617 S&W Question

[xring44]

I recently purchased a new 617 S&W, a really pretty little revolver,,but am less than pleased with its accuracy....Average 1 1/2" at 25 yards. I've also noticed when cleaning a large sliver of lead maybe 3/32 X 3/4" will come out on the brush or patch, I read the post about buying a revolver and things to look for, lock up, cylinder end play, side shake etc. Very good article by the way. With the cylinder open useing a strong light directed into the forceing cone, it has rings, almost like threads inside the mouth of the forceing cone, has anyone seen this on other S&Ws? Thanks for any feed back.

 

[juneau803]

Hmmm.....I own a 617 and it's a tack driver.

Maybe one of the experts will comment on your forcing cone issue. If I had to guess (not being an expert) I would think that it is machine marks you are seeing if they are not too deep. Get your hands on a "Lewis Lead Remover". It has a forcing cone cleaning attachment that you could use with some JB bore cleaning compound. Likely the screen on the forcing cone attachment will polish that forcing cone nice and smooth. It sure does on mine.

More specifically, I've only used the Lewis device on .38's. I'm not sure if they are made for .22's.

 

[Old Fuff]

You may, or may not have a problem with the barrel, but before drawing any conclusions I would carefully clean it and then try some different brands of ammunition, and in particular stay away from the bulk-packs sold in some discount marts. If you still can't get decent groups, return the gun to Smith & Wesson, and include some of your fired targets.

I once ran a test using a popular target pistol at 50 yards, with the gun mounted in a machine rest. Groups ran from slightly under ¾ inches, to over 3 ½ inches, with only thing being changed was the ammunition.

Also some recent S&W revolvers were rifled with a process that produced very shallow rifling, and this could be a factor too.

 

[xring44]

Thanks to both of you for your replys, I just returned from the range, I got somewhat better groups today than in the past, I have tryed every brand of rimfire ammo I can think of, from wolf match gold to Eley, Lapua, CCI Green tag, etc. so far the best groups have come with Wolf match target, I really like this revolver, great trigger, but just not impressed with the groups.

 

[Old Fuff]

In that case I would return the revolver to S&W, with the targets, and ask them to fix it.