Preferred Model 41 Barrel Length for Red Dot

[navy78]

I have a nice A series Model 41 with a 5.5" barrel that I love to shoot. My eyes are in need of a red dot now and I will need to buy a new barrel to mount it. I don't want to drill and tap my existing barrel.

What barrel length do you folks prefer for mounting a red dot? I have already purchased an Ultra-Dot. With the added weight of the Ultra-Dot, I am thinking the lighter weight of the 7" barrel may be better.

I know some of you have tried it both ways and will have valuable experience to share.

Thanks,
Glen

 

[navy78]

I have a nice A series Model 41 with a 5.5" barrel that I love to shoot. My eyes are in need of a red dot now and I will need to buy a new barrel to mount it. I don't want to drill and tap my existing barrel.

What barrel length do you folks prefer for mounting a red dot? I have already purchased an Ultra-Dot. With the added weight of the Ultra-Dot, I am thinking the lighter weight of the 7" barrel may be better.

I know some of you have tried it both ways and will have valuable experience to share.

Thanks,
Glen

 

[retired2006]

I went with the 7" barrel for my red dot for the same reason, less weigh. I also mounted the red dot back as far as I could, to keep the weight to the rear of the pistol. That seemed to help a lot.
By the way, I am amazed at how accurate my 41 is with that red dot, I shot several 25 yd, 1/2" 5 shot groups off sandbags as I was sighting it in.

 

[H Richard]

Going with the 7" is the right way to go, to reduce the overall weight. The 5 1/2" plus the red dot is very heavy, and by the 90th shot in a 2700 match your arm will be having trouble holding it up. Having the top milled as a weaver base also reduces weight.

 

[socal s&w]

I kept the 5.5" barrel with the dot, the Ultra Dot L/T is very small and light. I don't know which dot you purchased, if it's the tube dot, then yes, you probably want to lighten the load.

 

[navy78]

Thank you all for sharing your insights. I also posed this question over on the Rimfire Central forum and got a few recommendations to go with the Bully Barrel. Do you all feel it is worth the extra cost over a S&W barrel? I prefer the appearance of the blue barrel over bright stainless steel.
Based on your feedback to date, I will likely get a 7" S&W barrel unless there is a compelling reason to buy the Bully Barrel.
Thanks again,
Glen

 

[JoeHatley]

I am thinking the lighter weight of the 7" barrel may be better.

Your logic is correct, even though I did the exact opposite. I'd didn't have a 7" barrel at the time.

I picked up a new 7" S&W barrel from Midway for a $180 when they had them on sale. Unless you are in a hurry, you may want to watch their site.

Bully Barrel... I don't own one, but I would find it hard to believe they shoot better than a S&W barrel. If you pick up a S&W barrel the machining to make it light weight should not be expensive, and almost any local generic machine shop could do it.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[oldRoger]

I have my Docter on a Clark Custom barrel I also have an Ultra Dot L/T on a S&W 7", both are great, the Clark+Docter is my go-to setup. I have the sights as far back as they will go, essentially over the center of the grips in the case of the Clark.
Roger.

 

[southerncomforthemi]

Is it best to mount my ultra dot match red dot as far back on the rail or as far forward ...I am trying to reduce my wobble.

I have just ordered a bully barrel six inch so am keen to see how it will perform.

 

[navy78]

The instructions that came with my Bully Barrel show the mounting as far back on the rail as possible. I just got mine on Monday and hope to get to the range this weekend to try it.

 

[southerncomforthemi]

Did you find it fitted ok????

Will be very interested in how it performs...

 

[navy78]

The barrel fit perfectly and the Ultra Dot was easy to mount. I will try to post a picture when I get home from work this evening.
Glen

 

[southerncomforthemi]

hey glen thanks...

 

[southerncomforthemi]

Glen it will be interesting to see how your groups tighten.

Did you go for the 5 ...5.5...0r 6 inch barrel?

I chose the 6 inch.