot of money on this handgun. I took it out to shoot it and at 20 yards or so it was 8 inches to the right. I did a little research and it seems to be a common problem. I contacted S/W and the rep said, "You need to send that one back in." So I thought it would be taken care of. I got it back all excited and all, and it is still out of alignment. They corrected about half of the error. I don't need any measuring device to see the error. I don't know what to think anymore. Someone help!
Barrel alignment problem
- Thread starter robrooks7
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This subject has been covered ad nauseum on this board. Search for "canted barrel".
My experience is my 686 I bought new 26 years ago has a canted barrel, the POI is correctable by moving the rear sight. In my LGS they have a 686 right now, brand new with a canted barrel. So I assume S&W knows about the problem and chooses to ignore it or they just don't GAS.
My experience is my 686 I bought new 26 years ago has a canted barrel, the POI is correctable by moving the rear sight. In my LGS they have a 686 right now, brand new with a canted barrel. So I assume S&W knows about the problem and chooses to ignore it or they just don't GAS.
Seems like a real problem, with no real answers. Yes, adjusting the rear sight may fix the POI, but it seems like a patch, that compensates for a major error. I'm new to the forum. In fact this is my first posting. This may have been covered before, but nobody seems to have an answer. I paid alot of money for a performance center handgun, thinking it would be all that. Should I send it back, or just take it to a gun smith? What to do? Thanks for your reply.
I've read reports that say S&W can't fix the problem. In one case on You Tube the factory actually ruined the gun with clamp/wrench marks finally replacing it, the replacement had a canted barrel.
It is a very disheartening situation.
It is a very disheartening situation.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I've seen in some military guns as a last resort they install a taller front sight and bend it till its accurate. I wonder if an offset front sight could be machined to replace it to make it right? Or an offset rear sight? The only other option i do with this on rifles is to scope it.
Ashlander
Member
Robrooks: Welcome to the forum. It sucks, but I'd send it back and insist on a 12 o'clock barrel. I would keep doing it until you're satisfied. I would also start thinking about taking it up the ladder and calling Vice Presidents, being polite, but letting them know that you're serious. They will work with you.
Ruger has this problem too. On a factory gun -- even with CNC machining -- it is hard to get the barrel threads and the shoulder cut perfectly to end up at exactly 12 o'clock -- that's a time consuming hand operation. Most of their guns actually are just about perfect, but many are not.
Ruger has this problem too. On a factory gun -- even with CNC machining -- it is hard to get the barrel threads and the shoulder cut perfectly to end up at exactly 12 o'clock -- that's a time consuming hand operation. Most of their guns actually are just about perfect, but many are not.
I do plan on installing a reflex sight. I'm sure the canted barrel won't be a real issue on that. When you buy something that expensive, it just eats at you that it isn't right. If the sight works out, I may just consider the issue resolved. At least the handgun groups well.
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clevelandgun
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It might be a good idea to get it fixed correctly while the issue is fresh. I'd be thinking about resale value if it's not done right.
Snapping Twig
Member
One of my pet peeves for sure.
I can not abide by a clocked barrel.
Back in the late 80's I had to send several back to the mothership and at the end of the day, they didn't always get it right, so I turned to Mag-Na-Port. They got it right when S&W wouldn't.
Keep them in mind if you need an alternate.
I can not abide by a clocked barrel.
Back in the late 80's I had to send several back to the mothership and at the end of the day, they didn't always get it right, so I turned to Mag-Na-Port. They got it right when S&W wouldn't.
Keep them in mind if you need an alternate.
At the price of their handguns you would think Smith and Wesson would be able to get 99+% of them right, it sad that they can't or won't. To the O.P be the Squeaky wheel and stay after S&W until they fix or replace your revolver.
Sportsterguy
Member
I would never buy a clocked barrel. It's not right, plain and simple.
If Magna Port can do it why can't S&W? Because they're chasing the almighy dollar and don't care as many new S&W folks don't even notice the MISALIGNED barrel! If everyone complained and said their buying Ruger SP's (great non S&W revolvers) they might get their QC under check.
This Q was asked a few months back. I went to two men who have worked on my weapons and know their ****. J.D. Jones from SSK Industries (Contender Hand Cannons) and Bob Cogan from Accurate Plating & Weaponry. My Commander is at AP&W right now getting the front strap re-stipled and a new tritium tube for the front sight. BOTH said a misaligned barrel was not put together correctly. These guys know their **** and I trust them over ANY S&W representitive.
Send your revolver back and have them make it right! If it takes a new frame to do it, so be it! You paid good hard earned money for your .44 and deserve what you've paid for, which is a quality weapon.
