Model 29-2 w/Leupold Mount question from newbie

[DogBytesMan]

Hi, new to S&W and this board here....

I tried to search for an answer, my apologies if I missed it.

I am interested in buying a Model 29-2 with a Leupold scope and mount on it. I believe the mount is from the same era.

My question is: I want to convert it back to standard rear sights, so is it likely the frame was drilled and tapped for the mount, or do those mounts use the existing rear sight holes....? I'm trying to inspect the revolver soon, and I might then have the answer to my question, but was hoping someone here might know.

Here's a pic of a similar setup:

Thank you!
Brad

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! There is/was a no-gunsmithing optic mount for older S & W revolvers; someone here may recognize this particular brand/model to let you know. The 29-2 was not originally drilled/tapped for a mount.

 

[double-dipper]

Welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place to have your question answered. Is that a pic of gun you're considering buying? if so I don't believe its a 29-2 maybe a 629-2. I believe the 29-2 still had a pined barrel. I cannot see a pin in that barrel.

 

[DogBytesMan]

Thank you murphydog and double-dipper for the replies! No, that is not a pic of the gun I'm contemplating -- I just Googled a pic of the Leupold mount on a 29 for this post. The gun I'm looking at does have the pinned barrel and recessed chambers, which if my research is correct is not present on the -3 and up models (but maybe on the stainless series -- I haven't researched those yet).

I'm hoping that someone who's installed one can tell me if the mount just uses the sight holes -- then I can scare up a factory sight assembly to replace the mount. Then, I assume, I'll put the mount and scope on Gunbroker, but maybe not if it's a Leupold.

Thank you also for the greeting! I've been poking around the forum and I love it already!

 

[tennexplorer]

Even if it was drilled and tapped, the screw hole to attach the original S&W rear sight to the revolver is probably intact. Can you inspect the revolver before buying? If so, look at the underside of the top strap. The original screw hole if intact is forward near the end of the barrel and is usually way smaller than the screws used to mount the scope. The S&W rear sight should cover the screw holes, to where they are only apparent if you look at the underside of the top strap.

Also, the Older N-frame rear sight assembly is getting hard and expensive to find. If there is not one with the revolver, I'd use that a leverage to drop the price - significantly.

 

[DogBytesMan]

Thank you, tennexplorer! That is great info! I think your advice, coupled with the previous suggestions, should help me figure out the mount issue, once I get my hands on the revolver. If I decide to buy it I'll talk to them about the price, and once it's mine I'll get the mount off, find a sight assembly, and get some pics on here.

Thanks so much!
Brad

 

[Fishinfool]

Brad - I once owned a model 29 with the same scope mount you are talking about. I don't remember if it used the rear sight hole or not for mounting. I believe there were three holes drilled and tapped in the top strap.

As stated above by tennexplorer, a new sight will cover the holes, and should be negotiated in the price. I would fill the extra holes with flush plug screws for a clean look. I would also try the gun with the scope mounted before making any changes, you might like it as is.

Larry

 

[jcelect]

New rear sight

Sir, the type front sight you are looking for will be squared off on the front end. A late model front sight will have a round front end! Also the height of the sight blade might be too high or too low for your ammo/distance making the height adjustment impossible!
jcelect

 

[M29since14]

29-2s had to be drilled and tapped for the Leupold base.

If you want to return to the factory rear sight, it will cover the drilled and tapped holes and, if you like, you can fill them from inside of the cylinder window to avoid marking the cylinder with gas caught and redirected by the holes when the gun is fired.

The holes are of no consequence in terms of strength. I cannot imagine that they would weaken the topstrap, but back then it was not uncommon to find shooters worrying about that. All modern S&Ws are now factory drilled and tapped and no one complains about strength problems with them.

I shot a 29-2 for more than a few years with that set-up and had no complaints. Still have the gun, but no longer use the scope and mount.

 

[DogBytesMan]

Thank you all so very much for the amazing info! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all helping out a beginner in S&W's. You folks are wonderful!!

I should be getting my hands on the revolver soon, and then I'll know, but my guess is you are all correct and a new rear sight will solve all my worries.

Thank you all again and Merry Christmas!
Brad

 

[H Richard]

Just be sure to get the correct vintage rear sight. Measure the distance from center of the small screw hole (sight hold down screw) and the back of the ledge on the frame.