Register
Log In
Home
September 29, 2009
Offline
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.
January 22, 2008
Offline
Hey Nick,
If you are concerned about having someone local drill and tap your shroud I'm sure you can send it off to Keith at Dan Wesson to do the modification for you.
Others on the forum have been happy with the B-Square clamp on mount. Since I don't have any experience with either.
If you are wanting the ability to use your open sights as well I would suggest ordering a shroud from DW and having it drill and tapped that way you could switch them as needed.
I'm sure others will be along shortly who have more experience than I.
JB
September 29, 2009
Offline
Jody said:
Hey Nick,
If you are concerned about having someone local drill and tap your shroud I'm sure you can send it off to Keith at Dan Wesson to do the modification for you.
Others on the forum have been happy with the B-Square clamp on mount. Since I don't have any experience with either.
If you are wanting the ability to use your open sights as well I would suggest ordering a shroud from DW and having it drill and tapped that way you could switch them as needed.
I'm sure others will be along shortly who have more experience than I.
JB
Thanks Jody. Here's my problem with that, though.
Sending it to DW would be ideal, of course, but it would cost more money.... In addition, buying a shroud would ALSO cost money... and not just a little.
I'm already in this too deep since I've bought the scope already, LOL. I just don't wanna spend any more than I have to for this project if possible.
Hmmmm
January 22, 2008
Offline
Understood, then I would go with the b-square mount.
If you drill and tap a Monson era shroud I think you will devalue your gun. At least it would to me plus you can easily remove it to use your open sights.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
A properly mounted B Square is rock solid and won't shift or loosen on you. Since you're not sure, I strongly advise you to go the B Square route. It is the least costly, and non-invasive (you are not doing any drilling). If it is not to your liking, you can go the drill/tap route and then sell your B Square, and probably come out close to zero net dollars on the B Square.
I personally would never drill and tap an original Monson shroud (not making them anymore).
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
July 5, 2009
Offline
Nick,
If it's any consolation, I recently toiled with the same decision. Ultimately, I decided to follow the experienced Forum members' advice and not drill/tap my Monson shrouds. (Currently, I'm shopping for some good deals on extra shrouds.)
The only thing that was not mentioned here, but it was mentioned recently in a previous thread is that using a clamp-on mount may cause cosmetic damage to your shroud. Since I have not used a clamp-on mount before, I will have to defer to the more experienced Forum members for any follow up.
GG
September 29, 2009
Offline
GG,
Thanks.... maybe some people with experience with the clamp on's will chime in.
Another question I thought of.... what's the best way for a guy to get THREE rings (as opposed to two). It seems like I'd have to get two pairs which would be a waste of money... Also, do most people USE three rings on a .44 shooting full loads?
Thanks
July 5, 2009
Offline
Nick,
I've been poking around the Internet and I found 2- and 3-ring sets. For example, I was looking at some Millet scope rings on Optics Planet. (There are many sites that offer rings). It appears to me that they recommend a 3-ring set for a .44 mag and the 3-ring sets are sold as a package.
I'm sure other Forum members will have input on this subject based on their practical experience.
GG
September 29, 2009
Offline
Hm.... I looked around and didn't see ANY three ring sets. Maybe I'm just blind hehehe....
July 5, 2009
Offline
June 8, 2009
Offline
I choked hard when I read you would drill a Monson 44 6VH shroud. There's a couple of us that are looking hard for one (some more "cheaply" than others!). One that had been drilled (extra holes anywhere) would have zero value to me. CZ's price list shows a 6VH shroud only for $214.
I have an early 15 that came with a fixed black front site. I had a red insert installed and now I wish I'd left it alone and bought another shroud with the colored sight. There aren't any more of the original being made!
September 29, 2009
Offline
Hm.... $216 would be a kinda high price for a new shroud but wouldn't mind getting myself a new 8" or 10" shroud and barrel instead of a new scope setup. I've read several places that they don't make the shrouds anymore at all. Have we verified this? I'm pretty sure the barrels are still made though.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
My experience with the B Square is on this set up
I have never noted any damage to the shroud, but I will say that I'm pretty careful to check that everything is firmly tight. If you haven't seen the B Square up close, in addition to the side "clamping action" onto the vent rib, there are two screws that tighten down through the mount to the top of the shround. The result is that the mount secures to the rib, and then "tensions" upward. I think that damage comes from folks thinking that they need to crank all the screws down as tight as possible (Hey, it's a .44 Mag, right?). The "tensioning" action works to keep everything in place well. In any case, if you get a few small marks, it is still less intrusive than drill/tap.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
Offline
nickE10mm said:Hm.... $216 would be a kinda high price for a new shroud but wouldn't mind getting myself a new 8" or 10" shroud and barrel instead of a new scope setup. I've read several places that they don't make the shrouds anymore at all. Have we verified this? I'm pretty sure the barrels are still made though.
They actually don't make shrouds for stock anymore. However, they have a list of shrouds, barrels and barrel assemblies (both pieces) for all guns and barrel lengths, that they will make for you when you order one. You just have to wait a week or two for delivery.
-Mike
September 29, 2009
Offline
Interesting... I'll have to check that out....
September 29, 2009
Offline
UPDATE:
I've been speaking with Keith @ DW about my situation. Apparently, DW has an OEM mount that Keith says is better than the Weigand that they sell. I haven't gotten any details on what it LOOKS like or how it compares to the Weigand. Looks like I WILL be doing a drill/tap since I won't ever be selling this gun and will probably eventually be buying another shoud / barrel combo in the future, too. The question is... .which mount?
I'm going to have DW to the drilling and tapping which will make me feel a LOT better about it, plus, they only charge a third of what my local smith wants for the service.
I'll update this thread with pics in a couple weeks when it's all done. 
1 Guest(s)
