A buddy of mine gave me a red dot pistol scope that says "Pro 45" on it and "Pat Pend" and nothing else. I googled to try to find the manufacturer but no luck. It takes two "640A" batteries, which I couldn't find in local hardware stores but did find on-line ordering 2 for $10.

I took it to my gunsmith who says he can order the mount for my S&W 617 from B Square ($57). He will install for $15, bringing total investment with batteries to $82. My eyes aren't so good any more and I thought this scope would be better than the fixed iron sights. The smith says the scope doesn't magnify but provides a red dot for easier sighting on the target. I'm not persuaded but thought I'd give it a try.

Appreciate any comments. Thanks.

Probably just a no name from China. Red Dot scopes usually have no magnification( or 1x) just the dot. Some have a bigger dot (adjustable) than others measured in MOA like 3-5.

As in all optics you get what you pay for. Most SW are already drilled for the mount. You can buy your own and install it.

Then have Dot scopes now in Red and Green, I can not see Red very well so the green is better for me (color blind).

If it was me I would not waste any time or money on it. If you can buy a new better one I would. JMHO which you asked for.

Red Dot Sights | Optics

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Still Running Against the Wind

What is that? From the pic it looks like it's permanently attached?

One end holds the batteries, the other is the on/off switch and increased intensity, I'm guessing. Without the batteries I don't know how it works.

Thanks. Most of the red dots appear to be well above 80 bucks, which is why I decided to try this one. Don't want to spend a lot of money on a rig that may be just temporary. Besides, add the weight of this scope to a fully loaded gun and it tips around 4 pounds.

Joe, I think all that is just way too bulky to put on your 617. I wouldn't bother with it.

Yes, I tried a few and I did not like the weight. I have two that just sit on the shelf now. They are not real expensive ones and smaller than yours but it does throw off the weight/balance. I have a few handgun scopes for some 44 Mags and those are more annoying.

Search by price and you can find a decent one for $40 or so with free shipping red/green.With batteries. Wal Mart also sells some cheap ones. If you don't like it take it back.

Leepers, Tasco. They are still China but check the ratings.


Tube-Style Red Dot Sights | Red Dot Sights | Optics

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcat...mensionid=9296

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Still Running Against the Wind

Hi,
The early Tasco dot sights were made like that. I don't remember if they were called Pro Point yet, but they were pretty good sights.

They had the same battery case off to the side and looked just like the one you show short of the rubber eye cup. I remember they had a pretty fine dot in them too.
Hope this helps.
Mike
Found picture. They were Pro Points. This one has the tube extension on.They are getting hard to find.

There are a lot of smaller, lightweight, red dot offerings available. A red dot is something that you truly get what you pay for. Too cheap and it will drive you crazy when it doesn't hold zero, etc.

One of my favs:

Thanks but still need a mount. Called Midway to see if any of their red dots would mount on my 617 and they were clueless (this from a store that brags it has over 100,000 items), but knows nothing about S&W revolvers and told me to take it to a gunsmith. Not sure if my gun is "pre-drilled and tapped", whatever that means. There are just two screws on the top of the barrel that hold in the rear sight.

That's why I posted the link to the mounts. Swing out your cylinder, look up at the bottom of the top strap. Should see some small holes, That is the drilled and tapped that you screw the mount onto after you take of the adjustable sight (1 small screw in front) the big elevation screw just loosen and it slides out. You can spend a lot or a little on the mount, it's only a 22 so it's not a recoil factor. I like Weigand stuff but the $7 Weaver should work.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks much. It appears this would work:
Weaver Top-Mount Scope Base #401