El Monte Target Scope Help
I was hoping someone could help me with some information on a target scope I own. It is an "El Monte" 10-30 power variable unit. Look's very similar to a Unertl 1-1/2" target scope, and even uses Unertl adjustable target mounts. I have a sales sheet on scope, and it was distributed by an "L.D. Simone" in San Diego, CA. I believe it is late 50's to mid 60's vintage.
Anyone know anything about these?
Steve
Anyone know anything about these?
Steve
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After a lot of digging, the only thing I can come up with regarding vintage scopes from El Monte Ca is a refference to Bob Penney who was one of the guys that founded Golden State Arms. Some time in the late 50's to early 60's he was involved in manufacturing scopes of various powers and general quality. It is interesting to note that the scope used on the Carcano that killed Kennedy was made by this company, and evidently the FBI had a series of hard questions for Mr. Penney. His cooperation with them allowed the FBI to track the surplus rifle back to Kleins in Chicago. Evidently at least ONE of the scopes he made was pretty friggin good?!? 0 -
Thanks for all your digging.
This particular scope was strictly a target scope with external Unertl mounts. I do not think it would have been similar the the one Oswald used. As I recall, that particular scope was a very cheap import, more like a hunting scope.
I had contact with a former Navy marksman who was head of the small arms program for the Navy. He told me that back in the 60's he purchased 12 of these scopes for the Navy shooting team, and that they were the finest target scopes he had ever used. Based on his comments to me there were only about 24 of these scopes ever made. He has one, and one of his fellow marksmanship team members had one as well. No doubt the Navy paid for them both.
I found one reference(name of scope only)in a blog about Carlos Hathcock. It just mentioned that Carlos used Unertl, Lyman , El Monte "type" scopes.
Was hoping maybe there was an old competitor out there that might remember seeing them on the firing line or at least hearing about them.
Steve0 -
Interesting, the only variable power outside adjustment target scopes I knew of were the huge Bausch & Lomb and the Tasco knockoff.
Could an El Monte be an early version of the Tasco copy?
Well, so much for that bright idea.
Could you show a picture for our edification?
Sounds like a real prize.
Wow, that's a beaut. Still a mystery to me, though.
If I still had my set of old Gun Digests, I'd be going through them for the brand.0 -
I am very familiar with the Tasco and B&L. In fact the Tasco is a knock off of the B&L. This scope is a cross between a Fecker with similar center-tube mounted focus adjustment, and a Unertl. The interesting aspect of this scope is that the variable power is adjusted by sliding a bar on the outside of tube for and aft to set the power. It is unlike any target scope I have seen. To a casual observer, they would most likely misake it for a Unertl.
Steve0 -
Here are some pics.
Steve[img][/img]
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