model 57 optics mount

[lyytinen]

I'm wondering if there is a quality optic mount that can be attached to a model 57 that doesn't require drilling. The pistol is a no dash 57 born in 1978. I'd really like to add a scope, but don't want to have it drilled. I'm hoping that there is something out there that can be used otherwise I may end up having to try and get another pistol to hunt with.

Any help is greatly apprecated.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have seen scope mounts that clamp around the barrel. You might want to seriously consider going that way if you absolutely do not want to drill the gun.

 

[Doubless]

Here you go:

Revolvers

 

[lyytinen]

It looks like it would work. Has anyone used one. I'd hate to hose up the side plate.

 

[TAROMAN]

The clamp on mount will likely mar the gun's bluing if that matters to you.
With the recoil of a 41, you need something really solid on there.

 

[lyytinen]

I wonder what it would do to the value if I sent it back to the custom shop to have it drilled. I really don't want to damage the blueing and I really don't want to drill it. I'd hate to damage her since she was a safe queen till I got her.

 

[TAROMAN]

The collector value will decrease maybe 20% if you d&t it.
If you are planning to sell it as a collectible, best to do so now and purchase another.
Your decision, but if it was me, i would drill it and never look back. Of course, the purists will scream at the very thought.
A gun being used as a gun makes me happier than any untouchable safe queen ever will.
My $0.03, YMMV

 

[Doubless]

I have a 6" no dash 57 I sent back to Smith and had D&T many years ago. I never debated for a second about having it done: it was factory work, the rear sight covers the holes, and as far as I am concerned it makes the revolver MORE valuable, not less.

But I am wrong A LOT!

 

[lyytinen]

I guess I need to contact smith for a price....hopefully I can be all set by hunting season.

 

[TAROMAN]

The S&W shop is jammed right now, you may be waiting 6 months or more. Plus shipping on your dime added on.
Drilling is a pretty simple job that any competent gunsmith/machinist (I know that's a stretch, at times) can easily handle. Holes are the same, regardless of who does the job (correctly).
First one I had done was by the local expert. Done perfectly, at $20 per hole.
Next three (a 29-2, and a pair of 28-2s) I did on my drill press with a rotary table. They turned out perfectly as well.

 

[SuperMan]

About ten years ago I picked up a 70s vintage 8 3/8" 57 that was wearing a scope in a Leupold mount. The gun had been D&T and as a result the price was very cheap.

When the gun came in I pulled the scope and mount just to make sure all the screws were tight...and when I pulled the base off I noticed that the gunsmith who had done the D&T didn't punch the holes all the way through the topstrap... So when the rear sight is on the gun there are no holes to see from inside the frame window.

And since the gun has several hundred rounds off full power ammo through it and the scope base has never come loose I guess the smith knew what he was doing.

Bob

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

No matter who does the work and if the factory sight covers the holes it will reduce the value.I know that I would not buy a Gun that has been drilled and tapped,I would just wait and buy an all original one.Pretty much any mod that permanently alters the Gun will reduce the value.

 

[pownal55]

You guys that are drilling holes in these guns are giving me acid indigestion.

 

[Old TexMex]

lyytinen: PM sent to you. I have just what you want.

 

[vrichard]

These early Weaver mounts were made fore a S&W N frame.