625 PC barrel alignment problem - RESOLVED!!!

packheat

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I just picked up my new performance center 625-8 today and fired the first 30 rounds through it. I had to adjust the windage quite a bit which made me think something was wrong. After further inspection I found that the barrel is not in line with the frame of the gun. It is noticably too far clockwise when looking at the muzzle. Can this be corrected?
 
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Yes. The barrel was overtightened when installed.

It can be corrected by removing the barrel, cleaning both the barrel shank and frame threads with acetone solvent, and applying blue (242) grade LockTite thread sealant. Re-install the barrel with front sight and rib correctly aligned with the frame (front sight standing vertical).

You will need barrel vise blocks, and frame wrench pads to safely remove the barrel.

I have made several repairs like this and the LockTite thread sealant is enough to retain barrel tightness with no problems.
 
I've recently seen a spike in these posts and my 610-3 came with a slightly tipped barrel. Since it was easy to adjust the sight to accomidate for this it really didn't bother me. I am also wondering if it isn't intentional, it may be possible that they are doing this in order to have the adjustable sight centered on the bulk of the guns shipped. BTW, "clocking" the barrel is the traditional way for tuning a SAA to shoot to point of aim, bending the frame only came into use when swing out cylinders weakened the frame enough to permit doing this without risk of damage to the barrel.

Point is, I'd suggest that you take the time to shoot your 625 from a sandbag rest in single action before doing anything. If you find that your rear sight ends up being nearly perfectly centered, just ignore it. If you find that it's near the end of the windage adjustment, then don't bother fixing it yourself, just send it in to S&W and have them correct it, it's why we have a warranty.

BTW, the use of Blue Locktite for mounting the barrel is about the ONE area where I think that it's adviseable on a revolver. It would allow S&W to back off on the interference in the "crush" fit used today and perhaps we wouldn't see so many posts about cracked Scandium frames. I've used this on critical screws on my motorcycle when I found that tightening to factory specs left me with a loose brake caliper and it's good stuff. However, I do not advice using this indescriminately because it can make removing screws that have this in place a bit of a pain. For something like the yoke screw or sideplate screws, a check during cleanings is sufficient. In addition it's actually rare for these screws to shoot loose.
 
I have a 686 SSR that is the same way except needs tightened a hair more. I had to move the rear sight all the way to the right to get it sighted in. At first I noticed the front sight leaning to the right and thought it was my imagination but I guess not, when you look at it from the muzzle end you can see it.

Greg
 
I do not like the sight picture that occurs with a canted barrel, if it enough to be noticeable. A rear sight adjusted all the way to stop would make me send it back to be repaired. I have a hard enough time hitting the target without having to make visual adjustements.
 
I will offer the obvious solution... send it back to Smith and Wesson for warranty work.
 
I have filled out the online warranty repair form and I'm waiting for the reply email. Hopefully S&W makes this right. I will keep you posted.
 
I got the email with the prepaid FedEx shipping label yesterday. The gun is going out today. Since I was sending it in anyway I did a very close inspection on the gun. Along with the description of the canted barrel I put in the box, I also noted that the cylinder to forcing cone gap was not parallel; .010" on the left and .004" on the right side. I also wrote that I was unhappy about the fit of the grip since it had a gap between the two halves right under the trigger guard.
 
Same problem!

I feel your pain. I have a 625PC that I've owned for about 3 months. The barrel is over rotated to the point that the barrel and frame are nowhere close to lining up. Also, the left top side of the frame above the crane is very poorly finished. The line, instead of being straight (like it is on the right side), is very crooked. Very poor metal work. Granted, it doesn't effect the functionality of the gun, but for that much dough, it ought to look right. Mine is going back since I can no longer look at these imperfections, they just drive me nuts!
 
Crazy Fast Turnaround, hopefully good news

I got a shipping notice today from Smith and Wesson that my 625 is coming home via Fed EX. Its only been 1 week today since I shipped it to them!! They couldn't have had it in house for more than a day or two. I am excited and worried at the same time. Maybe they aren't busy right now and they slapped a new barrel in in and sent it out :D, or maybe they decided to ship it back as is :mad:. Either way I should have it tomorrow according to the tracking and I will report what has or has not been fixed.
 
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Great News!

I really could not be more impressed with Smith and Wesson's service. I sent the gun off to them only 7 days ago including the weekend. I never spoke to anyone at S&W. I just got on the website and submitted a claim, they sent a shipping label and I used it. Thats all! The gun showed up today with a peice of paper in the case describing the service. It reads as follows:

Customer Complaint: Stock Fit
Repair: Replaced stocks

Customer Complaint: B & C Open (barrel and cylinder opening)
Customer Complaint: Barrel/Frame line up
Repair: Replaced Barrel

I am happy to report that the new barrel is perfectly aligned with the frame and the cylinder to barrel gap is .004" all the way around. The new stocks fit well and they even threw the original stocks back in the box!

I've already put five full moon through it and its a tack driver now. I am so happy about all of this and I'm celebrating my rekindled love for S&W by ordering a new 4" 617 from my LGS.

Cheers!
 
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