I prefer to not commit a sacrilegious act!

[tesoro]

I just picked up a 1965 17-2 off an old timer. Have always wanted one and now I have one. It is in good+ condition and I want it as a shooter. It is not a museum piece to be stored in a safe. I will shoot it till I die.

But my eyes don't work with handgun irons any more so I want to put a Triji 1moa RMR on it. I have a few of these and they are great. I will have to drill&tap for the mount unless I find a work around. I would much prefer to not drill . My smith made a horrible face when I told him what I thought I would have to do.

When you remove the rear sight there is a longitudinal groove that the sight set in. If I could find a plate with my RMR mount pattern and then mill it to fit and drill it to mate with the existing factory holes, then this would be ideal.

Anyone know or anyone who has done this or other solution? I can't be the first to want to put a RMR on a k22. Thanks for any help!

 

[robertrwalsh]

It might be possible to mount it using a barrel clamp with a Weaver mount. They used to make such things for Ruger .22 semi-autos, which had a constant diameter bull barrel. As far as the specialty plate pretty much anything of a purely technical nature is doable if you are willing to pay for the custom work.

 

[tesoro]

It might be possible to mount it using a barrel clamp with a Weaver mount. They used to make such things for Ruger .22 semi-autos, which had a constant diameter bull barrel. As far as the specialty plate pretty much anything of a purely technical nature is doable if you are willing to pay for the custom work.

No barrel clamps for me! correct on making one. but it would be much simpler to shave one down to size. shortcut. I have a triji RMR mount on my 686. I guess I can take it off and see if the groove size is the same and also the rear bevel.


i would assume that if anyone made a non-mod base for the K22 then it would have been for a scope rail and I dont want a scope, or the added bulk to mount a RMR on top of it.

 

[MelvinWalker]

I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I wouldn't consider what you are considering....

If you want a more modern double action .22 revolver to mount an optic, sell it and buy a newer Colt Cobra, a GP100 Ruger or maybe even a 617 S&W...They all have a more modern action, heavier and more accurate barrel and you wouldn't spend several hundred dollars to lose another $300-400 on the end value of the modified K22.

I would do zero modifications to a vintage K22

 

[cgt4570]

Aimtech makes (or made) one that mounts to the sideplate using the included longer sideplate screws, and clamps to the topstrap. It even has tapped holes to store the original screws. I have a couple on guns, but only a loose one in L and N. No K's. I put a thick coat of grease between it and the sideplate to protect the finish. Here's on on eBay! If I were you, I'd snatch it!

I have a narrow rib K22 that came to me D&T'd for a T/C Lobo scope and mount. I would have never done it, but I love it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2672081041...W/UyjPsNqJczL8qzUgc2w/8w4=|tkp:Bk9SR9zy_v7XZQ

 

[pmanton]

Some years back I purchased a mount that replaced the rear sight on my Model 17. No damage was done to the revolver.

 

[ultraedge]

Get your eyes fixed. I had mine done and have 20/15 vision. I recommend Woolfson Eye institute in Atlanta. I am 70 and shoot vintage revolvers almost every day.

 

[Doug M.]

Function must always dictate form. If you need an optic of some kind to enjoy the revolver, you need one. Do your research first, so you get a result that works. Many older S&Ws were modified by serious shooters to serve purposes the shooter. It is not sacrilegious no matter what the collector fetishists say and how much they clutch their pearls.

 

[tomcatt51]

There are plenty of sight bases made for the later guns. All that's required is to duplicate the factory 3 hole pattern of the later guns in the rear sights' "longitudinal groove". The later guns have this hidden under their rear sights. Visible if you swing the cylinder open and look at the underside of the top strap. The holes are tapped 6-48.
You'll probably also want to get the chambers reamed. They're notoriously undersized. Reaming them will not hurt the guns accuracy, just make it much easier to eject fired brass.

 

[tesoro]

Some years back I purchased a mount that replaced the rear sight on my Model 17. No damage was done to the revolver.

that is what i have been looking for! but need hint of maker.

