Drilling and tapping K frame S&W

I have a Weaver base #401 which is supposed to be for the above application. The gun is an M-14 38 Spec. When I set the base on the top strap with the "recoil lug" of the base against the frame, the front hole falls directly over the cylinder/barrel gap. I have read this is a bad situation because it can exacerbate the flame cutting of the frame.

So, do I not D&T the front hole and hope the 2 other holes and "recoil lug" will be sufficient (and perhaps a dab of JB Weld), shim the "recoil lug" back enough so the hole clears the gap, go ahead and D&T the front hole and hope the flame cutting will be self-limiting, or.......

Even though this is a fun gun for me, and I shoot 99.99% light 38 loads which I doubt will make flame cutting an issue, someday, someone else will own it and who knows what they may shoot through it.

As time goes by, I can still, more or less, get by with the iron sights, but optics seem to be needed more and more, therefore the desire to mount the Weaver base.

Is the Top Strap thick enough where you don't have to D&T the hole all the way thru ?

Is there a different mount option that wouldn't require a hole in a bad spot? Weigand maybe?

I doubt reasonable .38spl loads will produce flame cutting, and if they did, it wouldn’t be enough to reduce the utility of the gun.

Another option would be to move the hole in the mount to where its not in the bad spot.

I would sell the Weaver base to someone else and look for a used steel Buehler mount or similar, which does not require d&t, is acceptable to see, sturdy and works perfectly.
above all it does not irreversibly modify the Masterpiece with holes.
so I did on my vintage S&Ws, but your guns, your choice, of course_

(years ago I tried a B-Square scope base, the model fit to mount without adding holes, only removing the rear sight, on a M29, and for me it was unsatisfactory)_

Redfield had a nice S&W K mount, not sure if still available though.
I have examples in both blue & matt nickle that have performed very well.
Personally,, I have very little use for aluminum weaver mounts,, and I wont even comment on anything from b-square..

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Originally Posted by yovinny

Redfield had a nice S&W K mount, not sure if still available though.
I have examples in both blue & matt nickle that have performed very well.
Personally,, I have very little use for aluminum weaver mounts,, and I wont even comment on anything from b-square..

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yes: my unsatisfactory was a pitiful euphemism :lol:

I wouldn't be comfortable drilling a hole there either.
I'd be looking for another brand of mount and also a steel one.
I've never had much luck with anything from B-Square.

I would copy the hole pattern of a modern S&W. My Model 67 is factory drilled with 3 holes. The forward most hole is about .150 aft of the barrel. If you need any more dimensions, let me know.

https://imgur.com/a/NkBcpaw

https://imgur.com/a/NkBcpaw

https://imgur.com/a/NkBcpaw

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

I recently drilled my model 14 for a scope mount. I used the same hole spacing as the new production revolvers come with.

I’ve used the Allchin mount with red dot sights. Its the lowest mount on the market. https://allchingunparts.com/products...ope-mount.html

I’ve also used the weigand mounts with great satisfaction. Weigand makes a short and a long mount for picitinny and weaver type rings. https://www.jackweigand.com/swhpmnt.html

I have no affiliation with either company beyond being a satisfied customer.