Springfield 1903 Scope and mount question

[IdahoSkies]

I have a sporterized 1903 springfield. It has the Redfield scope base and a vintage Weaver K4 scope, looks to be a 30mm scope. The weaver scope reticle is just to fine for me and I have trouble seeing it against anything but a very bright back ground. I also would also like a bit more magnification than the x4 power offers. (As my monicker points out I'm in Idaho, and the space can be a bit wide here). So a variable scope would be nice. (I have a 3-9 x 40mm on my other rifles).

My problem is that the action and the scope mount does not leave much clearance for a scope with a rear bell much bigger than what is currently on the rifle. maybe a few mm wider. I measure the bell to be at 1.44 inches.

Do they still make higher rings for that mount? If I raise the rings, I am going to need a cheek pad for the stock.

What are my options?

Here are some photos of what I am talking about.

Here is a photo of the rifle and scope. (Bolt handle down)



Here is the front objective bell. A 40mm scope will fit here.




Here is the area I am concerned with.



This photo shows the clearance of the bolt handle. It really is just a few mms.



So what scope will fit here? I really dont want to put taller rings on. 1) I don't know if taller rings exist for this base, and 2) the mount is just slightly taller than I would like for the stock already.

Any variable scope recommendations for the space I have?

 

[dprice3844444]

go looking for another scope .rear bell should be same diameter in 40mm.they should make higher rings
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ield+jr+rings&_nkw=redfield+jr+rings&_sacat=0

 

[rcmodel]

The Weaver K4 has to be a 1" tube.

They never made them in 30mm.

rc

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

First off - That's damn beautiful!

As to rings, yup, you can find higher. I wouldn't know a "new" source as for instances like this I love to prowl gun shows for those fellas with; bins, tool boxes and trays of vintage components.

I too would have a Redfield 3x9, - an Accu Trac - on it were it mine. I've got four of them sprinkled over my favorite rifles.

 

[Laphroaig]

I don't think that Redfield has ever changed their base/ring configuration, so rings currently sold under the Redfield, and now Leupold trademarks will fit. But why even think about getting other rings?

As RC stated, the diameter is 1 inch. As you stated, a 40 mm will fit, so why reinvent the wheel? Plenty of 3 - 9 , 2.5 - 10, and 4 -12X 40 mm scopes are sold today. Get one and be happy! That's a beautiful rifle!!!

Laphroaig

 

[Mike C2]

The length of the scope plays a role as well. A longer scope puts the bell on more of the barrel taper. I had a Weaver K4 on one of my O3-A3 and swapped it out for a Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 and it fits just fine. It looked exactly like your setup.

And I do think you can get different height rings. I know Leupold and Burris both make dovetail rings and mounts and the rings may all be interchangeable.

Here's a pic. Gun on far left has Burris 4.5-15 x 42 on Buehler mount with LOW rings. Gun on far right the Nikon 3-9x40 on Redfield Rings and base.

 

[IdahoSkies]

I am not interested in getting new rings if I can avoid it. The tube is a 1 inch tube.

I'll look at the Redfield scopes.

It was my grandfather's and he said, "I'm done with it, non of my other grandkids have any interest, its yours." Great. It was the first rifle I ever went deer hunting with and I've always thought it was really nice. But the scope was a pain, especially in low light conditions. You just could not see the cross hairs.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mike C2]

I would think most 40mm objective scopes would fit based on mine, and I'm sure you could get a 2-7x32 that would fit easily. Look forward to seeing a pic with the new scope!

 

[ISChief]

Your scope mount is a common mount.

Higher rings are available.

The setup is a detachable mount set up and is probably Leupold.

Loosen the rear screws at the bottom of the rear mount lift the rear ring a little and rotate the scope rear to one side and the front should disengage from its socket.

If it is what what I think is, it is made that way so the scope can be removed and when replaced it is still in zeroed.

You can buy a larger scope with more bells and whistles and get mounts to fit the receiver bridge and once you get the new scope zeroed you will have the option of using either scope as the need arises by just swapping out the scopes.

Its a great system! The manufactures ID should be on the rings and or bridge somewhere.

 

[Mike C2]

It is a great system, but not designed to be removeable and maintain zero. The rear screws make the mount windage adjustable. This was for older scopes with less internal adjustment and back when DIY mount installs were more common to make up for user error in installation. Same with the one piece base and the dovetail in the front made aligning the package easier and more foolproof.

You are not supposed to use the scope to turn the dovetail in on the front ring, but I must confess to doing this myself quite often, but not anymore since I have a Wheeler alignment kit and use one of the lapping now.

OP says it is a Redfield mount and on mine that is stamped clearly. They provided mounts and rings for the O3-A4 originally. My M73B1 on the picture above has blued civilian mount and rings. The Nikon is in horizontally split Redfield rings but the M73B1's 3/4" tube rings are vertically split. Redfield invented the dovetailed windage adjustable mount, and I think Leupold and Burris are identical. Buehler did a similar setup, but the rings are NOT interchangeable because of the front ring on the Buehler base works differently.