Overtightened barrels

[bpm32]

I picked up a 686SSR the other day. It's got an interchangeable front sight, so I was swapping out the red ramp for a gold bead when I noticed the barrel was cranked over to the left slightly. Using a straight edge it's only about a millimeter, so not enough to be uncorrectable with the rear sight, but enough to be annoying. I've got a Lew Horton M27 from the PC that's got the same problem, only worse.

I read another thread that said this would still be considered within spec at S&W, so my question is, is this something a local gunsmith should be able to correct pretty easily?

 

[TAROMAN]

I have a 681 that had exactly the same issue. In my case, the local 'smith recommended that I return it to the factory, which I did. They fixed it to "within specification". Not perfect, but very close. As I understand the issue, the barrel has to be re-fitted, not just cranked around. Years ago, I had a taurus revolver with the same issue, and their service shop refused to correct it, again claiming it was within their tolerance (no surprise there)

 

[MacGuffin]

Kentucky Windage?

I have a 681 that had exactly the same issue. In my case, the local 'smith recommended that I return it to the factory, which I did. They fixed it to "within specification". Not perfect, but very close. As I understand the issue, the barrel has to be re-fitted, not just cranked around. Years ago, I had a taurus revolver with the same issue, and their service shop refused to correct it, again claiming it was within their tolerance (no surprise there)

Just curious...

Since your 681 is a fixed-sighted revolver, is the cant significant enough to require a little Kentucky windage at the range? Or, is the POA to POI satisfactory enough?

 

[TAROMAN]

Just curious...

Since your 681 is a fixed-sighted revolver, is the cant significant enough to require a little Kentucky windage at the range? Or, is the POA to POI satisfactory enough?

No. It is fine now. A very smooth, accurate revolver. One of my favorites.

 

[MacGuffin]

No. It is fine now. A very smooth, accurate revolver. One of my favorites.

Good to hear!

I had a 681 myself once. Actually, it was my very first S&W revolver. I bought it brand new when I was stationed in North Carolina back in the '80s. I ended up selling it later on... a regrettable move. I have since acquired other fine S&W revolvers with which I will never part. At least until I'm gone. Then, hopefully, my son, and his offspring, will feel the same way!