Mounting a Red Dot on a Recon 45

[guzzitaco]

Hi guys...

just a quick post about mounting a red dot (not RMR) on a Recon 45. It would be similar on all 45's with the same profile (M4513, M4516) I think it would not work on a M457.

Again, for this project we chose the Optima/Tasco base that is meant to be used with the 59 series.



The mount can be found online from $20 to $30 (depending on the sale you find) + shipping. This mount is made of aluminum and attaches to the slide by replacing the rear sight and it was designed to fit the 59 series.


For more details on the mount please see this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/659955-mounting-red-dot-m745.html

Mount is designed to fit the "Shield" pattern:


So, I got the Recon 45 slide...



Slide was in fantastic condition, except some carbon "crust" on the Briley bushing...


it was a bit stubborn, but we managed to clean it...


Decided to use the Sig Rome Zero red dot...simple, relatively inexpensive and gets the job done..


base does not fit well the slide since the "shoulders" of the 45 are wider.


so a couple of passes on the milling machine...

I also had to do some manual filling and sanding to make a proper fit. I believe this whole project can be done with hand tools.





used some vinyl to protect the slide of any scratches from the aluminum mount...despite being softer than steel, I was concern about the finish of the PC slide.

An important point: screws must be tighten to 9lbs ...

I took some pics after the projects was done...












Hope this helps...
Guzzi

 

[DMcBB]

This is so cool. I’m really thinking about doing this for one of my 3rd gens too. Do the sights co-witness? How do you like the Romeo Zero? I have a Romeo One on my P226, and I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I took it out on Friday and was punching one ragged hole at 10 yards like nothing.

 

[guzzitaco]

This is so cool. I’m really thinking about doing this for one of my 3rd gens too. Do the sights co-witness? How do you like the Romeo Zero? I have a Romeo One on my P226, and I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I took it out on Friday and was punching one ragged hole at 10 yards like nothing.

On this one the sights do not co-witness, I believe it will be more a range gun (since it already has a compensated barrel that protrudes). However, having back up sights wouldn't be a problem. I would choose a Dawson front sight that comes in different heights and the rear sight is "embedded" in the red dot.

I like the Romeo Zero a lot. Battery life is great, it is lightweight, it has an "awake" feature that turns on automatically and the price is good. I guess the only thing I don't like is that is polymer instead of aluminum, but I guess I can live with that.

I have my Romeo Zero on a M5906 and I like it a lot. My eyesight is not what it used to be and my kids (19,18,17 and 13) started to beat me when competing at the range and make fun of me. After I installed the red dot I make them cry every time we go to the range...

 

[DMcBB]

That 5906 looks awesome. Did you melonite the slide? Does the Romeo Zero help with your freehand accuracy (as opposed to the manual accuracy of the gun)? Do you trust it on a self defense pistol?

I’m in the same boat for vision. I had great vision when I was younger, but now that I’m on the wrong side of 40 I can tell that the years have taken a toll on my eyes. I don’t need glasses, but I find it harder to focus in the dark or at longer distances, and the single plane of the red dot is easier to manage with a target than the dual planes of front sight and rear sight, along with the target.

 

[guzzitaco]

That 5906 looks awesome. Did you melonite the slide? Does the Romeo Zero help with your freehand accuracy (as opposed to the manual accuracy of the gun)? Do you trust it on a self defense pistol?

I’m in the same boat for vision. I had great vision when I was younger, but now that I’m on the wrong side of 40 I can tell that the years have taken a toll on my eyes. I don’t need glasses, but I find it harder to focus in the dark or at longer distances, and the single plane of the red dot is easier to manage with a target than the dual planes of front sight and rear sight, along with the target.

That slide is from a M915. I got a couple of frames online (before the pandemic) and found a couple of M915 slides. Finish is bluing, I did it myself at home. All the cuts were made with hand files and hand tools (before I got the milling machine)

Here is the thread (it is a bit long, but it was a fun project).

Two 5906 Frankenguns (two-tone, cuts, serrations, red dot)

I believe the red dot is a great tool. For training, it helps me to present the gun aligned every time, otherwise you don't see the dot. I helps me see better where I'm hitting and I have more consistency. Groups are smaller. After some rounds with the red dot, I believe I shoot better with irons. However, I wouldn't use a red dot for EDC, I think they are a bit fragile and will break (very different than a rifle red dot). To me it is a training tool.

here is an interesting article on the subject (that mentions the tasco/optima mount and a M5906):
When Pistol Red Dots Break | RECOIL

I also have different guns in the EDC rotation and then all of them would have to have a red dot (preferably the same one)...I can't afford this...

Perhaps for home defense...but it is not something I would carry...
this is MHO (others may differ, that is ok).

 

[guzzitaco]

Some pics of the finished project...

 

[18DAI]

Beautiful work! I wonder if the sight and mount would work on a 457 slide too? Maybe a 457 slide with "guzzi scallops".

BTW, who makes the black aluminum touch up pen? Does it work well? Match the factory black color? Thanks! Regards 18DAI

 

[guzzitaco]

Beautiful work! I wonder if the sight and mount would work on a 457 slide too? Maybe a 457 slide with "guzzi scallops".

BTW, who makes the black aluminum touch up pen? Does it work well? Match the factory black color? Thanks! Regards 18DAI

Hi 18DAI,
thank you for your comments...

the red dot would work fine...the base I am not 100% sure...I think it could be modified but the top of the M457 is 'wider" and has "angled shoulders", so I need to measure to make sure there is enough "meat" on that mount...will respond via PM

the Guzzi scallop is a fantastic idea...

The aluminum touch pen is so, so, ...some aluminum get dark easily, some others need a bunch or re-touches...it darkens it, but is isn't a deep black...but I will help with a scratch on a frame...

I am working on a M457 and I did some re-touching...some pics:







the first 2 pics have 8x magnification. the last one 1.5x

the pen can be found online, it is by birchwood-casey, paid $4.99 shipping included...

hope this helps...
Guzzi

 

[Olliedenniston]

m457 Red dot mount

Are there any red dot mounts that will work with the S&W m457 I've been looking around and it doesn't look like there are any made for it specifically? if not does anyone have the measurements of the dovetail for the rear sight, I'm a machinist so I can always make my own mount for it.