Period optics on classic rifles

[Dave DeLaurant]

While I've made my peace with stainless steel and polymer I also admire classic hunting rifles, particularly those from the early to mid-20th century. I prefer to see them wearing scopes and mounts from roughly from the same period:




Sometimes this presents problems, since optics are relatively fragile things. The Weaver system appeared in the mid-1950s, but before that became one of several de facto standards there was a broad variety of competing mounting systems, particularly side mounts. Replacement parts can be a real problem.

About ten years ago I bought a J.C. Higgins 2.5x scope with very clear glass from a pawn shop, which unfortunately was missing both turret caps. This model was made for Sears by Weaver and used turret caps that were threaded on their outside surface. I searched for replacement caps for quite some time. I would occasionally spot single caps for sale on eBay, usually in somewhat mangled condition and priced for considerably more than I paid for the scope.

A few weeks back I discovered a site called Vintage Gun Scopes which offered newly-made replacements. Not cheap, but worth it for me!



I think these folks are a pretty good resource for old school rifle guys to be aware of:

https://www.vintagegunscopes.com/

 

[JmacD]

I like that. I can see my grandpas pre64 with the old 4x weaver it had…

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Something like this?

 

[troy fairweather]

I've been thinking about sending in the weaver kv 3-5 on my m70 but I don't know, if the tube was 100% id feel better, it has a old thumb print rusted in the tube from blood I'd guess. I buffed it down and coldblued but still not right. Scope has some flakes of sealer or something in the tube you can see but the scopes still clear and the seal is good.

Around 10 years ago weaver came out with the classic k4, they had the cheaper version(aluminum) and had a steel tube version k4. I wish I had bought one but they were about $400 would have been nice having a k4 with modern glass.

I like the kv on my Winchester, it has the post reticle I really like but would probably trade it for a nice k4.

 

[SwampWolf]

I, too, have a couple of steel-bodied scopes in use, along with a 2/34x5 Redfield "Widefield" scope I have mounted on a Savage Model 99, chambered in .358 Winchester (the only lever-action rifle I have that wears a scope; all the rest have proper receiver sights on them ).
One thing, aesthetically and subjectively, I like about the Weaver steel tube scopes is that the finish on them pretty much matches the traditional bluing on rifles of the era; not standing in stark contrast to them like the mirror-bright, black finished, modern alloy-bodied scopes do.

 

[troy fairweather]

1950 winchester m70 270win weaver kv 3-5 post reticle, pachmayr side mount.

 

[JmacD]

That’s a rifle… Oh ya I appreciate the modern polymer, and laminate etc… but you can’t beat that old walnut and real bluing…

 

[jmr40]

I've got to admit that on certain rifles an older scope is the only thing that looks right. But there are negatives. Those older scopes aren't nearly as good as a modern mid-grade scope and over time the rubber seals can't be depended on to seal out moisture.

Would be fun to use at the range or even for casual backyard type hunting. But I wouldn't trust one for an expensive out of state hunt where an equipment failure could cost me a shot. Lots of the older classic rifles would still be reliable enough to trust with modern glass.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Also a fan of period-correct optics (or at least correct looking).
Steve Earle products is another great source for reproduction scope and sight mounts, parts and accessories-
https://www.steveearleproducts.com/

 

[Offfhand]

Does this fit in? A Pre-64 M-70, .375 H&H customized by Griffin & Howe (circa 1950) with Lyman Alaskan scope in G&H mounts.

 

[Hugger-4641]

How bout This?
I bought the rifle in 1983 and added the scope in 84, they've never been apart aside from periodic maintenance.
Model 94AE 30-30 and Bushnell 3x9x40 Lite Site, which still works and I hunt with it every year.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Does this fit in? A Pre-64 M-70, .375 H&H customized by Griffin & Howe (circa 1950) with Lyman Alaskan scope in G&H mounts.View attachment 1062754 View attachment 1062755 View attachment 1062756

Heck yeah!

BTW, I checked in with G&H's website not long ago -- mount + install for one of their classic side mounts costs more today than I paid for both of my Husqvarna/FN Mauser sporters combined!

https://griffinhowe.com/mounts

 

[Milt1]

I have a Weaver Classic K-4 on my Marlin XT-22. I've had that scope since longer than I can remember.

 

[3Crows]

My 336 Texan with period Weaver and rings.



3C

 

[Random 8]

I have a connection in Switzerland who will rebuild an El-Paso Weaver with modern European glass, argon purging and a 3P4 reticle. He favors them for his safari clients and will do one scope for me if I send 2 useable tubes. Others are likely an option, but 3P4 is what he's done for me. My Savage M99 sports such a scope presently. There were some customs hang ups, and I was able to make the deal work as a member of an official Swiss rifle club. The Swiss are very fussy about exporting anything of a firearms nature. I'll have to see if this is still possible, as I have found a couple of donor El Paso scopes with bad glass and have a rifle in need. He also re-does the blueing as an option.

 

[troy fairweather]

I have a connection in Switzerland who will rebuild an El-Paso Weaver with modern European glass, argon purging and a 3P4 reticle. He favors them for his safari clients and will do one scope for me if I send 2 useable tubes. Others are likely an option, but 3P4 is what he's done for me. My Savage M99 sports such a scope presently. There were some customs hang ups, and I was able to make the deal work as a member of an official Swiss rifle club. The Swiss are very fussy about exporting anything of a firearms nature. I'll have to see if this is still possible, as I have found a couple of donor El Paso scopes with bad glass and have a rifle in need. He also re-does the blueing as an option.

That would be very cool to have done, Doubt I could afford it but for a special rifle would be worth it.

 

[Rubone]

My Ruger 77 .243 Heavy barrel with a Weaver Micro-trac K10-1

 

[Offfhand]

1950's Remington 722B .257 Roberts with same era American made Bausch & Lomb 8X in B&L mounts.

 

[Speedo66]

I kind of get a kick out of the old scopes with recoil springs.

Don't have any, but they're cool to look at. Not sure how the fluid attachment effects accuracy.

 

[.45Coltguy]

My Ruger 77 .243 Heavy barrel with a Weaver Micro-trac K10-1
View attachment 1062800

Rubone, that just looks like a shooter! Really like the whole set-up.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

1950's Remington 722B .257 Roberts with same era American made Bausch & Lomb 8X in B&L mounts.View attachment 1062815 View attachment 1062816 View attachment 1062817

My friend Ron has a Balvar mounted on his Wards/Heym Mauser:

 

[.45Coltguy]

Some mighty fine looking older rifles/optics in this thread. Thanks all.

 

[Remington1911]

I am just too afraid of damaging the scope, as others said this stuff gets old, dry, and fragile. I don't want to take the chance.

 

[pert near]

I must admit that I have a soft spot for old Redfield scopes. I bought two at a recent gunshow. They were classic 2x-7x & a 3x-9x. Both fairly clear & clean. The 2x-7x has a fine crosshairs & the 3x-9x has a fine dot reticle. I bought both for $50. Both have already been shipped off to Iron Sight to be refurbished & duplex reticles installed. Still looking for an old Redfield 4x-12x.