Model 17 and Bushnell Magnum Phantom scope

[Ray]

Hi, with failing eyes I would like to know the proper mount to use with that scope on my S&W 17 no dash.
That scope is not totally round , it has on the bottom part a kind of rail with notches to be secured by the mount´s topside, but which one?
Are they still avaiable ?
Thanks for any info.
Regards, Ray

 

[tenntex32]

Ray,

While I do not own one just Googling the info I see that most likely you will be needing their model number 76-2921 for S&W revolvers.

It looks as though you will have to remove the adjustable rear sight and replace it with the mount. (It should be marked "BUSHNELL S&W" on the side of the mount.) It also looks as though, per the mount's instructions, that it requires drilling and tapping two 8-32 screw holes completely through the topstrap.

Maybe a forum member can attest to any if any additional fitting was required when used on their Model 17.

HTH, and another big howdy from Texas. I hope you are taking good care of my (I mean your) excellent condition Brazilian contract M1917.

Dale

 

[H Richard]

Those have some age on them. In your behalf, I would recommend a red dot as a sight aid, it has solved many "senior" shooters problems. The scope will magnify the target, and any wobble. Most find it very distracting unless shooting off a bench rest.

 

[Ray]

Thanks to all, and Dale the 1917 is fine albeit I´ve never shot it. YET !
And the 17 no dash will see no drilling. It´s so pristine that hurts my heart only to think about.
Also an info: Drilling I know, but what tapping means ?
Sorry the ignorance.
Regards, Ray

 

[tenntex32]

Thanks to all, and Dale the 1917 is fine albeit I´ve never shot it. YET !
And the 17 no dash will see no drilling. It´s so pristine that hurts my heart only to think about.
Also an info: Drilling I know, but what tapping means ?
Sorry the ignorance.
Regards, Ray

Tapping means cutting the threads into the hole for the screw.

 

[tenntex32]

Maybe someone can come recommend a rigid optic mounting method that makes proper use of the revolver's existing rear sight channel and/or sideplate screws without having to drill, tap, or fit adjust the gun's frame?

I bet several S&W collectors have already been down this road a time or two.

Surely there is something of use out there for collectors who do not want to permanently alter their revolvers.

 

[M29since14]

I don’t know of anything like that but I would sure be interested if a mount like that exists. I also agree the red dot/reflex sight will be easier to “learn” than a telescope. It sure is for me.

 

[tenntex32]

I wouldn't mind eventually having something like this for one of my N-Frame Highway Patrolman examples...........just to see what they are truly capable of at the longer distances. (Assuming they fit rigidly and could be mounted in a non-marring fashion.)

Smith & Wesson Revolver Mounts – Aimtech

Looks like they offer them in K, L, and N-frame varieties.

I would think there would be several manufacturers of similar style items out there.

 

[Drm50]

I think I have that mount for Phantom that was for a m19. That’s K too so it should work. I will see if I can find it and PM you this evening.

 

[mtgianni]

I have a couple Bushnell Phantoms and one mount, not for sale. The only mount I am aware of is for a TC Contender and I am not sure how many were made for other handguns. I think they were available in 1.3x and 1.5X, are pushing 30 years old and have small eyepieces. Mine is on a 22 Hornet bbl where it doesn't overly handicap things but I would go with modern glass or a red dot if it were me.

 

[mtgianni]

I wouldn't mind eventually having something like this for one of my N-Frame Highway Patrolman examples...........just to see what they are truly capable of at the longer distances. (Assuming they fit rigidly and could be mounted in a non-marring fashion.)

Smith & Wesson Revolver Mounts – Aimtech

Looks like they offer them in K, L, and N-frame varieties.

I would think there would be several manufacturers of similar style items out there.

By my eyes that looks to be for a scope mounted with rings, the Phantom doesn't use rings.

 

[tenntex32]

He may have to get away from the Phantom scope unless he wants to drill and tap for the proprietary Bushnell mount.

I have a new-in-box Redfield 2x7 LER scope I bought a number of years ago just waiting for such a scoped revolver project though........

 

[tenntex32]

I have a couple Bushnell Phantoms and one mount, not for sale. The only mount I am aware of is for a TC Contender and I am not sure how many were made for other handguns. I think they were available in 1.3x and 1.5X, are pushing 30 years old and have small eyepieces. Mine is on a 22 Hornet bbl where it doesn't overly handicap things but I would go with modern glass or a red dot if it were me.

From what I was able to dig up the Phantom mounts were made for Colt, S&W, and Ruger revolvers. They also had mounts for Thompson Contenders, an all-purpose V-block mount, and even a mount for various Winchesters, Marlins, and Mossbergs.......

 

[tenntex32]

It does look as though a great number of smaller nicer looking options are available out there if one has a newer S&W example pre-drilled and tapped for such mounting devices.

But where's the fun in that?

I think Ray should devise his own non-destructive mount and wow us with his prowess.

I'm thinking some right angle steel, a piece of picatinny rail, some screws and he's in business! Then he could mount whatever he wanted to to it. We're talking only .22LR recoil forces here.

The hardest part would be the longer replacement sideplate screws for mounting it.......but a knowledgeable machinist could whip a batch of longer screws in no time. (Then again they may also be commercially available as well.)

C'mon Ray............what do you say?

 

[Ray]

Thanks folks I´ll think about the options,regards, Ray

 

[Ray]

I think I have that mount for Phantom that was for a m19. That’s K too so it should work. I will see if I can find it and PM you this evening.

Thanks Drm50 regards, Ray

 

[dsf]

Re the AimTech fitting over the sideplate, I'd be concerned the contact points could (or would) develop a rub mark on the sideplate and ruin an otherwise cosmetically perfect revolver.

 

[Fishinfool]

Maybe someone can come recommend a rigid optic mounting method that makes proper use of the revolver's existing rear sight channel and/or sideplate screws without having to drill, tap, or fit adjust the gun's frame?

I bet several S&W collectors have already been down this road a time or two.

Surely there is something of use out there for collectors who do not want to permanently alter their revolvers.

Weaver, B-Square, and I am sure others have (still do?) have made mounts for S&W that utilize the rear sight hole, as well as a clamp that goes over the barrel, near the front of the frame. No drilling and tapping, and the one I used on a .44 mag Ruger SBH worked reliably. Unless you could adapt the Bushnell's scope base to the mount, you may have to use a round scope or red dot though. I put a layer of electrical tape on mine where the clamp went over the barrel, and it did no harm to the finish. Not my gun shown, but it was the same.

Larry

 

[tenntex32]

Yes there are adhesive tapes made specifically for contact points to prevent chaffing, etc...

We use them extensively in the aviation field.