Model 53 Question

[DARE]

I have a 1st year Model 53 4-screw #K441135. Shipped to Nash Hardware Company, Ft. Worth, Texas May 21, 1961.
Has a hole in the top strap. Have included a photo. My guess is the gun had a scope mounted at some time. If you remove the rear sight, thinking this hole and the one where the rear sight attaches were set up for that.
Has anyone ever seen such a set up? Or have another theory for the hole?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Retired W4]

Can't see the rear sight leaf screw hole, which would have been over the BC gap back then. Strange.

 

[DARE]

Here is a pic of the rear sight from above. Think it may be the angle of my photo that keeps you from seeing the front hole for the rear sight. I can see the hole above the rear end of the barrel. Is that called the forcing cone?

 

[gmborkovic]

does the rear screw use a threaded T-slot nut? No hole in the frame.

 

[DARE]

Do not know how the rear screw attaches. Have not tried to remove it. I'm not much of a gun smith.

 

[AudieMurphy]

you cant see the sight hold down screw because its on top of the rear of the barrel. usually a mount for a scope has at least 2 holes...if it bugs you that much get it welded up or put a plug in it

 

[series guy]

I would bet you are right about previously having a scope attached.

 

[rck281]

The rear part of the mount would have fit in the slot visible when the sight is removed. I, also don't see the hole for the front screw of the rear sight. On this age gun, the hole is usually over the barrel/cylinder gap. It was later moved farther forward.

 

[Sponge315]

I have a 1st year Model 53 4-screw #K441135. Shipped to Nash Hardware Company, Ft. Worth, Texas May 21, 1961.
Has a hole in the top strap. Have included a photo. My guess is the gun had a scope mounted at some time. If you remove the rear sight, thinking this hole and the one where the rear sight attaches were set up for that.
Has anyone ever seen such a set up? Or have another theory for the hole?
Thanks for your help.

My 53 has the same hole (SN 450848) The rear site is adjustable. It is held in place by one screw that threads into that hole. The back of the site piece slides into a slot on the back strap. The rear screw does not thread into the top of the gun. The rear site piece is sort of banana shaped. The front screw holds the front down tight to the frame while the rear screw will allow it to spring up ward as you turn it. As for a scope mount, mine uses a thin spring metal clip that wraps around the top strap and a U shaped piece to stop the scope from moving forward.

 

[raljr1]

I had one with a scope, it did not have the hole thru the top strap.

 

[s&wchad]

That hole was obviously added after the finish was applied (you can see burrs and bare metal in the threads). I'm sure it was for a scope.
It's difficult to see and photograph the forward rear sight hole, because it's directly over the barrel extension.

Mine is # K462066 and it's apart for cleaning after I shot it. That made it really easy to snap a photo.