Need to tighten 042 barrel 1 or 2 degrees

[wmspdi]

I have a 2" S&W 042 (early version of the 442 with a high gloss blued finish) that shoots 2-3" to the right at 7 yards.

Looking at the bottom flat of the barrel it is not square with the frame. It looks like it needs to be tightened 1 or 2 degrees. This would have effect of moving the front sight to the right a litttle and should bring me back on target.

What is the best way to do this? Can I lock the barrel into a padded vise and slightly turn the frame in the barrel's axis, or are frame and barrel blocks required. I don't want to over torque the barrel and crack the alloy frame.

Thanks.

 

[PattonTime]

042

I have found that S&W will fix this sort of thing for you.
All revolvers made after 1989 have a lifetime warranty as far as I know.
I bought a 696 here on the forum that looked good in the pictures, but would not shoot right for me, it had a whole litany of issues. I checked with them and they said send it in. I now have as fine a example of a 696 as one could have, they straightened the barrel, they fixed the barrel cylinder gap and several other small details.
The only charge was initial cost to send it in.
I hope you would have as good as luck as I did !

 

[scooter123]

Considering the value of the 042 as a collectable I would recomend that you leave it alone. The plain truth is that trying to re-clock your barrel could result in the frame being cracked. Considering that the 042 was a one year only non cataloged model I expect that one day it will be a highly sought after collectable. That means you really shouldn't try and correct what you have now and destroy it in the process. IMO if you want a J frame with the features of your 042 that shoots to POI I would suggest that you stash the 042 in your safe and purchase a 442.

 

[wmspdi]

I kind of fell into the deal on the 042. My son did an even trade with a LGS of his Kahr CW9 for the 042 (original rubber grips, no box or papers). My son didn't like the bright blue finish (too much work to care for it !?!) so he traded the 042 to me for my no lock 442. Neither the LGS or my son knew the history or collectors value of the gun. Besides, my son knows he'll get it back some day in my estate. Recently one of these 042 in the same condition sold on GB for $500+.

I have installed Crimson Trace LG-105 laser grips on the 042 because the small J frame sights are next to worthless anyway. I just thought it would be nice to have the iron sights regulated. The gun is in 98% . It is currently carried everyday in my inside chest jacket pocket as my off duty and backup weapon pending the return of my Kahr PM9 BUG (being held as evidence in a court case). Eventully the 042 will become my night stand gun on return of my PM9.

 

[scooter123]

Considering it's ratity and limited production I would have that 98% finish revolver locked up in a safe. IMO in another 10 or 20 years it will be a highly desired collectable and yours is likely to see a large increase in it's value. Read up a bit on the 042 and you may come to agree, it's nearly an officially sanctioned Mis-Stamp because the higher ups at S&W didn't know what to call it.

 

[ms]

Wouldn't tightening the barrel move the front sight left, and the point of impact right?

 

[wmspdi]

Wouldn't tightening the barrel move the front sight left, and the point of impact right?

You may be right. How are the barrels threaded? I was thinking that if the frame were in a vise block, and you were standing in front the barrel, that counter clockwise rotation of the barrel (to the left) would tighten it to the frame. This would result in moving the sights to the right (while firing the gun).

If the barrel threads tighten in the other direction (clockwise from the front of the gun) then I need to relax the fit instead. A much better option. That is why I asked before diving in!

UPDATE: I just found a web thread (with photos) on installing revolver barrels and it looks like I need to RELAX the barrel fit (aka unscrew it) by 1 or 2 degrees to index the barrel TDC. I don't have frame or barrels blocks (and this is an alloy J frame) so is this something I can do myself, or is a trip to S&W in order? With the future potential collector's value of this gun I am thinking it may need to go to S&W.

 

[yamadeal]

No barrel blocks, no frame wrench, no twist. No short cuts do it right or have it done by someone who has the ability and correct tools. No regrets