New 629 Sight Adjustment question

Buckeyebill · Jun 8, 2017

Hello,

I am the proud owner of this new 629 and I have been out several times shooting and getting the feel for it. Loading for it also and I have taken to loading much lighter loads. Much more fun shooting the mild 240 grain plated bullets.

So, here in my issue. At 30 yards, I am able to get it to hit in the center of my target but to do so, I have had to adjust the rear sight all the way to the right.

New Gun!

In addition, my extractor rod is loose and I have to keep hand tightening it.

What do you guys recommend?

Bill

OldChief · Jun 9, 2017

I've had the same problem with a couple of my older Smith revolvers with having to move the rear sight a long way right. As for the extractor coming loose, this is a common thing, try using a pair of padded pliers to tighten it a bit more.

Buckeyebill · Jun 9, 2017

Well, I guess that I could get used to it. I can tighten the extractor. Just seems like the rear sight is way the heck over.

Bill

OKFC05 · Jun 9, 2017

I bought a used revolver that had the sight run WAY over and up, and the guy said he was sick of the "defective gun." I shot my usual range loads and adjusted the sight to shoot dead on at 15yds. I had to lower the sight and move it considerably toward the center to get it right for me.
I don't have a clue what his problem was, but having shot bullseye for decades, I don't think it was the gun. I don't worry if a sight is not centered exactly; that's why they call it adjustable.

BLUEDOT37 · Jun 9, 2017

Buckeyebill said:
...I have had to adjust the rear sight all the way to the right.

Looks like (from your pics) you have a canted (under-clocked) barrel. Unfortunately it's an all too frequent problem. I have a couple with that problem but my 686 is the worst, about like your's.

You can call S&W to have it sent back for repair. Mine's not going back unless some other more serious issue comes up with it.

.

JHB51 · Jun 9, 2017

Do your self a favor go to Brownells web site and buy the special tool for the extractor rod. Bubba uses pliers.

jake1945 · Jun 9, 2017

I never owned a handgun where the rear sight stayed centered. For me, the rear sight is usually moved to the right a small ways. It's not the gun, but, the shooter. When moving the S&W rear sight, don't go too far or you will snap the threaded rod and have to replace the sight.

Buckeyebill · Jun 9, 2017

Thanks for the responses. I am going to keep shooting and see what happens. I am familiar with sight adjustments on rifles and handguns. That rear sight seems at the limits of adjustability. I am still working on loads that I like and I might find one that has a point of impact that will allow moving that sight back toward the center a few clicks. I will send it back if it starts to really bother me.

Bill

jdlii · Jun 9, 2017

I have experienced a similar issue with the rear sights on some of my S&W revolvers but, not all. For me it turns out it was how I gripped that particular revolver and what type of grips were on that specific gun.

I don't have the problem as much with a 1911 grip but, the S&W target grips and some of the "over sized" rubber grips cause me to grip the gun differently. I have to pay attention and make sure that I hold the gun the same way every time but, that is just how it works for me.

Nightowl · Jun 9, 2017

The N frame guns obviously have a larger grip and the trigger is farther from the backstrap than on smaller frame guns. It is quite common then to not quite get the trigger finger to pull straight back and push the gun to the left when pulling the trigger. This may or may not be happening to you. It really could be the barrel is not quite at top dead center as that also seems to be common these days.

Buckeyebill · Jun 9, 2017

I am hearing that it might be me. I hear you. I will shoot this gun and work on my trigger control and grip.

Bill

TAROMAN · Jun 9, 2017

I tighten ejector rods by gripping them in the chuck of my Milwaukee drill then turning the chuck by hand.
Always chamber a few empty cases to prevent unwanted strain.

Pisgah · Jun 9, 2017

Buckeyebill said:
Well, I guess that I could get used to it. I can tighten the extractor. Just seems like the rear sight is way the heck over.

Bill

Don't assume anything is wrong with the sighting unless it shoots 'way left when the sights are centered with all loads, for whoever shoots it and for however it is held. Different loads can shoot to the right or left just as they can shoot high or low, and the way a handgun is held can dramatically affect POI. I have a friend who owns a Highway Patrolman with a rear sight he has adjusted to the far left in order for him to hit center. When I shoot it, it shoots far to the left!

As for the ejector rod -- all I do is check for tightness regularly (as I do with all the other screws on any revolver) and give 'er a twist when it gets loose.

gnystrom · Jun 9, 2017

Have you had anyone else (skilled shooter) fire a few rounds from your gun?
If a couple others have, and they get the same result, I would be prone to call S&W. I refuse to own any gun with the rear sight pushed over to one side or the other assuming it is not just me as the shooter.
If it is just you the shooter, look into different grips which will have an effect on left right shot placement.

TAROMAN · Jun 9, 2017

This training chart is useful in determining if the shooter is the cause:

3strokes · Jun 9, 2017

TAROMAN said:
This training chart is useful in determining if the shooter is the cause:

Don't forget that there are left-handed and right-handed shooters correction charts.
I make photocopies of these charts and use them as targets.
It's simpler to look into the scope after each shot and try to remember what I did wrong (or what I did right.)

Ideally, a gun could be zeroed in using a Ransom(e?) Rest and then go from there.

slenet · Jun 9, 2017

my observation is, that hotter or milder loads cause side differences much more than in height (at 25 meters).

Baltimoreed11754 · Jun 9, 2017

My new Thunder Ranch .45 had to go back to S&W to have the bbl turned and a lower front sight installed. Now it shoots to poa.

bigggbbruce · Jun 9, 2017

Buckeyebill said:
Hello,

I am the proud owner of this new 629 and I have been out several times shooting and getting the feel for it. Loading for it also and I have taken to loading much lighter loads. Much more fun shooting the mild 240 grain plated bullets.

So, here in my issue. At 30 yards, I am able to get it to hit in the center of my target but to do so, I have had to adjust the rear sight all the way to the right.

New Gun!

In addition, my extractor rod is loose and I have to keep hand tightening it.

What do you guys recommend?

Bill

I see the barrel slightly canted to the right.
To compensate you move the rear sight to the right. If my brain is working...

Get it fixed or shoot it that way.

Buckeyebill · Jun 9, 2017

Thanks for the advice.

Low post count on this forum does not mean limited shooting experience.

Gun does shoot way left when rear sight is centered. (Consistently)

Shoots tight group 7 inches left at 30 yards when sights are centered.

I believe the barrel is canted to the right.

Going to contact Customer Service on Monday.

Bill

New 629 Sight Adjustment question

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