Red dot mount for non-drilled S&W

[kidneyboy]

I have a 15-3 with a 6" barrel and thinking about strapping a red dot on it. I don't mind having it drilled and tapped but would like to see what other options are out there. Google hasn't been my friend on this search.
Actually like the sights on the 15 but past 15yds or so its tough for me to see and I shoot out to 25yds.
I have a dot on my 617 and am quite pleased with it.

Gratuitis pic -

 

[PO2Hammer]

Not sure about the -3s, but modern S&Ws are drilled and tapped under the rear sight.

 

[straightshooterjake]

The best option is to have the revolver drilled and tapped with the same hole pattern used on the more recent factory revolvers. Another option is to buy a current generation revolver which is drilled and tapped from the factory.

There were previously some no-drill mounts made for the older S&W revolvers. I have not found any of these mounts to be satisfactory, though some people have reported better results with them. I don't think any of the no-drill mounts for older revolvers are still in production, but I could be wrong.

I am always hesitant to have holes drilled in a nice old revolver, but for a common model, I would get it drilled, and then I would enjoy shooting it with a good looking mount that holds zero.

 

[WestKentucky]

How would a sight base work on a gutter sight gun?

 

[PO2Hammer]

How would a sight base work on a gutter sight gun?

The 15 is an adjustable sight gun.

 

[kidneyboy]

The best option is to have the revolver drilled and tapped with the same hole pattern used on the more recent factory revolvers. y.

Thanks for the replies!
This is probably what I'll end up doing.

 

[Walkalong]

Not sure about the -3s, but modern S&Ws are drilled and tapped under the rear sight.

Not sure about the -3 Model 15 either, but I do know the 586-3 is not and the -4 is.

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks for the replies!
This is probably what I'll end up doing.

I think that is a good plan. Did that to a plain jane no collector value Model 25-5.

 

[Eddietruett]

Weaver made a no drill mount but think its discontinued. I used one with great results. I think B Square may still make one. You can find them on ebay from time to time. I still use my Weaver to test out loads in new to me guns. Works great on stainless and nickel but you have to be real careful with blue as it can scratch the frame.

 

[kidneyboy]

Weaver made a no drill mount but think its discontinued. I used one with great results. I think B Square may still make one. You can find them on ebay from time to time. I still use my Weaver to test out loads in new to me guns. Works great on stainless and nickel but you have to be real careful with blue as it can scratch the frame.

My LGS went the Weaver route for me with no success and a cursory look at Bsquare only shows 2 mounts and neither for S&W's. I have an Allchin mount on my 617 (see pic above,the 15 w/6" barrel is right next to it) and will order one of those for the 15 and see what we can do with it.

 

[gotboostvr]

It's probably for the better they're all discounted and out of stock as I never recall anyone having anything positive about them when they were available.

Wandering zero and scratched up frames seemed to be pretty common. It's possible they were user induced errors however either over or under tightening the mounts.

 

[CraigC]

I would have it drilled & tapped. Not much reason not to since it'll be covered up by the rear sight if you decide to go back to irons. I had a 648 drilled & tapped and it's one of those guns I sorely miss.

 

[22-rimfire]

Thanks for the replies!
This is probably what I'll end up doing.

Good luck with that. Years ago I purchased a Super Redhawk simply because I didn't want to drill & tap my M57 (8 3/8"). Never really regretted doing that as I really came to like the Ruger 480 for deer hunting. Later I got a BFR in 475/480 and seldom ever shoot the SRH. The BFR is one heck of a hunting revolver! I used the M57 when I wanted to just carry irons after that point.

 

[Eddietruett]

My LGS went the Weaver route for me with no success and a cursory look at Bsquare only shows 2 mounts and neither for S&W's. I have an Allchin mount on my 617 (see pic above,the 15 w/6" barrel is right next to it) and will order one of those for the 15 and see what we can do with it.

I've seen the Weaver and BSquare both on Ebay. There is another brand also that I bought on ebay but only works on N Frames. It sort of clamps on the frame over the cylinder. Haven't tried it yet.