Unertl 20x scope

Capt.Canuck

Capt.Canuck

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I've been offered a Unertl 20x scope in very good condition for the age - serial number 73559 (if that helps at all).

The seller wants $1000 for it. Is that in the right ballpark?

TIA.
 
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Depends on the model, if complete and the condition. $1000 is around maximum for a Programmer or a 2" Ultra Varmint. Prices might be higher in the US so be careful in finding comparables.
 
Just a quick thought and question about these old Unertl scopes. Back in the day (1950s to early 1980s maybe), they were considered the ultimate target scope. But when placed alongside today's top target scopes--by S&B, March, Nightforce, etc., who are using ED lenses--do they compare optically? I'd guess not, given the advances in lens technology that have occurred over the past 30-40 years. I could be dead wrong about this, and I'd be interested in opinions. It's not unusual for certain brands to continue to enjoy high prestige long after they've actually earned it. People remember when they were the best and assume that they still must be. Aside from the lens quality, the extreme size--mainly length--of the Unertls and the requirement for somewhat complex POSA adjustable mounts would seem to make them less desirable today.

I guess my question is whether a serious target or varmint shooter would take an older Unertl over a 2016 S&B, March, or Nightforce when putting together the ultimate rig for his purposes.

Not trying to hijack this thread, and maybe $1000 for a 20 power Unertl is still a good deal. Just interested in current thinking about these one-time sought-after scopes.

Ran across this website with some information that might help with the price question (prices are in US dollars):

http://unertl.alexweb.net/for_sale.htm
 
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South Pender said:
Just a quick thought and question about these old Unertl scopes. Back in the day (1950s to early 1980s maybe), they were considered the ultimate target scope. But when placed alongside today's top target scopes--by S&B, March, Nightforce, etc., who are using ED lenses--do they compare optically? I'd guess not, given the advances in lens technology that have occurred over the past 30-40 years. I could be dead wrong about this, and I'd be interested in opinions. It's not unusual for certain brands to continue to enjoy high prestige long after they've actually earned it. People remember when they were the best and assume that they still must be. Aside from the lens quality, the extreme size--mainly length--of the Unertls and the requirement for somewhat complex POSA adjustable mounts would seem to make them less desirable today.

I guess my question is whether a serious target or varmint shooter would take an older Unertl over a 2016 S&B, March, or Nightforce when putting together the ultimate rig for his purposes.

Not trying to hijack this thread, and maybe $1000 for a 20 power Unertl is still a good deal. Just interested in current thinking about these one-time sought-after scopes.

Ran across this website with some information that might help with the price question (prices are in US dollars):

http://unertl.alexweb.net/for_sale.htm
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My guess would be vintage scope for vintage rifle. That and the cool factor these have.
 
1000.00 is about right if in great condition, never mind the comparison to new, first of all you will never get a high end target scope like a S&B for 1000.00 and secondly it will be great for your vintage rifle.
 
Capt.Canuck said:
Thanks for the input guys.

Yes that's correct - if I purchase it, it will be going on a very nice Mauser .22, built in the 1930s.
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I've wanted a Unertl for about 30yrs, just never had the funds and opportunity at the same time. I'd pay ~$1k for a 20x without looking back if it was in good shape.
 
Unertl made excellent optics. There is a reason why the US Military selected them (at one point). The externally adjustable scopes are definitely a 'Fair Weather' optic. However with properly adjusted and unworn mounts they can certainly compete with many very modern scopes that use internal adjustment for repeatability and maintaining a zero.

It is very true that modern glass, computers and latest coating have improved most scopes; and some one mentioned the advantages provided by the availability of ED glass.... very true. BUT folks should be reminded that the reason ED glass is beneficial is that it aids designers in approaching 'apochromatic correction' for the optical systems at a reasonable price. Apochromatically corrected hunting scopes were available in fact many years ago in Europe ... but they were relatively very costly and few could afford them - they also lacked the coating technology of today so their brilliant image quality was not as evident under some (but not all) lighting conditions.

Some of the better designers/manufacturers in the US (like Unertl) were also able to come pretty darn close to achieving apochromatic correction.... AND Unertl - in later years - was also able to provide a special multi coating (courtesy of work they did with the US government) that would come close to the best commercially available multi coatings available today (if not in fact exceed them!) While it is probably true that those coatings never found there way into the commercial rifle scope line sold by Unertl - rest assure that the glass design, resolution and general capabilities are of VERY high quality. Which explains their continued popularity. John Unertl was a very demanding man who built some outstanding optics. So if you have a product with the Unertl name on it - treat it with respect. Somebody in 10- 20 - 30 years will appreciate your care when it is their turn to use it!
 
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