Need some input on setting up a 41 S&W for an optic

[dtucker]

I always wanted to get a S&W 41 and had the chance to trade into a 7" model new in the box. I am going to order another barrel from Clark with a picatinny rail and set it up with a optic. My purpose for this barrel is to shoot those crap starlings out the back window, squirrel hunt with and I am going to set up a bunch of steel plates up in the back at different distances to shoot at. I have no clue as to what is out their or what would be best for my purpose. I do have experience with red dot sites on my ARs and I like the smaller 2 moa dot as it does not cover up much stuff. I was thinking of the little red dots like the vortec and such that people are using on their glocks and other make pistols but would you be able to mount 1 of those on a picatinny rail as they mount different on top when the cover plate is removed.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Dan, I've got a M41 with both the 7" and 5.5" HB but with just the irons. Mine is an older model that has the cocking indicator. I also have the muzzle brake for the 7" barrel.

However I have a Kimber 1911 Aegis Elite Custom in 9mm with the Vortex Venom 6 MOA mini red dot sight. That optic would really shine on a M41 if it's one of the newer pistols with rail mounting provisions. I sure would not tamper with the collector value of mine by drilling, tapping or milling anything in it, but if yours is a newer model with the mounting provisions, the red dot sight would make a dandy starling whacker.

I'm a recent red dot convert, and I'm really pleased with what I can now do in terms of both speed and accuracy with my pistol compared to all those years shooting with iron sights. Your M41 will be a sweet piece when finished.

 

[243Mendoza]

I have a 41 that I replaced the original barrel with a short S&W barrel that had grooves for rings and I used a 1" Ultradot red dot sight.

 

[bichettereds]

I really love my Ultradot (both 1” and 30mm matchdot). I have one on my Ruger mkii and my 41, which has a 6.5” threaded Clark barrel. I also have Burris fast fires which look nicer but I much prefer the Ultradots for the money.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

mine has a plain old school weaver rail screwed to the barrel. it works just fine for the red dot that's on it.

 

[kolar55]

I really love my Ultradot (both 1” and 30mm matchdot). I have one on my Ruger mkii and my 41, which has a 6.5” threaded Clark barrel. I also have Burris fast fires which look nicer but I much prefer the Ultradots for the money.

I have an Ultradot Matchdot on my Hammerli. It works very well and the main reason I bought it was after some research, it was supposed to have the least amount of parallax of the stuff on the market at the time. This was a number of years ago and I don't know what is out there now. More than likely numerous improvements have come about since. I do know this-it is a hell of a lot better than the cheapies!

 

[shoot4fun]

Most all the red dot sights that will mount to plates also have an option to mount it with a pic rail. I have a Trijicon RMR that mounts either way and it is on a pic mount now for use with my S&W Victory 22LR.
The Vortex units are very nice and their warranty is virtually unmatched.

 

[dtucker]

I looked at the Ultradot scopes and called them up. I like the options they have and they were very nice and helpful on the phone. They seem like some decent stuff. I am going to get one of those and eventually try some other stuff out down the road.

 

[Jdne5b]

I looked at the Ultradot scopes and called them up. I like the options they have and they were very nice and helpful on the phone. They seem like some decent stuff. I am going to get one of those and eventually try some other stuff out down the road.

Another +1 for the Ultradots. I prefer the Matchdot 1, but the Matchdot 2 is good also.

They have a very good warranty also if you need it.

 

[dtucker]

Well sh*****t, I bought a Clark barrel from a super fellow here and decided I would watch a youtube video on how to take the barrel off. Pretty simple and straight forward. I put the other barrel on and now my magazine will not catch and stay in. So I switched back to the factory barrel and same thing. I was looking at my magazine release button and it is loose. Something must have happened to it, not sure but it does not seem right. I guess some time after Christmas I will call Smith & Wesson up and ask some questions and might have to ship the frame back for a repair.

 

[Tim s]

Get a Leupold Deltapoint with the 2.5 dot.
I have one on a Springfield Armory Range Officer in 9mm . Works great for target stuff but with 5 different intensity settings it works like a larger dot when needed.
I believe you can get a mounting plate for the rear dovetail so you don’t have to mess up a barrel.

 

[cdhbrad]

I have several Ultradot scopes and all work great. I also have several pistols with Bushnell TRS 25 red dots that have a 3 moa dot. They are much cheaper than an Ultradot and come ready to mount on Picatinny or Weaver retails. Certainly good enough for shooting the targets mentioned.

 

[andrews1958]

What I have on mine

https://www.eurooptic.com/docter-red-dot-sights.aspx

 

[Ledd Slinger]

For illuminated, I like the small holographic style sights.

Also get one with a green/red color option. Green is much easier to see in daylight, red is better in low light

 

[dickn52]

Burris FF III. 1 MOA dot I think??