twisted barrel

[codyb65]

Hello all,

I have a 686, and if you look down the business end you can tell the barrel is a bit unaligned in relation to the frame. Also, I can even see that the muzzle sight is off or tilted to the left when i aim it. It shoots well, the only problem is that I know it is crooked and it eats me alive!

Do you think I should send it back to S&W to get it corrected?

 

[Bevo1]

Hello all,

I have a 686, and if you look down the business end you can tell the barrel is a bit unaligned in relation to the frame. Also, I can even see that the muzzle sight is off or tilted to the left when i aim it. It shoots well, the only problem is that I know it is crooked and it eats me alive!

Do you think I should send it back to S&W to get it corrected?

I'd call customer service and let them know. There have been reports of cracked frames due to barrels being overtightened at the factory.

 

[tomuchiron]

Search canted barrels

On this site do a search for canted barrels. Must be a thousand replys by now.
Mike

 

[2hawk]

Is the rear sight centered? If it shoots well I'd leave it alone, if it is only "a bit". Change the position of the front sight, and you'll need to compensate on the rear, that's pretty much a given.

But, if it is triggering a OCD episode, by all means get it corrected.

 

[codyb65]

I will call S&W, But what if Im not the original owner?

 

[JBnTx]

I will call S&W, But what if Im not the original owner?

They won't know that. They won't even ask, so don't mention it.

Send it back with a list of everything you can find wrong.

We should send every defective gun back for them to fix on their dime.
Flood them with defective guns and maybe they'll figure out that it's easier
and cheaper to do it right the first time.

 

[ladder13]

Just curious, what dash # is it? Thanks

 

[codyb65]

the model number is 686-6 ...

 

[ladder13]

the model number is 686-6 ...

Seems to be a pattern here with the newer Smith's. Here's how I look at things, if I'm unhappy with the function and/or the asthetics of the gun, it's going back. You don't want to look at a gun,that you're unhappy with, every day. But, I'm reasonable, nothings perfect except for the Creator who became man, so I don't send it back if it has a buggered grip screw or something minor.
As stated, they don't know if you're the original owner or not, I just sent back a gun that I was at least the 2nd owner of. The ownership question never came up.

 

[codyb65]

Seems to be a pattern here with the newer Smith's. Here's how I look at things, if I'm unhappy with the function and/or the asthetics of the gun, it's going back. You don't want to look at a gun,that you're unhappy with, every day. But, I'm reasonable, nothings perfect except for the Creator who became man, so I don't send it back if it has a buggered grip screw or something minor.

That being said, I will pursue sending back to S&W.

Thanks everyone for the help!!! I will keep you posted on the progress.

 

[ladder13]

That being said, I will pursue sending back to S&W.

Thanks everyone for the help!!! I will keep you posted on the progress.

Here's their contact info:


Shipping/Returns - Smith & Wesson

You could also just fill out a form and they'll send you a label in 2 days. Most people prefer to speak with CS. Either way you're good.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_761651_-1_757814_757812_image

 

[DonD]

Is this really a problem?? After seeing all these canted barrel posts, I took both of my pristine .500 Mags and looked at them with the intent of finding fault.

Well...PERHAPS, I repeat perhaps, I could think that the barrel alignment wasn't perfect but then again, I might be imagining it.

Are some really overdoing the inspection and expecting absolute perfection in a commercial product made by humans? A half degree of misalignment might be detectable but would it in any way impact the performance of the gun at any imaginable distance? Shooter error would be VASTLY more significant.

I'd bet if finding fault was my intent, I'd guess I could find fault with a Rolls Royce or a Ferrari but what would that prove? Don

 

[JBnTx]

Is this really a problem??

Are some really overdoing the inspection and expecting absolute perfection in a commercial product made by humans? A half degree of misalignment might be detectable but would it in any way impact the performance of the gun at any imaginable distance? Shooter error would be VASTLY more significant.

I recently bought a new model 29-10 that I thought was perfect.

That is until I had it about 2 weeks and had put several hundred rounds through it.

Then I noticed that the trigger was not centered in the trigger guard.
It was so far left of center that it protruded from the left side of the bottom of the trigger guard.

It bothered me more and more, so I sent it back.
S&W has it now.

 

[DonD]

Is this really a problem?? After seeing all these canted barrel posts, I took both of my pristine .500 Mags and looked at them with the intent of finding fault.

Well...PERHAPS, I repeat perhaps, I could think that the barrel alignment wasn't perfect but then again, I might be imagining it.

Are some really overdoing the inspection and expecting absolute perfection in a commercial product made by humans? A half degree of misalignment might be detectable but would it in any way impact the performance of the gun at any imaginable distance? Shooter error would be VASTLY more significant.

I'd bet if finding fault was my intent, I'd guess I could find fault with a Rolls Royce or a Ferrari but what would that prove? Don

Perhaps I should have added that nothing in my post should be interpreted to suggest that owners accept shoddy product. Don

 

[s&wchad]

Clocking the barrel changes point of impact (right or left). If your gun is shooting to point of aim, having it "fixed" will require a substantial rear sight adjustment. If your rear sight is centered and it shoots to POA, leave it alone.

 

[Dpris]

On the 686-6 I've had here from about last November, the barrel is over-torqued & I had to move the rear blade very markedly to the right. If it were my gun I'd be returning it.
Denis

 

[codyb65]

Thanks all for the information. .

Everyone knows that there's a line to cross whether its just being too picky and noticing this thing is off big time. I can measure it by looking down the top of the barrel. It is Two- Three lines off the rear sight to the right. (I am talking about that 3" long black plate that the rear sight is on in relation to the groove down the barrel)

For you that have a 686 or even a revolver for that matter, take a gander and let me know if it is similar. and maybe you can give input.

I personally don't want to be the "Thorn in the Side" type of guy.

I am a proud owner of S&W, Which every hand gun i own is a S&W and will not purchase another make.

Thanks

 

[hsmith9491]

The days where craftsmen take pride in their work is
gone forever. America no longer has many skilled trades
left where a fellow not going to college can produce a fine product.
Very few apprentice programs offered to our young people. Industry
is what makes American strong.

 

[ladder13]

Could you post a pic of the area where the barrel meets the frame? I betcha every barrel ever assembled is off by .0000000000000000000001 inch, but who's measuring. If it's really noticable, like some of the ones that have been posted here, just send it back. You're not being a "thorn in the side" or "bothering" anyone, if it's not to your satisfaction, it's your perogative.
I probably have a few guns with torqued barrels, all my guns shoot fine and are accurate, so it matters not to me. Your mileage may vary. And despite popular belief, quality issues are not solely with the newer guns. More issues? Probably, no one knows since there wasn't the internet in the 50's, 60' and 70's.
Btw, you have a real nice collection there, but you need more.

Try posting a picture of the topstrap area.

 

[ladder13]

The days where craftsmen take pride in their work is
gone forever. America no longer has many skilled trades
left where a fellow not going to college can produce a fine product.
Very few apprentice programs offered to our young people. Industry
is what makes American strong.

I had the HVAC guys over my house yesterday to check my AC units, prepping for the summer. Got to talking with the older gent, mainly about the state of our country, but also about the business he's in. He told me they have as much work as they can handle, and the boss is looking for more people. 3/4's of the resumes submitted are from college graduates. None of the prospective new hires have any HVAC experience.
Btw, the younger guy did all the work, and he was excellent and thorough. I gave them a tip.