New 629 Sight Adjustment question

[zogger]

I have a used 29-3 that I got in Jan. It consistently shoots to the left as well. I switched from the nice wood target grips to some rubber Hogues. This helped some but still shot left. I now have the sight way to the right and it is almost right on. I know some is me but I think some is the gun.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I see the barrel slightly canted to the right.
To compensate you move the rear sight to the right. If my brain is working...

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You got it. With it under-clocked (as seen from the muzzle) the front sight will be canted toward the right (as seen from the rear). When you align the front & rear sights the barrel will now be slightly angled to the left, which accounts for the OP's grouping. Adjusting the rear windage to the right will center group, provided the cant isn't too severe & you have enough adjustment in the sight.

If the OP was to take a picture from the muzzle, looking down the barrel's rib, you'd better see the misalignment where the barrel threads into the front of the frame.

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[Buckeyebill]

Here are two taken from the front.


Bill

 

[mogwan]

My buddy had to return his .44 Performance Center twice for the same problem. It was a poorly aligned barrel. First time S&W tried to straighten it...second time they replaced the gun. Try a small drop of blue loc-tite on the ejector rod. it shouldn't need constant tightening-or needed any tightening from the factory if it was new.

 

[BruceM]

Try a small drop of blue loc-tite on the ejector rod.

This is never a good idea. If you properly tighten the ejector rod, no thread lockers are needed.

Bruce

 

[BLUEDOT37]

/\ +1 /\

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[Buckeyebill]

Contacted customer service this morning.

Shipping label arrived shortly after I got off the phone.

Update to come.

Bill

 

[Taj]

This is never a good idea. If you properly tighten the ejector rod, no thread lockers are needed.

Bruce

Bruce is right. Do not use loctite . Use a proper tool and be sure you put a couple of empty cases in opposite charge holes when you do tighten it. Do not use pliers! A good way of tightening it if you do not have a tool is to use a drill chuck that is clean and in good shape. Put a piece of masking tape on the ejector rod and snug the chuck onto the rod. Use the chuck like a wrench to hand tighten the rod. Good idea to TAKE THE BATTERY OUT OF THE DRILL FIRST. If the chuck is clean and in good shape, it will not damage the ejector rod. I have a tool but typically use my lathe chuck in the shop to do the same.

 

[Taj]

Also, it appears your barrel is under clocked. This puts the top of the front sight over to the right requiring the rear to be adjusted to the right to properly target the gun.

 

[Buckeyebill]

Taj,
I made note of the extractor rod in my letter to Smith and Wesson. Ten years ago I attended a S&W armor course that was job related. Seems like we had a tool that had two prongs that fit into two of the cylinders and a handle. We wrapped the extractor rod in a rubber pad and used hand strength to loosen and tighten. Been ten years so I might be wrong. I will never use "locktite". Perhaps my service rep will take a moment to correct that also. If not, I will follow you suggestion. Seems like a good method. I have high hopes that the gun comes back right. I do not like seeing the rear sight hanging off to the right side by a few threads just to get a center mass hit. While researching the topic, I have seen all types of stories about expectable amounts of barrel cant. I can only hope that my gun returns and the problem is corrected. My past "official business" interaction with S&W with department weapons was always top notch. The Armor course was some of the best training I have ever had. Time will tell with my 629. I have high hopes.
Bill

 

[Buckeyebill]

Update,

Been traveling in Utah last few weeks. 629 returned from factory. I have not inspected the gun yet but my wife opened the box and read the letter from customer service.

Performed service:
Evaluated / Repaired
Adjusted Barrel alignment
Repaired Sear
Replaced Sights
Tighten Strain Screw
Replaced Trigger

I am surprised at the long list of items repaired and replaced when my main complaint was "barrel alignment" and shooting left.

Trigger was not impressive but I figured that was just how it was. So, I will return home in a week and inspect closely. At this point, I feel satisfied based on the long list of work performed and that they addressed all of the issues.

Good Job Smith and Wesson!

Bill

 

[ghostriderxt]

I just bought a new 4 inch 629 it is doing the same thing, rear sight needs to be adjusted way to the right. Any soulutions?