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How to Mount a Scope on an Older S&W 686

The Smith and Wesson model 686 is a stainless steel revolver chambered to shoot the powerful .357 magnum bullet; you can also shoot the smaller .38 special bullet through this revolver. The 686 has a "L" frame, meaning that it is designated as a large-frame revolver by Smith and Wesson. Rail mounts are available to mount on top of the base. The majority of revolvers manufactured by Smith and Wesson after 1992 are already drilled and tapped to accept scope mounts. Have the frame drilled and tapped by a gunsmith if your revolver was manufactured earlier and does not have screw holes necessary to mount a scope base.

Things You'll Need

Small slotted screwdriver
Liquid bonding agent (optional)
Handgun scope with tactical rings

Instructions

- 1
  Have the rear sight removed from your revolver and have two, 6/48-inch screw holes drilled and tapped into the top of your revolver's top strap. The top strap is the strip of metal over the cylinder; the holes should be aligned with the screw holes in your rail mount.
- 2
  Place your rail mount on the top of your 686 and screw the rail into position. You may wish to consider placing a drop of liquid bonding agent onto the threads of the screws; this will help prevent the mount from working itself lose.
- 3
  Loosen the screws at the base of the tactical mount found on your handgun's scope. This permits you to spread apart the base. Place the scope on the rail mount with the sides of the base over the edges of the rail moun. Secure the base by tightening the screws. Applying a drop of liquid bonding agent is recommended.

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