Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Poll: Drill or Not Drill

Let's assume a fellow has a very nice S&W Model 14-3 of late 1960's vintage, like most Model 14's it's very accurate, is in Very Good to Excellent shape with finish about 98% or even better, and came from the factory with a target trigger and hammer. Further assume this fellow's ability to resolve sights and target together has diminished somewhat, but he can still lay'em in the bullseye as good as ever with a reflex sight.

Would you drill and tap the top strap to mount a reflex sight - it only requires one hole under the rear sight leaf - or leave it original for whatever collector value it may have and use that as an excuse to go look for some K-frame .38 in much lesser condition to d&t?

So - drill or not drill?






I know which way I'm, uh, I mean this hypothetical fellow is leaning, but just curious of other's opinions on d&t this particular hypothetical Model 14 or any other older "collectible" revolver in general.

I just sold a new in the box K-38 Target Masterpiece that I had since the 1980's. Would never dream of drilling one.

I wouldn't do an LS swap on an original 56 Vet for the same reason. Some things you just don't do.

I wouldn't drill it.

There’s a lot of 14s out there, not like you’re D&T a Triple Lock Target.

If it’s truly near mint I’d sell it and buy a worn one to D&T and have the money for base, new reflex sight, gunsmith fee, and maybe a bullet mold or ammo. Or maybe I’d buy two well used ones to fool with depending on what the nice one brought.

But if you’re set on keeping the one in question and an optic is the only way you’ll be able to enjoy it, I’d say drill baby drill.

You can get a Taurus TORO, optics-ready revolver very affordably, without drilling a nice classic revolver.

Example,

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting...ainlessblack-revolver-6-rounds/p/1818136

Did you buy it to shoot and enjoy or to sit in the safe as an investment to sell later?

That’s all I’d need to know.

I say drill baby drill.

It is yours ....drill the fooker.

Drill. They are great revolvers, but not exactly unobtanium and rocketing in value. It is not like you are destroying the finish or adding visible screw holes on the side of it. Use it and enjoy it. I have a 14-2 6" and may someday do the same for the reason you describe.

Unless you plan to sell it or give it away as a pristine family heirloom, do what makes you happy. You don't owe anything to a chunk of steel and wood. Heck, you may be benefiting some person down the road by allowing him to buy something he ordinarily couldn't afford in pristine condition. (How's that for an enabling justification?)

Wait...we're having a discussion about whether a guy can justify buying another gun, when he's already got the reason all lined up and ready to go?!

Is this a trick question??

Actually: Drill the first gun AND buy the 2nd gun! Put red dots on both of them! How old are you now, Jim? 88? 92? Get whatever you want and bang away until the Lord punches your ticket!

OK...I know you won't do that (even though you should). I vote for drilling the existing gun. You like it; it shoots well; you shoot it well; and, you'll get more satisfaction at the range, shooting a gun you like and have had a long time. Any reduction in value is more than offset by your happiness. You deserve to be happy.

Make it yours and don’t hide it away.

Do whatever you want, but I wouldn't drill it.

Drill baby drill

If it's part of your 401G to cash out on retirement then don't.

If you just want to leave it as issued so your family can make money on it after you're gone, then drill it and enjoy the gun.

You damn betcha.

While I personally don't care a lick about putting stuff like that on a handgun, I see the value to guys who do. If I felt otherwise I would drill the SOB and sleep soundly afterwards. What I wouldn't drill under any circumstances would be, for example, an absolutely mint pre-war Officer's Model or General Patton's SAA if it dropped into my lap. Such examples define historical/collectable value. Hell, I'd drill a nifty Colt Python if it suited me to in order to shoot it better (but thank god I don't care fothose kind of sights so it's a moot point). When I'm gone I won't care if value is subtracted, I'll be dead.

Sell as is, buy another in lesser condition to drill is what I would do.

I'd sell them for $25 at a gun buyback.

Just kidding. Remember this one?

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You will get both answers & only you can decide. If you think you might ever get rid of it, then don't do it. If you plan on keeping it until your dying days & hand it down then enjoy it, that's what you got it for so why not get the most fun out of it while you can.

Dick

A gun is just a tool that is meant to be used, so i say drill it and enjoy it.
A gun sitting in a safe , never to be fired seems senseless to me.
Collect stamps if you want something to save!

I suspect that in the long run the hit to the gun's value by drilling that hole will be less than you fear, but that wouldn't have stopped me anyway in all likelihood.