I've had my Smith & Wesson Model 638 for about 5 years now..  POA and POI is really off when shot at a distance as close as 7 to 15 yards..  The closes warranty center here in Hawaii is in Molokai but I've heard sketchy stories  that has come out of that center.  I was wondering if any of the forum members has used Mel Chung Gunsmith services and if he does a good job .  Let me know via PM if you don't want to discuss this topic openly in the forum.  Thanks.

I've had my Smith & Wesson Model 638 for about 5 years now..  POA and POI is really off when shot at a distance as close as 7 to 15 yards..  The closes warranty center here in Hawaii is in Molokai but I've heard sketchy stories  that has come out of that center.  I was wondering if any of the forum members has used Mel Chung Gunsmith services and if he does a good job .  Let me know via PM if you don't want to discuss this topic openly in the forum.  Thanks.

You should contact the manufacturer and let them advise you.  If the problem is under warranty, they'll take care of you.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/service-commitment

If you have to ship the gun off anyway, it might as well be to SW directly

I'm curious to know what type of ammo you are using and if the gun is rested on bags when testing?   If rested, what size groups are you getting? 
I've found snub nose j frames hard to shoot accurately.

I'm curious to know what type of ammo you are using and if the gun is rested on bags when testing?   If rested, what size groups are you getting? 
I've found snub nose j frames hard to shoot accurately.

SUPER DAVE!!!!

How you bean, bruddah? LOL I have not seen you around in a very long time! WASSUP?

How is that 627 you were having throat probs with?

Hi Dave,  good and you?  I'm usually on the pistol side on Friday afternoon and pistol or silhouette on Saturday.  The forcing cone erosion stopped when I changed over to HP38.  I'm using Zero 158 lead SWC in 38 and 357 and the 627 will give 1.5" groups at 50 yards. 
Been enjoying a Model 14 lately. 
Later

But, your load is still my favorite in terms of velocity, accuracy and light recoil. I shot over 6,000 rounds of it and the forcing cone on the 627 and 686 began to wear.  In smaller numbers is should not be an issue.

Hi Dave,  good and you?  I'm usually on the pistol side on Friday afternoon and pistol or silhouette on Saturday.  The forcing cone erosion stopped when I changed over to HP38.  I'm using Zero 158 lead SWC in 38 and 357 and the 627 will give 1.5" groups at 50 yards. 
Been enjoying a Model 14 lately. 
Later

I have been thinking of trying a 158gr SWC as an alternative. Also, I have been experimenting with Trail Boss in my rifle cartridges and have seen amazing ES numbers. So I want to try using Trail Boss in my 38's and 357's. If my testing with the 158gr SWC goes well I will probably try to reproduce the old target load with 148gr WC going about 750fps.

But, your load is still my favorite in terms of velocity, accuracy and light recoil. I shot over 6,000 rounds of it and the forcing cone on the 627 and 686 began to wear.  In smaller numbers is should not be an issue.

I have about 2k rounds of that particular load so I have a lot of shooting to do to get thru it all. It took a lot of shooting and testing to come up with that load. But I'm always looking for something better so I enter into the never ending test program. LOL

I just bumped into Dave and his chrono at the range last week.
No not this dave the other dave.
Not you dave, the other dave.
dammit too many daves here

I just bumped into Dave and his chrono at the range last week.
No not this dave the other dave.
Not you dave, the other dave.
dammit too many daves here

Some of us could go by Kawika. That might help. 

Dave, Dave and Dave   

Regarding the snubby...they can shoot very accurately with the right load.

I'd say a 3" or 4" group at 25 yards would be acceptable because of all the variances.  But, if you find the right load and take the time to carefully shoot it from a rest you might get these kind of groups at 25 yards.





This is my approach.  Load some accurate / match grade lead rounds.  A 148 grain HBWC would be my first choice because they are soft shooting and accurate.  Second would be a 158 grain lead SWC.  I'd also put on larger rubber grips for a more secure and comfortable grip.  Then I would shoot from on some sand bags.  I like to rest the muzzle and bottom of the grip on the bags.  I find the difference in grip strength can affect the muzzle flip and can change the elevation of the impact by a few inches at 25 yards.  The last step is focusing on a smooth and consist trigger pull and sight allignment.   

The bigger guns are much easier to work with especially with a red dot...  Here's my current plinking 38 and 357 load.

Dave, Dave and Dave   

Regarding the snubby...they can shoot very accurately with the right load.

I'd say a 3" or 4" group at 25 yards would be acceptable because of all the variances.  But, if you find the right load and take the time to carefully shoot it from a rest you might get these kind of groups at 25 yards.





This is my approach.  Load some accurate / match grade lead rounds.  A 148 grain HBWC would be my first choice because they are soft shooting and accurate.  Second would be a 158 grain lead SWC.  I'd also put on larger rubber grips for a more secure and comfortable grip.  Then I would shoot from on some sand bags.  I like to rest the muzzle and bottom of the grip on the bags.  I find the difference in grip strength can affect the muzzle flip and can change the elevation of the impact by a few inches at 25 yards.  The last step is focusing on a smooth and consist trigger pull and sight allignment.   

The bigger guns are much easier to work with especially with a red dot...  Here's my current plinking 38 and 357 load.

no wonder they call you "super dave"
 

Also known as Crazy Dave

He IS Super Dave!!! 

Wow!