.44 Revolver Mount - Drill/Tap or Clamp-On?

[nickE10mm]

I have a new (used) 6" Dan Wesson 44 VH. I LOVE the gun with open sights but would really like to mount my new (used) Leupold M8 2X on it, too. I would LIKE the option to use the open sights on it someday need be. I'm looking at either the Weigand (drill/tap) mount or the B-Square (clamp-on) mount. If I go with Weigand, I would also get a 20% discount on the rings from Weigand, too, PLUS, I can get three rings without having to buy FOUR rings at a store ,lol.

I have some questions.....

First, with a drill and tap installation, could I feasibly take the scope off later and unscrew the mount (and just reinstall the mount screws in the receiver/shroud) or is it preferred NOT to remove the mount screws and mount once initially installed?

Second, is the drill and tap install THAT much stronger than a clamp on?

Third, is lapping something you recommend on ALL handgun installs? (I've never lapped and never had a problem on a rifle before).

Fourth, I'm nervous about having someone DRILL my gun. I don't have any gunsmiths I know or frequently use. Does anyone know someone in St Louis, MO or a resource to FIND such a person?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Hi Nick,
I used the B-Square clamp on mount to put a scope on my Super Blackhawk back in the '80s. It was strong and did work, but it left some marks on the gun. Managed to trash at least one scope with that gun before I took it off; the scope wasn't a Leupold

I'm sorry now that I did it. The combination was too heavy, cumbersome, and poorly balanced to be enjoyable. Not only that, but it was very slow compared to the iron sights. When you brought the gun up, you didn't always know which way to 'wiggle' the gun to get the ocular to light up. With irons, correcting a serious misalignmen is obvious.

My SBH paid the price for that failed experiment. If not for the scars that mount left (they're not that big), the old girl would be pristine. That's what bugged me the most.
Bob

 

[nickE10mm]

Bob,

Thanks for the response. That's a concern of mine, as well, since I've ALWAYS loved iron sights. I guess I just figured I could really extend out my range with a scope ... maybe out to 100+ yards. I sure love the way the gun feels nice a clean with sights only. I've already bought the scope, though. Hmmmm what to do, what to do....

 

[nickE10mm]

Another question I thought of.... what's the best way for a guy to get THREE rings (as opposed to two). It seems like I'd have to get two pairs which would be a waste of money... Also, do most people USE three rings on a .44 shooting full loads?

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have a 15-2 with a B-square clamp on mount. It clamps on the barrel shroud and is a stable platform. You well get some very minor marks from it.


This is a M40 with a drill and tap mount on the barrel shroud, Weigand makes this mount and uses the DW spec for screw spacing. It has a third screw that rests on the top strap. If you go with the Weigand he discounts the rings and you can buy just three.

 

[Radaray]

I have a SBH that I mount a Leupold scope on using a Weaver mounting system. It is easy to mount, but it too leaves a slight mark on the barrel where the forward clamp grips it. Not a big deal. It holds the scope securely, and I've never had to change the settings. It's easy to change back to open sights for Chrony shooting and back again.