686 problem: canted barrel.

Denich

Denich

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Burlington, ON
So i just got a new-to-me 686-1 in the mail. It is a silhouette model with a 8 3/8" barrel.

When i got it i saw that the rear sight was adjusted almost all the way to the right which was a bit concerning. Upon closer inspection, the front sight is slightly leaning to the right. This is caused by the barrel not being exactly in line with the frame. It is off by such a minuscule amount that it probably shouldnt matter but it does anyway. Its a bit hard to aim the gun when the front sight is visible crooked when aiming.

Here's a picture of what i mean. It's hard to tell but the barrel is leaning slightly.

P2220598.jpg



Upon googling it seems that its a fairly common thing with s&w.

Here's the question. Is this fixable? will a gunsmith be able to fix this for me?


On a separate note, i have the same problem with my stag arms ar-15, except there the sight is leaning to the left. Might be time to stop buying used guns :(
 
I had a performance centre 686 a few years back and it's the way the barrel was tightened on not 100% square if you will

Being it to a good pistol smith then can set it straight

Good luck
 
I wouldn't worry about it, provided that it isn't so far off that you can't sight it in. It isn't all that unusual for S&W revolvers to not have the barrel indexed perfectly.
 
As noted, it's a 686-1 made probably in the 80's when quality was still high. Seriously folks, just because you didn't like the latest batch of 629's is no reason to throw ever revolver S&W ever made under the bus. They are still the nicest DA wheelguns ever made with the possible exception of the python. Though I'd take a 5" 27-0 over a python anyday.
 
You might want to shoot it first if you haven't already, I have bought many guns where the sights looked way off and then shot it and found it hit way off. Sighting it in properly all was good and reasonable once again.
 
It's been known to happen, Murray Charlton will be able to fix it if you decide to go that direction.

Also not just a S&W issue (new or old), had a brand new Ruger that was like that and an old Security Six also.

Again, it happens.
 
pageophile said:
It's been known to happen, Murray Charlton will be able to fix it if you decide to go that direction.

Also not just a S&W issue (new or old), had a brand new Ruger that was like that and an old Security Six also.

Again, it happens.
Click to expand...

Just looked him up, thanks. My gun came from BC lol, dont feel like sending it back there, I ended up emailing a local gunsmith that has a good reputation, hopefully i'll get a reply.
 
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