Last week I purchased a new 617-6 with a 6 inch barrel after waiting months to find one. I took it to the range and noticed it was shooting way off. Upon further inspection, I noticed the rear sight was way right. The channel where the sight sits was machine right and noticeably not centered. The channel does not line up with the rib in the barrel at all. I am going to contact S&W customer service when they open back up (they are closed for the holidays). I have no idea how my gun made it through inspection. I am hoping S&W replaces my gun. It is essentially an $800 paper weight. Has anyone seen a problem like this? Has anyone had a replacement gun sent from S&W and how long did it take. I don't really want to wait another 9 months for my gun. Needless to say I am pretty bummed out.

They average a 3 week turn around. Don't worry, they will fix it.

Welcome to the forum. Do not despair -- that sounds like a rare occurrence. They'll make it up to you.