Weaver "Clamp-on" base for New Model SBH?

[goalie]

I am looking for opinions from people who have used the Weaver clamp-on base for mounting optics on a Super Blackhawk.  I have a 44 mag that I would like to put a 2x scope on for hunting, and I am trying to decide whether or not I should just have the gun drilled and tapped for a base, or try the Weaver mount.

If you've used one, please tell all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Thanks

[drdougrx]

I watched one come flying off a SBH a couple weeks ago....Griz666....it was your gun...wanna comment!

[jhalcott]

  I have used a Burris base that "clamps" on the rear of the barrel but does have a screw to hold it into the rear sight base hole. This works pretty well IF you stick to factory ammo (NOT real hot stuff). I don't see the need for hot rodding the 44 magnum any way.

[millwright]

     I also have one that clamps and screws to the rear sight base.  I have used it for about 4 years with no problems, but, I only shoot cast boolits at about 1000fps.  It works fine for me, two deer, and one moose,all one shot kills.

                                                                                          regards
                                                                                       millwright

[goalie]

I watched one come flying off a SBH a couple weeks ago....Griz666....it was your gun...wanna comment!

It was the Weaver and not the B-Square?  That is less than inspiring

[drdougrx]

I believe so.  And...I do know his loads are...well...warm!!!

[Grizz66]

Well as the good Doctor pointed out I had one on my SBH it lasted about 3 shots then went all bad. The load was a little warm, but not fire and brimstone hot, liked the mounting system so much I went and bought a hunter model ,now I don't worry bout the scope poppin off.

[goalie]

Well as the good Doctor pointed out I had one on my SBH it lasted about 3 shots then went all bad. The load was a little warm, but not fire and brimstone hot, liked the mounting system so much I went and bought a hunter model ,now I don't worry bout the scope poppin off.

Man, now I am torn.  I've used the  Weaver mount with a red-dot, and it lasted for about 50 rounds, but that weighs a lot less than a scope, and, of course, puts a whole lot less stress on the mount with recoil.

 Did it shear off the screw that goes into the rear-sight screw hole?

[Grizz66]

The rear screw stripped stripped out the rear sight tapping. I thought that mount was nice and secure, I had one on a smith 686 with a aimpint sight on it for years never had a problem. Maybe the 44 is alittle to much for it, or it was just my stupid luck. If I was going  to do it again I would  send it to somebody and have it drilled and tapped for a regular base.

[drdougrx]

Tha nks for join'n in Grizz...see you sunday?

[handi243]

drill and tap!!! dont mess around unless it a collectors item drill and tap it!!!! you cant go wrong with that had a taurus and tried the clamp on type NOT GOOD!!

[Glanceblamm]

I agonized over this just 13-14 months ago and the replys were much the same.

Went with the drill & tap using the Weigand mount and have had no problems with it. I really don't like the idea that there is now a couple of holes in the top strap of the Super but yet will probably never sell this gun and use it for special purpose (read the late season) when longer shots can be possible on the bunched up deer.

[goalie]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I am going to just have it drilled and tapped.

[Autorim]

You might look at edgecustom.com - Dan Galuppo.

[nickE10mm]

I agonized over this just 13-14 months ago and the replys were much the same.

Went with the drill & tap using the Weigand mount and have had no problems with it. I really don't like the idea that there is now a couple of holes in the top strap of the Super but yet will probably never sell this gun and use it for special purpose (read the late season) when longer shots can be possible on the bunched up deer.

I'm actually in the same situation as you were months back.  I have a new (used) 6" Dan Wesson 44 VH.  I LOVE the gun with open sights but would really like to mount my new (used) Leupold M8 2X on it, too.  I would LIKE the option to use the open sights on it someday need be.  I'm looking at either the Weigand (drill/tap) mount or the B-Square (clamp-on) mount.  If I go with Weigand, I would also get a 20% discount on the rings from Weigand, too, PLUS, I can get three rings without having to buy FOUR rings at a store ,lol.  

I have some questions.....

First, with a drill and tap installation, could I feasibly take the scope off later and unscrew the mount (and just reinstall the mount screws in the receiver/shroud) or is it preferred NOT to remove the mount screws and mount once initially installed?

Second, is the drill and tap install THAT much stronger than a clamp on?

Third, is lapping something you recommend on ALL handgun installs?  (I've never lapped and never had a problem on a rifle before).

Fourth, I'm nervous about having someone DRILL my gun.  I don't have any gunsmiths I know or frequently use.  Does anyone know someone in St Louis, MO or a resource to FIND such a person?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Glanceblamm]

First, with a drill and tap installation, could I feasibly take the scope off later and unscrew the mount (and just reinstall the mount screws in the receiver/shroud) or is it preferred NOT to remove the mount screws and mount once initially installed?

Very doable, you would have to get a couple of the filler screws...Might not be that noticable but could be the opposite. Not really any harm done here except for resale value. If you, or I, ever decided to sell I reckon that the sale would have to include good quality glass atop in order to break even or maybe make a little money. Use a hairdryer to soften the locktite, works well.

Second, is the drill and tap install THAT much stronger than a clamp on

Depends on if that clamp moves or not. Also is the clamp going to mar up the mounting surface if it does not work out? I figure that my drill n tap with the Weigand is not going anywhere.

Fourth, I'm nervous about having someone DRILL my gun.  I don't have any gunsmiths I know or frequently use.  Does anyone know someone in St Louis, MO or a resource to FIND such a person?

An easy job for a competent gunsmith or even a good Industrial mechanic. I knew the latter but he was so impressed with the SBH on the whole, he said that he would not touch it. He told me that if it belonged to him he would do it easily. Check your local shooting ranges for finding the right Smith. Between the proprieter & the regulars they can give you a good steer. When I did find my "Smith", he recommended nothing except Weigand and even suggested that he order it because he could get it quicker and at a better price which he would pass on to me. We did not discuss mishaps or insurance but the guy had a good rep and he did a good job.

[nickE10mm]

Thanks Glanceblamm,

I think I'm leaning more towards the permanent Weigand Drill/Tap method .... I'm gonna lap the rings and Loktite the mount (like I have done to my other scopes) and do everything right the FIRST time.  If I DO ever sell the gun (which I won't), I'd sell it as-is including the Leupold and everything pre-mounted.

If I ever wanna use open sights again on my DW, I'll have to buy another shroud/barrel setup, which isn't too big of a deal since I have other hunting guns I can use for open sight, short-range-only shooting.  I need my DW for longer shots and that will not change.

I've found a 'smith who I think will do a great job but he's asking about $120 for the work.  I'm still looking for better prices but I may not find anything as low as I'd prefer.  lol