When did S&W start drilling top straps for scopes?

[LostintheOzone]

I just removed my rear sight and put a red dot on my 625-8. There were two unused drilled and threaded holes in the top strap which I assume were for a scope mount. When I bought that gun red dots weren't popular. With those holes I was able to mount a plate for a Vortex Venom RD.

I just checked a model 19 that was made around 1990 and those holes weren't there. Just curious when S&W started doing that.

If I wanted to put a red dot on that revolver would S&W drill and tap those same holes?

 

[batman4706]

Smith will do it for about $170 and a 6 week wait. You might do locally, just carry in the adapter to get the spacing correct.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Dear Lost
Smith & Wesson did tap and drill for scope mounts on special order. I have a Model 53 that shipped in 1961 that was tapped and drilled.

 

[75Vette]

The factory began drilling & tapping the frames around 1990-91.

 

[Narragansett]

I have a 1992 M 29-5 Classic DX 5" that is drilled. I think that is around the time they started on certain models

 

[murphydog]

For factory original work, look for the rounded front of the rear sight mounting leaf. All models with this style of sight were drilled/tapped.