I've got a nice 15-3, 4" that I really enjoy shooting. I would like to start using a red dot. I know that to put a rail on this gun would involve drilling and tapping a hole in the top strap. (I have been advised against using the Aimtech clamp mount.)
Would I be doing any damage either structurally or financially by having it drilled and tapped? It's in good shape but not NIB. I also think it is a fairly common pistol. So I don't see it as having any great collectors value.


Jeff

B Square makes a no drill mount for K Frames. Are usually available on Brownell's or Midway. Drilling and tapping a 15-3 wouldn't hurt the gun structurally, but would hurt the "collectible" value. If as you say there is little collectible value, and is a shooter only, it wouldn't hurt it much. The holes would be drilled and tapped underneath the present rear sight. You may want to try the B Square first. It should have no problem with recoil on a 38 Special. This is a picture of my 17-4 with the B Square and a Red Dot.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Since you model 15 is a shooter, I would recomend having the frame drilled and tapped to the current mounting pattern. BTW, there are 3, #6-48 tapped holes in the current pattern and I can provide the dimensions for the placement if you need them, just PM me. I have recently drilled and tapped the frames on my model 67-1 and 617 no dash to the current pattern and it really provides some excelent options for sighting. Such as the direct mount J Point reflex that I just added to my 610.


As you can see, it sits almost as low as the iron sights and is quite compact. So much so that it only took 5 minutes of work with an exacto knife to add just enough clearange to my Galco OWB thumb break holster to have the gun slide right in.

Full review can be found here. BTW, the J Point appears to be identical to the Trijicon RMR at about 100 dollars less.

Put my 610 on a diet, lost about 8 ounces.

If Weaver still makes their clamp-on / screw-on mount, try it. I've been using them for years on 2 of my M-14/K38's with perfect results. They work off of the existing rear sight elevation screw threads, and clamp over the frame at the front. They sure don't move when they are installed correctly, and they leave no tell-tale marks on the gun except a bit of shinyness on the matte top of the frame where they bear down on it.

H Richard: Thanks for your reply. I believe the B Square mounts you refer to are for post 1993 K frames which were drilled and tapped at the factory for mounts. My Model 15-3 is from the early 60's.

Scooter: PM sent

Black _Talon: Thanks very much. I'll see if I can find a Weaver clamp on /screw on mount.

Jeff

I had a Weaver mount like Black Talons holding a Aimpoint Red Dot on a 28-2. Worked good and never moved.

Thanks,

I just found one at Midway and ordered it.

Jeff