 

[tesoro]

Aimtech makes (or made) one that mounts to the sideplate using the included longer sideplate screws, and clamps to the topstrap. It even has tapped holes to store the original screws. I have a couple on guns, but only a loose one in L and N. No K's. I put a thick coat of grease between it and the sideplate to protect the finish. Here's on on eBay! If I were you, I'd snatch it!

I have a narrow rib K22 that came to me D&T'd for a T/C Lobo scope and mount. I would have never done it, but I love it!
View attachment 756559

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2672081041...W/UyjPsNqJczL8qzUgc2w/8w4=|tkp:Bk9SR9zy_v7XZQ

Thanks! I bought it as no longer made. Prob wont use it but good to have in parts inventory.

 

[tomcatt51]

that is what i have been looking for! but need hint of maker.

S&W, Smith and Wesson, scope mount, STS, RTS2, Fastfires

S&W, Smith and Wesson, scope mount, STS, RTS2, Fastfires

allchingunparts.com

 

[tesoro]

I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I wouldn't consider what you are considering....

If you want a more modern double action .22 revolver to mount an optic, sell it and buy a newer Colt Cobra, a GP100 Ruger or maybe even a 617 S&W...They all have a more modern action, heavier and more accurate barrel and you wouldn't spend several hundred dollars to lose another $300-400 on the end value of the modified K22.

I would do zero modifications to a vintage K22

You telling me a K22 is not as accurate as a 617? If so will buy one of those!! easy to mount optic.
I am an 'antiquer' type of guy and do understand that if I alter the 17-2 then that will be one less original in existence for the next generation. to covet. Not like they made 2 milllion of them.

 

[tesoro]

Looks like the 617-2 ss cyl 4in is the one to get?

617 History

• 617: 1989 introduction.
• 617-1 (1993): Change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, synthetic grips introduced.
• 617-2 (1996): Introduction of the 10-shot alloy cylinder version; 10-shot glass-beaded stainless steel frame with alloy cylinder.
• 617-3 (1998): Change in frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud; eliminate serrated tang; change to MIM trigger; change internal lockwork for the 6-shot stainless steel version.
• 617-4 (1998): Change in frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud; eliminate serrated tangs; change to MIM trigger; change internal lockwork for the 10-shot stainless steel cylinder version of 617-3.
• 617-5 (2001): Internal key lock system on 6-shot frame.
• 617-6 (2001): Internal key lock system on 10-shot frame.
• 2002: 8-3/8" barrel discontinued.
• 2003: Introduce new design star extractor system.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The older guns can be just as accurate as any newer one, assuming everything is mechanically correct. Some of the older ones had problems, just as some of the newer ones do. Drilling and tapping 3 holes in the topstrap will make the gun more useable and enjoyable. If you want to get the most pleasure from using it, go ahead and put an Allchin red dot base on it. If you just want to admire it from afar, that is fine, too. Your gun, your choice.

I think sometimes people get overly sentimental about the older guns. To me, they are not that sacred. I do appreciate the craftsmanship as much as anyone, having been a tool & die maker for over 50 years. I know exactly what it takes to make those, and have been building my own custom ones for 40 years. This is my personal opinion, other people will have different personal opinions.

 

[SS336]

I agree to a point with that, but it could be a good reason to buy another revolver.
This is how I solved the problem.
M17, no
M617, yes

 

[Imissedagain]

While a 10 round stainless Smith shooter is nice, I'm from the drill/tap school.
63-3 rescue project and the17-4, bought new.
A big NO, for the '71 DS, but the old Security Six, Ruger Snub, a big YES.
Even getting modified Bullseye stocks and the RMR 3.25.

 

[Imissedagain]

Some may call it damage to a revolver, and others, an improvement.

 

[tesoro]

Either way I understand. I have returned the 17-2 to the broker, so this is over. I will find a no lock 617 of the best considered version and call it good! thx everyone

 

[Yendor357]

I’m 64 1/2. I’ve worn glasses for years.
I have a really good optometrist. Now I wear contacts; the extended wear variety.
I can shoot iron sighted handguns as well now as ever, maybe better now that I’m retired, I get to shoot a lot more.

Get a good optometrist.