S&W Revolver Accuracy

[hookshot1]

What accuracy should be expected from a S&W snubnose (1.875 in barrel) .22 LR model 317 AirLite revolver? Bullets keyhole at all distances from 3 yds on out. Have tried Remington Target ammo and CCI mini-mags. Any suggestions on different ammo?

 

[rcmodel]

Accuracy depends on how well you can shoot.
Mine is a good as I can see the sights on a given day.

But bullets should not key-hole, period.

Have you checked the bore & forcing cone for severe lead build-up?

Have you cleaned it real well with a bronze bore brush & solvent?

If the answer to either question is no, then I'd do both ASAP.

rc

 

[Jim NE]

Have no idea if you're already aware of this, but I should mention - I thought one of my guns (snub nose Rossi) was key-holing until I put a stiff cardboard backing behind the flimsy paper target. After that the holes were perfectly round.

If you aren't doing that, then that might be the best place to start, even before cleaning (so you have a sense of proper causality.)

 

[Hondo 60]

I too think you may have an issue with lead build up in the barrel & forcing cone.
Get a pure copper chorboy.
Take one strand & wrap it tightly around a mop or bore brush.
Just 5 or 6 wipes after you're done cleaning, & any lead will be gone.
It's just like magic.

 

[Renegade304]

I absolutely love smith and wesson revolvers, and personally feel they are the most beautiful DA revolvers ever conceived by man.

However I had a 686+ that split cases and key holed on that cylinder every time (no hand loads, all factory stuff) It went to a gun show and stayed there.

So, my point in telling you this, is it is possible for a smith revolver to just be messed up.

(however I do agree that leading is most likely the issue.)

 

[Master Blaster]

If the gun is clean and you have tried a stiff backer for your target, I would call S&W they should send you a prepaid shipping label to send it in and they will fix or replace it free of charge.

 

[Jim Watson]

I would check for leading, clean it out if present, and reshoot with plated bullets like Mini Mags. If it still truly keyholed in a backed target, I would let S&W overhaul it.
Don't sell your problems to the next shooter like Renegade.

 

[19-3Ben]

Don't sell your problems to the next shooter like Renegade.

All he said was that the gun stayed at the gunshow. For all you know, he sold it with full disclosure of the problem.

 

[hookshot1]

You guys were right. I cleaned the revolver better than before, and they now land nose first. I think the problem was 2-fold: lousy Remington ammo, and residue in the barrel and cylinder. Wolf Target Match worked well, and I'll try a few more brands. Any suggestions on ammo would be appreciated as I am relatively new to firearms...sunsonic vs. supersonic, hollow point vs. non-hp, mini-mag vs. regular...the S&W AirLite 317 revolver has a 1 7/8 inch barrel, holds 8 rounds, and is an aluminum j-frame with a steel liner in the barrel, double and single actions.

 

[340PD]

Remingtom ammo gives most people lots of trouble. Try any high velocity hp or regular ammo. CCI generally will give very good results. Keep the gun clean.