Old Weavers (Pros and Cons)

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Beadwindow

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Hi,

I came across some older 4x fixed power Weaver scopes (K4 if I recall correctly). They were going for $60 and $70 each. Assuming that they're in good shape, would that be a reasonable price, and how would the quality of one of these older scopes compare to the cheap scopes that one could buy for that price today? I was thinking of one of these for one of my Husky 9.3x57 Mausers, or maybe for a K31 that I got the no-gunsmithing mounts for.

I'd be using the scope/rifle combos primarily for target practice/hunting (K31) and for deer/maybe other big game hunting with the Husky. If I were buying new, I'd probably be looking at Nikon Pro-staff or Bushnell 3200, in fixed 4 power or something similar. What am I gaining or losing by using an old Weaver instead?

Cheers,

Frank
 
The weavers are steel tubed, so durable but heavier than aluminum scopes. They look good on vintage guns for that reason. Some other scopes made around the same time like the Kollmorgens, Kahles, Unertl Hawk, Lyman Alaskan, etc. are better regarded than the Waevers, mostly because the weather-resistant seals have held up to time better. On some of the weavers, fogging can be an issue when it rains.

That being said, there are guys here in Canada that make a living of refurbing old Weavers to like new, including nitrogen purging and new seals. Such a rebuilt scope should be as good as it's multicoating would allow it to be, and probably much better than the cheaper scopes you can buy today - but a Weaver K4 will never be a new Zeiss Diavari or Leupold VXIII. Modern optics and coatings have come a long way.

I have an Unertl Hawk on my CZ542 and a Lyman Alaskan on my Ross .280 Sporter. I would never part with either scope, because they are great for what I use them for. My serious foul-weather hunting rifles wear modern Leupolds for a reason.
 
I like the old steel Weavers. Am particularly partial to the T series target scopes. They may not have super multicoated lenses, but they certainly work well.
 
I just picked up a supposedly mint Weaver V7 (2-7x) on ebay for under $100. I tried for a nice Super Weaver V9 AO for about $150 last week but got sniped at the very end. There are K3's, 4s, 6's and a variety of V-series on there for between $50-100 depending on condition. I think the value is great when you are lucky to pick up a cheap new Bushnell banner for the same price.

The V7 is going to go on a nice classic Parker Hale that I recently got from a CGN member, in place of the current K3. I wouldn't dream of mucking up a nice clean classic with a current piece of cheap japanese plastic. ;)
 
I'm looking for a fixed power scope for my Husky 9,3x57 too-if I could find a nice old 3x Leupold for a reasonable price that would be good.I'm not concerned with 300 yard shots-half that would be fine .They aren't common though .I've got a nice old weaver K4-the only fear is fogging when I'm in the field
 
I own a couple of old K4's. They're totally plain jane, but are a good practical scope for a truck or camp gun. I find they go very well with an enfield sporter for instance!
 
I use old Weavers. Several K4s, a couple of K2.5s, a variable 1.5-4x Microtrac. I bought them all used, they all work as they should, and are enough for my purposes. I am sure there isn't a new scope out there that I could get for <$100 that I would be saying all that about.

In the decades since these old scopes were made, new technology got better, old technology didn't get worse.
 
I have one that just says "Weaver Marksman 3X-9X USA" on top of the tube. There's a seal gone for sure, but I still like it - even the turret caps are steel.
 
ratherbefishin said:
I'm looking for a fixed power scope for my Husky 9,3x57 too-if I could find a nice old 3x Leupold for a reasonable price that would be good.I'm not concerned with 300 yard shots-half that would be fine .They aren't common though .I've got a nice old weaver K4-the only fear is fogging when I'm in the field
Click to expand...

Try the freezer test with your scope, take it off and place it in the freezer. Take it out after 15 minutes and let it defrost for about 5 minutes on your coffee table, if the nitrogen is gone or going then the objective end will fog on the inside of the lens. It will look similar to a milk stain in the bottom of a glass.
 
Wheaty does great work as well on the old weavers. He cleaned up my 40's era k2.5 and did a great job. going to use it on my Krag carbine and Super sporter Savage.
I am using a minty V7 on my 1100 Husky and really like it as well. Had I the choice though I would still prefer to have another Kahles on the Husky.
Used a few K4's over the years and they are a good scope for the money. These vintage optics really start to suffer at dusk when you are used to Leupold vxIIIs but it's the price you pay for loving vintage iron.
 
I've actually got a Weaver KV 60 sitting in front of me right now which belongs to a friend. I know nothing about it but I'll post pics later.
 
They are good serviceable scopes, repairable in Canada. They are not multi-coated as we know it today.

They are a good buy at $60-$70 if in good shape, and have been going up in value for last several years because people want them for older rifles.
 
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