686 Sight Adjustments and Timing

D

drvector

New member
Greetings All,

Just recently picked up a brand new S&W 686-Plus (seven shot) with a six-inch barrel. I’ve had it for about three weeks and put 300 rounds of 38 though it so far. To date, I think it is fantastic firearm, excellent recoil, and extremely accurate due the longer site radius of the six-inch barrel. Man-o-man, shooting that thing is addictive! :D

Two questions though, the first, the gun is shooting a little low. A friend and I both came to this conclusion independently, so I’m pretty sure that I’m not delusional. I brought a couple of screwdrivers to the range last time out with the intent of adjusting the rear sight; but the adjustment screw would not budge. Are the adjustment screws really tight? I’d find it hard to believe the screw is max’d out on a brand new gun. Has any body else experience this too?

The second question is in regards to the 7-bullet capacity. I notice some discussion on this site on the topic of revolver timing problems, is there a correlation between timing problems and greater bullet capacity. While I don’t think there are any problems with my gun, what specifically is a timing problem and how do they manifest themselves?

Thanks in advanced for your responses
 
The stuck elevation screw is a problem.

First, make sure the rear sight isn't bottomed out, and you're not trying to turn the screw down tighter.
If it's bottomed out, the screw can't turn.

The screw has "clicks" so that when it turns you can get an accurate read of how much you've moved it, and so you can repeat the settings.

I'd suggest getting a good GUNSMITH'S type screwdriver and make sure the bit is an exact fit, then try to move the screw. If it won't move one way, try the other.

If it won't budge, either remove the sight and send it to S&W, or send the entire gun.
The sight screws SHOULD move with little resistance.

The problem with large capacity cylinders isn't so much timing as it is alignment.
Timing is the sequence of the cylinder unlocking, rotating to the next chamber, and re-locking.

Alignment is how accurately the chambers align with the barrel's bore when the cylinder is locked.

The problem with larger capacity cylinders, is it's harder to get all the chambers to align properly.
Not impossible....just harder.

Problems with this are usually more an issue on CHEAP 10 shot .22 revolvers.

It would be VERY unusual to have a problem with a high-grade revolver like a S&W, and we're talking only one more chamber, not 10.

Unless you have good reason to suspect there's a problem with your 686, I wouldn't worry about it.

The rear sight however, doesn't sound good.
 
Have gotten a few smiths like that just don't force it get a little gun oil and put a few drops on and let sit then just easy try turning the screw.look at the sight from the side and see if the is any clearance between the sight and frame if not it is screwed all the way down like the man said.To shoot higher the sight should go up :) If you have fired three hundred rounds I don't think you have a problem you aren't finding any small shavings of lead or brass??
 
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