I decided to test out some .357 hydro shock ammo over Thanksgiving on a un-carved pumpkin and discovered that my SP101 w/ fixed sights was shooting way left. Roughly 1.5 feet left. This was with 4 types of ammo and 3 different shooters. In talking with some of the more knowledgeable gun folks in my daily life and one suggested looking for crown damage. Well I discovered a gouge in the crown of the barrel. So I believe I need to get it re-crowned. Does anyone have an idea of roughly what that costs? I would rather get it fixed and not pawn it off on some poor sap. Plus I like the gun. Also, anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area have recommendations for a reputable gunsmith?

I pull barrels and run them in the lathe to crown. I charge 50-75.00 plus freight. A handgun has to be shipped over night which would be cost prohibitive so I would suggest, (a) Find someone local who can do it right, or (b) find someone who can pull the barrel and ship just that to your gunsmith of choice.

Anyway you can post a pic or two. I can't imagine a wonky crown throwing shots by 1.5 feet at pistol ranges.

I'll try to get pictures tonight. Range was about 15 yards to obtain the 1.5 feet of error.

and its the 2.25 inch barrel. It was dead on last time I shot it.

depends on how bad it is. If not too bad, just get a brass buttonhead screw and drill and dress it yourself.

I'll add (c) to Malm's excellent recommendations: Send'r back to Ruger. Maybe even ask for a longer barrel, if you'd prefer one.

Doesn't even have to be a gunsmith. Heck, any good machinist can chuck a barrel in a lathe and re-crown it. 'Taint rocket science. I do all my own crowning in my lathe, successfully, and I'm not a "gunsmith" nor have I had a lot of formal training.

I had a sako couldnt throw a good group with any ammo. Had it recrowned shoots sub.5inch with most ammo.Take it to a good gunsmith 50 bucks should do the job.

Anyone know of a good gunsmith in the Portland area?