Performance Center....Look Before You Leap

[mchech]

This may be another "return to sender" posts. Sorry but my gut has been churning since noon. This has the potential to be my second in a row return to factory S&W in 2 years.

I took my week old 625 to the indoor range today. After shooting the first 3 shots at 50' I was shooting left 9" off a solid rest. So I moved the rear sight to the right and shot a cylinder full. POI moved right but once I got the group centered on target I was at the extreme far right on the rear blade. Upon investigating in good light I noticed the front bead leaning several degrees to the right as you would look down the sights.

If my memory serves me you move the rear sight in the direction you want the POI to move & move the front sight opposite of direction you want POI to move. Correct?

It looks like the barrel needs turned in a few more degrees to bring the front blade to top dead center. I can see this from where the barrel top rib meets the frame. I'm not even going to get into the grip fit.

Looks like Friday will be hunting down Customer Service for a label. I hope they can fix this one up on the first return. It took two "return to senders" to fix my 317.

This one is partly my fault. I didn't look over this piece with a fine tooth comb before I brought it home. I was so excited about finally owning one of those "PC" guns. Next time, if it ever happens, I'll be more carefull.

OR........I could put some type of red dot sight on it as planned and get on with my life............but then I would be admitting defeat!

 

[allglock]

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Kframe66]

I wish you the best of luck.

+1 Here's hoping for a quick and successful turnaround.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Sad, hope it works out for you....

 

[Duke426]

If you had decided to put a red dot on it BEFORE you discovered the problems, fine. Do it. If not, send it back and make 'em do it right. Actually, make 'em fix it anyway...you paid good money for what should be one of their premier products...hold 'em to your standards. Don't let S&W off the hook until it's right.

 

[andyo5]

Insist that they fix it, be persistent, and be patient.
A few weeks from now you will be glad that you were.

 

[mchech]

Oh I am sure they will fix it ...eventually. I'm in this thing for the long run. They will be sending me FedEx labels till they get it right. The idea of the moon clips and stainless revolver in 45 acp really turns my crank.

Just it is so darn frustrating looking at that rear sight blade shifted clear over to the extreme right to center POI at 50'. I am blaming the POI on a canted barrel but it could be other things. An front sight offset to the right would result in a POI to the left. That is all I can see. Worst of all is the disgust I have in myself for not spotting the canted front bead before I signed the papers and took it to the range. Many have complained of this problem.

I believe S&W is the best and a Performance Center gun is supposed to be the best of the best. Next time I will open my eyes and approach with extreme caution.

 

[Ashlander]

Somebody recently posted a thread with a video of the S&W Performance Center in action -- when they showed the barrels being screwed on -- it was just some guy with a big wrench and a vice -- it's no wonder they miss by a few degrees on some of them.

 

[mchech]

Follow Up

I could have fixed it but.... I could have taken it somewhere but......Just like a tree falling in a forest, someone needs to hear it. Someone at S&W.

I decided to call S&W and have them make it right with my 625. On 3/13 I got the return label via email. Boxed it up with a description of the problem of canted barrel and poorly fitted grips. Called FedEx for a pick-up at my home. They responded with a same day pick-up in 1 1/2 hrs.

Today (3/28) FedEx delivered my revolver. The barrel is aligned. The sight is top dead center. The grips have been replaced with a set for show and tell. I am satisfied.

Though I am satisfied with customer service I still am disappointed with quality control at S&W. As this is my second in a row revolver problem requiring return shipping, S&W needs to attend to their inspection process. All these shipping costs and customer complaints have got to add to the retail pricing and loss of consumer faith in their products. It is a loose - loose situation for everyone. We don't need another American company going "toes up" over problems that can be solved with a tweak and a twist BEFORE they hit the market.


625 PC by mchech, on Flickr

 

[ladder13]

Glad they fixed it for you, and you're right on everything else you said. Nice gun also.

 

[allglock]

Look it over good, and make sure they didnt Bubba it in any other way!
Glad to hear your initial inspection is good! My 43C is there now for the 2nd time, and they still have not touched it (and its been there for almost 2 weeks)!

 

[Ashlander]

I like the look of the new grips!

 

[mchech]

Almost Forgot

I forgot to add something.......When I went to put the box away I noticed something sticking out of the foam liner. It was a complete rear sight assembly with a higher blade. I had quick fit a Weigland base to the gun just for a check fit before I shipped it back. When I removed the base and reinstalled the original sight I didn't crank the sight down very much. Apparently someone saw that the rear sight was rather higher than normal and threw the second one in. I am just assuming this is the case but who knows. Anyways I don't think I need it but it's nice to have just in case.

 

[larkop]

I'm glad that there's a happy ending to the story.

 

[Dale53]

In spite of the misfortune to have a revolver "less than perfect", now that you have made the effort to have Smith fix it, I predict you will LOVE this new revolver.

I have a pair of 625's (including one JM Special) and they are not only the revolvers I cherish the most they are my most shot revolvers (one leads to the other, I suspect).

Here is wishing you the best of everything with this FINE revolver!

Dale53