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I never knew that this was such a problem. Evidently this goes way back. I have purchased a couple of Ruger SP101 revolvers before and never had any trouble. I wanted a nice hunting revolver. I love .44 mag. I did alot of research since I knew I was going to put down a large chunk of cash. Everyone was talking about S/W's triggers being superior to Ruger. I consider the SP101's to be stiff but ok. Then they talk about the Stainless cast of the Ruger compared to S/W's Forged. I almost bought the Super Redhawk, but I thought for 600 or so more, the Smith has got to be the way to go. I have other S/W handguns but never a revolver. So I thought it was going to be oh so sweet. A definite step up. The revolver is beautiful. But my faith in S/W has been ding'd for sure. I know I will get this resolved one way or another. I appreciate everyones encouragement to do the right thing and hold them accountable for their sloppy workmanship.
2K7
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Even worse....
If a clocked barrel isn't bad enough, have you ever looked down the sight line only to discover the barrel actually angles off either to the right or left from the frame line?
I'm a fan of S&Ws, but come on guys....you can do much better than that! We're paying big money for your product.
If a clocked barrel isn't bad enough, have you ever looked down the sight line only to discover the barrel actually angles off either to the right or left from the frame line?
I'm a fan of S&Ws, but come on guys....you can do much better than that! We're paying big money for your product.
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sorry for the bad luck with your new gun...my stealth hunter shoots like a laser with no issues whatsoever...only canted barrel that i have encounteres has been on a king cobra colt....as others mentioned...keep on them even is it means a new gun
shottist
Absent Comrade
Canted Barrels
Over the past 35 years I have noticed that the canted barrel problem has been quite common to the point I checked for this problem with any S&W, new or used that I thought about buying. Recently I acquired a 4"29-2 and a 4" 629 no dash. Both had canted barrels and I would have rejected them out of hand if they were easier to come by. Both revolvers went to Andy Horvath who reset the barrels and they are now properly centered. S&W doesn't seem to care. This is not a new problem. The only conclusion I can come to is that that they believe they can get away with it and think we the buyers don't notice. How about an acceptable Cylinder to Barrel gap of 12 thousands? when it used to be 0.007 and before that 0.005? Kinda sad to say the least.
Over the past 35 years I have noticed that the canted barrel problem has been quite common to the point I checked for this problem with any S&W, new or used that I thought about buying. Recently I acquired a 4"29-2 and a 4" 629 no dash. Both had canted barrels and I would have rejected them out of hand if they were easier to come by. Both revolvers went to Andy Horvath who reset the barrels and they are now properly centered. S&W doesn't seem to care. This is not a new problem. The only conclusion I can come to is that that they believe they can get away with it and think we the buyers don't notice. How about an acceptable Cylinder to Barrel gap of 12 thousands? when it used to be 0.007 and before that 0.005? Kinda sad to say the least.
treerat
Member
I quit buying ruger for this very reason (canted barrel) ruger told me 6" to the left was my fault, I told ruger next time I by a ruger is when they throw the parts in a box so I can assemble them RIGHT!!!
so I decided to spend more money and buy a S&W, same ****, canted barrel on my new 63, so I got mad and turned the barrel straight like it should be myself. perfect now!!! so I bought a 60 pro and the slot for the rear sight is milled angled front to back but the barrel is right on this one. I had expected more from s&w, especialy a pro series. taurus has its problems too, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CANTED BARREL ON A TAURUS!
I beleive you can not buy quality anymore, the only quality you seem to get any more is if you do it yourself. sorry about the RANT! but this is really getting old!
so I decided to spend more money and buy a S&W, same ****, canted barrel on my new 63, so I got mad and turned the barrel straight like it should be myself. perfect now!!! so I bought a 60 pro and the slot for the rear sight is milled angled front to back but the barrel is right on this one. I had expected more from s&w, especialy a pro series. taurus has its problems too, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CANTED BARREL ON A TAURUS!
I beleive you can not buy quality anymore, the only quality you seem to get any more is if you do it yourself. sorry about the RANT! but this is really getting old!
I had a nickel 4" 29-2 back in the 90's that needed the rear sight adjusted full right to get on paper at 25 yards. The original owner ended up wanting it back (and I was glad he did).
I wasn't much into gunsmithing back then, but now I would just put the gun in a barrel vise and adjust the barrel and frame alignment until it was right.
I did that on a Super Balckhawk a few years ago. With the group centered at 25 yards, the rear sight looks perfectly centered on the frame to the eye. I like that.
I wasn't much into gunsmithing back then, but now I would just put the gun in a barrel vise and adjust the barrel and frame alignment until it was right.
I did that on a Super Balckhawk a few years ago. With the group centered at 25 yards, the rear sight looks perfectly centered on the frame to the eye. I like that.
I called S/W on Monday and requested a shipping label. I told the Customer service rep. that it was the second time I was sending in the handgun. I told him that the previous repair was unacceptable and that I was not happy with their QC. He agreed with me that I send it back if I was not happy. He also suggested that I send in the paper that came with the returned firearm. The paper indicated that it was repaired to S/W standards. I asked the rep. if the barrel alignment problem was a common complaint. He said this was the first time he had ever heard of it. Yeah Right! I will keep everyone up to speed on the outcome.
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