I picked up a well used S&W 317-2 22lr Airlight from Cabela's a couple days ago. I have always wanted one of these little revolvers since they were introduced.

I was very eager to shoot it and headed out to the range and ended up with an afternoon of disappointment. With a variety of ammo (CCI, winchester, etc), the revolver shoots 8"+ high and about 3-4" to the right at 7 yards.

This happened with multiple people so I know it wasn't just me shooting badly.

The gun has fixed sights. Is there anything that can be done? I can't imagine this could be within spec from S&W.

I don't know if this might help you or not,but I painted the top of the front sight ramp on mine to assist with aiming.

__________________
JR

I believe that your gun does not have a pinned barrel. That might mean that it has been slightly over or under torqued since installation. Detailed photos of the barrel/frame joint might draw a response from S&W.

EIGHT INCHES HIGH at seven yards? The "problem" is you...and everyone else you had shoot the gun.
S&W snubs tends to shoot high due to the way people grasp them.
Betcha if you put it in a Ransom rest it would shoot VERY close to POA...

Keep in mind that heavier, slower bullets will impact higher. Make sure when gripping the gun that the "hump" in the backstrap is well down into the web of the hand.

Let us know how it goes.

I agree with Ranger98 paint the top of front sight with a snub, some people just don't seem to see the very top of front sight with a short sight radius. my buddy shot high with my 638 and handed it to me and i shot point of aim.

Can't speak to the way the barrel is aligned or your marksmanship, so I won't.

For visibility, though, your sweetheart's brightest nail polish should work for highlighting the front sight. It lasts and lasts, and she'll have something else you can use to remove it if you decide you're not a fan.

Wearing bifocals at 60, I've done that simple "mod" to every iron sight I shoot that doesn't already have some sort of colored ramp or dot.