Gary O
Member
I have obtained a Winchester Model 70, 270 cal; 1950 era rifle and was wondering if it would be appropriate to scope it with a modern scope? If not, what scope should I look for? What say you? Thanks...
1950's era scope?
- Thread starter Gary O
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shootniron
Member
If you are going to use it...buy a current scope and leave that old junk back there in the 50's.
Jackal
Member
If you want a vintage rifle, slap a nice older El Paso Weaver K4 on it and run. Those scopes were tanks.
lobo9er
Member
+1 on the old weaver K... "series"? I have one on a 22 I inherited from my grandpa. Can't recall what number follows the K_...
Ash
Member
I have shot through 1940's "old junk" Soviet scopes on Mosin M91/30 PU Sniper rifles. They shot just fine.
tahoe2
Member
modern scope
I purchased an old Weaver (circa 1960's) KV variable (2-3/4 to 5x) to put on my 1951 Savage model 99 in 300 Savage. The scope looked good, appeared to be bright, and looked great on the gun.
Zeroed it and all was good, 2nd time out I had another gun with a modern scope with me. A side by side comparison of the two, vintage vs modern, the modern scope was twice as clear and much
brighter, both days at the range were overcast. I decided that the fuzzy Weaver was not acceptable on my hunting rifle, so I put a brand new K-4 on the Savage and I am totally pleased with it.
This is just my experience and YMMV. Good Luck !
I purchased an old Weaver (circa 1960's) KV variable (2-3/4 to 5x) to put on my 1951 Savage model 99 in 300 Savage. The scope looked good, appeared to be bright, and looked great on the gun.
Zeroed it and all was good, 2nd time out I had another gun with a modern scope with me. A side by side comparison of the two, vintage vs modern, the modern scope was twice as clear and much
brighter, both days at the range were overcast. I decided that the fuzzy Weaver was not acceptable on my hunting rifle, so I put a brand new K-4 on the Savage and I am totally pleased with it.
This is just my experience and YMMV. Good Luck !
Vern Humphrey
Member
A modern K4 would look about the same, and be better glass. And probably much easier to find.
jim in Anchorage
Member
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I have 3 pre 64 M70's [2 pre war] and they all got modern matte finish scopes. Looks completely appropriate on them.
WardenWolf
member
Just as eyeglasses have become clearer, lighter, and cheaper thanks to modern technology, so have scopes. Optics are one of those things that have improved dramatically over time. It honestly doesn't make sense to cripple the rifle with old glass. Let the old girl live up to her potential by giving her a new set of eyes.
stubbicatt
Member
Hm. I have a Fecker that I use on my 1904 vintage schuetzen rifle. It just looks right. The optics are nice and clear. Not as clear as modern IOR offerings, but I like it this way. 
cheygriz
member
That's a darn fine rifle. Put a nice scope on it. Like a 1.5-6x42 Swarovski!
WardenWolf
member
Or a 6-18x40 Nikon.That's a darn fine rifle. Put a nice scope on it. Like a 1.5-6x42 Swarovski!
BSA1
member
I have a Weaver 6x on my .270. It is still bright and lets me shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yards.
I think the fixed power scopes hold up much better.
I think the fixed power scopes hold up much better.
Gordon
Member
This http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Unertl-Hawk-4x-Rifle-Scope-with-Post-Reticle-/321948017481
in Bhuler mounts is what I had on my 1951 M70 .270 from when I got it in 63
in Bhuler mounts is what I had on my 1951 M70 .270 from when I got it in 63
I have a 1958 model 70 in .243.I used the scope that came on it until I screwed it up adjusting it.I put a 3 to 8 Tasco on it and have fired several hundred rounds at the range and killed dozens of deer with this set up.On the other hand I also took dozens with the old Weaver scope.
aarondhgraham
Member
I was in the same dilemma as you,,,
I bought an early 60's .22 single-shot rifle,,,
Because my eyes are older than dirt,,,
I needed to scope it.
I had a few modern .22 scopes hanging around,,,
So I mounted them but just wasn't pleased with the look.
To some people that would not be an issue,,,
But I'm not ashamed to say it is for me.
While I do want my guns to perform well,,,
I also want them to look as good as they shoot.
So I started haunting gun shows,,,
I eventually found an early 60's vintage scope with clear glass.
I added a period (new build) cantilever mount,,,
Now my old gal shoots well and looks proper to boot.
So I say if it's what will make you happy,,,
Keep looking for the scope that looks proper on your gun.
Life is too short to shoot with ugly fiery-arms.
Aarond
.
I bought an early 60's .22 single-shot rifle,,,
Because my eyes are older than dirt,,,
I needed to scope it.
I had a few modern .22 scopes hanging around,,,
So I mounted them but just wasn't pleased with the look.
To some people that would not be an issue,,,
But I'm not ashamed to say it is for me.
While I do want my guns to perform well,,,
I also want them to look as good as they shoot.
So I started haunting gun shows,,,
I eventually found an early 60's vintage scope with clear glass.
I added a period (new build) cantilever mount,,,
Now my old gal shoots well and looks proper to boot.
So I say if it's what will make you happy,,,
Keep looking for the scope that looks proper on your gun.
Life is too short to shoot with ugly fiery-arms.
Aarond
.
My M70, pre-'64 300 H&H with the J.Unertl also has the Buehler mounts. Very classy setupThis http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Unertl-Hawk-4x-Rifle-Scope-with-Post-Reticle-/321948017481
in Bhuler mounts is what I had on my 1951 M70 .270 from when I got it in 63
Gordon
Member
here is my 1951 .270 with the Unertl Hawk, still brite and solid
Offfhand
Member.
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A 1950's era scope on your Pre-64 Winchester would be entirely appropriate for both looks and function. I have era specific scopes on several of my rifles and use then with complete satisfaction, such as the '50's Weatherby in attached photos. The scope is an American made Bausch & Lomb 8X variable which was the best of the best back and for ruggedness and optical quality it still ranks with today's top end scopes. Adjustments were in the rugged mounts, thus eliminating a common cause of scope failure. Zeroing could be a PITA but once zeroed it was forever. This rifle was sighted-in a half century ago, has accounted for scores of game since, and POI is still spot-on.
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sayak
Member
I have several Savage 99s and an old Swede Mauser, and each wears a newer scope because they are clearer and more reliable than old glass. I understand the "keep the scope time period correct with the rifle" mindset, but if you are going to use your rifles for serious range time or for hunting, you should get a decent scope that performs well and still looks good. Safe queens, who cares about performance.
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