I picked up a 6" 686-3 that is totally mint and absolutely beautiful. I have a Leupold 2X pistol scope and was wondering what is the best scope mount? I don't want to alter the pistol or use anything that will leave clamp marks, etc.

Leopold makes a really nice base and ring set for your gun. They can often be found on ebay for very reasonable prices. there are also S&W factory base and ring sets on ebay for $50 currently. That will be an impressive shooting gun with a well sighted optic.

You must pay attention to the "Model specific" scope mounts. I don't believe your -3 is drilled and tapped for a scope mount. Look at the underside of the top strap and see if you can see three holes there, (they would be under the rear sight strap and not visible when viewed from the top). If not, you need the style that anchors only by the elevation screw "T-Slot" and the front sight screw. This is not extremely recoil proof, and if used with heavy .357 loads could shear off the front sight mount screw, (yes, it happened to me). The alternative is to have your -3 drilled and tapped, (but not all the way through the top strap). It takes a good gunsmith/machinist to do this.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I had my 686-3 6" drilled and tapped and fitted a Weigand sight base which is completely recoil proof and reasonably low profile. Hope this helps.