Scope for S&W 629 Six inch stainless.

[Critter]

I currently have a Weaver 2x Stainless scope that I have had for 30 years on that pistol. Now I got it out recently to test loads, and frankly the scope is terrible.

Too long of eye relief for Weaver position, small tolerance for miss alignment resulting in occlusions from same.

Low resolution scope unsuitable for handgun hunting.

I have 1" Leupold rings installed by drilling top strap for Leupold 1 piece base. There are scratch marks on scope caused by recoil induced scope movement.

So specifically what scope is recommended for this application? One inch tube is mandatory because of existing mounts.

[Rick in Oregon]

Dave, not sure what is really "recommended", but I used a fixed Lupy 4X EER handgun scope on my Smith Mdl 648 22WMR 6", and it has worked out perfectly for me on rabbits and squirrels out to about 150 yards.



I had to drill and tap the frame, as this model was not done at the factory. It works great as a truck "seat gun" for shots of opportunity, not so well offhand, as eye relief is critical for any of these EER scopes, but perfectly off a rest of any kind.

[BabaOriley]

Nice setup there Rick. I've been keeping an eye out for a 617 with a 10 round cylinder for a couple years now, but everyone wants in the high $500's range for used ones. I know it's a S&W, but just feels crazy to pay so much for a 22lr.

For a 629, I'm sure any Leupold would hold up, and I've read a lot about Burris handgun scopes standing up well to heavy recoil.

[Rick in Oregon]

BabaO: Yep, I know what you mean. I bought mine at a gunshow in '96 when they first came out for $350, and glad I did when I did. All the S&W's are getting price crazy for the past few years.

I decided to leave mine just with open sights, as I'm not a real fan of scoped revolvers, but wanted a truck and bench gun scoped for shots of opportunity. Here's mine in the field with Skippy:



Mine has accounted for countless gound squirrels, and just over 200 prairie dogs in the time I've had it. It holds very steady by virtue of the weight, but it's the finest shooting 22LR revolver I own. Makes for a perfect trail and/or belt gun, and is highly accurate. Very good stuff.

[Critter]

I have virtually the same set up on my 629 as far as mounts as you have on your 648.

I think the 2x version of the scope you have would be better on a magnum. I consider it a 50 to 100 yard hunting gun. I think the silver finish would be good. That old weaver is real stainless, and it seemed fine 30 years ago, but my opinion of optics and their quality has changed since then.

I like to shoot 180 hollow point at around 1000 fps in a 44 special case. Very economical and comfortable to shoot and reasonably accurate. I may go up and check the scope out this weekend.

I bet that Kesselring only has one or two of that model in stock.