Building a reproduction P14 Sniper - scope options?

[H Wally]

I'm looking at building a reproduction P14 sniper rifle using reproduction scope mounts (either 22mm, 26.5mm or 1 inch). I've got an appropriate P14 that I've restored so no worries about damaging an original gun.

Wondering what an appropriate reproduction scope or proxy scope might be for a WW1 or WW2 era sniper? I see that Red Star Mountain sells reproduction chinese No 32 scopes that might be appropriate, and that there are some weaver scopes that might also be suitable, however am less familiar with these. Figured I'd consult the resident gurus for the best options.

Also noticed that the scope appear to have to be disassembled to mount into the rings, then reassembled. Is this the case? Can't see the rings flexing enough to fit around the scope bells.

 

[can14]

Yes you have to screw scope into mounts

 

[Fuzzy Wool Hat]

If i recall correctly, the P14 sniper rifle used the pattern 1918 scope. they're basically impossible to find nowadays.

 

[mikerock]

Limited number were issued with W&S 1913 scopes. There's a famous photo of a Canadian sniper in Italy with that setup.

 

[Claven2]

basically you won't find an original. You might be able to find a WW1 era german hunting scope that will look the part. You need one with elevation only, windage is in the mounts.

 

[BadgerDog]

For reference... two original Pattern 1914 Snipers ..

BSA also converted only 79 of these to sniper rifles ....

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle - (Pattern 1914 Mk1* W (T) Sniper Rifle)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...Scope)-(Pattern-1914-Mk1*-W-(T)-Sniper-Rifle)
(Manufactured by Winchester - Serial #W226763)
c/w Model 1918 (3x) Scope Serial #226763 (Mfg by B.S.A Guns)
c/w 1907 Pattern leather sling

Courtesy of member Nigel Greenaway with pics by Terryinvictoria, the article has a nice photo comparison of how to spot P14(F) reproduction sights from the authentic originals. The repro has a slightly larger adjustment knob with cross checkering. Real ones like the one mounted on the rifle which is the subject of this Knowledge Library entry, have vertical lines on the knob.

Periscopic Prism Co. Ltd. also converted 2,001 of them to sniper rifles…

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle - (Pattern 1914 Mk1* W (T) Sniper Rifle)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...Scope)-(Pattern-1914-Mk1*-W-(T)-Sniper-Rifle)
(Manufactured by Winchester - Serial #W196128)
c/w Model 1918 (3x) Scope (Mfg by Periscopic Prism Co. Ltd.)
c/w 1908 Web Pattern sling (Mfg in 1913 by M.E. Co.)

Regards,
Doug

 

[H Wally]

basically you won't find an original. You might be able to find a WW1 era german hunting scope that will look the part. You need one with elevation only, windage is in the mounts.

That's the trick - guess I need to find something German then. Interesting on the elevation being in the mounts... I've never seen one clearly enough to tell. Were they truly adjustable, or was windage set in the mount when it was fitted to the gun by shimming or filing the mount itself?

For reference... two original Pattern 1914 Snipers ..

BSA also converted only 79 of these to sniper rifles ....

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle - (Pattern 1914 Mk1* W (T) Sniper Rifle)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...Scope)-(Pattern-1914-Mk1*-W-(T)-Sniper-Rifle)
(Manufactured by Winchester - Serial #W226763)
c/w Model 1918 (3x) Scope Serial #226763 (Mfg by B.S.A Guns)
c/w 1907 Pattern leather sling

Courtesy of member Nigel Greenaway with pics by Terryinvictoria, the article has a nice photo comparison of how to spot P14(F) reproduction sights from the authentic originals. The repro has a slightly larger adjustment knob with cross checkering. Real ones like the one mounted on the rifle which is the subject of this Knowledge Library entry, have vertical lines on the knob.

Periscopic Prism Co. Ltd. also converted 2,001 of them to sniper rifles…

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle - (Pattern 1914 Mk1* W (T) Sniper Rifle)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...Scope)-(Pattern-1914-Mk1*-W-(T)-Sniper-Rifle)
(Manufactured by Winchester - Serial #W196128)
c/w Model 1918 (3x) Scope (Mfg by Periscopic Prism Co. Ltd.)
c/w 1908 Web Pattern sling (Mfg in 1913 by M.E. Co.)

Regards,
Doug

Thanks for the links! Always amazed at the guns in the knowledge library!