Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-10-2017, 12:58 AM
Darkskin Diogenes Darkskin Diogenes is offline
Member
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default Best Scope Mount?

Since my 460VXR is eventually just going to be a woods/ hunting guns after i get a smaller pistol to CCW, I figured I can toy around with mounting a scope on it becuase I`m enlisted,single, and have cash to burn.

What do y'all use for mounts? Is there any mount that will allow me to keep the front sight and use the rear sight as a fixed rear sight?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-10-2017, 05:43 AM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

How much do you want to spend? There are scope rings out there for every price point. I believe I've bought at least one gun for less than some sets.

I doubt you'll be able to find a mounting option that allows you to keep use of the sights. The rear would still be adjustable, but every weaver base I've ever seen involved replacing the rear sight assembly. There are some rings made that are designed to grip directly onto the frame, but I wouldn't want to use them on any big-bore magnum, and wouldn't really want to inflict them on any of my revolvers, period.

What's the point? Just use a non-magnifying red dot, or at most a 2x fixed scope. Have you ever tried to shoot a handgun with a magnifying optic?

I must confess, I'm kind've curious as to how a 460 is currently fulfilling a "CCW" role for you.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-10-2017, 07:22 AM
S&WsRsweet S&WsRsweet is offline
Member
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: TTown Alabama ,Roll Tide
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 9,772
Liked 2,220 Times in 1,031 Posts
Default

I haven't seen a revolver mount that lets you use rear sight .That said I would bet a custom revolver smith would welcome the challenge .I like the idea of having a mounting system on a revolver that lets you have irons as a back up you may be on to something .Lord knows any weight added to a 460 would only help tame that bad boy .44mag is my upper limit of recoil tolerance but power to you guys that can handle them big boys .
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-10-2017, 08:56 AM
Tom S.'s Avatar
Tom S. Tom S. is offline
Moderator
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 18,473
Likes: 8,386
Liked 17,058 Times in 5,593 Posts
Default

You cannot mount a scope and still be able to use the stock iron sights. In fact, some pistol scope or red dot mount requires the removal of the rear sight. Even mounting a red dot type sight, which can be mounted lower than a scope will not allow use of the sights, although in some cases the front sight may still be visible.

Now that we have that out of the way, due to the recoil the 460 is capable of producing, I would look for a 3 ring mounting system and S&W recommends steel bases over aluminum. Here's an excerpt from the American Rifleman on the subject:

Quote:
While the 460XVR is supplied with open sights, the handgun’s full potential can only be realized through the use of an optic. Fortunately, Smith & Wesson anticipated this and drilled and tapped the top strap for a scope base.

Smith & Wesson recommends that only quality steel bases and rings be used, and highly touts those manufactured by Warne. In fact, both can be purchased directly from the company. When mounting the base and rings, Loc-Tite is absolutely necessary for prevention of screws backing out under the .460 S&W Mag.’s stout recoil.

When choosing an optic, select only quality scopes designed for, and tested on, big-bore handguns. Bargain-priced scopes will not hold up to the stress imposed by this cartridge! The top choices are Leupold’s FXII (fixed-power) and VXIII (variable-power) handgun scopes, as well as those in Bushnell’s Elite 3200 line. If possible, opt for a matte finish, as those with a gloss finish tend to move more readily from recoil. A third ring can help prevent this, and is recommended. While I’ve yet to try them, a red-dot optic should make for a nice addition, given sufficient quality.

When mounting an optic, ensure its bell is not located directly above the top ports of the compensator, otherwise venting gases could not only mar the scope’s finish, but cause structural damage. While this isn’t a problem with the 460XVR, it could be with the 5-inch-barreled 460V, particularly with longer scopes and the jacketed-bullet compensator.
Now about scopes. One word: Leupold. Period. For your application, I would recommend their 2x scope. They do make a variable power pistol scope (which I love on my Model 41's) but as you dial up the higher magnifications, eye relieve shortens, which could be dangerous on a gun that recoils as much as the 460 can. Nikon also makes some good pistol scopes, both fixed and variable power, and they cost less than the Leupold versions, but they don't (IMHO - and I own both brands) compare in quality to the Leupold models.
__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Last edited by Tom S.; 09-10-2017 at 09:00 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 09-10-2017, 12:46 PM
Darkskin Diogenes Darkskin Diogenes is offline
Member
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wise_A View Post
How much do you want to spend? There are scope rings out there for every price point. I believe I've bought at least one gun for less than some sets.

