drill and tap older L frame for red dot

[Pequod]

Can anyone recommend a gunsmith shop to drill and tap holes in older 686 and/or 586 to match newer models so a red dot sight can be mounted? I tried to contact a shop relatively near me for this work and they won't respond. Thanks.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I don't know where you're located, but I can recommend Clark Custom for any S&W revolver smithing. They do great work for a fair price.

 

[Pequod]

I'm in Norhtern Illinois. Have used Clark before, last year got a Model 10 turned into a PPC gun by their revolversmith, a beautiful firearm. Hoping to find something closer. America's Gunsmith Shop in Burlington WI is driving distance, and has done some minor work for me before. But they won't respond to email questions about this drilling/tapping. Will call them if nothing else turns up. Dropping off in person beats shipping, and they have quick turnarounds.
Thanks.

 

[Greyman50]

I drilled and tapped a K frame and N frame for red dot sight mounts. Having transfer punches, good drill press( buddies) and Good drill bits and taps its not difficult. Having been in machine tools for 40+ years helped, lol.

 

[-BTM-]

Assuming it is drilled and tapped - then what? Is there a mount that will fit?

 

[Yendor357]

I second what BTM has said.

It took some convincing, but a friend and I drilled and tapped Win /Miroku receivers for Lyman 66LA peep sights. Doing a 686 (I have 2 of them) seems pretty simple in comparison.

Midway USA, and/or Brownells will have what you need to do the job. There are others, but I like the Weigatinny mount because then I can mount my 2X Leupold or a red dot.

If you’ve never before had any sort of an optic on a revolver, you will be pleasantly surprised how well you can now shoot.

 

[WR Moore]

Given your location, you might give MagNaPort a call/email. They do more than EDM gas porting.