Would you send this back to S&W?

[arobahn]

I'm a new S&W owner as of a couple months ago. Purchased a brand new 686-6 plus. Finally got out the the range last weekend and put about 100 rounds through it (half 38 special, half 357 magnum).

Every time I fired, the point of impact was to the right of where I aimed. I'm pretty new to shooting, so I'm sure part of the problem was just me. However, I adjusted the rear sight all the way to the left, and was still missing to the right. Several times I had nice groups (looked like one big hole) but several inches to the right of where I was aiming. All of this was with the target at only 7 yards away.

The barrel appears to be overtightened, so that the front sight is canted a bit to the left when aiming. I probably wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't seen the grooves on top of the barrel not lining up with the top strap of the frame. I attached a couple pictures.

Could this be causing the problem? Would you send this back to S&W? What exactly would you ask them to repair/do?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Falo308]

Not sure why these are gettin past s&w quality dept, sure some will say that this,is,within their specs, but come on take some pride in your work, I find tbis unacceptable on a brand new gun from a huge company as s&w. Id call then and get a return label and have them fix it right.
Ive got a 29 44mag the off even more,

 

[18DAI]

Yes. I'd send it back, on their dime. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

 

[UDR2]

I do think it is within specs; however, I agree with Falo308.

Is it just the photograph, or is he blade on the front site bent, or twisted to the right?

In any case, a gun that does not shoot to point of aim should be sent back.

BTW, you say you are new to S&W and new to shooting. If you are left handed, bullets may be thrown to the right due to poor trigger control. If you are right handed, poor trigger control will throw bullets off to the left – so if you are right handed, the gun definitely needs to go back. But if you are left handed, work on trigger control first.

 

[halco46]

Send it back

Yup, I`d send it back and have it made right!.

 

[Tyrod]

What I fear is that these revolvers with the canted barrels have an issue larger than the barrel being mis-indexed. I believe the hole in the frame is either not straight or is mis-located by some small amount causing the barrel to appear canted or that because of the frame problem S&W is canting the barrels purposely to compensate for either of the frame barrel hole problems.

 

[UDR2]

What I fear is that these revolvers with the canted barrels have an issue larger than the barrel being mis-indexed. I believe the hole in the frame is either not straight or is mis-located by some small amount causing the barrel to appear canted or that because of the frame problem S&W is canting the barrels purposely to compensate for either of the frame barrel hole problems.

Interesting... and upon what evidence do you base such conclusions? I owned a 686+ for 3 years before I regrettably sold it (to finance another gun purchase). It's barrel was canted by about as much the OP's, but it shot raged holes at 15 yards and right to the point of aim.

 

[andyo5]

In a word: "definitely!"

 

[icemn]

absolutely!

 

[Bobmar]

I agree it should be sent back. Also,Tyrod please don't start unsubstantiated statement such as you just have IMNO Bob

 

[GregG]

That one needs to make a trip back to S & W, or find a local gunsmith with a receiver wrench and barrel vise to fix it. He'll do it quicker.

 

[arobahn]

I really appreciate all of the replies. I purchased the gun a couple months ago for home defense, right before my daughter was born. It was a big and serious purchase, and I planned (and plan) on practicing with it until I am it's master.

I really thought I did a lot of research before buying it, but apparently I missed the ton of threads and youtube videos about canted barrels from S&W. A little bit frustrating--I figured that since it's probably going to be my only gun I might as well shell out and buy a new one from a good brand. After further research I realize how naive I was. I'll send it back and give them a chance to make it right, and I will let everyone know the result.

 

[arobahn]

Also, UDR2, I am right-handed. I don't think the front sight is bent but I'll take a closer look when I get home. I was looking at it in great detail last night and it really is a beautiful revolver, aside from the barrel issue.

 

[ladder13]

CS is open until 8pm
1-800-331-0852

 

[OldBlood]

Gee, Your picture looks like my picture. I have my label from Smith, little concerned that it might come back with other problems. Good guns, lousy Q.C.

 

[M29since14]

...Every time I fired, the point of impact was to the right of where I aimed. I'm pretty new to shooting, so I'm sure part of the problem was just me.

Before you send it back, if you can let an experience hand give it a try - just to verify what is going on - it might be a good idea. If he gets the same results, then obviously, yes - send it back and get it adjusted. If the old hand doesn't have that problem, do a little dry-firing and see what you are doing when the hammer falls. (Be sure to take appropriate precautions if you do the dry-firing.)

 

[OldBlood]

If the barrel is properly set up, the gun should group. If you have to move the rear site all the way to left or right to get the group on center target (as with my 686) it ain't right . Send it back and let us know how it goes. I'll keep you posted on mine.

 

[allglock]

Send it back. Did S&W hire any assemblers from Ruger?... Because Rugers have been having this problem for years!

 

[youngda9]

Somebody needs to be FIRED at S&W.

 

[amazingflapjack]

PUTRID-absolutely PUTRID.