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Posted By: mark shubert gunsmith - 01/08/21
I'm looking for a reputable gunsmith to turn the barrel in a revolver.
The catch is - the revolver is a 1917 Colt.
It shoots a bit to the left.
Any recommendations?
Posted By: Reba Re: gunsmith - 01/08/21
Most likely shooting to the left has to do with your trigger pull or grip.

Have someone (who is a good shot) shoot it and see how it prints.
Posted By: gunscrew Re: gunsmith - 01/08/21
just for giggles look at muzzle (unloaded ) for damage to crown.
Posted By: mark shubert Re: gunsmith - 01/10/21
Originally Posted by Reba
Most likely shooting to the left has to do with your trigger pull or grip.

Have someone (who is a good shot) shoot it and see how it prints.

I have no problems with any other handguns - and can hold 1 1/4" groups at 25 yards, consistently, sitting, off my knees. 44 mag.
Be polite - at least 'til you know what you're talking about - and to whom.
Posted By: mark shubert Re: gunsmith - 01/10/21
Originally Posted by gunscrew
just for giggles look at muzzle (unloaded ) for damage to crown.

While I didn't notice any, I can't say whether or not I really inspected it. I'll dig it out and do that.
Thanks for the nudge. I just kinda thought that in WWI times, manufacturing was "rushed" and QC came in a bit in second place.
Minute of trench, so to speak!
Posted By: mark shubert Re: gunsmith - 01/11/21
No recommendations of a good revolver smith?
I'm sure there are some.
Posted By: Rustyzipper Re: gunsmith - 01/11/21
I would tap the top of the front sight blade to the left on my gun. If that didn't do enough then I would have a 'smith to work on it. Be Well, RZ.
Posted By: gnoahhh Re: gunsmith - 01/11/21
I had similar issues with Colt New Service revolvers. Those big framed revolvers with their open grips tended to twist in my hand. I discovered that grip adapters cured that for me, that indeed the fault laid with the grip.
Posted By: LouisB Re: gunsmith - 01/11/21
How much to the left at what distance?

Surely there is someone in the Raton area that could do that for ya.
Can't be more than a thou or two to fix it.
Posted By: gunswizard Re: gunsmith - 01/11/21
If you're located in the Raton, NM area, it's a short drive north to Trinidad, CO and the gunsmithing school at Trinidad State Junior College. Surely someone in the gunsmithing department there can help you.
Posted By: mark shubert Re: gunsmith - 01/12/21
Not sure Trinidad isn't closed for Covid - I'll have to check.
Shoots ~ 4" left @ 6 yards.
No gunsmiths left in Raton, AFAIK.
I'll try to find and give a grip adapter a try - hopefully that would work. Not sure as I don't have to shift my hands during a cylinder full.
Posted By: TheKid Re: gunsmith - 01/12/21
Is the barrel visibily cocked to the right or the notch in the topstrap off center? 4” at 6 yards indicates a substantial misalignment that should be visible to the casual observer.
Posted By: LouisB Re: gunsmith - 01/12/21
"Assuming" a 6' barrel and a with few other SWAGS thrown in, the sight is off somewhere at or over 0.10".

I think that is discernible to the naked eye.
Can you note any tilt off to the opposite direction to the bullets impacts.

Oh, something I had not considered, is the barrel bent.
Gun from that era may well have been used for attitude adjustment purposes.
Posted By: Clemson Re: gunsmith - 01/12/21
This fellow is reported to be an excellent Colt gunsmith: http://glenncustom.com/
Posted By: Theo Gallus Re: gunsmith - 01/12/21
Originally Posted by mark shubert
Originally Posted by Reba
Most likely shooting to the left has to do with your trigger pull or grip.

Have someone (who is a good shot) shoot it and see how it prints.

I have no problems with any other handguns - and can hold 1 1/4" groups at 25 yards, consistently, sitting, off my knees. 44 mag.
Be polite - at least 'til you know what you're talking about - and to whom.

Don't be offended, until you know offense was intended.
Posted By: mark shubert Re: gunsmith - 01/13/21
Theo, I wasn't offended - just explaining.
That response DID, however, make me think about the original stocks and their shape.
I don't remember shifting my grip between shots, but may be doing it sub-consciously.
The T-Grip suggestion is one I'll try before the pistol goes to a 'smith.

I'm not easily offended, and no broke off cedar post was applied vigorously to the side of my head - so no offense taken!
I thank ALL for the suggestions, including Reba.
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