C3 Sniper clone project advice

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witchdoctortv

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Hello everybody,
I have been collecting parts to build a C3 Sniper Rifle Clone. Currently I have about 90-95% of everything to start putting it together. But I need some advice or suggestions for the scope. As you likely know the C3 was issued with a Kahles ZF 69 6X42mm. So far they seem to be almost impossible to find. So I have come up with a few other options, which have draw backs and pluses of there own. I’m curious what you folks think is a good option, or what alternatives you might suggest:
Option 1- The Unertl 10x from the C3A1; this was a decent ideal but they are just as difficult to find as the ZF 69 if not more so
Option 2- Schmidt and Bender 3-12x from the c-14 timberwolf. This was pitched to me because some of the C3A1’s currently being used for training rilfes have been fitted with this scope. The price for one of these is north of $3K which is far more than my entire build, and they are also difficult to find.
Option 3- Kahles ZF95 6X42mm I found one overseas for aprox $1K shipped to Canada. The plus is that it is a Kahles 6x42 sniper scope with exposed tactical/target turrets. Problems are the windage turret only has hashmarks, and no numbers, it’s $1000 dollars and it’s still not the correct scope, and was never issued by the Canadian Army. Also I’m not terribly keen on ordering a used scope worth $1000 from overseas.
Option 4- Bushnell Elite 10X40- I know I know, but hear me out…They of course were never issued by the Canadian Army. But it is an excellent 10X as is the Unertl. The glass in this inexpensive scope is pretty amazing, and the turrets have 100moa of adjustment. Several others online who have built C3 Clones have mounted this scope.
What do you think?
 
Some of the the civilian M82s and such from Parker Hale were fitted with vintage Pecar fixed or variable scopes. These would be a reasonably affordable period correct alternative. Older Kahles Helia scopes are another option. Personally I would try to stay "vintage" because I find the modern scopes clash a bit with the classic lines of the C3. I would also put a WTB ad for a ZF69 in the EE; they are out there and do come up for sale once in a while. Good luck with your build. There is a large C3/A1 pictures/info thread on this site, feel free to share some pictures when you're done.
 
What action are you using? A C3 and a C3A1 are totally different actions.

A C3 is fairly simple and ZF69 scopes still show up- Kahles built them for around 20 years.

But if as you said "...$3k is more than (your) entire build..." you may want to look at something else?
 
Rather than delay your build an unknown length of time...why not just throw the Bushnell 10x on and go shooting? Keep your eyes open and you will find the Kahles you really want eventually.

The Bushnell is readily available, inexpensive and very capable in the meantime. Worth keeping as a back-up after you upgrade, or easily sold on the EE.
 
I’m definitely building a C3. Do you know what scope bases those are pictured on the C3? I’ve been told I should be looking for an A22 for one and a A28 for the other. Someone also said the front and back are both A28’s
 
witchdoctortv said:
I’m definitely building a C3. Do you know what scope bases those are pictured on the C3? I’ve been told I should be looking for an A22 for one and a A28 for the other. Someone also said the front and back are both A28’s
Click to expand...
The original C3 bases are steel.
The aluminum ones are easily available.

witchdoctortv said:
I’m definitely building a C3 not a C3A1. I think the A1 would be pretty near impossible to build.
Click to expand...

It's not impossible, just difficult to find and expensive (mostly to import).
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Lee Enfield,

Not to highjack the thread but since you have introduced the Parker Hale Model 86/87 rifle (aka C3A1 in Kanuckistan), I must tell you that anything Parker Hale 86/87/C3A1 related is fascinating for me. I do not own one and I have never owned one but still, what a racy rifle !
 
