I currently own an older Model 41 with the 5.5" bull barrel and standard S&W target sights. Need to use a red dot sight.

Are current Model 41 barrels drilled & tapped for a rail? If not, what is the best way to mount a red dot sight on a Model 41?

Thanks in advance . . .

__________________
Ralph T
NRA Benefactor Member

I believe all the current production replacment barrels are D&T. Any good machinest could drill your gun for a rail. There is also small dot sights that will go into the rear sight dovetail like the Doctor Sight.

I would purchase a barrel from Gil Hebard-available with no rear sight.(For at least the last twelve years,all barrels have been d+t'd.)Buy a Weaver base and you're good to go.Leave your original as it is.Always a resale market for the new barrel.

Thanks for the prompt replies.

Camster . . . I did business with Gil Hebard some years ago when I had an FFL. Have let it expire, but will call them tomorrow to get some info about barrel prices.

I think you're right. I may just keep my original barrel and buy a new one w/o sights. Then try to mount an UltraDot on the new barrel. Should shoot better than I ever will!

What is it about approaching middle age that has an adverse effect on my ability to use open sights?

__________________
Ralph T
NRA Benefactor Member

that's what I'm going to do with mine (almost). I've got the 7-3/8" compensated barrel on mine that is not d&t, and I want to get a new 5-1/2" barrel to play with. I'm definitely going to get an optic for it but I want the sights on it as well just for fun.

__________________
"I'm your huckleberry."

I use a Weaver 48062 top mount base. It fits several shotguns and an S&W 41. I think they are less than $10.00.

Jeff

+1 on replacing the barrel.

I've got a late 80's 41 with a 5.5" barrel that's not tapped. Rather than 'defame' it I bought a 7" barrel from S&W and mounted a weaver rail and red dot.

It ended up costing me a couple hundred more dollars but you've gone this far, keep spending! And then you'll have the set which will bring you more $$ if you ever had to part with it (God forbid)

Good luck

I drilled and tapped my 5.5" barrel and mounted a Weaver base using two 8-32 x 3/8" screws for better holding power- total cost $7.

Clark's M41 barrel come with an integral rail.

I bought a Bully Barrel ( Bully Barrels for Sale ) and have been very happy with it. Unfortunately, I just went to the site to give you the likk and the're sold out. I hope he restocks soon; I'd like to pick up a threaded barrel.

Our pistol league does not allow optical sights.so I bought one of those Lyman Hawkeye optic aids and it helps me to get a better sight picture. It goes on my glasses with a suction cup. Neil

Gentlemen . . . I really appreciate the helpful suggestions. At this point, I'm inclined to buy a S&W 5.5" barrel and Ultradot from Gil Hebard. Expensive, but does have certain advantages.

So, that brings us to choosing the Ultradot. Seems you have a choice of either 1" or 30 mm diameter with a 4 moa dot. Or another Ultradot with choice of 2,4,6, or 8 moa dot.

Can see certain advantages to the smaller dot size, but have zero experience with red dot sights on pistols.

Any additional advice lurking out there?

Regards . . .

__________________
Ralph T
NRA Benefactor Member

I like the Match Dot from Ultradot.

For those that read old posts.. Gill Hebards shop is closed permanently

Thats a shame. Another icon from the glory days of bullseye shooting. I used to marvel at his catalogues.

Likewise. My last purchase was a 5" M41 barrel drilled & tapped.

__________________
Ralph T
NRA Benefactor Member

I have managed to assemble two Model 41's along with the 5" field bbl, the 51/2" bull bbl, the 7" long bbl and the 73/4 bbl with compensator. Also have a Bully barrel d&t and threaded. The Bully has a 3MOA red dot and shoots much better than I ever can!

Instead of the 7and 3/4" barrel I suspect you may have the 7 and 3/8" barrel. S@W never made a 73/4" barrel that I am aware of. If you are shooting with the muzzle brake on it I would recommend going with a false nose instead. No cleaning like you have to do with the muzzle braked ones and more accuracy as well. Write me a private message and I will direct you where to get one quite cheaply.