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.