I doubt you'll be able to find a mounting option that allows you to keep use of the sights. The rear would still be adjustable, but every weaver base I've ever seen involved replacing the rear sight assembly. There are some rings made that are designed to grip directly onto the frame, but I wouldn't want to use them on any big-bore magnum, and wouldn't really want to inflict them on any of my revolvers, period.

What's the point? Just use a non-magnifying red dot, or at most a 2x fixed scope. Have you ever tried to shoot a handgun with a magnifying optic?

I must confess, I'm kind've curious as to how a 460 is currently fulfilling a "CCW" role for you.
I have astigmatism and was told in a gun shop an optic would help a lot. As for the ccw role, I'm at best ocing it for now until I can find someone to make an iwb holster for it. I'm mainly doing it more for "If I want it, then get it" mentality since it's my only gun.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-11-2017, 04:02 AM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

Well, bad news for you--a red dot's not going to solve your astigmatism. It could actually make it worse. Astigmatism gives the dot a big, uneven corona. In severe cases, you can wind up seeing a figure-8 instead of a dot.

A low, fixed-power scope might be right up your alley. Going with a fixed as opposed to a variable magnification gives you a lot more durability, important on a gun with this kind of recoil.

I'd give up on an IWB for the 460--there's a reason nobody makes one for X-frames. Instead, there are a lot of budget-friendly CCW-able pistols and revolvers that would do the job much better than the 460 ever could (even loaded with .45 Colt). Flip around the classifieds here. There are all manner of J-frames and small autos that'll work just fine. No sense spending $100 on a holster for the 460, when you can find a good J-frame for under $400.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 09-11-2017, 02:14 PM
AmStaff64 AmStaff64 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 32
Liked 85 Times in 53 Posts
Default

I use Jack Weigand's mount and rings (4) on my XVR. It has held up well.

You have to remove the rear site to mount it.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 460SW.jpg (104.1 KB, 36 views)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-11-2017, 04:46 PM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is online now
Member
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,390
Liked 8,045 Times in 3,651 Posts
Default

There might be, Aimtech Mount Systems makes some no drill no tap mounts that sit above the guns factory sights. You can look under the mount and use the iron sights.
I have scope mounted on a S&W model 64 , this is a K frame. I know they are made for K L and N frames but I'm not sure what frame the 460VXR is. My scope is attached with Weaver tip off rings to the Aimtech base , 15 years and and the scope hasn't moved .
Look for Aimtech – Just another WordPress site and see if they make one.
Brownell's may carry one for that frame size now that the VXR has been out . Or contact Aimtech directly .
The only down side is it sits a bit high on the gun so you can see the sights under the scope, but that is what you are looking for.
Gary
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 09-11-2017, 05:29 PM
AmStaff64 AmStaff64 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 32
Liked 85 Times in 53 Posts
Default

Good info gwpercle -

To be clear on my prior post, the Weigand mount requires no drilling or modes to the firearm. Simply remove the stock rear sight and the mounts provided hardware screw right into the frame.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-12-2017, 01:38 PM
ironhead79 ironhead79 is offline
Member
Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount? Best Scope Mount?  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I use the weigand mount on my 460 with three rings holding a Leupold vx3handgun and it is rock solid. As others have said, the only mod needed to use this set-up is removing the rear sight. Nothing permanent.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Scope or electronic sight? S&W 3rd Gen Scope Mount mlk18 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 7 09-25-2014 11:48 AM
NIB Ultradot Matchdot 2 Red Dot Scope , Weigand K,L,N,X Scope Mount,LOWERED, CHEAP gumpys Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 7 04-20-2013 08:56 PM
WTS M1c M14 M21 sniper rifle G&H scope mount, M84 scope, bracket. snipershot1944 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 2 01-06-2013 05:56 PM
FS: Griffin & Howe Scope Mount & FREE Weaver Scope......... Marksman Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 11-12-2010 09:15 PM
FS: Griffin & Howe Scope Mount, Weaver K2.5 Scope....... Marksman Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 07-13-2009 08:50 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:46 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)