S&W R8 Rail Types & Where to buy them.

FreedomArmory · Apr 26, 2020

I’m looking for guidance on S&W Rail options.

- What frame type is the R8 (K, L, N, or X frame)
- Which pic rail is recommended for the R8? (Id like to keep the rear sight installed)
- I prefer the shortest possible length. Are there different length options?
- Smith doesn’t seem to have any sku numbers for OEM rail options. Does anyone have a list of part numbers for Pic rails specific to the R8?

I’ve seen a rail that supposedly fits the R8 but it appears that the rear sight has to be removed. Many of the R8s we’ve seen has the pic rail in front of the rear sight (with rear sight still installed).
S&W Revolver Picatinny Rail

Please save all smart *** remarks. It’s the one thing I hate about our industry. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, your thoughts and dreams, so leave others to theirs.

Thank you in advance!
-William

jerrydm60 · Apr 26, 2020

Rails

it looks like the rails are included with the revolver, at least that's what the ad says

Pizza Bob · Apr 26, 2020

Both the R8, that you are asking about, and the TRR8 are built on the N-frame.

The TRR8 has both a top and a bottom rail that are removable and are included with the gun. The top rail mounts in front of the rear sight.

The R8 has a bottom rail that is integral with the frame and no top rail. An aftermarket top rail or optics base (like an Allchin) could be mounted if the rear sight is removed, as the frame is drilled & tapped under the sight. Aftermarket rails for that type of mounting can be had from EGW or other sources.

Hope this helps clear things up for you.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Lou_the_welder · Apr 26, 2020

The only rail supplied with the R8, I would advise NOT to use.
It causes two problems.
(1) it scratches the top shroud
(2) most importantly, can be a contributing factor in why these barrels loosen.

I've had my R8's barrel loosen 3 times. Twice, I sent it back to the factory. Once they replaced the barrel.
SAW will not tell you the problems, or how to fix it, you may have to learn things on your own.
The top stock rail with a heavy optic (6oz.) Will loosen the barrel every 15-1600 rounds.
The 4 supplied silver hole cover screws will also lock the barrel in place.
For this , if you want to add an optic to the R8, you should use a rear mounted optic rail like a weigand 'weigatinny' mount or similar. And forego the use of the top stock rail itself.

Last pic of my R8 after coming back from the factory. I asked them to redo the shroud. And they replaced it.

Groo01 · Apr 26, 2020

Groo here
Had no problems with my TRR8 [ early one]
Ps there was two rails made , one solid and one with a cut allowing
The iron sight to be seen with out taking off the rail.
Mine came with solid , S&W supplied the newer.

S&W R8 Rail Types & Where to buy them.

FreedomArmory

jerrydm60

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Pizza Bob

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Lou_the_welder

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Groo01

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