Last fall I was about to put a modern scope on my 50-90, before that happened I got hurt. I won't be doing any hunting anymore. I now have another Sharps in 45-70. I am now leaning at getting 1 scope and 2 sets of mounts. I am looking at the BPCR silhouette scopes. What do you have that you are happy with? Who sells them in Canada? Thanks AJ.
Optics on a Sharps.
- Thread starter a j cave
- Start date
I'm assuming that you've taken a look at Montana Vintage Arms site? Their modern replication of the original Winchester scope suits it, and other single-shot rifles of the era, very well.
Perhaps they might be a little old-fashioned for you?
tac
Perhaps they might be a little old-fashioned for you?
tac
Sign up on the Shiloh forum and ask the guys who shoot these on a daily basis. Interesting enough, the scores in BPCR Silhouette matches are higher for iron sighted rifles than scoped. The scopes have a narrower field of view than modern scopes, add weight and are mainly an aid for people with poor vision.
Leatherwood also offers period looking scopes not as long as the MVA products.
Leatherwood also offers period looking scopes not as long as the MVA products.
Yes a MVA is the most popular with the BPCR crowd. I am now looking for the "old fashioned" scope as I can't see myself hunting big game any more. The leatherwood looks good but there mounts are not (?) they have not answered an email I sent asking about there products. The Winchester model is probably the way I will go. Just not sure if there is an importer or deal direct. These are fun guns and won't be used in competition .
Any progress made on scoping these guns,OP? I'm needing to choose between selling my Sharps (had it for about 30 years now, love it and never expected to part ways with it) or just keeping it and not using it much, as my eyes simply don't work with the vernier aperture sights or open sights too well. I hunted with it last year and it was a struggle, one that is getting worse rather than better.
I see that Wolverine stocks the HiLux/Leatherwood replica long-tube scopes, and am thinking about taking a drive to check them out. I hate the idea of scoping this nice old rifle, but I hate even more the idea of selling it or not using it. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Anybody use these things?
I see that Wolverine stocks the HiLux/Leatherwood replica long-tube scopes, and am thinking about taking a drive to check them out. I hate the idea of scoping this nice old rifle, but I hate even more the idea of selling it or not using it. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Anybody use these things?
Hey AJ With no gun shows haven't seen you in a while. sorry to hear of your injury.
Check out Wolverine supplies , a site sponsor right at the top of the page. They may have what you are looking for .They claim to have some Hi-lux product in stock .I have had good experience dealing with them.
Check out Wolverine supplies , a site sponsor right at the top of the page. They may have what you are looking for .They claim to have some Hi-lux product in stock .I have had good experience dealing with them.
I have had Both Leatherwood and MVA the Leatherwood Malcolm scope the Leatherwood was a clear scope but the mounts were a pos I ended up with a MVA and I transfer it from gun to gun very good glass and excellent mounts. Another brand is RHO but I have not personally seen any in Canada. MVA will ship to your door, dig deep and be done with it.
some info for you below pricing in USD and website info may be dated
RHO: http://www.lautard.com/RHO/
▪ ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 4.5”
▪ Three lengths available. Power varies (4X to 6X) depending on scope length.
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil. What is long-term effect of heavy recoil? Scope damage, dovetail damage????
▪ Mounts in front and rear using dovetails, which must be cut if not available.
▪ Mounts must be drifted out of the dovetail to use on another rifle.
▪ Is scope hermetically sealed or uses O-rings and silicon grease?
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Brass eyepiece
▪ $850 (3 months turnaround if not in stock). Only available direct from R.H.O. Instruments. No retailer/FFL discount
Parsons: http://www.parsonsscopeservice.com/ (link to scope site is currently not active due to changes in progress)
Comments: Parsons says that MVA essentially copied their scope and mount system.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems.
▪ Can use screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel. Parsons does not supply the blocks, but refers buyer to Steve Earl Products (781-585-3929). Does Steve supply dovetail blocks and what are the prices for screw-on or dovetail?
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Reticle is fine-wire crosshair (custom 7-dot reticle, similar to MVA’s Mil-Dot Reticle, is available for an additional $100)
▪ Six tube lengths (24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”)
▪ $900 (current turnaround is 3 months). Only available direct from Parsons Scope Service. No retailer/FFL discount.
MVA: http://www.montanavintagearms.com/scopes.html
Comments: Great phone customer service concerning sales and answering technical questions.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems. MVA admitted that if the scopes get extremely wet for an extended amount of time, as in a heavy rain, it’s possible for some moisture to work its way inside.
▪ Choice of screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Several reticle styles, which are acid etched on a glass plate, are available at no additional charge.
▪ Five scope lengths and choice of silhouette or schuetzen mounts.
▪ $925 to $985 depending on length (current turnaround is 4-6 wks). Only available direct from MVA. No retailer/FFL discount.
