Vintage Weaver Scope

[Maverick223]

After purchasing a Browning Model 1885 in 45-70 I have been looking for a decent scope that will look period at a reasonable price. After looking at the MVA, Leatherwood Short Malcolm, and others I stumbled upon some old Weaver scopes for cheap. They look similar to Unertl and Lyman scopes but at a lesser price (because they are not as collectible). The ones that I like all seem to be .22lr versions due to their small tube (0.75" looks great), lack of objective bell, and low magnification (about 2.5-6x, most are 4x). The only problem is recoil and the single shot 45-70 delivers. Will these old scopes (interested in mostly G4, B4, 344, and J2.5 models) handle the recoil from the 45-70 and provide reliable service. Thanks, Mav.

P.S.: I understand that these scopes will not provide the clearest, brightest view but I want to keep the rifle looking period (or at least closer than modern, large objective scopes).

 

[rcmodel]

The post-war J models were high-power rifle scopes built to the same standards as the K models of the same period. They should handle the 45-70.

The other ones mentioned, like the B4 were strictly .22RF scopes.
They are not robust enough, nor will they have enough eye relief to keep the scope out of your eye with 45-70 recoil.

I don't know enough about the older pre-war G4 and 344, (1933 to 1947) but I doubt they would be suitable either.

rc

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks rc...I didn't even think of eye relief, great point (far more important than price, durability, etc. on a 45-70). With a eyepiece that small you could end up with a permanent wink. The 344 has pretty good eye relief but I cannot find any information on it, other than it is supposed to be similar to the model 330 Weaver). I am glad you replied today as I am thinking of purchasing one later today, and was leaning towards the J2.5 due to the longer tube, that I believe will look more at home on the rifle.

 

[rcmodel]

Be aware:
A lot of the J's were sold with a bent sheet-metal one-piece tip-off mount installed.
There is no way to get one off the scope, short of taking off the turret and eye piece. (Not Recommended)

I suppose you could clamp it up in a vice and bend it enough to clear the turret, but I haven't tried it.

And there is nobody making 3/4" scope rings any more.
rc

 

[Jim Watson]

I would worry more about what the target looked like through the scope than what the scope looked like on the gun. If you have departed from the 19th century styling, there is nothing about a dim old 3/4" scope that is particularly correct on that gun.

Leupold made some good quality knockoffs of the Lyman Alaskan 7/8" scope, if you can find one. Real Alaskans are more common on the market, but state of the art in 1950 ain't much glass these days.

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks for all the replies...

A lot of the J's were sold with a bent sheet-metal one-piece tip-off mount installed.
There is no way to get one off the scope, short of taking off the turret and eye piece.

Fortunately the one I have found doesn't have the tip-off, but others that I have looked at do (such as the G series). Also it includes 3/4" rings to go along with it.

but state of the art in 1950 ain't much glass these days.

I realize any scope with a small tube and no objective bell won't be dim, but will look more at home on the rifle. Previously I had decided on a Leatherwood Short Malcolm (probably in 3x), however it is made in China and costs over $300USD. Granted not a expensive optic, but not alot for the money either. The Weaver will be cheaper and should offer par or better glass than the Chinese Leatherwood. The most important aspect to me is to achieve a bit more usability whilst maintaining the period look of the firearm. A MVA or comparable scope is grossly overpriced and will not improve brightness and clarity greatly. Nothing will look good when compared to a decent high-end modern optic, the difference will be sad in comparison to the new Premier Reticles that I ordered last week.