Is it my sights? 686 trouble...

S

Shrinkmd

New member
I have a 617 and a 686. I was at the range yesterday, and I was putting nearly all of the .22 rounds through the black, shoots great.

My 686 was a disaster, all low, nearly off the target (6 o clock hold), although right in the middle, just a line going up (as I started aiming above my sights) These were single action. Considering that the rest of my shooting that day was on the money, do I just need to adjust my sights?

Also, there appears to be a ring of crud inside the forcing cone, but before the rifling, which nothing can remove so far. I've tried hoppe's (soaking it for a while) and even a lewis lead remover in both forcing cone and the barrell, and it's still there. Is it normal to have stuff in the gap between the cone and where the rifilng begins? I'll have to take a picture and post it later if I can...

At least the .22 shot well yesterday.

Thanks for all info!
 
Go ahead and raise your rear sight on the 686. You can raise the group somewhat by choosing heavier bullets, but the reason to own an adjustable sighted revolver in the first place is to be able to shoot the load that you like to point of aim.

I can't speak to the crud. I would have to see it first.

Clemson
 
To get rid of crud like that on my revolvers, I have found the easiest and least destructive method to be bore-foam cleaner. I follow the label directions and let it soak on the residure build-up and it will wipe off with a patch and/or a cotton rag easily, and not mar or damage the finish. After cleaning, a good lubricant of your choosing like breakfree or ezzox will protect the gun again, and help reduce future build-ups. HTH
 
686 Shoots low

Make sure not to loosen the rear sight. Top the rear sight OUT. Then you can move down if you need to.
 
Duh, used the light the other way

I was trying to take a picture to show everyone the problem, and I put my light inside the forcing cone. There isn't anything wrong, just the shape makes a shadow which looks like some gunk caught there. With the light right in the cone you can see the nice, shiny metal all the way around.

Doh! Now I need to just readjust the sights and have some fun at the range tomorrow...

Also, any thoughts on UMC .38 special ammo as far as usefulness for general plinking and training? It is soooo cheap at Dick's sporting this week. $ 6.28 a box if you buy 10. Is it worth it? I clean pretty fastidiously when I get home, and I have a lewis to deal with any leading problem. Is it worth it?
 
Not knowing you amount of shooting experience, could you be flinching and anticipating the shot? You shoot fine with the .22lr, but switch to the heavier recoiling .357mag and all your shots go low. Classic sign of shot anticipation. Then the question of whether or not to adjust your sights points to you being new to shooting.
Were you shooting .357mag ammo in your M686 and having the problems? If so then try some standard pressure .38 Special loads in it and concentrate more on the basics.
 
It's always a good idea to shoot from a rest when sighting a gun in. Once it's on target you can tell from your freehand shooting where you're going wrong.
 
go to the range, buy some snap caps, load 3 caps and 3 .357s and shoot off the cylinder. you will notice if you flinch on the snap caps.
another alternative is to just load 3 fired cases that way you cant see what is coming next.
 
This is what I made and I use frequently - the barrel rest is a piece of suede leather.
 

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you dont need to wait for snap caps, load three live rounds and alternate with fired cases, spin the cylinder and close gently, now you will not know when a live round will fire and you will be able to see your flinch you will be surprised at how much you are unconsiously moving the gun.

Work at it and the flinch will be eliminated.
 
raise your rear sight on the 686

Raise your rear sight on the 686 but, remember that the "top" screw vibrates/comes lose. Check it often, when you have the sight at the top .
 
I don't think I have ever seen a sight vibrate loose on an S&W revolver. I am not saying that it could not happen, but I would classify that as a rare event. The elevation screw is not even tied directly to the frame.

Clemson
 
I'm going after work today, and I'll let you know how it does...

I was shooting .38 specials when they were going low, in single action. The time before at the range I was shooting someone else's 38 and I wasn't having flinching problems, etc. We'll see...

Thanks again for the info/advice.
 
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