So do I. Since I was a teenager, I have wanted a Pre 64 M70 in 270 WCF. I wanted to use JOC’s load with 130gr Nosler Partitions and put together the most capable western rifle from that period, I.E.- if I went back to the 1950’s or early 60’s what would I use? And then kill a sheep with it.
I would not be ok with a 0-300 or 400 yard rifle. It needed to be a 600+ yard system. The rifle and ammo was easy, the issue was always the optic. The scopes then, by and large, weren’t exactly meant for longer ranges. The Unertl was to large and fragile, with too small a FOV.
The WWII sniper optics weren’t really suitable either. The Enfield No. 4 Mk1. scope could be dialed, but it would require finding a good example and modifying the rifle, as well the reticle is sub par. Some of the German optics were better, however would require modifying the rifle as well. The same is with all the WWII scopes.
Years went by and every few years I would start researching again on the optics. What seemed to make sense was a 4x or 6x Weaver or Bear Cub with turrets- that seemed possible. Eventually I discovered that such a scope was built, and it was excellent- the Stith-Kollmorgan 4x off of the USMC MC-1 sniper rifle made in the late 50’s. The problem is very few were made, and are very hard to find. I looked for several years and couldn’t find one.
A few years ago, my SO bought a Pre 64 M70 in 270 for me, which meant I had to get a scope. Eventually I stumbled on a company taking vintage steel tubes Weavers and adding correct turrets- basically recreating the MC-1 scope in function. I called and they had one left, so here were are.
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The collectors didn’t want it due to the modifications done to it; compass in the stock, (which I think is awesome), drilled for a peep sight on the receiver, etc.
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Not sure what animals the notches are for, but I’m adding my own.
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Except the recoil pad I guess, everything is Pre ‘64- mounts, rings, bases, scope, load, etc.
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