Mounting optics rail without scratching finish - S&W 327 TRR8

[Esoteria]

So I have a new TRR8, which I'm super excited about (especially after dry practicing with a moon clip full of 38 Short Colt and finding that the chambers basically act like magnets).

I was about to mount the optics rail to fiddle around with it when I realized that I was putting steel on steel and I was bound to scratch up the finish.

I need to be able to remove and add the rail from time to time with no damage to the top of the gun. Any suggestions? I thought of friction paper like you'd use for scope rings, but those would surely poke out the sides and be ugly.

Maybe just shim the inside? (the bottom of the rail is contoured to the barrel, so if I basically just add super-thin, softer metal washers that aren't very wide, I may be good to go)

Also, any recommendations for a reflex sight on the TRR8? I'm looking at the Vortex Viper or thereabouts. I have a couple of less-compact rifle sights to use in the mean time, so no rush.

 

[gotboostvr]

Why not just trim the friction tape so it dosent stick out?

 

[Esoteria]

I ended up doing that, just with packing tape instead of friction tape (because I used all I had before). No word on how it holds up to recoil yet, but with as many screws as are on each rail I doubt it'll be a problem.

 

[200Apples]

.
You could use cut strips of blue painters' tape... or just plain paper as a gasket of sorts. But, really... it's a firearm; if you use it, it's gonna get scratched. Well-used guns have character. Character... yea. That's it.


Congrats on the TRR8. I have a M&P R8 due home this Wednesday!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would spray the bottom if the rail with a clear finish like varnish or similar. It's hard, clear and will prevent metal to metal contact.

 

[Walkalong]

I wouldn't worry about it. Honest wear on a revolver is sexy. As posted, character.

Hope the tape works for you.

 

[bullseye308]

Masking tape?