Value of a weaver scope, and what to replace it with?

[H Wally]

I've got a Weaver K31 scope on my 8mm mauser, it's 2x or something like that.... haven't taken the darn thing out of the safe for 6 months.

Long story short, I don't like the reticle so I don't shoot the gun. It's a darn good gun, so I'd like to replace the scope with something better.

First off, what would a nice condition Weaver K31 scope with 2x magnification be worth? Ballpark estimates are fine. I'm assuming not very much


Secondly - what to replace it with? My main concern is quality, as I'm not a big scope guy anyways. Secondary concerns are magnification.

It can be variable or fixed, lower power is ok. I'm primarily an iron sight shooter anyways. Not looking for a bunch of doodads or whistles, just something solid and dependable.

So, I know leupolds have a very very good rep for service, however you pay accordingly. There are so many options, it's hard to choose, and that's just one brand!!!

What did you choose, why, and what's the most cost effective?

As she is now:

P.S. I didn't do the bubba'ing, but have to admit, shoots really well.

 

[pjt]

Replace it with another 3x9 Weaver

 

[BC Bigbore]

what would a nice condition Weaver K31 scope with 2x magnification be worth?

Just a sec and I'll see how much change is in my pocket...should work out to about the right amount if there's a couple loonies & toonies with the usual nickles, dimes and quarters (JK) Keep an eye on the EE and you should be able to locate an economical low powered variable or straight 4x scope for your 8mm.

 

[cosmic]

Its likely a 3x with a fine wire reticle. If its in very good shape 75+/-... Cant give you advice on a new scope, but you need to make decisions about the magnification and reticle. If you're just punching paper at the range @ 100y, then a fixed four power would do.
Actually, the scope you have fits the style of your rifle, and is of reasonable quality. You could pick up a Weaver 4X with a duplex reticle - I have several, they go for about the same price, perhaps a bit more. Alternatively, an old Bushnell Scopechief in 4x would work.

 

[H Wally]

The issue is with the current scope is that it has a horizontal bar and a super thick post that just crosses the horizontal line. Other people shoot fine with it, just isn't my thing.

I'm pretty sure it's not 3x, as my mosin scope is 3x and the weaver is weaker than that.

I'm thinking a 3-9x scope would be best as it offers versatility, and I'm trying to teach myself longer range shooting. Mostly I'm within 100-200 yards, but I don't shoot further because of the whole iron sights thing... and the ground I shoot on is far from flat.

 

[RaTa]

I have personally used a Leupold VX1 in 2-7x33, Bushnell 4200 1-4x24, and an IOR 1-4x24. Of the three i would say your best bang for the buck is the Bushy 4200. It is good from 100-300m IMHO and the glass is the best of the three. Also the price is really good. I have close to 1500rds through it and its never shifter or lost zero. The 1-4power range is good for guys who are used to irons and allows fairly long range accurate shots if used well. If you want 300m+ use then the 2-7 Leupy is good too.

 

[Panman]

I've got a Weaver K31 scope on my 8mm mauser, it's 2x or something like that.... haven't taken the darn thing out of the safe for 6 months.

Long story short, I don't like the reticle so I don't shoot the gun. It's a darn good gun, so I'd like to replace the scope with something better.

First off, what would a nice condition Weaver K31 scope with 2x magnification be worth? Ballpark estimates are fine. I'm assuming not very much

I just swapped out a mint old K3 on my Parker Hale .303 Conversion for a similarly aged Weaver V2-7. I just wanted a little more power for my 40 year old eyes at the range, but I wanted to stay "period correct" on the old girl. I paid $90 for the variable on Ebay, and it is mint. Similar range as say a new Bushnell Banner, but all steel and classic cool.

I saw lots of old K3's and K4's selling for $50-60 max in mint condition. Variables up to $100, and the big AO 2-10's for about $150 (sniped out on 2 ).

I decided to keep my old K3 for a future milsurp or old .22 since there just isn't any value to it.

 

[BC Bigbore]

with the current scope is that it has a horizontal bar and a super thick post that just crosses the horizontal line. Other people shoot fine with it, just isn't my thing.

I'm with you there. I just don't get the post and crosshair idea either & have a 2x Bullsh!tnell in the spare parts box with the same configuration. I heard they are popular in Europe but I'll take the standard tapered crosshairs any day.

 

[TheTooner]

I like the post and crosshair reticle, and I like old Weavers. I think I have Weaver K-4 Challenger around here somewhere, which is in good serviceable condition. If you think that would suit your Mauser pm me about a swap.

 

[H Wally]

I'm with you there. I just don't get the post and crosshair idea either & have a 2x Bullsh!tnell in the spare parts box with the same configuration. I heard they are popular in Europe but I'll take the standard tapered crosshairs any day.

I don't mind most of the post reticles I've seen, just this one isn't my preference. I prefer the post to stop at the center line.

I like the post and crosshair reticle, and I like old Weavers. I think I have Weaver K-4 Challenger around here somewhere, which is in good serviceable condition. If you think that would suit your Mauser pm me about a swap.

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