keep the old scope or go new?
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ColtPythonElite
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If it works for your needs, I would keep it.
I have several old steel Weavers still in use. Some on old guns. Some on new guns.
I have several old steel Weavers still in use. Some on old guns. Some on new guns.
NIGHTLORD40K
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I think we need pics to accurately access the relevant aesthetic consequences......
Personally, I like to keep my glass period-correct to my rifles. In fact, I have a '50s Savage 99 that would be a good home for a nice old K6......
PM me if you decide to sell it bro!
I wouldn't trust an old scope for an out of state, or trophy hunt. If I'm driving from GA to CO for an elk hunt where the out of state tag cost $700, I'll be taking newer gear. I wouldn't want to be kicking myself for missing a once in a lifetime opportunity because nostalgia was more important than performance. For hunting whitetails in the back 40 where I wouldn't lose any sleep over a missed opportunity, why not.
The rubber seals are the weak link, but even the best optics from 30 years ago are no match for mid grade glass today. The internal parts on most older scopes is at least as good as on new ones. But sooner or later the rubber seals will fail and the scope is going to leak.
I don't know about the old Weavers, but some companies will refurbish older scopes with new seals. Pretty sure Leupold will do this.
The rubber seals are the weak link, but even the best optics from 30 years ago are no match for mid grade glass today. The internal parts on most older scopes is at least as good as on new ones. But sooner or later the rubber seals will fail and the scope is going to leak.
I don't know about the old Weavers, but some companies will refurbish older scopes with new seals. Pretty sure Leupold will do this.
Kendal Black
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Keep the Weaver. Something some newer scopes have to offer is adjustments that are easier to use. If you don't typically change your settings in the field, you don't actually need that.
The steel Weaver has a reputation as a tough and reliable piece of gear, and that reputation has stood up well to the test of time.
The steel Weaver has a reputation as a tough and reliable piece of gear, and that reputation has stood up well to the test of time.
If you use the rifle often, or need it for something important, I would rescope it.
I like those old vintage scopes, especially on period correct rifles, but they are old. I fell @jmr40 is right. A decent modern scope will be better in most ways, stronger, and lighter than scopes from even 30 years ago.
If what youve got is serving you well enough now, then your probably fine, but id still at least look at some of the newer scopes to see if they would make using the rifle more pleasurable.
I like those old vintage scopes, especially on period correct rifles, but they are old. I fell @jmr40 is right. A decent modern scope will be better in most ways, stronger, and lighter than scopes from even 30 years ago.
If what youve got is serving you well enough now, then your probably fine, but id still at least look at some of the newer scopes to see if they would make using the rifle more pleasurable.
greyling22
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optics are like Tv's, SOOO much better now that they were 20 years ago. If you are happy with the k6, keep it. but almost anything will be an improvement, optically speaking.
My 1977 Marlin 336 30-30 wears a Weaver 2.5X scope of the same years, actually a little older. My 1981 orange pad Ruger M77 .270 has a Wards Western Field 3X9 from circa 1964 (nice Japanese made scope). I have another older Marlin 336 with a Weaver 3X-6B from circa 1961. I have newer rifles and they have newer scopes. I used to like Weaver and Redfield and now I tend to go for Leupold, Nikon or my new favorite Vortex.
Marlin 336T with Weaver 2.5X, steel tube, blued, light weight, good eye relief, duplex reticle and matches the rifle well on Weaver rings (which are semi-QR), shots at 100 yards, home brew LR ammo I think I was shooting that day:
Just checking zero, getting the Marlin and the Blackhawk ready for some hogs soon maybe.
3C
Marlin 336T with Weaver 2.5X, steel tube, blued, light weight, good eye relief, duplex reticle and matches the rifle well on Weaver rings (which are semi-QR), shots at 100 yards, home brew LR ammo I think I was shooting that day:
Just checking zero, getting the Marlin and the Blackhawk ready for some hogs soon maybe.
3C
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Scooter22
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Thats a very open question. Whats it on? Do you need more magnification? If it's been on there why do you want to change? I love good vintage scopes and thats a good one. Might be heavy if it's a steel tube model but they are quality. I'd keep it on the gun. My 1976 Win M70 DLX with a Weaver V2x7 steel tube will never be separated.
Sav .250
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"Period correct" scopes do go hand and glove with certain older rifles. But the new,modern scopes have it all over the old ones. Advancement
in technology separate them on a lot of levels.
I have both .
in technology separate them on a lot of levels.
I have both .
ColtPythonElite
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I wouldn't trade my Unertl for a new whizbang target scope of the same power in any brand. Everyone that looks through it is amazed by the clarity.
cdb1
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I personally could care less whether I have a period correct scope on an older rifle, I’ll go for better optics every time but that’s me. I also believe you(OP) are the only one who can answer your question. Do what your heart tells you.
As much as people like to think their firearms decisions are based on common sense and logic, many of their choices aren’t. I for example love red recoil pads on wood stocked rifles and shotguns. I’ve bought grind to fit red pads and had them put on new firearms with excellent existing recoil pads, just because I like the look. Below is a FABARM shotgun I had a red pad installed on, it had an excellent brown pad on it already. I also jones 24 hours a day for Detective Specials, Cobra’s and .380/9mm Makarov’s that aren’t teeny tiny, and there are much more practical options in handguns.
As much as people like to think their firearms decisions are based on common sense and logic, many of their choices aren’t. I for example love red recoil pads on wood stocked rifles and shotguns. I’ve bought grind to fit red pads and had them put on new firearms with excellent existing recoil pads, just because I like the look. Below is a FABARM shotgun I had a red pad installed on, it had an excellent brown pad on it already. I also jones 24 hours a day for Detective Specials, Cobra’s and .380/9mm Makarov’s that aren’t teeny tiny, and there are much more practical options in handguns.
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