Model 629 optics input

[HOPSTER]

Hi all,
I have a 629 PC "light hunter" also called "compensated hunter" in the smith catalog , and I am looking for better optics.
I originally bought a leupold 4X handgun scope for it but did not like the narrow eye relief range, still kept it though.
I replaced it with a Burris Fastfire II which is OK, but I have read great things about the Sightmark red dot:
UltraDot Red Dot Sight 30mm Tube 1x 4 MOA Dot Weaver-Style Rings

It is sold with weaver style rings which are not shown in the sales ad.
First question : Is this sight any better than the Burris ?
Second question : Are there better rings available for my gun ?

Thanks for any info you might offer.

 

[TAROMAN]

I can answer part of your query.
My Ultradot is a Matchdot II.
This has 4 dot sizes and two reticles from which to select.
The rings that came with mine are the vertically split time. A PITA as far as I'm concerned. Replaced them with some generic low 30mm rings.
Having tried several different holographic sights (not Burris) for me, the tube type sight is quicker to acquire.
First match I gained 100 points and won the next time out.
Ultradot has a lifetime warranty, too.

 

[HOPSTER]

Thanks Taroman,
I found the MatchDot, Not the Ver II, is stock at Midway.
It looks like I can live without the different reticles on the Ver II since I have astigmatism and wear prescription shooting glasses - I only get along with plain dots, and they never look round to me anyway.
How about the quick elevation turret ? You use it much ?
I'm not shooting matches BTW, so I may be able to live without the turret, not decided.
Oh and the 2 tone matches my gun
I checked my other scope- it's a FX II 4 x 28 mm .
Would like to find quick detach rings in silver if I get the MatchDot, I guess low height should work, you agree ?
EDITED I found out Leupold doesnt make the 30 mm low rings in silver, got black gloss ones sitting in my cart at Midway.
..... along with the MatchDot, but will hold on for additional input here.

Thanks again.

 

[TAROMAN]

HOPSTER,

What turned me on to Matchdot was a program on Sportsman Channel where they visited the pistol line at Camp Perry. All the top competitors were using them.
To be honest, most of the time I use the Matchdot II set on 2 or 4 MOA dots. I haven't used the reticles much. Indoors, there's no need to change anything. Outdoors, with lighting and contrast changes, its nice to be able to compensate. Also, if its too bright, the Matchdot has a polarizer that lets you selectively darken the target so the dot doesn't wash out.
For .22 matches, the elevation adjuster is, obviously, redundant.

My club has centerfire games where we have to shoot at 10, 25 and 50 yards. Its of use there, and on the silhouette range for 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards.
Here's my Hi-Standard with the regular matchdot. It has the four different dots, and no elevation knob. Got it on a Midway sale and it works fine, too.
And, I've just installed a rail on an old 29-2, which will be getting a Matchdot II if it ever arrives. This one will be set up for bowling pin shoots.

 

[HOPSTER]

Great info, thanks ! Nice Hi-Standard there too.
Mine is a WWII era so I can't shoot match (Model HB )
My 629 has the rail from the factory, and I find either weaver or M1913 picatinney mounts will work with it.
It sounds like I could live with the Gen 1 version of the MatchDot but I'm confused now about the polarizer :
I thought they both come with a polarizer filter cap (Gen 1 and 2) but your post makes it sound like it's sort of built in, in the MatchDot 2. Or is is simply a ring that you turn on the lens filter cap, similar to a SLR Polarizer filter. In other words, did the Ver 2 come with a removable polarizer filter ? And is there any difference between the 1 and 2 regarding the polarizer or are they both the same ?
Thanks again.

 

[TAROMAN]

The polarizer is actually a double polarizer.
As it rotates the amount of light passed through varies from almost 100% to about 20%.
all my Matchdots came with one, along with an adapter and sunshade.
At first I didn't realize how to use this and hadn't installed it. Had to turn the dot brightness all the way up when full sun hit my target. Messy.
The beauty of the polarizer is how it can dim the target but leaves the dot on its set brightness.
With this setup its possible to get perfect contrast.

 

[HOPSTER]

Thanks, That clarifies it fo me.
I can expect the same polarizer if I order the regular MatchDot.
The only things I wont get are the quick-click elevation turret and the different style dot patterns. I can probably do OK without either one, so I will order the regular MatchDot since Midway still has it on sale.
And I will get the Leupold 30 mm quick release rings to mount it.
Thanks again !

 

[RGriff69]

I went with a Vortex Razor red dot for my 629. I really like it because of its small size.

 

[HOPSTER]

Nice looking setup, similar to my FastfireII.
I also like the small size but with my vision issue, the dot looks like a diagonal stripe, peanut shaped, running across the target.
I can't find where the "real" dot is. I have same or worse issue with Aimpoint CompML3 milspec red dot.
I'm wondering if all of those mini dot sights are perhaps made in the same factory somewhere .... Burris, JP, Doctor, RMR, etc ...
So I was hoping the MatchDot would be different. I did OK with an older Eotech 511D1 with plain 1 MOA dot, but those are too big for the Model 629. I have also tried the Micro T1 which I have on an AR15, but I don't want to spend another $600. for another one, and then find out the recoil is too much.

