Target shooters and handgun hunters use pistol scopes to improve their accuracy and extend the effective range of their firearms. Scopes are generally mounted only on medium and large frame revolvers. Small frame revolvers don't have the space to mount a scope, and they seldom have the ballistic consistency that makes a scope useful. Smith & Wesson produces all of their medium K- and L-frame revolvers, and their large N-frame revolvers, with top frames factory drilled to accept a scope mount. The mounting holes are concealed beneath the revolvers' standard rear sight assembly.
Instructions
Remove Rear Sight Assembly
1. Locate the rear-most screw on the rear sight assembly. On most K, L and N frame revolvers, this screw is the elevation adjustment screw, mounted just in front of the rear notch sight. Use the Phillips screwdriver to back this screw out halfway, or about three full turns. Do not remove the screw.
2. Remove the front screw on the rear sight assembly. Use the Phillips screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise until it is free from the revolver's frame.
3. Place your thumb against the forward edge of the sight assembly and push it back toward the rear of the revolver. This unseats the sight assembly from its alignment notch. Remove the sight assembly to reveal the factory drilled mounting holes in the top of the frame.
Attach Scope Base
4. Test fit the mounting screws for the scope base in the mounting holes on the revolver. If any of the screws fail to seat properly against the bottom of a mounting hole, blow out the mounting hole with compressed air, then clean it out with a quick swabbing of carburetor cleaner.
5. Clean all mounting screws with carburetor cleaner. Apply a small amount of thread locking compound to each screw.
6. Slide the scope mount into place on top of the revolver. Align the holes on the mount with the factory drilled mounting holes on the frame. Use either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench (depending on your specific scope mount) to secure the mount in place with the mounting screws. Turn the screws down tight, but do not over-tighten or you may strip the threads on the screws.
Mount Scope
7. Attach the bottom half of each scope ring the to the scope mount. Most scope rings mount to the base with screws, but the exact method will depend on your specific model of scope. Be sure to apply thread locking compound to any screws before turning them down.
8. Place the scope tube into the lower ring halves. Make sure any elevation and windage adjustment knobs are in the correct positions relative to the revolver's frame.
9. Attach the top halves of the scope rings to the bottom halves. Fit each top ring against its lower counterpart, then secure it in place by running in the attachment screws until they are snug. Double-check the alignment of your scope tube, then tighten the attachment screws the rest of the way.
Tags: sight assembly, mounting holes, scope mount, factory drilled, frame revolvers, mounting screws