Need advice on clocking a J frame barrel

[bigmoose]

Yesterday I test fired my recently purchased Model 651. It was shooting left. I adjusted the rear sight way over to the right to get it on target. That worked. Not really happy with having a rear sight well over near its limit of travel, I looked closer at why it would shoot that much left. On close inspection the grooved barrel rib was slightly to the right of its proper position with the corresponding surface at the top strap.

So I need to clock it just a few degrees tighter and I am sure that will bring the rear sight adjustment back to a tolerable position (by moving the front sight to the left).

I was planning on making a pair of hardwood blocks with a relief of the half profile of the barrel, rib, and ejector rod boss. Then clamping the barrel and the blocks in a vise. Would I then use wood clamps in the area of the upper forward portion of the frame extending down along the crane area to bottom of frame and give a little twist? The barrel needs to be clocked by tightening, not loosening, luckily.

I fear bending something or doing other harm. What say you guys?

Thanks much.

 

[armorer951]

My opinion would be that you should leave it be. There is a good chance that by attempting to modify the current position of the barrel without the proper tools, that you could damage the frame beyond repair.

If it bothers you that much, send it back to Smith and Wesson for repair. It's under warranty.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I would send it back. It won’t cost anything but a few weeks gone.

 

[oink]

I don't doubt that it's slightly misaligned but I'd check your finger/trigger position. You may need to adjust that or possibly different grips.

 

[bigmoose]

The gun is from 1983. Can I still “send it back”? I read all the horror stories about guys sending guns back and they return in worse shape. It most definitely is a gun issue and not a shooter issue. I’ve shot competitively for several years etc.

Has anyone done this kind of work at home?

Great little gun otherwise. I really like it.

 

[hogblue]

Don’t know if an 83 mfg will be a warranty job but 951 is correct. You could damage the frame beyond repair leaving you a nice paperweight. Send it in. If it’s not under warranty they will contact you with the charges before repair.

 

[haywood]

I took one to a gunsmith years ago. He had a special wrench. He fixed it in seconds for free.

 

[WR Moore]

If you got it sighted in, I'd leave it alone. There is a very, very fine line between proper barrel torque and a cracked frame at the yoke cutout on J frames. Done correctly it's generally not as easy as just cranking the barrel a smidgen tighter. It's definitely NOT a do it yourself project.

 

[H Richard]

To do it properly, probably requires the removal of the barrel, putting in a lathe and cutting the barrel seat back "just enough", and it does require special tools and training and experience to do it correctly without damaging the revolver. Only someone that has the talent, training, and equipment should attempt it.

 

[Sarge45]

Don't do it yourself. Send it to Smith or a reputable gunsmith and have it done right.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[bigmoose]

Alright guys. Everything offered here makes sense. I’ll leave it alone. The last thing I want is a paperweight. I much appreciate everyone’s willingness to speak up and give sound advice.