thinking about a scope on my revolver

[italian biker]

When i gun hunt deer, I use a S&W 357, model 686 with a 6 inch barrel. I've had luck out to 50 yards with the sights, but I'm thinking about putting a scope on it for this season. I've never used a handgun scope, so any recomendations on scopes, mounts, etc......I will have to get it drilled and tapped. I was also thinking about using a picatanny rail so I have a more modular set up and can adjust the eye relief.

 

[rcmodel]

If it's a newer 686 (686-4 - or later made after 1993) it is already drilled & tapped for an optic mount.
Look inside the top strap for an extra third hole under the adjustable sight.
(front screw is the sight attachment - rear screw is the elevation screw hole - extra middle hole is used for a three screw scope base attachment.)
The rear sight comes off and the mount attaches with three screws and plenty of Blue Lock-Tight.

I would not really suggest a full-length picatanny rail, as it adds weight and gives recoil more mass to work with in trying to rip the mount off the gun. Most mounts have an extension out over the barrel a short ways to allow proper ring spacing.

The Warne mount allows you to put the rear sight back on so you still have usable back-up iron sights.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/warne-matte-scope-base-for-smith-amp-wesson-k-l-n-x-frame-41673.html

You will not need to fiddle with eye relief if you buy a quality handgun scope such as a Leupold.

Do Not go overboard on magnification! A 2x or 2.5x is plenty for a revolver used for deer hunting.
The higher power scopes have a much smaller field of view, and need to be shot off sandbags to quill your magnified shakes & wobbles.

rc

 

[italian biker]

I think it was before 1993. There is two screws holding down the rear sight in the top strap above the cylinder. I haven't taken it off to see if there is one more hole underneath.

 

[hoghunting]

You don't have to take the sight off to check for the holes. Unlatch the cylinder and swing it out, then look on the cylinder side of the top strap for the screw holes.

I agree with rc, if you are not used to pistol scopes, stay with a 2X Leupold or Burris. I used 4X Leupold and Burris for 100 meter silhouette matches.

 

[italian biker]

I opend the cylinder and the sight holes do not go through to the top strap