Model 63-5 forcing cone question

[ike1518]

I just picked up a new Model 63-5 today and have not shot it yet as I always clean new guns before shooting them for the first time. I don't recall seeing threading in forcing cones before - is this normal? Also, the threads look a bit rough as well and am wondering your thoughts on this gun?

 

[armorer951]

Definitely not normal. I would contact S&W warranty service, and send them some images, including the one you posted above.

 

[Protocall_Design]

There should never be threads in the forcing cone. It should be a smooth taper. That is totally wrong. It might turn out OK if recut, but we don't know how big it is already.

 

[pantannojack]

I had similar marks in a 586 no M. I credit them to shoddy workmanship. A forcing cone cutter or hone might be a solution.

 

[ike1518]

Thanks all for confirming that this forcing cone is peculiar. I will contact S&W tomorrow and see what they say.

 

[stansdds]

That is just poor workmanship.

 

[__steve__]

Can you actually notice the ridges when dragging something over it, or is it mostly visual?
That is very odd, kinda like threaded engine cylinder bores

 

[WR Moore]

That's probably the worst case of reamer rash I've ever seen in a forcing cone. Either a defective reamer or chips caught during the reaming process.

 

[ajgunner]

The shoulder also looks quite square/sharp---no bevel or chamfer at all. Don't think I would want to shoot that before contacting S&W. I would put money on that one needing to make a return trip.

 

[ike1518]

I talked to SmithWesson after they received my email with the picture from my first post on this thread. They said thread marks were normal and to go ahead and shoot it to see if there were any problems. I did shoot it and I have to admit that it actually shot quite well and there were no issues. I guess I'll just go with it as is and send it back if problems develop.

Thanks again to all for your comments.

 

[stansdds]

"Go ahead and shoot it, see if there are any problems". That seems to be S&W's current attitude towards quality control.

 

[Old Corp]

My prediction for S&W's response was wrong.
My bet was they'd tell you to shoot it 'til the visible threads filled with lead and carbon, and then they'd be less apparent and you'd be good to go....

 

[Gunz50]

PLEASE call them and ask them when they started "threading" forcing cones. Then ask for a return pickup tag and get the barrel either removed and properly finished or request a brand new barrel that has been properly made and QC'd before getting shipped back.

 

[WR Moore]

Given the amount of meat in the barrel tenon, a very careful application of an 11 degree forcing cone reamer might clean that up and still remain within specs. I don't have a spec for a .22 rf. That said, I once collaborated with a friend on rebarreling an H&R revolver he had. He'd acquired a "shot out" Anschutz target rifle barrel and I installed (part of) it. It turned out that what I thought was a horrendously oversize forcing cone was necessary for the uh, generous, barrel/cylinder alignment. I ended up (nearly?) copying the factory forcing cone. The barrel provided a vast improvement in accuracy, no apparent issues with bullet shaving or lead deposits on the cylinder face or frame.

FWIW, the reamer type mentioned above did a great job on the forcing cone of my model 60 while staying in spec. The trick is to have a bore riding bushing just ahead of the reamer and also use the centering cone at the muzzle. This keeps the reamer centered on the bore.

 

[zeke]

That is not normal, and would walk up the ladder of S&W management to get it fixed. While a cutter might well take care of it, it could easily enlarge the forcing cone too much and thy could legitimately say your fault. If anything, would think it would make it a pia to clean.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I would just shoot and enjoy it. There is a lifetime warranty.