To drill and tap or no

[Longcarbine]

I have a couple model 624's, a 4" and a 6" target model, I would like to mount a reflex red dot sight on both for hunting. Not that they are anything special or that I would ever get rid of either but will drilling and tapping them decrease their value.

 

[GaryHK]

Most likely yes. I wouldn't...there are no drill options out there.

 

[Carrier]

I’m in the same dilemma. Have some K and N frames that I just don’t enjoy shooting anymore because of old eyes. They are all shooters though most are 90% plus condition. I’m just going to do it and enjoy shooting them again.

 

[gwpercle]

Several no drill no tap mounts are out there .
I have used AimTech mounts with complete success on K and N frame revolvers . Weigland is another maker and there are others on the market .
I don't like drilling holes in my handguns if I can find a easy option and AimTech works .
Gary

 

[Sevens]

Not that they are anything special or that I would ever get rid of either but will drilling and tapping them decrease their value.

I don't think it is sacrilegious for someone to do what they want to do to things they own, especially if they aren't in dead mint condition or crazy rare. Opinions on what you should do will be all over the map.

Specific to the quoted and underlined portion above, the answer is simple. There is no question that altering the gun with holes will reduce it's value, it's collectibility and also reduces the potential market of interested buyers down the road.

Drilling and tapping will never increase the value of those revolvers unless you find one specific buyer looking for an altered gun.

 

[GypsmJim]

I won't mention company names, but the only no-drill handgun mounts I ever tried were ****.

Last covid Summer I equipped 2 of my Ruger revolvers with reflex sites. Weigand makes a mount that uses the existing rear site screws.

Weig-a-tinny (SP) is the trade name. Awesome product and service.

They also make a mount for all S&Ws. It uses an existing site screw in the back, but at least 1 hole needs to be D&T for the front of the mount. It says revolvers made after 1992 are pre-drilled.

 

[Sevens]

It says revolvers made after 1992 are pre-drilled.

If the rear sight on your S&W has the rounded front, it should be a revolver that is already D&T. And you should be able to see the holes on the under side of the top strap when the cylinder is open.

 

[k22fan]

If you must then how about altering and devaluing the much more common 6 1/2" 624 and letting the more valuable 4" remain collectable? 4" 624s are much less common that the 3" 624s that members pig pile on when they're advertised for sale. Also, mounting optics would make the 4" a whole lot less useful in its primary role as a belt holster gun.

In the past I used Weaver no-gunsminthing mounts on S&W revolvers with good success. Their draw back is the clamp that anchors the front of the mount mars the revolver's finish. On a 1980s stainless revolver that could be sanded back to original appearance.

If the rear sight on your S&W has the rounded front, it should be a revolver that is already D&T. [...]

It's a 1985 revolver.

Since I'm suggesting what I'd do, how about switching the wood Targets onto the 4" 624 to make it an even better collector item and make it better looking to boot?

 

[Longcarbine]

I use Allchin mounts on all my other Smiths, these are the only two that are not factory drilled. My 617 with an Allchin mount.

 

[75Vette]

My 6.5" 624 is drilled and tapped so that means I get to enjoy shooting it instead of just looking at it. I suck shooting open sights so this lets me get use out of one helluva fun gun to shoot.

 

[Narragansett]

I would not alter any vintage firearm by drilling and tapping. You will devalue it. How much probably will depend on the gun..

Just a personal thing, but I do not like the looks of scoped handguns

 

[stansdds]

Another vote for not drilling additional holes.

 

[cmj8591]

There's no need to drill if you want to mount an optic on your 624. At the least, you are wasting your time and money not to mention devaluing any collector value they may have. Check out the no drill options.

 

[series guy]

Drill it, tap it, shoot it, enjoy it. I always drill and tap my guns using the factory measurements and the rear sight covers the holes if you decide to sell. This will only be a problem for my kids.

 

[Babysitr]

I would try the "no-drill" option first....go from there if you wish...nice pic....squirrel hunting with a revolver is fun but tough!

 

[BSA1]

Longcarbine,

Have you shot scoped revolvers before?

The reason I ask is I put a scope on a Super Redhawk I once owned. All the scope did for me was show me how shaky I was. I already knew I was a little shaky but I didn’t need the scope to remind me. I sold the both the scope and gun and have been happy using a 6” Model 29 with factory iron sights ever since.

 

[smithra_66]

Imagine how I feel, drilling and tapping my 1994 Colt Anaconda.......IN 1994.



I had a lot of good hours in the woods with it and took several deer though.

 

[rich5674]

I had a Aimtech Mount on A 625 N frame. It worked but it was big and bulky. My 2c, if you are going to keep the guns and need scopes to enjoy them drill and tap

 

[Longcarbine]

Longcarbine,

Have you shot scoped revolvers before?

The reason I ask is I put a scope on a Super Redhawk I once owned. All the scope did for me was show me how shaky I was. I already knew I was a little shaky but I didn’t need the scope to remind me. I sold the both the scope and gun and have been happy using a 6” Model 29 with factory iron sights ever since.

Yep! Had them all scoped at one time, had the exact problem you describe. Now they all wear reflex red dots.

 

[Longcarbine]

I would try the "no-drill" option first....go from there if you wish...nice pic....squirrel hunting with a revolver is fun but tough!

Over the years I have tried every no drill option there is, all are way too ugly and bulky looking.