When most people think of revolvers, they picture old-school six-shooters with iron sights and a classic stance. But times are changing. With red dot sights gaining popularity across pistols, rifles, and even shotguns, revolver enthusiasts are starting to wonder—can you mount a red dot sight on a revolver? The answer is a resounding yes.
But as with most things in the firearms world, the devil’s in the details. So let’s break it down. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or just want a modern edge on your wheelgun, here’s everything you need to know about mounting red dot sights on revolvers.
Why Mount a Red Dot on a Revolver?
Before diving into mounting options, it’s worth asking: why bother? Red dot sights provide a significant aiming advantage, especially in terms of speed and target acquisition. For aging eyes or low-light situations, a red dot makes it easier to get on target without lining up iron sights. For hunters, they offer faster target transitions. And for competitive shooters, every millisecond counts.
Revolvers, known for their reliability and accuracy, pair surprisingly well with optics—especially longer-barreled models like the Smith & Wesson 686 or the Ruger Super Redhawk.
But adding a red dot to a revolver isn’t as simple as it is with a modern semi-auto pistol. There’s no universal mounting system, and revolvers vary widely in frame size, barrel design, and sight rail compatibility. Let’s explore your options.
1. Direct Mounting via Drilled and Tapped Frames
One of the most solid, stable methods to mount a red dot sight is to have the revolver’s top strap drilled and tapped for a scope base.
Pros:
- Rock-solid attachment: Great for high-recoil calibers like .44 Magnum.
- Low-profile mounting: Keeps the optic close to the bore axis.
- Compatible with common rail systems: Like Weaver or Picatinny.
Cons:
- Permanent modification: Once drilled, there’s no going back.
- Professional gunsmithing often required: You’ll need precision work to avoid misalignment.
- Not DIY-friendly for most people.
Popular revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Performance Center models or some Ruger Super Redhawks come pre-drilled from the factory. If yours isn’t, this mod can be done—but only if you’re okay with altering the gun permanently.
2. Rail Mount Adapters
If you’re not into modifying your revolver—or if it’s a collector’s piece—rail adapters offer a bolt-on solution.
Examples:
- Weigand Combat rail systems
- EGW (Evolution Gun Works) mounts
- B-Square no-drill mounts
These adapters attach to the revolver via the rear sight screw hole and clamp onto the frame or barrel.
Pros:
- Non-permanent: Easy to install and remove.
- Good fit for optics like the Burris FastFire, Trijicon RMR, or Holosun series.
- DIY-friendly with basic tools.
Cons:
- Adds height: Can raise the red dot above the bore axis, slightly affecting point of aim.
- Potential for slight movement over time if not secured tightly.
- Limited compatibility: Not all models have matching adapters.
Still, for most users who want a red dot without altering their revolver, this is the go-to method.
3. Barrel Rib Mounts
Certain revolvers—especially models with full-lug or vented barrel ribs—can accommodate clamp-on mounts that hug the barrel itself.
Example:
- Aimtech and B-Square clamp-style mounts
- Custom rib adapters for vent-ribbed revolvers like some Taurus models
Pros:
- Avoids modifying the frame
- Spreads weight across the barrel rather than stressing the top strap
- Fits classic revolvers with longer barrels
Cons:
- More prone to shifting under recoil if not torqued correctly
- Bulkier and heavier
- Not suitable for snub-nose or compact frames
Barrel mounts are a good match for hunting revolvers or long-range shooting platforms where size and weight are less of a concern.
4. Replacing the Rear Sight with Adapter Plates
Some revolvers allow the rear sight to be completely removed and replaced with a custom adapter plate that acts as a mounting platform for micro red dots.
Example:
- Allchin Gun Parts mini mounts
- Raptor Engineering optic plates
- Trijicon SRO-compatible rear sight base mounts
These mounts screw into the existing rear sight holes and are custom-fitted to the revolver frame.
Pros:
- Clean, integrated look
- No drilling or frame alteration required
- Lower mounting height than rail adapters
Cons:
- Limited to revolvers with compatible rear sight designs
- Adapter plates are often model-specific
This is a sleek, simple option if your revolver supports it, especially for revolvers used in competitions like ICORE or Steel Challenge.
5. Custom Machining and Slide Cuts (for Exotic Builds)
For those who want the ultimate custom build—think revolver race guns or specialty hunting rigs—there’s always the option of custom machining.
This involves milling the top strap or barrel rib to fit a specific optic footprint directly, similar to how many modern semi-autos are “optics ready.”
Pros:
- Super low-profile and integrated
- Perfect fit to your optic of choice
- No need for risers or adapters
Cons:
- Expensive
- Permanent modification
- Requires a skilled gunsmith
Custom mounting is best left to pros or serious competition shooters who know exactly what they want—and are willing to pay for it.
Things to Consider Before Mounting
1. Recoil Management
Heavy recoiling revolvers (like .454 Casull or .500 S&W) demand robust mounts. Lighter-duty adapters may shift or loosen over time. Use thread locker and torque screws to spec.
2. Weight and Balance
Adding a red dot—and the associated mount—can shift the revolver’s center of gravity forward or upward. This may affect your shooting rhythm, especially in fast double-action work.
3. Holster Compatibility
Most red dot-equipped revolvers won’t fit standard holsters. You may need a custom rig or open-top design if carrying is your goal.
4. Co-Witnessing (or the lack of it)
Unlike semi-auto pistols with suppressor-height sights, revolvers rarely allow co-witnessing iron sights with a red dot. Once you go optic, it becomes your primary aiming solution.
Final Thoughts
Red dot sights and revolvers may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually complement each other beautifully when done right. Whether you’re optimizing a hunting revolver, building a competition gun, or just modernizing an old favorite, there’s a mounting solution out there that fits your style, needs, and skill level.
The key is knowing your revolver, your intended use, and how far you’re willing to go—both technically and financially. Some shooters prefer non-permanent setups that preserve the revolver’s original form. Others embrace custom machining for peak performance. Either way, mounting a red dot on your revolver is no longer a novelty—it’s a practical, proven upgrade that can take your shooting to the next level.
