Range report: S&W Model 686+ 3"

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

Yesterday I made it out to the range (finally) to try out some new "toys". This post will only address my 686+ since it is my only new S&W, I will post a separate report for the others shortly.

I have longed for this 686+ 3" for perhaps the last five or six years. My initial load was a mild handload, 3.9gr of WW231 under a State Line 158gr H&G 51 SWC with a CCI small pistol primer. My goal was to get a zero using 38 Special ammo for an upcoming PPC match.

Needless to say, I was not ecstatic about the 686's performance. Shooting two handed, single action at 15 yards, this revolver started placing my shots low and to the left. Fortunately, the sights are adjustable! About six clicks put me at the level of the X ring. In order to center the shots, I had to crank in right windage. After moving the right side of the sight blade even with the right side of the sight base, I was planting my shots about an inch or so to the left of the X ring. After firing about 30 rounds, I put it down, thinking that I might be fatigued. Picture attached.

I did reevaluate my grip, position, and trigger control, but nothing seemed out of place. The barrel doesn't appear to be canted. Can't explain why it's shooting to the left unless it is a barrel issue.

Any suggestions?

 

[RGNewell]

Greetings!



Yesterday I made it out to the range (finally) to try out some new "toys". This post will only address my 686+ since it is my only new S&W, I will post a separate report for the others shortly.



I have longed for this 686+ 3" for perhaps the last five or six years. My initial load was a mild handload, 3.9gr of WW231 under a State Line 158gr H&G 51 SWC with a CCI small pistol primer. My goal was to get a zero using 38 Special ammo for an upcoming PPC match.



Needless to say, I was not ecstatic about the 686's performance. Shooting two handed, single action at 15 yards, this revolver started placing my shots low and to the left. Fortunately, the sights are adjustable! About six clicks put me at the level of the X ring. In order to center the shots, I had to crank in right windage. After moving the right side of the sight blade even with the right side of the sight base, I was planting my shots about an inch or so to the left of the X ring. After firing about 30 rounds, I put it down, thinking that I might be fatigued. Picture attached.



I did reevaluate my grip, position, and trigger control, but nothing seemed out of place. The barrel doesn't appear to be canted. Can't explain why it's shooting to the left unless it is a barrel issue.



Any suggestions?

Check to make sure the barrel is indexed properly.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[lrrifleman]

Check to make sure the barrel is indexed properly.

How would I check for indexing?

 

[RGNewell]

Just look down the top of the gun and see if the flat spot on the barrel lines up with the flat spot on the frame. Sometimes the barrel is turned too much or not enough. If that's the problem yours is probably not turned enough which places the front sight too far to the right causing point of impact to the left.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Pizza Bob]

Check to make sure the barrel is indexed properly.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Answered in the OP.

 

[pantannojack]

position

For a right hander, two hand hold, move your left foot farther forward. Try again. Or try stouter load.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I never judge a gun that I own by one trip. In my case, a sore or pulled muscle, fatigue as you mentioned can make a gun seem off. For me, such problems are usually the old guy holding the gun or the ammunition.

 

[Telecaster]

I would try using a rest to reduce grip and trigger related issues.

 

[gnystrom]

Have another knowledgeable shooter shoot your gun. As an RSO if I had a nickel for every time a right-handed shooter asks, why does my gun shoot low and left, I would be a very wealthy man. After that question and before I shoot their gun I offer them $100 cash for their gun.
99/100 it is the shooter.

 

[Erocksmash]

I have a 686 3" .3-5-7 series and shoots like a Lazer... may be OE or the barrel alignment...

 

[Invictus357]

Have another knowledgeable shooter shoot your gun. As an RSO if I had a nickel for every time a right-handed shooter asks, why does my gun shoot low and left, I would be a very wealthy man. After that question and before I shoot their gun I offer them $100 cash.
99/100 it is the shooter.

For years I was one of those guys.

Was tough to stop the habit but I got there.

I was CONVINCED it was the guns

 

[Lou_the_welder]

OP didn't mention which 3"+686. There is a standard model 7 shot and a deluxe 3-5-7 talo version.
I had problems with mine from the get go.
I'm not saying this is his problem, but it was mine. On a 3" 686+ 3-5-7 series. I had one (brand new) that had the force cone cut, at the barrel cylinder gap, looked like it was cut with a hacksaw. It was crooked. Didnt notice when I bought it.
I mean, why would I check that? Why would I know it had a bigger gap on ONE side, right?
Well, anyway. It shot horrible. Everything to one side and in a shotgun pattern .
So, I noticed it. And sent it in. They somewhat corrected the cut( looked like they filed it or worse...) They also said it had a barrel cant. And I thought the barrel was straight. [emoji848]

It shot, rather, meh! For me.
And sold it shortly afterwards.

 

[joe44va]

One thought.

 

[joe44va]

Has anyone else shot the revolver? Mine shot to the right until I took a tool grinder to the grips.