 

[TAROMAN]

I have the same astigmatism problem.
The effect is less with the Matchdot and with the dot on smallest setting I just ignore the effect.

 

[Engieman]

This is my 627 w/ the Leupold Deltapoint. Outstanding scope with a mount specific to SW Revolvers. I have had a number of Red Dots, this is the best!..Clarity, quality, battery access, mount.....you'll pay a bit more, but you won't regret it. As the Brits say, this setup is the Bee's Knee's....

 

[HOPSTER]

I mounted the Leuphold VXII temporarily to continue my ammo testing since my chronograph screwed up last time, and red dot is no good for accuracy testing at 50 yards. That will give me some practice with the scope at least.

I still have the Matchdot in my cart at midway, spent my "allowance" on reloading gear and cigars this week, BUT...
That deltapoint looks like it was made for your gun.
I take it you replace the rear sight rib entirely ?
I would have to look through one first before buying to see how it reacts with my eye problems.
Who makes the mount adapter for your 627 ?

 

[Engieman]

Hopster - yes, for the Leupold, you remove the rear sight (3 screws), replace with the 'foundation bracket' which sits right into space created by the SW sight removal, thus a low profile.....and the sight comes with about 10 (?) different bases to mount the Leupold (HK, CZ, Kimber, Sig, Weaver, etc.), and of course the S&W revolver mount. The actual sight is screwed into that. Compact, secure, low profile, custom fit. Leupold sells two versions for mounting(same scope), one as above with the variety of adaptable platforms, and the second being Weaver mount only. That version is a few bucks cheaper, and of course with the first version, you have 9 or so mounts (adapters) you're not using, but with that versatility, you can move from gun to gun theoretically, although you would have to re-sight.

I too have a stigmatism and old eyes, and I found the Leopold to be clear and lack the 'fuzzyness' the other scopes seem to do to the red dot. Also, two different red dots are offered, one a 7 triangle designed for action shooting (cool, fast), and a 3 dot designed for accuracy and precision shooting. I got the 3. The 7 is too big for bullseye-type shooting. I recommend the sight, and especially the mounting system. Best out there for the Smith revolver in my opinion. I will be buying a second one soon.

Note - I previously had a 2X leopold with Burris mounts/rings for my 629. Beautiful set-up, but I sold it off because 1) with the magnification, you really see how much you're unsteady, and 2) the weight and height the scope while minimal, really messed up the ergonomics/feel of the gun. Change the balance. For my 629, I bought a Jack Weigland (spelling?) replacement blade which has a wide notch, I think .140, and a flat, target type back, sight picture. I'm very happy with that set-up as well. Another solution for 'old eyes. Good luck

 

[HOPSTER]

Hopster - yes, for the Leupold, you remove the rear sight (3 screws), replace with the 'foundation bracket' which sits right into space created by the SW sight removal, thus a low profile.....and the sight comes with about 10 (?) different bases to mount the Leupold (HK, CZ, Kimber, Sig, Weaver, etc.), and of course the S&W revolver mount. The actual sight is screwed into that. Compact, secure, low profile, custom fit. Leupold sells two versions for mounting(same scope), one as above with the variety of adaptable platforms, and the second being Weaver mount only. That version is a few bucks cheaper, and of course with the first version, you have 9 or so mounts (adapters) you're not using, but with that versatility, you can move from gun to gun theoretically, although you would have to re-sight.

I too have a stigmatism and old eyes, and I found the Leopold to be clear and lack the 'fuzzyness' the other scopes seem to do to the red dot. Also, two different red dots are offered, one a 7 triangle designed for action shooting (cool, fast), and a 3 dot designed for accuracy and precision shooting. I got the 3. The 7 is too big for bullseye-type shooting. I recommend the sight, and especially the mounting system. Best out there for the Smith revolver in my opinion. I will be buying a second one soon.

Note - I previously had a 2X leopold with Burris mounts/rings for my 629. Beautiful set-up, but I sold it off because 1) with the magnification, you really see how much you're unsteady, and 2) the weight and height the scope while minimal, really messed up the ergonomics/feel of the gun. Change the balance. For my 629, I bought a Jack Weigland (spelling?) replacement blade which has a wide notch, I think .140, and a flat, target type back, sight picture. I'm very happy with that set-up as well. Another solution for 'old eyes. Good luck

Excellent info. Thanks. My 629 has a dovetail front sight but this will be an optics only gun when I get this all settled.
I will try out the deltapoint next time I see one that I can look at before buying. Worse case scenario is I can always use another mini dot on my rifles or even a 686.

 

[stu1ritter]

629 with an UltraDot 1x4 in Weaver rings on a Weaver mount. Works
like a champ. Haven't moved either the mount or the optic no matter what loads I've put through.
Stu