S&W model 41 replacement barrels

My older model 41 has a 8.375 barrel that is not drilled and tapped. For using a red dot I am thinking about getting a second barrel and was considering either a 5.5 inch S&W barrel that is already drilled and tapped (might be pretty heavy with a dot sight) or a replacement barrel from Clark.  I noticed that Clark has 3 different barrels on of which has a top strap.  Have any of you gone down this road and is there any reason to get a Clark barrel with a top strap if your using a dot sight.  

thanks

Revolvers have 8 3/8' barrels.  41's have 7 3/8", 7", 5 1/2", or 5" factory.  Many people love the Clark barrel but I never did and shoot an Aikman barrel on my 41 (6").  The top strap is beneficial in allowing more room to move balance point to your liking.  Absence of it might help in failure's to eject but a proper tuned gun wont have that problem anyway.  Personally I think the 41 looks silly without the strap but that's just me.

Scott

I went the Clark route instead of drilling my 7 3/8 barrel..

It shoots very well

Thanks SB I don't know where I got 8.375 (dreaming of a registered magnum?) Anyway I had not thought about the increased flexibility of the position of the dot sight with a top strap.  Thanks Jglenn for the report on yours.

They can certainly look 8 3/8" I drilled and tapped mine in 1976. I have had dots on and off it for the last 40 years. It was worth doing for me. I shoot them.

By all means check with Clark, but when I spoke with them a few years ago they told me the rearmost groove on their full tang model might not accommodate the through bolt of a typical Weaver-style ring. The explanation was that it was there for cosmetic reasons and was somewhat shallower than the forward grooves. I opted for the STC model.

Thanks John.

less potential jams with the STC barrel too

I also have the STC barrel. When I called them, the lady I talked with recommended it.