I keep hearing that S&W has gone downhill, but I havent experienced it yet. I have both new and old S&W's, and they all have worked great and shoot fine. The only time I ever had any trouble with a Smith and had to send them back, was in the late 90's, when they came out with the 940's.
Ive owned a number of different revolver brands over the years, and the Smiths were always the sweet spot.
I sometimes think people just like to complain.
I currently have a 2.5" 686 Plus, and not to long ago, got rid of another 2.5" 6 shot 686 in a trade. I never noticed the barrels to be off on either of them.
I have a number of others across the generations, 2"-5 1/2", and "sleeved" or standard, they all seem to be lined up pretty good, and they all shoot fine.
When exactly did all these problems start?