To Drill or Not to Drill

[WSMDRT]

Just became the owner of this 1989 Classic Hunter 6" 357 Magnum. I was prepared Christmas morning with a mount and brand new Fastfire 4. To find that the pistol is not drilled for a mount. Do get pistol drilled for mount like I planned for this pistol or do they make a mount that utilizes front small screw and rear sight hold-down like factory sight.

I imagine the masses will be split on modifying this pistol so be sure to defend your stance for or against. Thanks


I also got an 8-3/8" 44 Mag Classic hunter with Leupold mount and M8 2x scope and even that mount the screw spacing is different than the red dot mount I got.

 

[Dave in WI]

Does Wiegand make a no-drill for this? Good bases.

 

[WSMDRT]

Looks like factory tapped became a thing in 1992.
I can check tomorrow to see what my smith would charge. I like the mount I got because it keeps sight lower not using the picatinny rail mount.

 

[WSMDRT]

Mine looks like this.

Looks like drill and tapping only way to mount anything.

 

[belldar]

Be a man and hunt with it the way it is!

 

[338weatherby]

Have you looked at what DL has to offer?

Revolver Red Dot Mounts

Revolver Red Dot Mounts

www.dlsports.com

 

[Dr. Vette]

I have the same pistol.

Burris (?) used to make one that uses the rear sight, then "pinches" the side of the pistol in the front. That's what I used, and it works great without having to add any extra holes. I doubt I have the box for that mount easily accessible, but you might find one out there on eBay or similar if you look.

 

[Hard H2O]

If the top strap is rounded how will that mount sit flat?

 

[nksmfamjp]

I would drill it. Well, I would pay a professional to drill this in a mill. The D&T is a hidden modification with well known results. Sucks that a "hunter" model does not include this.

 

[WSMDRT]

I dropped it off at the smith. Getting it drilled and tapped all 3 holes will be under the factory sight. I double check with previous owner(family) on 44 mag. He had that one drilled and tapped immediately after purchase got the leupold mount.

Yes the hunter models should have been done that could have been an additional selling point.