Model 17-3 and a red dot?

[99DC99]

Hi, I'm new to S&W ownership having just acquired the aforementioned Model 17-3.

Im getting on in years and usually shoot my other firearms with a red dot. (I have astigmatism as well and am right handed but left eye dominant...).

Anyway. one of my pals in the club has said i may not be able to fit a red dot mount on the top of the revolver due to its age.

I thought that i could take the top plate with the rear sight on it off and replace it with a made for "K" frame replacement part (Picatinny or Red Dot specific plate) by using the existing tapped holes.
It's not that i doubt my pal (he has a Model 17 too and knows a good bit about them . I just wanted to check in a wider forum to see if there is a part that is off the shelf that will work for me. He has mentioned that i would need to get the frame drilled and tapped (which i don't want to do - i don't want to do permanent changes to the firearm).
I'm told it due to the age of the firearm (17-3 is mid '70's?) That the newer ones (i.e. the 617 etc. can accept the RD adaptor plate (or Picatinny rail mount), but not my one..

Is there a way of getting a RD mount for my 17-3? (without a drill and tap)?

Thanks for any help!

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, 99DC99

I'm told it due to the age of the firearm (17-3 is mid '70's?)

The Model 17-3 was made from 1967 until 1977.

Is there a way of getting a RD mount for my 17-3? (without a drill and tap)?

I seriously doubt it, but there may be some product out there that I don't know about.

 

[Sevens]

I could be mistaken but I don't think it is possible without alteration of the revolver. The 17-3 sight is held in place by only one single threaded screw -- at the front. The rear end is milled out for a square nut to slip in from the right and it is held down in this manner, so there is only one single threaded hole.

I have seen where a mount can be attached by drilling in to the top strap with the rear sight removed, and then later if you removed that rail and re-installed the rear sight, all of the evidence would be completely hidden from view and only a rear sight removal would show the alteration.

That's not the world's worst solution, however many folks here would disagree. I would say that the Model 17-3 was made in massive volume and it is not a rare gun at all, and that might be a factor in your decision.

 

[99DC99]

Hi,

Thanks - I'm reading about a No-drill Weaver #307 mount. But this seems to be out of production - It is available (at this moment on ebay and another site, but as I live in Europe - no shipping to here from the US...
I can shoot Iron sights, but much prefer red dot (my ancient eyes lol)
I am aware that the newer Model 17 and 617 came predrilled and tapped but alas mine seems to be around 1975 or '76.

Maybe I could get soemthing made up (I can CAD draw anyone got a CAD drawing of Picatinny or Weaver that i can modify in AutoCAD? (LOL)

 

[Sevens]

^^ Ugh, that square nut slips in from the REAR, not the right.

 

[22hipower]

There is a no drill mount for K frames, there was one for sale on eBay recently if I remember correctly. I have one, made by Burris, that is for an N frame (was on a 57) and it does work as advertised. No need to drill and tap and, at least on my 57, no marks on the frame after it was removed. Not sure how well it would accommodate a red dot.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2ne7qC3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[lscocoa]

I use b-square no gunsmith mount on my k22/m-17’s. I don’t use the one’s with clamps like the weaver because they tend to mark the frame’s where the clamps touch . The b-square can be installed on the .22 & .22 mags without using the clamp’s because of minimal recoil , some like this model came without clamps. You’ll see in the pic the two middle hole are for the screw that goes in hole for holding the rear sight on , the back screw and nut go in the back slot of the frame .

 

[H Richard]

I have used these no drill type mounts, and will work on a 22RF. But that's about all I would put one on. I have had a forward mount screw shear off with 38 target WC loads. It had to be drilled out and re-tapped. Also, they are prone to loosening up with shooting. If you need a red dot, look into a model that has been factory drilled & tapped. You will be more satisfied.

 

[99DC99]

I have used these no drill type mounts, and will work on a 22RF. But that's about all I would put one on. I have had a forward mount screw shear off with 38 target WC loads. It had to be drilled out and re-tapped. Also, they are prone to loosening up with shooting. If you need a red dot, look into a model that has been factory drilled & tapped. You will be more satisfied.

