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Vintage optic opinions for an old L61R

Adam in WI

Practically lives here
I have sitting in front of me a mid 1960s Sako L61R in 7mm Rem Mag. It came with a Nikon Buckmaster, but I've been wondering about swapping out for a more generationally appropriate optic. What are my best options if I want to keep it vintage? My first thought was an El Paso Weaver V9. I understand these older scopes aren't very optically great, but is it robust enough? Are there other good options? Something up to 12X would be nice, variable preferred.
 
That darn newfangled m8 3x9 Leupold came out in the mid 60s. The 7.5x fixed scope definitely has a vintage feel to it.

The m7 7.5x scopes come up once in a while on eBay.
 

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I've had a couple of the V9s and I wouldn't put one of those on it. I like the old weaver (el paso) straight powers and I have probably a half dozen of them on different powers. If you have to have a variable I'd get an old redfield.
 
I would be looking for an older European optic…maybe a Zeiss or old Schmidt. Just me though and probably a little more pricey in good shape.
 
I've had a couple of the V9s and I wouldn't put one of those on it. I like the old weaver (el paso) straight powers and I have probably a half dozen of them on different powers. If you have to have a variable I'd get an old redfield.

What was your primary issue with the V9?
 
I have a vintage steel tube S&B variable. Can't remember the power but I do know it has a 56MM objective.
If interested I'll check next time I'm in the shop.
 
I have a vintage steel tube S&B variable. Can't remember the power but I do know it has a 56MM objective.
If interested I'll check next time I'm in the shop.

Sounds interesting; but I'm sure we're talking in excess of what an old Redfield can be had for, no?
 
My vote is to balance age with practicality (or usefulness).
Leopold VX lll 3.5x10x40 AO
Leopold VX lll 3x9x33 AO
Leopold 2.5x8x36 Boone & Crockett reticle (impossible to find)

Zeiss or Swarovski 3x9x36 They are really classy with great glass and with patience can be found reasonably priced.
 
My vote is to balance age with practicality (or usefulness).
This is pretty much an academic question on my part. It's pretty well accepted that almost all modern scopes are better then offerings from 50+ years ago. Even Dave Tooley's suggestion, while definitely cool isn't a bullseye either since a little research indicates that S&B didn't produce a variable until 1974. If a guy wanted to pair this rifle with a variable scope that was new at the same time as the rifle itself, it would almost have to be an El Paso Weaver or an arched logo Leupold Vari-X.

If I wanted straight up useful I'd probably use this rifle as a chance to try out a Trijicon Accupoint. Why? Dunno.
 
What was your primary issue with the V9?
Adam, I really don't have a serious issue with them but the ones I owned seemed a little chintzy. I have had a alot of luck w/Leupold but they like me are antiques! If he had one in good shape go for it but myself I'd feel better with a Leupold. Again that is just ME! I am a giant fan of the fixed power Weavers the only downfall being the AO witch personally I see as an asset. (I have a problem conveying that message LOL)
 
This is pretty much an academic question on my part. It's pretty well accepted that almost all modern scopes are better then offerings from 50+ years ago. Even Dave Tooley's suggestion, while definitely cool isn't a bullseye either since a little research indicates that S&B didn't produce a variable until 1974. If a guy wanted to pair this rifle with a variable scope that was new at the same time as the rifle itself, it would almost have to be an El Paso Weaver or an arched logo Leupold Vari-X.

If I wanted straight up useful I'd probably use this rifle as a chance to try out a Trijicon Accupoint. Why? Dunno.
I guess I just meant that I like decent glass. Nothing makes me nostalgic enough to spend the money on optics that are inferior to the bar set by optics today. The one's I mentioned perform great and look great on a hunting rifle. And, I'd prefer them over a Weaver. Although I haven't looked through one, I be tempted to try a Bausch & Lomb Balvar 2.5x8 over a Weaver. But my real preference would be Swarovski or Zeiss.
 
Nothing makes me nostalgic enough to spend the money on optics that are inferior to the bar set by optics today.

I guess for me it depends entirely on what it's going to be riding on. I'm sure even a Vortex Crossfire has better glass than an old K4, but there's no chance of me ever putting one on a classic like a 721, M70, FN Mauser or the like.

Edit: I guess much of it has to do with matte finishes. It just doesn't jive with me on an old wood and blued rifle.
 

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