I saw that picture from the Capt Stevens website. Unfortunately neither scope is for sale. The ZF84 is as difficult to find as the ZF69. I thought about that Kahles hunting type scope to. It’s also a 6x42. It just doesn’t have exposed target turrets. I wish I new someone who could make me some with a 3D printer or something
 
Snowy Owl,
I agree. I have thought about buying a Parker Hale hunting rifle as well. But I’m a target shooter now. Because of my military background, the C3 has always been my primary focus because of the history of the rifle. But I think any Parker Hale that uses that same action would be a great rifle to shoot
 
Was lookin at a rifle engraved 1970 Palma Team, with a trophy. Just the other day.
C3 early actions used were Spanish Mauser 98 La Corona and a few had mag charger too. I know.
1.There will be a Kahles ZF 69 6x Scope, correct number range. Rebuilt bought Swarovski RI USA 1990's with a Canadian canvas case and PH low rings. $2000.
2.And a Parker Hale Birmingham England 26" HB 7.62 NATO barrel with 3 rds through it also bought 1990's Gibbs WV USA. $1500 .
3. British 7.62 BNP Santa Barbara Bolt with proper handle sweep, like new $400.
For Sale at Orangeville Gun Show 03 December 2023.
 
witchdoctortv said:
Hello everybody,
I have been collecting parts to build a C3 Sniper Rifle Clone. Currently I have about 90-95% of everything to start putting it together. But I need some advice or suggestions for the scope. As you likely know the C3 was issued with a Kahles ZF 69 6X42mm. So far they seem to be almost impossible to find. So I have come up with a few other options, which have draw backs and pluses of there own. I’m curious what you folks think is a good option, or what alternatives you might suggest:
Option 1- The Unertl 10x from the C3A1; this was a decent ideal but they are just as difficult to find as the ZF 69 if not more so
Option 2- Schmidt and Bender 3-12x from the c-14 timberwolf. This was pitched to me because some of the C3A1’s currently being used for training rilfes have been fitted with this scope. The price for one of these is north of $3K which is far more than my entire build, and they are also difficult to find.
Option 3- Kahles ZF95 6X42mm I found one overseas for aprox $1K shipped to Canada. The plus is that it is a Kahles 6x42 sniper scope with exposed tactical/target turrets. Problems are the windage turret only has hashmarks, and no numbers, it’s $1000 dollars and it’s still not the correct scope, and was never issued by the Canadian Army. Also I’m not terribly keen on ordering a used scope worth $1000 from overseas.
Option 4- Bushnell Elite 10X40- I know I know, but hear me out…They of course were never issued by the Canadian Army. But it is an excellent 10X as is the Unertl. The glass in this inexpensive scope is pretty amazing, and the turrets have 100moa of adjustment. Several others online who have built C3 Clones have mounted this scope.
What do you think?
Click to expand...

You may have to fuss a bit to find the correct Parker Hale rings to go with the scope that you chose - was different rings for a scope with 1" body versus the original 26 mm body - first ones end in ".3", second ones end in ".4" - and both were available in Low and High - at the shooter's preference, I understand. Both sizes of rings go onto the same A22 and A28 bases, though.
 
QM 86 said:
Was lookin at a rifle engraved 1970 Palma Team, with a trophy. Just the other day.
C3 early actions used were Spanish Mauser 98 La Corona and a few had mag charger too. I know.
1.There will be a Kahles ZF 69 6x Scope, correct number range. Rebuilt bought Swarovski RI USA 1990's with a Canadian canvas case and PH low rings. $2000.
2.And a Parker Hale Birmingham England 26" HB 7.62 NATO barrel with 3 rds through it also bought 1990's Gibbs WV USA. $1500 .
3. British 7.62 BNP Santa Barbara Bolt with proper handle sweep, like new $400.
For Sale at Orangeville Gun Show 03 December 2023.
Click to expand...

As per a book here - "The Palma Match" - by Colin C. C. Cheshire, the 1970 Palma Match was shot in Great Britain using Enfield Envoy rifles - apparently the receivers were marked "Palma Match Bisley 1970". I have a Parker Hale 1200 TX that is stamped on barrel as "Palma Trophy Match 1969" - supposedly was used at the 1969 Palma shoot on Connaught Ranges near Ottawa, Ontario. I have no clue what the Canadian Team used as "practice rifles" during 1970, but apparently did NOT use a PH 1200 TX at the 1970 Palma Shoot in England. Was in the days when the host nation provided the rifles and the ammo to the competitors. For the 1971 Palma shoot at Camp Perry, Ohio, they used Winchester Model 70. If this book is wrong, then so am I - I was not there at any of those shoots.
 
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