[444]

I have a S&W Model 27 that seems to have a dark cloud hanging over it. After the first day I bought it, I had to have the barrel replaced (my fault, not the gun). I shot it for the first time today after getting it back from the barrel replacement probably close to a year ago. Now I have different problems. I think the barrel is screwed in too far. My first indication of this is when I had difficulty cocking the hammer (yes it was dirty at this point). I opened the cylinder and it looked to me like there were marks in the fouling that indicated to me that it was dragging on the back of the barrel. Secondly, I have the rear sight adjusted all the way to the right and the gun still shoots to the left. Lastly, when shooting double action, the trigger stacks so bad that it is incredible. I think this may be because the cylinder is dragging across the rear of the barrel.
Ok, so far I have sent it to my usual gunsmith for the barrel replacement. Then I sent it to the S&W Performance Center for an action job. I am still not close to satisfied. I now want to find a top notch smith to send it to. I want a guy that specializes in S&W revolvers if possible.
Any suggestions ?

[Old Fuff]

Some people have all the luck ….

Swing out the cylinder and hold back the thumbpiece. Then work the action by cocking the hammer, firing it, and then double-actioning it with the trigger. Is the action easier? If so, the cylinder is probably rubbing somewhere. This could be for a number of reasons, but I would suspect the new barrel.

As for a pistol smith, I would suggest Cylinder & Slide, Inc. (www.cylinder-slide.com) in Freemont, NE. They do excellent work and back it with a guarantee.

Before sending the revolver anywhere, take it out, center the rear sight, and shoot a group with your preferred ammunition. Send the target with the gun so the “smith” will know how to set it. In your case the barrel should be turned slightly to the left if you’re shooting to the left and want to move to the right.

[WESHOOT2]

Wander around here www.americanpistol.com for 'Best-Quality' help.
C&S good.

[cxm]

Depending on how many rounds that have been through your gun, and how well the spacing was done when the barrel was installed your problem could be a number of things.

The best advice you will get is also the easiest.... call the S&W 800 number. Tell them your problem. They can advise you, but my suggestion is simply get them to send you a FEDex label and send the gun to them.

S&W may fix the gun under warranty.... they are VERY good about that...if not ask for the "tune up" service. This will return your gun to you in as new condition for a service charge of about $50 unless major parts are needed(on the last I sent in the even re-cut the forcing cone for the price) and you can be sure it will be done right..

Service is very fast (last one they did for me took only three weeks, including rebluing), quality is unequalled and the price is right

BTW, if you are not happy with the finish, this would be a good time to get a reblue too... then you have an as new gun.

Try it ... you will llike it.

V/r

Chuck

[444]

Thanks for the replies. I checked out that American Pistolsmiths Guild web page. I have done that before. That was where I discovered Jack Weigand. He did some work on my Model 29 and it is a work of art. The accuracy is incredible. However, Jack now only does a few certain packages and doesn't do regualr gunsmithing. I will probably call someone from that page however.

Chuck:
I have sent numerous guns to S&W, including this one. They do quality work, and have a great turn around time. However it is my opinion that they don't do as good as some of the really good gunsmiths. I sent a Model 14 to them for an action job and it is fantastic. Other stuff I sent there for an action job is so-so. Not bad, but so-so.

[Standing Wolf]

Out of the box, my 1978 or 1979 model 27 was an absolute dog. I did an action job on it, with the result that both the single and double action trigger pulls are light, smooth, and crisp, but the gun remained woefully inaccurate.

A Clark barrel with very tight twist solved the accuracy problem; unfortunately, it was too bulky for what's left of my wrist. A gunsmith is working on shaving off some metal and shortening the barrel.

Sooner or later, it'll be the gun it was supposed to be when I bought it.