At a show about a month ago, I was fortunate enough to pick up a Smith Model 34 in very nice condition at a very good price.

I am having one little problem I am hoping for some input on how to fix.

During my first serious range trip, I noticed the gun shoots left - that is the rear sight has to be cranked almost all the way to the right to get the proper windage setting.

One part of me says no big deal - but it bothers me to see that sight all the way over there. The gun's front sight is pinned, as is the barrel. When viewing the gun from the top, everything appears to be straight and even - bent barrel?

I love this little gun, it runs like a watch and is handier than heck. Also, great looks.

I know having a smith turn the barrel a little is one fix, but how is that done if the barrel is pinned? Any other ideas for fixes?

I have put some larger grips on it, hoping that would be a solution, but no dice. Still shoots little groups to the same point of impact.

Any thoughts or experience with these guns? As I said, that sight all the way to the right bothers me.

First thing I would do is have a known "good shot" shoot it. Or try it on a bench rest or Ransom Rest. Or try shooting it weak hand and see what happens. The problem could be me, how I'm holding it, the wrong grips etc etc. Bent barrel naw.

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Dick

I have now tried it with the original tiny grips as well as a set of larger replacement grips. Same results.

The results I am talking about are from a bench - don't have access to a ransom.

Wondering if anyone makes a blade for the rear sight with an offset notch?

I agree with Diamonback about having someone else shoot it. Did you notice the sights moved all the way to the right or did you do that? Try shooting the gun with the light source at your back and see if that changes where the bullet hits. Sometimes I see sights differently when I shoot inside compared to outdoors.

When I bought it the sights were definitely to the right. I centered them before the first range trip and then ended up in the same place again.

Don't take this as bragging, please, but I am the best pistol shot among my group (Doesn't say much for them).

Other thing you can do is check the forcing cone, but more importantly check the muzzle crown. Any nick, burr, whatever in the crown can affect accuracy.

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Dick

I checked the date, it was late 70's. Too old for SW to take a look at on their nickel?

Yes, they will look at it and charge you for it. If the second-best shot in your group finds it prints left and the factory finds nothing wrong, you have a few options. The front sight blade or rear notch can be altered, or the barrel turned to adjust so the rear sight can be centered.

Or, if it is accurate as it stands right now, personally I would leave it alone. I've shot a few adjustable-sight guns like yours, and although it bugs me to not have the rear centered I worry more about it delivering where I aim.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have never heard of a bent barrel. Besides, If the barrel was bent, I think you would notice other issues (cleaning rod binding, inconsistent accuracy). What I have seen, however, is a barrel that has been improperly tightened, leaving the front sight slightly canted. It doesn't take much of a slant in the front sight to cause an excessive amout of adjustment in the rear sight to correct the point of aim. Unfortunitely, I have seen this problem far too frequently and not just in Smith & Wesson but also in Rugers. You indicated that it looked like everything lines up but I would take a close look at how the barrel is lined up in relation to rear sight/frame (i.e. perfectly centered) and perhaps if the front sight may even be slanted or bent. I can't offer any other possibilities. Good luck and let us know if you find something other than what has been mentioned.

Steve

There is certainly a problem as I've never seen a Smith need this kind of adjustment (assuming the problem is not you).

Clean the bejabbers out of it.

Be SURE that you are in the shade when shooting and not getting any sunlight on the front sight.

Shoot a different brand of ammo. Like CCI MiniMags or WW Power Point.

If that doesn't help --- I'd send it to S&W. BUT be sure in advance that they agree that the present sight setting is not right and that they will rectify it. I wouldn't be shocked if you needed a new barrel and I don't now if those are available.

I've owned Smiths for forty years, seen this condition several times (even have a 1980's 34 with your same situation). It bothers me too, to have that leaf cranked all the way over. Bugged me enough on a couple of guns that I sold them, even 'tho they shot fine. My 34 is a 'working' gun (bicycle) so I ignore the leaf.

As noted, sight leaf adjustment will vary with shooter, how he holds the gun, etc. For instance, on almost EVERY S&W revolver I've owned with target sights I have to have the sight at its lowest elevation, and even then many of the guns have shot a tad high. Others shooting my guns print their shots lower.

[QUOTE=rboineau;136165133]I've owned Smiths for forty years, seen this condition several times (even have a 1980's 34 with your same situation). It bothers me too, to have that leaf cranked all the way over. Bugged me enough on a couple of guns that I sold them, even 'tho they shot fine. My 34 is a 'working' gun (bicycle) so I ignore the leaf./QUOTE]

Thanks,

Were you ever able to isolate a mechanical issue that caused this?

I bought a colt anaconda a few years ago with the same problem. Setting a straight edge on the frame,you could see the barrel was out of alignment and pointed left! Colt took care of it on their dime.