1940's model 70...what period scope to use?

Klondiker

Klondiker

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Alberta for now, back to the Yukon someday
I now have a '47 winchester model 70 and I'm curious what would be a period correct scope for this rifle?

I did a little poking around and a weaver K4-1 seems like it could be but I'm wondering what else is out there. Also what base would have been used. The receiver is factory drilled and tapped as well as the rear left side is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.

Any information is always appreciated.
Thanks
Greg
 
A 4x Kahl. The Weaver scope of the day would be model 330, with the 3/4 inch scope tube.
Not sure when the Lyman All American came out, but the early ones, like most others of the day, moved the cross hairs off of the centre of the field, when sighting adjustments were made.
Not sure when Weaver came out with the K series, but they were a tremendous improvement, except the early variables, which increase the apparent size of the reticule, as power was increased.
The first fixed power Weaver was the famous K2.5. They had a one inch, very strong steel tube, good adjustments, with the reticule remaining centered as sighting adjustments were made and they had excellent optics.
Jack O'Connor classified them as follows. "If you want to hunt black cats in a coal mine at mid-night, get a Weaver K2.5!"
 
Any decent quality, modern 3x9 or thereabouts.

Life is too short to suffer the crap that everyone threw away as fast as something better came along. If the period scopes were worth a pinch of poo, they would all still be attached to the period rifles.

It seems to fall in with the same line of thought that somehow it's 'wrong' to put a flush toilet in a log home, because "that's not what the settlers did".

Cheers
Trev
 
trevj said:
Any decent quality, modern 3x9 or thereabouts.

Life is too short to suffer the crap that everyone threw away as fast as something better came along. If the period scopes were worth a pinch of poo, they would all still be attached to the period rifles.

It seems to fall in with the same line of thought that somehow it's 'wrong' to put a flush toilet in a log home, because "that's not what the settlers did".

Trevj

I certainly cannot argue with your logic, your analogy of the log cabin and flush toilet is priceless. To the Greg the OP put a nice new Leupold scope on that 1947 and go out and enjoy the rifle/scope. The advancements in scope technology is light years ahead of the advancements of the M-70 between 1947 and 2017.

I used a Weaver K series on my M-70 for 25yrs. It was a great scope in it's day, but it's days are over.
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I agree with those who argue that denying yourself the advantages of modern optics is a bad choice if the rifle is to be used rather than just admired from a distance. The age of the rifle does not affect its ability to work just fine, but the scopes made during that time period are not as good as modern versions. Of course, I don't hunt with a flintlock in muzzle loader season either, so you can see my bias.
 
Thanks guys. I get that new scopes are better than the old ones in virtually every way, you'll get no argument from me on that. I'm looking at it like at 200 yards, how terrible must a scope be in order to not be able to put a round where you want it? I'm not looking at shooting outside of 200 yards I don't think.

I have a couple nightforce scopes and they're great, but they don't have the same appeal as a vintage scope in great condition on a great old rifle. Saying that, i think i might be warming up to the idea of a modern scope on this 30-gov't-06.
 
Once I "settle in" and stop hunting and shooting, I will THEN acquire a period scope to put on my 1951 M70. That way, once it is up on the wall, it will look correct for display purposes. Until then, I prefer modern glass. Mainly because the clarity of the glass is so much better on current scopes. That means a lot to me because most shots are still at dusk/dawn where the quality of a scope truly shines. There is a good reason why barely anyone still has one on top of their gun.
 
9.3mauser said:
Something like an older Leupold M8 4x would offer decent quality without looking out of place on a vintage rifle.
Click to expand...

^^ THIS ^^ The M8 4x is the best of both worlds, plus it a scope that's long enough to fit on just about any long action/ring set up out there.
 
Here's an older Leupold M8 4x on a FN M98 300H&H. Looks about right to me.

049.jpg
 
Klondiker said:
Thanks guys. I get that new scopes are better than the old ones in virtually every way, you'll get no argument from me on that. I'm looking at it like at 200 yards, how terrible must a scope be in order to not be able to put a round where you want it? I'm not looking at shooting outside of 200 yards I don't think.

I have a couple nightforce scopes and they're great, but they don't have the same appeal as a vintage scope in great condition on a great old rifle. Saying that, i think i might be warming up to the idea of a modern scope on this 30-gov't-06.
Click to expand...

Y'know, if you stay away from any of the tackycool stuff, and stick with a basic 3x9 or similar, from 25 yards away, nobody will ever be able to tell it is not 'period'.

I have a B&L Balvar on mine, a 1954 Fwt, and it looks like the Leupold posted by SuperCub, except for the gold ring. Mine is of the lot that transmorgrified into the Bushnell 3200 Series, not one of those with the gawdawful external adjusting mounts.

Were I looking to suit up with an original military scoped rifle for some reason or other, I could see sticking with old glass. Too much has come and gone in the meantime, and quality has gotten higher, and for cheaper.

Cheers
Trev
 
I'm fond of scopes that match the rifle, so I hear you. I'm not a 'Glass Guy' but it somehow seems fitting to let it wear some period glass.
I've a Kahles Helia 27 S1 in a Mauser LSR mount on a badly sportered K98; wouldn't have it otherwise. Nope it's not even up to '80's Tasco clarity I suppose. 30mm tube; PITA to source for this rifle. If you are OK with reduced clarity for period correctness, crack on. Although I just threw it up for a glance ( it's late dusk here ) and it is surprisingly clear yet

I have thought about replacing the messed up stock with another 'better' sported one; but it fits my daughters so well with the short LOP, just had to throw a Timney trigger in there too. Still makes me snicker when people talk of the bruising recoil of a K98, this one is 8 lb all in and the girls have each taken a deer with it.
Somehow just seems more 'right' that it wear some vintage glass.
So...let us know what you go with.
Ciao Tok
 
H4831 said:
A 4x Kahl. The Weaver scope of the day would be model 330, with the 3/4 inch scope tube.
Not sure when the Lyman All American came out, but the early ones, like most others of the day, moved the cross hairs off of the centre of the field, when sighting adjustments were made.
Not sure when Weaver came out with the K series, but they were a tremendous improvement, except the early variables, which increase the apparent size of the reticule, as power was increased.
The first fixed power Weaver was the famous K2.5. They had a one inch, very strong steel tube, good adjustments, with the reticule remaining centered as sighting adjustments were made and they had excellent optics.
Jack O'Connor classified them as follows. "If you want to hunt black cats in a coal mine at mid-night, get a Weaver K2.5!"
Click to expand...

Yep. O'Connor called that one right fer sure.(Providing yer eyes ain't fooked.);)
View attachment 81609
 
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