I recently purchased a NIB S & W model 617 .22 caliber 4 inch barrel pistol. I have taken it out and fired it, but I find that it shoots low and to the left about 2-3 inches at a distance of only about 10 to 15 yards. I have tried cci blazer ammo in soft point and remington hollowpoints, all with the same results. Can someone offer me some advice as to whether the problem is the shooter, or possibly the gun. I am thinking it is the gun. I'm shooting a .357 smith model 65 3 inch barrel and .45 smith model 625 5 inch barrel at the same target. I can at least hit the center area of the target with these two guns. If one does suspect it is the gun, do I take it to a local gunsmith or send it back to Smith & Wesson? Also, does this gun have a "Break-In" period after which accuracy could improve? If I send it to Smith, what do I tell them?
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Need advice regarding a new S & W model 617?
- Thread starter dentodoc
- Start date
I've come to the conclusion that all new Smith and Wesson revolvers need around 500 rounds of jacketed bullets or a good bore lapping to smooth out the bore. The 617 I had, as well as 7 other examples of newer Smith products, all had very roughly finished bores. I believe Smith figures the vast majority of shooters will use a jacketed round of some sort and cut corners by not smoothing out the bores like they should.
Anyhow, I'd recommend cleaning the 617 very well,,,run a bronze brush through the bore to remove any possible fouling,,,,then use CCI or American Eagle brand ammunition. Both of those brands seem to have a very heavy copper plate on the bullets. And of course, like SnWnMe mentioned,, make sure the sights are adjusted on for it.
Also, SOP for a suspect gun accuracy problem is to let someone else shoot it. If the problem follows the gun, then it's the gun. If not, then it's the shooter's technique.
? - Are the other 2 Smiths the older square butt frame? If so, then that could also be the problem. The 617, with the round butt, will handle a bit differently. I find that with the rb,,more of my finger goes into the trigger than with the sq butt. Low and right is a symptom of too much finger on the trigger ,,IIRC,, from one of those diagnostic targets.
Anyhow, I'd recommend cleaning the 617 very well,,,run a bronze brush through the bore to remove any possible fouling,,,,then use CCI or American Eagle brand ammunition. Both of those brands seem to have a very heavy copper plate on the bullets. And of course, like SnWnMe mentioned,, make sure the sights are adjusted on for it.
Also, SOP for a suspect gun accuracy problem is to let someone else shoot it. If the problem follows the gun, then it's the gun. If not, then it's the shooter's technique.
? - Are the other 2 Smiths the older square butt frame? If so, then that could also be the problem. The 617, with the round butt, will handle a bit differently. I find that with the rb,,more of my finger goes into the trigger than with the sq butt. Low and right is a symptom of too much finger on the trigger ,,IIRC,, from one of those diagnostic targets.
First thing ( assuming you've already adjusted the sights )is to try different ammo. Light bulleted high velocity ammo will print differently than heavy bullet target velocity. Second, I'd try shooting all your ammo types off a solid rest. (This will rule out any grip and or personal error.) ALso make sure you scub the barrel good. Barrel and forcing cone leading can make a K frame shoot left. Then if all else fails, save a target and call S&W to arange for a free trip to the factory. Best customer service in the buisness.
p.s. This might help if it's a problem with the difference in grip/trigger.
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=126680
p.s. This might help if it's a problem with the difference in grip/trigger.
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=126680