617 - returned from the factory and hopefully leading issue is fixed

[L5kingpin]

Hi Everyone, I purchased my 4" 617 in Sept of 2017. The leading became pretty bad after a few times to the range. I experimented with ammo, and finally last year sent it back. S&W re-cut the forcing cone and I think it's making a big difference. I still have a little hesitation shooting my gun because I don't want to get any lead in my finger haha but hopefully it's fixed now? Here's a before-after picture - the Right photo is the bad leading before sending it back, the left is after shooting this weekend and I've put a couple hundred rounds through it now.

The lead along the top strap I think is permanent damage I've tried everything to get it off but it's stuck pretty well on the frame. Any tips on removing the leading? Thanks in advance and happy holidays everyone.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

Top strap leading

I have 3 617's, one had the forcing cone re-cut by S&W. Some leading on the top strap still happens after a lot of shooting. Copper clad ammo seems to reduce it some but I still shoot mostly Federal Auto Match leaded ammo. I use a scraper made from a squashed down rifle brass (.30-30, .308 etc.). The brass is harder than the lead and softer than the gun so it won't damage it. I soak it first with solvent/lead remover and it cleans up good.

 

[wproct]

Actually, this is just one of the reasons I shoot my semi-auto pistols way more than my 617. I don't think my 617 leads up terribly, but it does some.

 

[Yendor357]

I’ve never had any luck soaking anything metal on metal. It must be thing because I often hear of it.

Heat has been my friend. I was asked by a buddy that is a 4-H Shooting Sports instructor to clean their guns…… all 35 of them. That was a learning experience. I learned that I don’t like to clean other peoples’ neglected guns.

Their 2 Ruger Single Sixes were so leaded up, they barely functioned. I ended up warming them with a small propane torch. That did the trick. Proceed with caution.

If you really want your 617 to look unfired, Semichrome polish is the ticket. It makes a mess, but when you’re done, your 617 will look prestige again.

 

[usedkid]

Use cold blue on top strap and barrel extension, apply with toothpick or cotton swab.
Let sit a few and it will flake right off…

 

[sandog]

I avoid bare lead ammo in my revolvers, only use copper washed ammo like Mini-Mags and Goldens.
I still get some lead build up with those but it is all up on the topstrap, not as bad as the OP's pics, and not down at the bottom of the barrel.
If mine were that bad or was spitting lead I'd suspect the forcing cone (or lack thereof).

Like DS-10 I use a brass rifle case with the neck having been flattened down with a hammer or vise, it will scrape off the worst of the lead build up quickly.

 

[PatriotX]

Please don’t use chrome polish on your gun, if you want to retain the original finish.

The brass scraper made from discarded rounds is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies.

 

[wproct]

Please don’t use chrome polish on your gun, if you want to retain the original finish.

The brass scraper made from discarded rounds is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies.

Yes, I found this out also on my 617 early on. After only two cleanings with simichrome the face of the cylinder was getting very glossy polished finish that doesn't match the rest of the revolver. The polish is removing miniscule amounts of metal, I know not enough to be significant, but it still is.

 

[Yendor357]

I agree Semichrome polish is maybe too good.

This is just my opinion…. I doubt Semichrome polish removes even trace of metal. There is no abrasive in Semichrome polish. Think of Semichrome polish as Brasso on steroids.

If you think your S&W is clean, well, yes it is. But there is still microscopic dirt and polish residue on the gun, possibly tarnish or oxidation. Semi chrome polish will remove that. It’ll remove powder burns.

There is a very noticeable difference between S&W polished stainless and the polished finish on a new Colt. Colt takes it to the next level. If you over do it with Semichrome polish, your Smith will start to resemble a Colt.

And I should have warned the OP about doing the whole gun with Semichrome polish. I just took for granted he wanted to get rid of powder burns/ residue on the cylinder, barrel shank and inside the frame. My bad.

 

[chase45]

Mine resembles the left pic after a hundo or two of lead

Mine will make a little line forward of the forcing cone on the top strap

I just use a SS brush and brush the whole area

If it gets built up too crazy Ill use a little flat screw driver to chisel it away

Gotta be careful so you dont scratch though

 

[SWFan27]

Hi Everyone, I purchased my 4" 617 in Sept of 2017. The leading became pretty bad after a few times to the range. I experimented with ammo, and finally last year sent it back. S&W re-cut the forcing cone and I think it's making a big difference. I still have a little hesitation shooting my gun because I don't want to get any lead in my finger haha but hopefully it's fixed now? Here's a before-after picture - the Right photo is the bad leading before sending it back, the left is after shooting this weekend and I've put a couple hundred rounds through it now.

The lead along the top strap I think is permanent damage I've tried everything to get it off but it's stuck pretty well on the frame. Any tips on removing the leading? Thanks in advance and happy holidays everyone.

I bought a new 617-6 in June and sent it back to S&W due to heavy leading at the forcing cone and top strap. They cut my forcing cone and replaced the extractor rod because two of the ratchets on the star were causing carry up issues. Basically, two of the ten charging holes were out of time due to this. When the hammer was fully locked back, I need to turn the cylinder slightly to get those two chambers/charging holes to lock into place.

My 617 is one of my favorite shooters now and always goes with me to the range. 22LR is dirty ammo and after a thousand rounds or more I clean the 617. It no longer shaves lead, but a stainless pick and a brass brush with Balistol removes any buildup above the forcing cone and off the top strap. Lead removal clothes work great for cleaning burn marks and stains off of the cylinder. Check your timing. S&W did not catch that issue on my 617's first trip back for warranty work. It needed a second visit to be perfect. Check out the guy in this video.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIKbuqwLwXQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIKbuqwLwXQ[/ame]