Leatherwood: http://www.leatherwoodoptics.com/homex-m.html
Comments: Image is reported to be very clear and sharp, better than MVA or Parsons. Most likely the preferred scope for hunting, especially in wet conditions. I wonder how the optics & seals will hold up under competitive shooting conditions? Could possibly attach a Pope-style rib and use with MVA mounts for competition. Leatherwood is considering offering the scope separately for someone that already has or prefers Parson’s or MVA mounts. Will they add a Pope-style rib?
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: approx. 4.5”
▪ Scopes are waterproof - hermetically sealed and nitrogen filled. No chance of moisture getting inside.
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil.
▪ Standard front and rear mounts requires a dovetail, but with heavy duty base adapter the rear mount is secured with screws requiring drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Set up for a 30” barrel on single-shot rifles. Four extension tubes (3”, 5”, 7” & 9”) are available for longer barrels. Note, Leatherwood also has a 3X power 17” scope with simple mounts for $299 retail.
▪ Front and rear mounts are not as high quality as Parson’s, MVA’s or RHO.
▪ Brass eyepiece and crosshair ring.
▪ Scope is $419 retail with standard mounts, $439 with additional heavy-duty base adapter and recoil ring (locking clamp). Additional $249 for upgraded rear mount with fine windage and elevation adjustments (cannot change out for standard mount). Extension tubes are $12 to $17. Available from Buffalo Arms, Dixie Gunworks, Cimarron Firearms, Numrich Gun Parts, and from Davide Pedersoli in Europe. Wholesale or reduced pricing possible from some sources if have a FFL license.
Dixie Gun Works: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/
Comments: Dixie sells the Leatherwood scope (EP0050) and attachments, plus the following much cheaper scopes.
▪ 4X Power
▪ Eye relief: 3”
▪ ¾” brass tube
▪ 15mm brass eyepiece
▪ Two scope lengths, 18.5” (EP0006), 32.5” (EP0008)
▪ Very simple brass mounts
▪ $235, $260
=========================================================
some info for you below pricing in USD and website info may be dated
RHO: http://www.lautard.com/RHO/
▪ ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 4.5”
▪ Three lengths available. Power varies (4X to 6X) depending on scope length.
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil. What is long-term effect of heavy recoil? Scope damage, dovetail damage????
▪ Mounts in front and rear using dovetails, which must be cut if not available.
▪ Mounts must be drifted out of the dovetail to use on another rifle.
▪ Is scope hermetically sealed or uses O-rings and silicon grease?
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Brass eyepiece
▪ $850 (3 months turnaround if not in stock). Only available direct from R.H.O. Instruments. No retailer/FFL discount
Parsons: http://www.parsonsscopeservice.com/ (link to scope site is currently not active due to changes in progress)
Comments: Parsons says that MVA essentially copied their scope and mount system.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems.
▪ Can use screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel. Parsons does not supply the blocks, but refers buyer to Steve Earl Products (781-585-3929). Does Steve supply dovetail blocks and what are the prices for screw-on or dovetail?
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Reticle is fine-wire crosshair (custom 7-dot reticle, similar to MVA’s Mil-Dot Reticle, is available for an additional $100)
▪ Six tube lengths (24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”)
▪ $900 (current turnaround is 3 months). Only available direct from Parsons Scope Service. No retailer/FFL discount.
MVA: http://www.montanavintagearms.com/scopes.html
Comments: Great phone customer service concerning sales and answering technical questions.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems. MVA admitted that if the scopes get extremely wet for an extended amount of time, as in a heavy rain, it’s possible for some moisture to work its way inside.
▪ Choice of screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Several reticle styles, which are acid etched on a glass plate, are available at no additional charge.
▪ Five scope lengths and choice of silhouette or schuetzen mounts.
▪ $925 to $985 depending on length (current turnaround is 4-6 wks). Only available direct from MVA. No retailer/FFL discount.
Leatherwood: http://www.leatherwoodoptics.com/homex-m.html
Comments: Image is reported to be very clear and sharp, better than MVA or Parsons. Most likely the preferred scope for hunting, especially in wet conditions. I wonder how the optics & seals will hold up under competitive shooting conditions? Could possibly attach a Pope-style rib and use with MVA mounts for competition. Leatherwood is considering offering the scope separately for someone that already has or prefers Parson’s or MVA mounts. Will they add a Pope-style rib?
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: approx. 4.5”
▪ Scopes are waterproof - hermetically sealed and nitrogen filled. No chance of moisture getting inside.
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil.
▪ Standard front and rear mounts requires a dovetail, but with heavy duty base adapter the rear mount is secured with screws requiring drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Set up for a 30” barrel on single-shot rifles. Four extension tubes (3”, 5”, 7” & 9”) are available for longer barrels. Note, Leatherwood also has a 3X power 17” scope with simple mounts for $299 retail.
