old scope question
I have a 1962 Winchester Model 70 that is in nice condition and which I would like to "retro" by afixing to it a good-quality, but period-correct hunting scope, preferably a 2.5x power of some sort. Any opinions about what would have been the "top of the line" 2.5x scope in 1962? Lyman, Weaver, Leupold, or what? I've seen a number of nice looking Weavers for sale on-line, but I am confused by their model numbers, like Weaver K2.5, Weaver K2.5-F, Weaver J4, and the like. I've also seen a limited variety of Lyman's. Also any guidance on period mounting systems would be appreciated, as would any recommendations regarding restoration servicers for old scopes.
thanks,
Kingfisher1
thanks,
Kingfisher1
0
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From 1962 Gun Digest.
Leupold M-7 3X $55.00
Lyman All American 2 1/2X $45.50
Redfield Bear Cub 2 3/4X $49.50
Unertl Falcon 2 3/4X $48.00
Weaver K2.5 $37.50
Weaver was to hunting scopes as Ford and Chevy were to automobiles.0 -
A lot of those M70's had non-adjustable Bausch & Lomb scopes in Bausch & Lomb adjustable mounts on them. The B&L scopes were pretty much top of the line with excellent optics in those days. The 2 1/2X was called the Baltur. I have several of the B&L scopes and mounts and most of my pre-64 70's are wearing them. Often B&L scopes are available on the auction side and I recommend them highly. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Kingfisher1
I have a 1962 Winchester Model 70 that is in nice condition and which I would like to "retro" by afixing to it a good-quality, but period-correct hunting scope, preferably a 2.5x power of some sort. Any opinions about what would have been the "top of the line" 2.5x scope in 1962? Lyman, Weaver, Leupold, or what? I've seen a number of nice looking Weavers for sale on-line, but I am confused by their model numbers, like Weaver K2.5, Weaver K2.5-F, Weaver J4, and the like. I've also seen a limited variety of Lyman's. Also any guidance on period mounting systems would be appreciated, as would any recommendations regarding restoration servicers for old scopes.
thanks,
Kingfisher1
I do the same and generally go with the steel bodied Weavers. In buying old scopes you want to be certain you buy a 1" tube, there are 3/4" ones out there. You also want to ensure the optics are clear and undamaged. Fractures along the edge can develop after many years, I would not buy one on line but would instead buy at a show and examine the scope in hand. If you get a variable check it on all powers.
In general, a fixed Weaver will be a K4 (fixed 4) or K6 (fixed 6)and the variables are Vs. There are hunting variables and target variables. The target versions often have an adjustable objective with a hard plastic adjusting bell up front. The plastic on the bell can be fragile, I found that out putting one on a Rem 721 in 300 H & H - cracked after a few rounds.
Also, keep in mind that on many older scopes the reticle doesn't stay centered - that is, when you dial windage and elevation the intersection of the crosshairs will move up or down, left or right. Using rings and base with windage adjustment will help you keep the reticle centered - adjust the base for left/right, then fine tune with windage using turrets.
A variable 1.5 to 4.5X or a fixed 4 would probably be a good choice. The variable 1.5 to 4.5X costs a bit more, a post reticle commands a bit more $$$ too.0 -
I have a Weaver Alaskan Fixed 4 power that came off a Pre 64 270 .
Would love to use the scope ,but hard to find a set of 7/8 in. rings .0 -
I would go with an old weaver K2 scope. 0 -
Those old weaver scopes are hard to beat. I still have a few. 0 -
I appear to be in the minority with my view that the old Weaver scopes are not as good as the Lyman, Leupold, Unertl, B & L and some of the European scopes. Based on side by side comparisons back in the day, I still believe these others were better than Weaver. One caveat, some of the older us made scopes, Lyman Challenger, Stith Bear Cub, and many of the European scopes had 26mm or 26.5mm tubes. While these are good, getting rings for them may be a problem. The old Lyman Alaskan and Norman Ford Texan scopes were very good and had 7/8" rings. I appreciate your getting a "period correct" scope for the rifle. Would like to hear of what you buy and how it works. 0 -
The old B&L balvars are neat old scopes that look the period. I have a 56 feather weight with one on it, I will try and find a photo.
The one on the bottom.
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Thanks to everyone for your help on this. Now, I'd like to settle down on either a steel-bodied Weaver K2.5 or a Lyman 2.5, but I am confused by the Weaver markings as follows:
K2.5-60
K2.5 60-B
K2.5 60C
Can anyone straighten me out as to what the "B" and the "C" mean on these older scopes? My old M70 is a .300 H&H (if that makes a difference). Thanks again. Bob R.0
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