S&W Crooked Barrels Are Back!?!...How to Fix Them?

Published on May 29, 2023
Duration: 3:21

This video addresses the issue of aesthetically crooked barrels on Smith & Wesson revolvers, a problem stemming from compression-fit barrel installation. The instructor demonstrates how to assess barrel alignment by drawing lines from the rear sight to the barrel's end. For minor aesthetic imperfections, the recommended fix is to carefully file down the offending side of the barrel rib to improve visual alignment, rather than attempting to adjust the barrel itself.

Quick Summary

To fix an aesthetically crooked barrel on a Smith & Wesson revolver, identify the rib area and draw alignment lines from the rear sight. If misalignment is minor, carefully file down the higher side of the barrel rib until it's nearly flush, improving visual appeal without compromising function.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Crooked Barrels on S&W?
  2. 00:12Historical S&W Barrel Issues
  3. 00:39Assessing Barrel Straightness
  4. 00:50Technique: Marking the Rib Area
  5. 01:01Drawing Alignment Lines
  6. 01:12Analysis of Viewer's Revolver
  7. 01:33Recommended Fix: Filing the Barrel Rib
  8. 01:52Functional vs. Aesthetic Issues
  9. 02:00Understanding Compression Fit Barrels
  10. 02:22Final Alignment Check and Solution
  11. 02:30When to Ignore Minor Misalignment

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Smith & Wesson revolver barrel is crooked?

To check for a crooked barrel on your S&W revolver, first identify the exact rib area on top of the barrel. Then, draw imaginary straight lines from the rear sight up to the end of the barrel. Compare these lines to the top of the gun's frame to see if the barrel appears aligned.

What causes Smith & Wesson revolvers to have crooked barrels?

The 'crookedness' in some Smith & Wesson revolvers is often due to issues with their compression-fit barrels. During the manufacturing process, the barrel might not be perfectly aligned with the frame when it's tightened into place, leading to an aesthetic misalignment rather than a functional defect.

Is a slightly crooked barrel on a S&W revolver a functional problem?

Generally, a slight aesthetic crookedness in a Smith & Wesson revolver barrel, especially if it's only off by a millimeter or so, is not a functional problem. The firearm will likely remain accurate and reliable; the issue is primarily cosmetic and affects the gun's visual appeal.

What is the recommended fix for an aesthetically crooked S&W revolver barrel?

For minor aesthetic crookedness, the recommended fix is to carefully file down the side of the barrel rib that appears higher or creates more visual space. This aims to make the rib nearly flush with the opposite side, improving the gun's overall visual alignment without affecting its function.

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