▪ Front and rear mounts are not as high quality as Parson’s, MVA’s or RHO.
▪ Brass eyepiece and crosshair ring.
▪ Scope is $419 retail with standard mounts, $439 with additional heavy-duty base adapter and recoil ring (locking clamp). Additional $249 for upgraded rear mount with fine windage and elevation adjustments (cannot change out for standard mount). Extension tubes are $12 to $17. Available from Buffalo Arms, Dixie Gunworks, Cimarron Firearms, Numrich Gun Parts, and from Davide Pedersoli in Europe. Wholesale or reduced pricing possible from some sources if have a FFL license.
Dixie Gun Works: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/
Comments: Dixie sells the Leatherwood scope (EP0050) and attachments, plus the following much cheaper scopes.
▪ 4X Power
▪ Eye relief: 3”
▪ ¾” brass tube
▪ 15mm brass eyepiece
▪ Two scope lengths, 18.5” (EP0006), 32.5” (EP0008)
▪ Very simple brass mounts
▪ $235, $260
=========================================================
Wow, old thread! I’ve left the Sharps and play at 50 yds. Eyes don’t work as well as they did. It’s a hard habit to quit, just bought a Ballard 40-85 Pacific last spring. Always wanted one &I do like singles. Can’t use the iron sights, what was I thinking 
. Still like the gun and don’t mind owning it. The singles I dont play with are all iron sights, my more modern made stuff,Ruger, Browning, and Win all are scoped.
. Still like the gun and don’t mind owning it. The singles I dont play with are all iron sights, my more modern made stuff,Ruger, Browning, and Win all are scoped.a j cave, sorry to hear you have moved away from these guns; I certainly do understand the frustration of having the eyes getting less cooperative with each passing year. I'm glad that you can continue to enjoy owning those nice old guns; I consider it torture to have a gun that I can't shoot anymore...for whatever reason...so I need a solution that will extend my shooting for few more years if possible. I remember once chuckling when I saw an oldster shooting a scoped Sharps or levergun; I'm not chuckling anymore...
cdnrokon, thanks for that terrifically useful post; fantastic synopsis of all the available options. I'm leaning strongly towards the Hilux/Leatherwood, mainly because of the modern waterproofing. They seem to get good reviews in terms of clarity and sharpness as well. The fact that I can drive to Wolverine and actually look at and through them is a big plus as well.
When you comment on their poor mounts, are your referring to a failing in terms of repeatability when the adjustments are used often? I don't compete, I am strictly a plinker and hunter; I would be happy with a mount that is solid and, once adjusted, holds its zero. I'm not one to be constantly fiddling with new sight settings once I get one I like. And with a modern-built scope I'm not too worried about a mount that doesn't allow the scope to slide, as the recoil is pretty minimal due to gun weight.
cdnrokon, thanks for that terrifically useful post; fantastic synopsis of all the available options. I'm leaning strongly towards the Hilux/Leatherwood, mainly because of the modern waterproofing. They seem to get good reviews in terms of clarity and sharpness as well. The fact that I can drive to Wolverine and actually look at and through them is a big plus as well.
When you comment on their poor mounts, are your referring to a failing in terms of repeatability when the adjustments are used often? I don't compete, I am strictly a plinker and hunter; I would be happy with a mount that is solid and, once adjusted, holds its zero. I'm not one to be constantly fiddling with new sight settings once I get one I like. And with a modern-built scope I'm not too worried about a mount that doesn't allow the scope to slide, as the recoil is pretty minimal due to gun weight.
If you are using the rifle for just hunting and not target or silhouette shooting the original Hilux/Leatherwood mounts might be good enough.
I have been spoiled with the MVA stuff ,after many years of buying Italian copies or other brands I feel that I have spent enough money over the years and then always looking to upgrade. If you are in Winnipeg I might have my scope on my Ballard on August 30 at the 22rf silhouette shoot at Selkirk
I have been spoiled with the MVA stuff ,after many years of buying Italian copies or other brands I feel that I have spent enough money over the years and then always looking to upgrade. If you are in Winnipeg I might have my scope on my Ballard on August 30 at the 22rf silhouette shoot at Selkirk
Gentlemen. I often see posts where people say their eyesight is not what it used to be with iron sights. Allow me to make a suggestion. Last year at age 67 I was having an eye check up and was told I had cateracts forming. When asked if I wanted something done I said sure. Long story short I opted for lenses that would give me max distance vision. Did my weak eye first to make sure no complications and a month later did my shootin eye. After wearing glasses since age 13 I now tested 20/20 vision without glasses. Got some drug store reading glasses for up close. Total cost was $90.00 for eye drops. Worth checking it out with your own medical people.
