Smith & Wesson Factory Repair

OngNoi · May 8, 2023

Gentlemen,

I have a model 17-9 that I took in trade from a friend. It seems to be very inaccurate. I have not been able to get better than 2in groups at 15yds from a rested position. I have compared it back to back with a single six I have. The SS will shoot into an inch or less under identical conditions.

I’ve tried 10 or more brands of 22 ammo in the M17 and it doesn’t like any of them. I tried reduced power springs. I even mounted a red dot sight. Nothing has helped so far.

In your experience, would Smith and Wesson charge for inspection/work if needed? I'm not the original owner.

Best,
Brett

HJBM&P22Custom · May 8, 2023

I have found S&W to be very good to work with and I would just suggest you give them a call to their customer service group and ask them.

DixieRanger · May 8, 2023

What 'repair' are you expecting/wanting? Accuracy job? If not warranty think would be charges if they even do accurizing. You'll get better/more thoughts am sure. Will watch to see...

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

kev74 · May 8, 2023

S&W has a lifetime warranty.

Give them a call and see what they say. They might even cover shipping.

JohnRippert · May 8, 2023

Wonder if it may just have lead build up in the barrel.

e3mrk · May 9, 2023

I sent my Model 29-3 to them and it came back quickly and repaired right.

steelslaver · May 9, 2023

I would first try it firing 5 shot groups using one chamber at a time. If several single chambers will not group it is likely the barrel. Poor forcing cone or muzzle. If several group well it likely the cylinder especially if the groups move from chamber to chamber.

I don't know how much the factory will do to shrink the group, but it is worth a shot. You may get better results from them with some data showing what the likely problem is.

HOUSTON RICK · May 9, 2023

I have usually found the cause of my accuracy problems in the mirror. I am more accurate with some of my firearms than others.

TheTinMan · May 9, 2023

steelslaver said:
I would first try it firing 5 shot groups using one chamber at a time. If several single chambers will not group it is likely the barrel. Poor forcing cone or muzzle. If several group well it likely the cylinder especially if the groups move from chamber to chamber.

I don't know how much the factory will do to shrink the group, but it is worth a shot. You may get better results from them with some data showing what the likely problem is.

Thank you. I would not have thought about that method to isolate an accuracy problem with a revolver.

A Lewis Lead Remover might be a good approach for the OP. I have a 1930s Colt Officers Model 22 that is nicely accurate when clean but it does get lead build up fairly quickly.

DixieRanger · May 9, 2023

Thinkin true test of accuracy is Ransom rest to see if shooter or firearm?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

S&W-Keeper · May 9, 2023

Not trying to insult your shooting ability.Let a buddy try it. I have ran into this myself with some of the guns I have.

OngNoi · May 9, 2023

Thanks for all of the great responses! Trying same chamber groups is a very good idea. I will try that.

I have cleaned lead buildup carefully, hasn’t seemed to help. I have also had a friend, who is a very good pistol shot, shoot it for groups - same results. I do not have access to a Ransom rest, unfortunately.

I do think that a target oriented gun should be more accurate than this one is.

I will give S&W a call, it’s worth a try.

Best,
Brett

Krogen · May 9, 2023

What does the crown look like? Dinged? Damaged from exuberant cleaning? Muzzle damage can easily happen with revolvers since you can’t clean them from the breech. And 22 caliber is the toughest to do right; there’s little room between rod and bore.

OngNoi · May 9, 2023

As far as I can tell it’s fine. Very good point, BTW.

MiketheTraveler · May 11, 2023

I am also interested in the outcome...

OngNoi · May 11, 2023

I’ll post here as things develop. I plan to shoot groups by chamber before I call S&W.

OngNoi · Aug 13, 2023

I shot a quick two shot group by cylinder today, pic attached. I think there’s helpful information here. All cylinders shot into the lower left quad - except cylinder 4 that shot into the lower RIGHT quad.

Bullets from three of the cylinders appear to be keyholing. Cylinder 5 looks the worst.

Amy ideas about what May be up here?

[/url][/IMG]

OngNoi · Aug 13, 2023

Double post

BC38 · Aug 14, 2023

OngNoi said:
I shot a quick two shot group by cylinder today, pic attached. I think there’s helpful information here. All cylinders shot into the lower left quad - except cylinder 4 that shot into the lower RIGHT quad.

Bullets from three of the cylinders appear to be keyholing. Cylinder 5 looks the worst.

Amy ideas about what May be up here?

[/url][/IMG]

Just curious, but why only 5 cylinders. Doesn't the M17 have 6?

Patrick L · Aug 14, 2023

My thoughts exactly. Why no 6th?

Just for laughs now, try shooting 4 shot groups with chambers 1-4, since they all seem to print lower left.

And check #6 while you're at it.

Smith & Wesson Factory Repair

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads