help with Elcan

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For the Elcan experts...
Let me start with the fact that I am not too swept up on the different models and specs on Elcans. I have the chance to purchase a used Elcan at what I would say is a very fair price.
I suspect that it is an older unit, maybe a number of years but don't know for sure. I suspect the seller is not too swept up on these units either, and called it an Elcan 7.62 battle sight.
In the photos he sent to me, it looks like an ordinary C79 Elcan to me.

Was there such a thing as these (what I call an ordinary C79 Elcan) that were calibrated for anything other than 5.56?

Also because I suspect it to be an older unit, can the mounting system be upgraded to the newer versions that solve the "holding zero" issue? If so, roughly how much would that cost to upgrade the mount?

I've asked for the serial # but he hasn't had a chance to get back to me with that yet. In the meantime, is there anyone who can answer my questions above?

Thanks!
 
What is the serial number on the side of the tube just under the rubber cover.

Yes there is different models that look almost the same. Some are calibrated for 556 and some for 762. The presets on them will determine that.
What reticule do you have?

Quick release mount or knobs?

Cheers.
 
Thanks for the help so far. Still waiting for the serial#.
Here's the only pic I have. Don't know what the reticle looks like. I just assumed it would be the same as I saw at work.
400 to upgrade the mount! yikes!

elcan2_zpsaaacbb8c.jpg
 
So what specifically is the issue with the older mounts and the zero issue?
Do they not hold zero when you change the elevation settings, or only when you remove them and mount again, or just randomly change POI during firing a string?
 
If your base is spring loaded. Look under and look for a spring and locking pin in a hole. You most likely already have the upgraded version. Serial number is engraved on the side lower part of the sight tube just under the rubber cover.
 
There were some 7.62 made in the past. The so-called Gen3 mounts were commercially available as far back as over 14 years ago. I don't think there were any 7.62 made with the old crappy Gen 1 mounts. It was such a long time ago my memory about these sights are fading away.

The old mount's elevation and windage adjustment mechanisms were made of die cast zinc alloy, IIRC. They wear out, and the newer generations are made of steel. That was the reason these sights failed fast, especially when people did open gate with them in the past.

Couple years ago the distributor was selling refurbed C79s for 750 bucks with dead tritium lamps. Unless the price is attractive, do yourself a favour and buy the new FIST sight calibrated in 7.62 if you are set on Elcan.
 
Like it was said earlier. If you have that spring loaded mount you most likely have the latest version.


Serial number. Mine is a 2003 sight.


Normal C79 sight reticule.


The other reticule that looks like a cross with subtension lines is the one calibrated for 762 and or 556 machine guns. M144 model or something like that used by the us army.


Cheers.
 
Thanks again all for the help so far. Once I have the serial, can I contact someone at the manufacturer to find out more info? I think it was manufactured in 1996. Based on that, I assume it would not have the spring type mount mentioned above...

Anyone know who I would contact about getting the newer mount pricing/installed Elcan themselves, or through a distributor?
 
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