any suggestions for accurizing a Model 63?

[Rich S]

hey fellas,
i have this little model 63 4" that i bought. it could not be adjusted to hit to the sights and so i sent it back to S&W it now sort of patterns around where it is pointed but isn't what i'd call accurate (my 317 3" outshoots it)but S&W says that it is in spec.
others have posted that their M-63's are not so accurate. does anyone have a feel for what is wrong with the 63? it is a neat reliable package but if it can't be made to shoot straight i may have to go find one of those ruger Mark 2's.
i have this uncontrollable urge to burn up a bunch of .22 ammo this spring.
Regards,
Rich

 

[Rich S]

hey fellas,
i have this little model 63 4" that i bought. it could not be adjusted to hit to the sights and so i sent it back to S&W it now sort of patterns around where it is pointed but isn't what i'd call accurate (my 317 3" outshoots it)but S&W says that it is in spec.
others have posted that their M-63's are not so accurate. does anyone have a feel for what is wrong with the 63? it is a neat reliable package but if it can't be made to shoot straight i may have to go find one of those ruger Mark 2's.
i have this uncontrollable urge to burn up a bunch of .22 ammo this spring.
Regards,
Rich

 

[OKFC05]

I have 2 that I use for trainers, and they have been shot a lot.
While they will fire any ammo, I find them to be rather different in accuracy with different ammo. They aren't that great with bulk .22.
With their favorite target ammo, I have gotten 1" at 25yd, which is exceptional.
My 6" Model 617 is not only inherently more accurate, but is easier to shoot.

 

[Spotteddog]

Have you given it a REAL close inspection for leading? God only knows how many thousands of rounds were shoved down her throat, of dubious quality. Much less between cleanings? I know it isn't something I'd look for on one of my own long term guns, but this one came from a second party.

 

[Rich S]

the barrel is clean best i can tell (shiney bore all lands and grooves sharply defined) the gun had seen very little if any shooting before i got it. i think i will try to slug it and see what the throats mike out at in relation to the bore, that is kind of what my gut says to check. anyone know what would be a good throat diameter and or a good bore diameter for a .22?
thanks for the replies guys keep them coming. it's getting to be a quest to get this gun to shoot at least as well as my 317 3" i hesitate to slug that gun's aluminum cylinder but will surely want to see how the bullets sized from the 63 cyl fit through it.
Regards,
Rich

 

[noctemman]

I just sold my 617 4 inch that would not shoot 4 inch groups at 50 yds so I dumped it. I just got a 63 4inch hoping it will do better as a friend does very well with his. Maybe we will have to go to 6 inch barrels which have a good shooting reputation on the 617.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Finding an ammo that it likes is pretty important, .22's are finicky at best.

 

[dfariswheel]

You can't really "accurize" a revolver like you can a 1911.

The standards for better revolvers accuracy are:

Make sure the gun is in as close to perfect factory specification adjustment as possible.
This means barrel/cylinder gap, end shake, alignment, timing, and the small things like a smooth forcing cone.
Custom revolver gunsmiths are really putting the gun in to as close to perfect condition as possible, not tightening parts fit like on a 1911.

Make sure the bore and chambers are CLEAN.

Test fire as many brands/types of ammo as you can get to find the one your specific gun "likes". This is especially critical on the picky .22LR.
Clean between brands.

 

[shovelwrench]

Measure your throats, they should be .359.

If they are anything under .358, the gun WILL NOT shoot to its potential. The other thing to check is timing, this requires a rod you slide down the barrel after dropping the hammer and continue holding the trigger. I don't recall the name of the rod... feild gauge, range rod, something or other.... The rod precisely checks your timing.

OH, and that stuff the other guys mentioned.

 

[shovelwrench]

Realizing I gave you 38/357 measurements....

Quick check with Google says bore size on .22 is .22, you need throats of .221 or larger. The "rod" still applies, if available in .22

 

[shovelwrench]

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/...uctdetail.aspx?p=655

 

[Rich S]

thanks fellas,
good info.
i'll post back.
Regards,
Rich