Holes in S&W topstraps

L

Lone Star

New member
Sometime in the early 1990's, Smith & Wesson began drilling their larger revolver frames with a set of two (three?) holes through the top strap. These were covered by a new style rear sight (these were all adjustable sight models) and the idea was that those wanting to mount a 'scope could just remove the regular rear sight, then use those holes in mounting the 'scope.

Had they limited this to long-barrelled guns (often with adjustable front sights) meant purely for hunting or metallic silhouette work, I'd have no problem with this scheme. But, to provide production efficiency, they drilled all of the L and N frames, I believe. Not sure if this nonsense extended to K frames.

Now, when I buy a revolver, it's for general service. I may carry it on the job as a security officer, and certainly, it will defend home and camp; maybe see some use as a utility hunting gun for taking small game or snakes when I'm out fishing or doing astronomy and not carrying a rifle or shotgun.

My question is: do these holes collect powder residue or general gunk and rust if not frequently cleaned out with, I suppose, the bent tip of an oily pipe cleaner?

All of my experience has been with older guns, so I haven't yet used one of these "drilled" models. I plan to acquire a nice used M686 as soon as I can afford it, probably later an M629. It may well be that the one I find first at the right price and in virtually new condition will be one of these models with the holes in the top strap under the rear sight.

Has anyone here had any experience with these, and am I worrying about essentially nothing?

Thanks,

Lone Star
 
The recent K, L, and N frames are all drilled - the frames are set up in production - barrel lengths are decided later on, down the line.

My experience has been that this concern falls in the "faggidaboudit" category :D
 
My S&Ws are drilled but the screws that holds the sight on top go all the way through and are flush on the underside of the top strap. So, unless you remove the screws, I don't think it would get dirty in there.
 
Let me get this straight. They eliminated the barrel pin and recessed chambers on Magnums to save machining steps and cut cost, then start drilling and tapping extra holes for the 1% of buyers who might want to mount a scope?
 
"Let me get this straight. They eliminated the barrel pin and recessed chambers on Magnums to save machining steps and cut cost, then start drilling and tapping extra holes for the 1% of buyers who might want to mount a scope?"

Uh... Yeah.

But to be perfectly fair, the expense/time curves for the two processes are VASTLY different.
 
Thanks, guys. It's been awhile since I looked closely at one of these "drilled" guns, and I didn't realize that the screws fit flush with the underside of the topstrap. As long as residue or moisture doesn't work its way up in there, I guess I'll be okay. I clean my guns well, anyway, which is probably why I never seem to have problems with shooting .357 ammo after I've fired .38's.

Much appreciated!

Lone Star
 
It's very common for competition shooters and hunters to drill and tap the topstraps of revolvers for red dots and scopes. The new holes are a welcome addition and expense savings, in my book.
And another thing - at least all the hole are in the same place - in older Smiths they kept you guessing as to where you would find the screw hole for the sights. Now aftermarket scope mount makers need only stock one mount as opposed to the half dozen or so they used to.

Elliot
 
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