I have been wanting to put together a reproduction sniper rifle for range use. An original is, of course, very collectible, expensive, and unnecessary for the purpose. Among the possibilities that have been considered for the project are lookalikes of the 4T, MN and 03A4. Representative scopes and mounts for the MN are readily available, as are modified bolts. No. 32 scope prices have gone through the roof. So, I have been looking for either a Lyman Alaskan or Weaver 330 'scope. Just this week I acquired a 330 Weaver with Redfield rings. Some of these were used on LB 4Ts, others on the 03A4 Springfield. In the 1930s a 330 was one of the few readily available 'scopes, which is probably why they were used. It is an interesting unit. It is small, only 3/4" diameter. The adjustments are simple. Long eye relief. Field of view is limited, and I expect light gathering capabilities would be as well. But it is a solid little unit, all steel, with a clean, clear image. Quite usable. Given ease of mounting, a repro 03A4 would be the easiest to do.
A scope for a project
- Thread starter tiriaq
- Start date
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The Eganville gun show in August is a remarkable event. They fill the whole rink floor with tables and dealers. I could have spent a few thousand bucks on the stuff I saw that I liked; but resolved to spent on a few hundred on the things I needed. There were so many hunting stuff there, you're sure to find scopes or project rifles for your mission. (There was even a fellow selling beagles from the back of his half-ton.)
And you and me can meet face to face and get reacquainted.
And you and me can meet face to face and get reacquainted.
Problem is the Eganville show conflicts with DCRA. Sometimes I can get to it, sometimes I cannot. It is one of the better shows. Trying to remember when we last met. Was it when your Dad was inducted into the Hall of Fame?
One of the reasons that I'm thinking about an 03A3 clone is that I have a new in the grease barrel, a scope altered Springfield bolt (ex PH Midland), and a modern base for the scope is easy to get. Boyds has repro stocks, and 03A3 parts are common enough. I'd like to find a bubba'd rifle - cut stock, cut barrel, finish doesn't matter. Sold a ratty Nat. Ord. A3 on consignment a while back, before I started thinking about making a false A4. It would have been ideal, because it had absolutely no collecter value.
One of the reasons that I'm thinking about an 03A3 clone is that I have a new in the grease barrel, a scope altered Springfield bolt (ex PH Midland), and a modern base for the scope is easy to get. Boyds has repro stocks, and 03A3 parts are common enough. I'd like to find a bubba'd rifle - cut stock, cut barrel, finish doesn't matter. Sold a ratty Nat. Ord. A3 on consignment a while back, before I started thinking about making a false A4. It would have been ideal, because it had absolutely no collecter value.
Skippy - the older Weaver K2.5s and K3s do look a lot like a period scope. Actually the USMC used K4s on M-1C rifles. I have a K3 in a Cad Technik mount on a No. 4. I believe that in Law's "Without Warning" there is a photo of a LB 4T with a Weaver 330. The G&H pattern mount was used. Duplicating one of those mounts would be a serious undertaking.
Sorry to hijack the thread abit but on the topic of vintage Weaver scopes...
I have an old weaver 344 X4 power scope that came with my old Mossberg 46M .22, I have always wondered if these are rimfire only or could it be used on a .303?
I have an old weaver 344 X4 power scope that came with my old Mossberg 46M .22, I have always wondered if these are rimfire only or could it be used on a .303?
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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tiriaq said:
For the Weaver 330 trials, they were used in conventional No32 rings which had been bushed to 3/4". The Lyman Alaskans were tested in a similar rig.
There are pics of the (split steel?) bushings used during the CDN trials in "without warning".
According to Skennerton, the 330 was judged as being "unsuitable" for centre-fire use (during British trials). Part of this was possibly due to the scope & bushings moving under recoil.
FWIW, Springfield just used a Weaver-made steel base (1 piece) for the 03A4. As I understand it, the original sniper base is still in production today for use on sportered 03A3's.
Wish I could tell you which part number, etc. but alas, nto my area of expertise. A quick query over on battlerifles or Jouster should shed some light though
Wish I could tell you which part number, etc. but alas, nto my area of expertise. A quick query over on battlerifles or Jouster should shed some light though
Lee Enfield - thanks, you are right, the Weaver was mounted using bushed 32 rings. I should have checked before referring to the side lever mount. The 330 isn't in the same class as the Lyman Alaskan, let alone the 32 'scope. The adjustments are of the zero and then leave them alone type, hardly like the deflection and range drums on a 32. The scope tube is 3/4", much smaller than the others. I suspect that the Weaver was used because it was available, and worked well enough to be useful. Perhaps he 03A4s were used more as a dedicated marksman's rifle.
Claven 2 - the 03A4 mount and ring system is a basic Redfield, twist in front, opposed lateral screws rear. Brownells has the base. Modern rings are different than the earlier pattern, but my scope came with rings of the correct style. Neither my scope nor rings are issue, they are commercial items, but the appearance is correct.
I just wish that bubba'd 03A3s were as easy to find as butchered Lees. Lots of Springfields in the US, relatively uncommon in Canada. I certainly wouldn't D&T an unaltered 03A3.
Claven 2 - the 03A4 mount and ring system is a basic Redfield, twist in front, opposed lateral screws rear. Brownells has the base. Modern rings are different than the earlier pattern, but my scope came with rings of the correct style. Neither my scope nor rings are issue, they are commercial items, but the appearance is correct.
I just wish that bubba'd 03A3s were as easy to find as butchered Lees. Lots of Springfields in the US, relatively uncommon in Canada. I certainly wouldn't D&T an unaltered 03A3.
