Winchester 72: How Can I Mount A Scope Onto It?

[rentedzone]

So I've got an old Winchester 72 w/ a peep sight and I was wondering how I can put an optic on it. From some research I saw that you can use a Weaver N3 mount and a Weaver G4 scope but I'm not sure what sized mount I would need. I'm also having a hard time sourcing those parts. Any other ways to mount an optic onto it?

 

[HemiTO]

You could get it drilled and tapped by a competent gunsmith. Just depends on how much it's worth to you.

 

[rentedzone]

Thank you! Guess maybe I'll keep it as is then. It was my grandfathers.

 

[guntech]

It was never meant for a scope so it would require drilling and tapping to start with... and it is quite possible the scope would have to be mounted high for a fired shell to eject... they may eject upwards as much as they do sideways... and then the bolt handle needs clearance on the scope... and then the cost of the mounts and scope... it wouldn't be hard to spend $200 without the scope... and it will not add any real value to the rifle...

The old Weaver mounts you are trying to access have been discontinued for years...

Shoot it the way is was designed and save your self a lot of grief.

 

[bearhunter]

OP, those Weaver side mounts and the G4 scope left a lot to be desired and the receiver still needed to be drilled and tapped to fit them.

I will agree with guntech that the rifle is best used as designed buttttttttt not all eyes are created equal and I can tell you from experience, as eyes get older, they don't get better, which makes using iron sights next to impossible for many.

One thing to consider, that rifle may have some collector appeal. There seems to be a growing interest in period rimfire 22 rifles. Drilling and tapping would lower its appeal

That being said, I have seen the receivers on these drilled and tapped to take 3/8 dovetail mounts (10mm) and I have seen these receivers with two dovetail slots cut down their length, to accept the modern clamp on mounts. IS THE RIFLE WORTH THE PRICE OF HAVING THIS WORK DONE?? You just may be further ahead to purchase a modern used 22rf bolt action rifle that is already set up to be scoped.

As for the bolt clearing the scope??? There is actually a fair bit of room for that, depending on base height. The bolt is easily bent to clear as well.

Again, IMHO it would be cost prohibitive if you can't do the work yourself.