Uneven Rifling At Mouth Of New 642?

[Grocked]

I have a few little issues with my new unfired 642. The forcing cone has a few little burrs on it. They slightly protrude into the bore but are not noticeable when the cylinder is closed.

The other issue I have is that the rifling appears to be uneven at the mouth of the bore. Do these issues affect any other 642ers out there or did I just get a lemon? I'm looking forward to fully enjoying this great gun. Thanks!

...I spoke with S&W this morning. In reference to the burrs, one service tech. wants to send a return label and another tech. said it was not a problem and not to bother sending it back. He said to just break it in or carefully remove the little burrs myself. I'm leaning towards just sending it back and letting S&W deal with everything. It's a new gun and my first Smith. Is it unreasonable to be this picky? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Oro]

The burrs around the forcing cone are pretty common. They don't hand finish them like they used to.

About the barrel/muzzle - I've seen this before and it's not always what it appears. It's often an optical illusion - I've seen guys take photos, show everyone and we all agree it looks off, then mike it and it's perfect. Check this isn't the case before you get convinced it's defective. I know this sounds odd, but I've seen it to be the case.

 

[Grocked]

Thanks for the advice kamerer. I'm almost tempted to not send it back. Perhaps just break it in. Why subject it to two cross country shippings and any other unnecessary issues...

 

[20nickels]

My NIB 617 rifling was non-existent on the bottom 50% at the muzzle, groups were horrible. Was fixed with a phone call and a shipping label. Now it's a laser. Was probably the new EDM rifling process to blame. You are the factory tester. Nickels.

 

[Oro]

I'm not saying I'm for certain right, but I have seen this optical illusion on some modern S&Ws. It's a head scratcher. You have a lifetime warranty, so if it turns out to be a problem, you're still covered later. See how she shoots and if she groups tight, then I wouldn't worry. That's always the real test.

 

[Grocked]

"My NIB 617 rifling was non-existent on the bottom 50% at the muzzle, groups were horrible. Was fixed with a phone call and a shipping label. Now it's a laser. Was probably the new EDM rifling process to blame. You are the factory tester. Nickels."

The rifling on the top 50%, at the muzzle, of my 642 is virtually non-existent. I mean the list keeps growing... What do you think it would take to get a complete replacement gun?

 

[20nickels]

How does it shoot? All mine needed was another barrel. Take it back to where you bought it and get a 2nd (or 3rd) set of eye's on it. Then, if needed contact S&W.

 

[xring]

I'd shoot it and see what it does. If the finish is new on it, it's likely to come back scratched up anyway. Ask me how I know.

 

[DAdams]

642 Thread

If you wade through the 642 thread you will find your issues discussed.
I definitely would not be concerned the burrs. But that is just IMO.

The rifling (or lack thereof) effecting the crown view may or may not be a problem.

It is an interesting optical conundrum though.