[TK1]

I want to put a scope on my father's old 44 mag model 29-3 with a 10" barrel. I am looking for suggestions on how to mount it and what would be a good moderately priced scope. Intended mostly for target shooting or perhaps a pig hunt now and then.

Thank you in advance for your input

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Series guy, msharley and others will be along shortly to advise about scopes and mounting. However, your gun is an early version of the Model 29 Silhouette which has a unique 4-way adjustable front sight and a long 10-3/8" barrel not seen on other models. If you modify it, its value will fall considerably. I don't know what they are selling for lately as you don't see them up for sale often, but I would guess it is in the low 4 figures. How about posting some pictures of it?

 

[series guy]

Guy is right about that being a somewhat collectible model. I have drilled and tapped my share of valuable guns but I enjoy shooting too much to let that stop me. Anyway the right gunsmith can drill and tap your gun without penetrating the top strap completely. I usually buy Leupold mounts and rings for very low prices on eBay and often find pistol scopes on that venue also. The Leupold M8 in 2X is an excellent handgun optic. I also find the old Burris scopes to be really clear. another option are the compact red dot sights but personally I think that 10 1/2” barrel is calling out for a 2X scope.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I have my dad's scoped. The 44 has a very abrupt recoil so a cheap scope won't last very long, if at all. You need a high quality scope with a secure and shock proof erection mechanism. I run a Japanese Burris on my dad's (no longer made but you can find them used once in a while). Not to be confused with the Taiwan made Burris of today. They are 100% made in Japan and use high quality Japanese LOE glass. The alternative is a Leupold of course. I used a 3 screw mount and had to drill and tap the top strap for the 3rd screw as my dad's was a 2 screw. It diminished the value but it's not going anywhere anyway and makes a dandy Whitetail revolver. Have one on my 460 XVR (Burris) as well.

 

[Mac23]

Based on my experience with scopes on S&W's in .44, .45Colt and 10mm, I have also had good results with Leupold 2x scopes and an older Burris 2-7. There is a no drill/tap scope mount you can buy that requires removing the rear sight (Burris IIRC), but they use a big clamp on the barrel as a forward attachment. Not sure it would hold up on a .44, but works on my 686.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Based on my experience with scopes on S&W's in .44, .45Colt and 10mm, I have also had good results with Leupold 2x scopes and an older Burris 2-7. There is a no drill/tap scope mount you can buy that requires removing the rear sight (Burris IIRC), but they use a big clamp on the barrel as a forward attachment. Not sure it would hold up on a .44, but works on my 686. View attachment 518149

They don't. In fact, I have one in the drawer upstairs if anyone wants it. The 44 recoils too much and the horseshoe clamp climbs over the barrel. Cannot hold the rail in alignment.

I'll give it away if anyone wants it. You pay the postage, it's yours.

 

[series guy]

I have a few examples.

 

[Abby'sDad]

Based on my experience with scopes on S&W's in .44, .45Colt and 10mm, I have also had good results with Leupold 2x scopes and an older Burris 2-7. There is a no drill/tap scope mount you can buy that requires removing the rear sight (Burris IIRC), but they use a big clamp on the barrel as a forward attachment. Not sure it would hold up on a .44, but works on my 686. View attachment 518149

What mount is that? I am considering putting a scope (or at least a red dot) on a 6" 586 I recently got

 

[Mac23]

What mount is that? I am considering putting a scope (or at least a red dot) on a 6" 586 I recently got

Boy was I wrong. Pulled the 686 from the safe and the mount is from Weaver. Not very sleek, but as I said, no issues on my .357. Much prefer the bases that require D&T of the top strap. but that is an issue on the older Smiths if you want to stay original.

 

[SidecarFlip]

The one I have is a B-Square I believe,

 

[WendyZXZ]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[gartole7]

They don't. In fact, I have one in the drawer upstairs if anyone wants it. The 44 recoils too much and the horseshoe clamp climbs over the barrel. Cannot hold the rail in alignment. I'll give it away if anyone wants it. You pay the postage, it's yours.

Hello, do you still have this scope? I would be interested in it