accuracy issues with S&W 317

[LLJ53]

Does anyone have any experience with the S&W 317?
Purchased a S&W 317 so that I could have a less expensive way of practicing with a J Frame. At 21 feet it shoots 4" to the Right of point of aim. At 50 feet it is 18" to the right of point of aim. Since this is a fixed sight model I think my only option is to send it into S&W for them to look and and fix. Never have done that before so I am open to any other suggestions.
As a point of reference my Walther TPH hits point of aim out to 50 feet.

 

[bikemutt]

As a first step, I'd suggest using a rest to dial out as much operator factors as possible.

 

[788Ham]

^^^^^ 1 ^^^^^ Have to agree with that! I got an Ruger SP 101, .357 a couple months ago, shot it today, off a rest @ 25 yds, you can bet I need more time and ammo to get better. My rear sights are the groove also, just takes time my friend! My revolver is stiff yet, first 50 rounds thru it today, long way to smoothness, enjoy!

 

[tubeshooter]

This gun is light and notoriously tough to shoot - but those numbers sound like more than just the shooter.


The rest advice is very good.

 

[Triggernosis]

LLJ, I actually sold my 317 3" (w/ adjustable sights) due to its inaccuracy. I think I actually had a lemon, because I had to send it back to S&W twice for other issues. I bought it as a "trail" gun to bag small game, plink, etc., but I couldn't hit schit with it. Even using a rest, I couldn't get decent groups....it simply wasn't accurate. Sold it for a loss of almost $200.

 

[waidmann]

My brother had same problem, sent it back, they fixed it 2+ years ago.

 

[hookshot1]

Keyholing with S&W 317

What accuracy should I expect from a S&W snubnose .22 LR model 317 AirLite revolver? It is keyholing from 3 yds and further. I have tried Remington Target ammo and CCI mini-mags, and others.

 

[rcmodel]

I just answered the same question from you in another thread you started!

Can't answer them all!

rc

 

[hookshot1]

Sorry, I'm new to this Forum and it's hard to figure out how to use it...I wasn't sure what a thread was. The person who knew of a 317 that got successfully fixed...did the bullets land nose first from 3 to 15 yds after the fix?

 

[JFrame]

Does anyone have any experience with the S&W 317?
Purchased a S&W 317 so that I could have a less expensive way of practicing with a J Frame. At 21 feet it shoots 4" to the Right of point of aim. At 50 feet it is 18" to the right of point of aim. Since this is a fixed sight model I think my only option is to send it into S&W for them to look and and fix. Never have done that before so I am open to any other suggestions.
As a point of reference my Walther TPH hits point of aim out to 50 feet.

LLJ53 -- I have a 317 that shoots about 4" left at the same distance with the adjustable rear sight centered. This gun was a gift, and I'm not sure I would have caught it anyway, but I finally noticed that the front sight is not aligned exactly with the rear -- the barrel looks over-torqued to the left by a bit. Moving the rear sight as far left as it would go, without actually leaving the mount, more-or-less centered the gun's POI. I have always been meaning to send the 317 back to S&W to have the barrel realigned.

I'm wondering if you're encountering a similar issue with your barrel torqued the other way?


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[hookshot1]

I don't have a rear sight. My 317 is has the 1 7/8 inch barrel.

 

[JFrame]

I don't have a rear sight. My 317 is has the 1 7/8 inch barrel.

But either way, the OP should be able to tell if his barrel and front sight are slightly out of alignment with the frame.


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[hookshot1]

Thanks, my groupings indicate my sighting is ok...I think it was just the trashy ammo, and my not cleaning the bore, cylinder, and frame behind the cylinder thoroughly. Should any of the trigger action be oiled?

 

[JFrame]

Thanks, my groupings indicate my sighting is ok...I think it was just the trashy ammo, and my not cleaning the bore, cylinder, and frame behind the cylinder thoroughly. Should any of the trigger action be oiled?

Sorry, hookshot1 -- I was confused...Are you also LLJ53?

Yeah, rimfire guns in particular can be quite ammo sensitive. I have a couple of .22's that react differently (and completely the opposite) with two different brands of ammo (CCI and Winchester).

I tend not to over-oil any gun -- just less chance of gumming the works (especially on a 317, since it's even less prone to moisture corrosion). But a light oiling in the action wouldn't hurt it either.


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[hookshot1]

I'm new to this forum...or any forum for that matter...didn't know how to use it at first...I don't think I'm also LLJ53...if so, please delete me as LLJ53. Thank all you guys for the help.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would try a lot of different ammo before I proclaim the revolver as the problem. I would also do as above, use a rest to remove as much of the operator error as you can. Trigger control is also very important especially with a short barrel revolver.

I highly suggest you buy some snap-caps and do a lot of dry firing to help your trigger control. The bonus is the trigger will also smooth out a bit with the firing. DO NOT dry fire a .22 without snap caps, you will damage your revolver.

 

[JFrame]

I would try a lot of different ammo before I proclaim the revolver as the problem. I would also do as above, use a rest to remove as much of the operator error as you can. Trigger control is also very important especially with a short barrel revolver.

I agree -- in the particular instance I was addressing, you could actually see a mis-alignment of the front sight versus the top-strap of the frame.


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