S&W 686-Start of factory Drill & Tap

[Arman4461]

Hello folks,
I have missed having time to visit the forum, but now that I have some time, found out I have a question.
Does anyone know the serial number range for the 686 that came with the factory drill & tap for a scope mount? I would like to purchase one sight-unseen, and would like to know at what serial number range did S&W start doing the drill & tap.
Also, how many holes did the topstrap have in it? I assume one for the rear sight elevator screw, and two additional holes for the mount?
Thanks for your kind help.
Arman

[scooter123]

They started drilling and tapping the top strap in 1993 with the 686-4. On opening the cylinder there will be 3 holes visible in the top strap. BTW, the rear sight uses a nut sliding in a dovetail cut for the elevator and is mounted using the froward hole in the 3 hole pattern. The rear sight also has the forward end of the mounting leaf radiused instead of sqared off so it's a very quick and easy way to spot a revolver that features the provision for mounting a rail, just look for a sight leaf that is radiused instead of squared off on the end.

I can also tell you that the new mounting holes will NOT interfere with the older mounting hole for the front sight. I've drilled and tapped my older model 67-1 and 617 no dash to the new mounting pattern and the only issue was a concern about breaking that tiny tap off in the frame, so I exercized great care to insure that wouldn't happen.

[Arman4461]

scooter123--
THANKS!
That is what I needed to know. I appreciate you taking time to share the info
Arman