Beggars can't be choosey .
To narrow it down I'm in Ireland and with the current legislation I'm lucky to have a .22LR pistol. (which the semi autos and the revolvers are restricted to 5 rounds - yes we have to plug the mags and cylinders to 5 rds!!!).
So the pistols easiest to get are from Germany and that would be the Model 17 or the 617. (ok the Rugers can be got in .22 as well and a few more- but the S&W have the best reputation. The 6 round models are the preferred capacity cause there is less holes to plug - in the 617. and a 6 rds 617 is rare enough as well (but there are some around).
I did get my RFD to get me a good M17 - but I didn't realise that the M17-3 were not drilled and tapped from factory. I could get that done - but don't want to modify the top strap.

So a no drill solution will be the way to go for me. I reckon I could get a section of weaver rail or picatinny and have it modified to fit using the forward hole and the slot on the back under the adjustable sight....or i could just shoot fixed sights. its just that i'm so used to RD.
Also there is so little recoil on the .22 that i reckon a bit of thread lock and i'm good to go.

I'll see if i can purchase a Weaver #307 kit first though (if I can get a vendor that will ship to me in Ireland....:-(

 

[99DC99]

I use b-square no gunsmith mount on my k22/m-17’s. I don’t use the one’s with clamps like the weaver because they tend to mark the frame’s where the clamps touch . The b-square can be installed on the .22 & .22 mags without using the clamp’s because of minimal recoil , some like this model came without clamps. You’ll see in the pic the two middle hole are for the screw that goes in hole for holding the rear sight on , the back screw and nut go in the back slot of the frame .

Hi,
What's the actual name of this set up? B-square? Is the name "b-square no gunsmith mount"? or something different (so i can google a source if available?
Do you remember who the manufacturer is?

Thanks

 

[series guy]

If you don't want to hurt you gun then drill and tap it. Any no drill mount that I have used or seen will harm the finish of your gun. At least by drilling and tapping the reinstallation of the rear sight leaves the gun looking perfect again. Let your heirs worry about any reduction in value. A very nice inexpensive method is to use a 401 Weaver base and shorten it and round the front to match the step in the frame. Makes for a neat and clean looking installation. The enjoyment of shooting your .22 with a red dot sight will quickly overcome any worries of drilling and tapping.

 

[99DC99]

If you don't want to hurt you gun then drill and tap it. Any no drill mount that I have used or seen will harm the finish of your gun. At least by drilling and tapping the reinstallation of the rear sight leaves the gun looking perfect again. Let your heirs worry about any reduction in value. A very nice inexpensive method is to use a 401 Weaver base and shorten it and round the front to match the step in the frame. Makes for a neat and clean looking installation. The enjoyment of shooting your .22 with a red dot sight will quickly overcome any worries of drilling and tapping.

Nice pictures. Yes I know what you mean - drill it and don't worry about it. Good Gunsmiths are in short supply here in Ireland though (largely untrained "have a go heros" for the most part. I'm technically proficient to do it myself except I don't have access to a mill (which I would prefer to use than a bench drill or God forbid a hand drill!).
I have plenty of time to check out my options as I'm in waiting mode for the licence to get granted.
I have contacted a few vendors on ebay that have the weaver 307 for sale asking if they will ship to Ireland. they are not dear ($20 plus shipping - what ever that would cost) so if i get it and offer it up i can evaluate if it will mark the original bluing.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

There is a no drill mount for K frames, there was one for sale on eBay recently if I remember correctly. I have one, made by Burris, that is for an N frame (was on a 57) and it does work as advertised. No need to drill and tap and, at least on my 57, no marks on the frame after it was removed. Not sure how well it would accommodate a red dot.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2ne7qC3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

I had a mount like that on a Python years ago. The jaws that grip the front of the frame MARRED the heck out of the front of the frame on my Python....Removed the bluing.
B-SQUARE once offered all kinds of no-drill revolver mounts.

 

[lscocoa]

Hi,
What's the actual name of this set up? B-square? Is the name "b-square no gunsmith mount"? or something different (so i can google a source if available?
Do you remember who the manufacturer is?

Thanks

B-square is the company, mount number 15549 and will fit k,l,&n frames. I believe those models are out of production so auction sites are your best shot .