Looking for a recommendation on (period appropriate) glass for the 30/30 lever action. It was dad's old deer rifle back in the Camp Pendleton days. It holds a special place in my heart so I want to get a scope of the time. He was a purist and believed in the iron sights. I'm more of a pragmatist and seek the visual higher ground as my eyes ain't what they used to be. Cheers.
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Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
3If it is not already drilled, please don’t drill it.
If it is already drilled, the first thing you need to find is a side mount that is NOT the newer ones that mounts the scope over the center of the rifle. Your rifle ejects empties straight up, so the scope needs to be off to the left. Once you find the mount, an old low power Weaver or Lyman is the scope you want.
If it is not drilled, get one of the scout type mounts that connects to the rear sight dovetail. That will need a scope with longer eye relief, traditionally a pistol scope. Look for a modern mid-priced scope with an eye to aesthetics like the older scopes. You won’t find an old period pistol scope worth a damn.
Another option is one of the modern reprod of the Malcolm scopes by Leatherwood. They make a mounting kit for the 94 that I believe requires no drilling. Track Of The Wolf carries them.
If it is already drilled, the first thing you need to find is a side mount that is NOT the newer ones that mounts the scope over the center of the rifle. Your rifle ejects empties straight up, so the scope needs to be off to the left. Once you find the mount, an old low power Weaver or Lyman is the scope you want.
If it is not drilled, get one of the scout type mounts that connects to the rear sight dovetail. That will need a scope with longer eye relief, traditionally a pistol scope. Look for a modern mid-priced scope with an eye to aesthetics like the older scopes. You won’t find an old period pistol scope worth a damn.
Another option is one of the modern reprod of the Malcolm scopes by Leatherwood. They make a mounting kit for the 94 that I believe requires no drilling. Track Of The Wolf carries them.
Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
4Man, I didn't even think about the drilling thing. Yeah, no drilling; you're a conservator of history with that firearm.
Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
5Another option, for weaker eyes, is to improve the iron sights. I have trouble with all but the sharpest of open sights, but I can do fine work with a peep.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10058 ... steel-blue
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10058 ... steel-blue
Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
6Looks like the Leatherwood mount requires the two holes at the top rear of the left side of the receiver, same as the Lyman receiver sights. Some 94s came with these holes drilled, some didn't. My 1948 didn't, but that doesn't mean anything about your 49.
Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
7Skinner sites work really well on lever guns. Less likely to be knocked out of zero by the action of the rifle.
Never smile too big, the gods may mistake it for hubris.
Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
8This is all good stuff and greatly appreciated. I wouldn't dream of drilling that rifle. Rest assured. Pics upon completion.
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Re: 1949 Winchester 94 scope suggestions
9My only though is to get a rifle scope that is fairly traditional in appearance. I have a Weaver V3 (1-3 x 20mm) on my Saiga .223 carbine. Its not too expensive bright, sharp and good at closer range targets. It may be a good choice for your needs.