Canted barrel question

[Cpo1944]

I read with much interest the posts about the new robot /cnc high tech milling machines and how accurate they are . Well after thinking about all of those posts both pro and con, I can't help but wonder , if they are so good why then do we have this current rash of misaligned barrels??? It is not a small problem as I have seen enough examples with my own eyes to know the extent of the issue.Just last week I opened a new in the box model 617 , and sure enough the barrel was twisted, and that was just one of many I`ve seen. I did not buy it for that reason.
I do have two S&W`s with locks and I like them, so I am not set against the new stuff, only the Defective new stuff.

So I ask how are the canted barrels getting out of the factory and past the quality control guys or robots or whichever???

 

[Ashlander]

It's not a new problem. I had a 1984 65-3 with a canted barrel. Either the shoulder is threaded a tiny bit too far or too shallow, and then it is screwed on and clocked by a human being with a really big wrench. Sometimes his eye is a little off. I suspect the problem has always been out there, but there was no internet to spread the news to such a vast audience.

The good new is that new two piece barrels may well make an end of the canted barrel problem, so new technology comes to the rescue.

 

[finesse_r]

The Times, They are a Changing..

Very seldom does a robot produce the quality of an old school craftsman. They are however, almost universally cheaper than old school craftsmen.

However, it is a sign of the new times that old school craftsmen are just not economically viable in a consumer oriented throw-away-and-replace-it world.

 

[Bob1943]

I am really disappointed with this canted barrel problem. I have been hoping to buy a new 686-Plus, 2.5" barrel for the last 6 weeks or so.

I have looked at two 686-plus models, two PC 686s, and two PC 627s.

Four out of those 6 new Smiths had canted barrels. Seems to be the rule now, rather than the exception. Very unfortunate that their QC has slipped to this level.

 

[Ndbackroad]

After many years of purchasing used S&W I am looking at a M69. What is a canted barrel, and how can I tell if the barrel is canted?

 

[Bob1943]

A canted barrel is when the barrel is screwed into the frame too far, or, not far enough, such that the flat ribbing on top of the barrel is not parallel (or not aligned) with the flat ribbing on top of the frame. It is usually very obvious.

 

[bemisgt]

After many years of purchasing used S&W I am looking at a M69. What is a canted barrel, and how can I tell if the barrel is canted?

If you are looking at a Model 69 you shouldn't have any worries as it is a two piece barrel.