M70 with Unertl 8x/12x, mounting options?

PotatoeTactical · Mar 12, 2024

Hi all,

Years ago, I traded my at the time “home” a bumper pull camper for a Post-64 “match” Model 70, .308 long action heavy barrel with globe sights.
Shot it maybe 20 times and tossed it into the safe to never see the light again. Until now with a rekindled flame for shooting bolt actions.

Wanting to make a “Vietnam’esq” USMC Carlos rifle with it, now before I get corrected with the Awkshullys, I know its probably the wrong action (iirc he had a pre-64, ‘06) but in lue of buying another rifle, Id rather turn this that I do not use into something more aesthetically pleasing so it actually gets shot again - and actually fixed since it is missing some hardware.

Its drilled and tapped from factory with a plethora of holes ToC down the barrel and reciever, it currently has a 1913 pic on it with no scope when I first was making loads, figuring my big arse is going to have to stretch my neck either way I mount a scope - why not try an Unertl 8x or 12x long scope? It’d fit most my other rifles as most are WWII - Pre GWOT era. I have never used these scope, never seen it in person and never seen them mounted other than on grainy pictures or ones that included toes.

Questions: I am assuming they use mounts like Leupold/Redfield to attach, yes? Or are they more akin to Weaver sections?

Is there any special ways to ensure this very delicate looking scope needs to be mounted/handled when shooting?

Any suggestions to other mounts to fit this type of glass to the Mod 70 that other members have used? Wanting to start with bases and work my way up to the glass - seeing as its about ~500mi away from me and I’m only at my home every 4-6 months Id love to make sure I buy the correct bases/rings etc to just take a day to mount it and do load development.

Thank you,
PT

roostercogburn98 · Mar 12, 2024

A Redfield like this is appropriate I believe.

j-huskey · Mar 12, 2024

j-huskey · Mar 12, 2024

Comes w bases and "rings" ... that fit your 70. No problem.

Random Guy · Mar 12, 2024

Questions: I am assuming they use mounts like Leupold/Redfield to attach, yes? Or are they more akin to Weaver sections?

Is there any special ways to ensure this very delicate looking scope needs to be mounted/handled when shooting?

It's definitely work only a good gunsmith should attempt. The bases need to be installed at the proper height and placement on the barrel.
I assume your rifle has what is called a "medium-heavy match" barrel, and the front scope base should be at proper height for that profile.
Here's my pre-64 project built in 2016. Tips? You want to use high-quality hardened screws on these mounts, not soft Chinese screws that can come with the Leatherwood 8x repo USMC scope. (I have one of those of my M1903 rifle, but the M70 has an old 10x Unertl w/ good screws).

There is a coil spring in the lower left that maintains pressure on the scope tube. It's critical that the spring provides good tension.

The two large mounting screws can loosen-up, so I put a little bit of white paint at 12 o'clock so when I'm at the range I can ensure it's tight. (I learned the hard way during its initial outing at a vintage sniper match - that even a little bit of loosening of the front mount screw - will cause a lot of horizontal stringing). As for being delicate scopes. Well, don't drop the rifle with one of these scopes, and don't take it out in the rain either. It's not sealed. My 2cts.

As for scope bases, I prefer to use these US-made parts by an dedicated artisan, they are high quality.

scope blocks

Good luck with your project.

RTH1800 · Mar 12, 2024

I have boxes of Unertl mounts and bases.

Nothing fragile or complex about the scopes or mounts. I’m thinking of posting a tutorial regarding them as they are so mis understood.

They are from an era when public education and general mechanical knowledge were held to a higher standard.

roostercogburn98 · Mar 12, 2024

Random Guy said:
It's definitely work only a good gunsmith should attempt. The bases need to be installed at the proper height and placement on the barrel.
I assume your rifle has what is called a "medium-heavy match" barrel, and the front scope base should be at proper height for that profile.
Here's my pre-64 project built in 2016. Tips? You want to use high-quality hardened screws on these mounts, not soft Chinese screws that can come with the Leatherwood 8x repo USMC scope. (I have one of those of my M1903 rifle, but the M70 has an old 10x Unertl w/ good screws).

View attachment 8371179
There is a coil spring in the lower left that maintains pressure on the scope tube. It's critical that the spring provides good tension.
View attachment 8371177

The two large mounting screws can loosen-up, so I put a little bit of white paint at 12 o'clock so when I'm at the range I can ensure it's tight. (I learned the hard way during its initial outing at a vintage sniper match - that even a little bit of loosening of the front mount screw - will cause a lot of horizontal stringing). As for being delicate scopes. Well, don't drop the rifle with one of these scopes, and don't take it out in the rain either. It's not sealed. My 2cts.
View attachment 8371180
As for scope bases, I prefer to use these US-made parts by an dedicated artisan, they are high quality.

scope blocks

Good luck with your project.

I picked a set up from fleabay for the model 70 as well. Steve Earle was my backup if I didn’t find the ones I needed.

As for measurements OP, I have been eyeballing this sheet which will give you some of the measurements @Random Guy is speaking of. If I’m correct that is, he can chime in cause I’m semi retarded in most aspects of life

j-huskey · Mar 12, 2024

RandomGuy makes a good point about the base screws.
Don't use the Chinese screws in the package. Get American screws.
In your original post, u state the 70 target u have is drilled and tapped. U use the front receiver holes and the barrel holes approximately 6.5" in front of the receiver (center to center 7.2").
This hole spacing is to keep the adjustment clicks on the scope 1/4 minute of angle. Change the spacing, change the click value, do, don't do that.
Base heights can vary w barrel diameters, and if you shoot past 600 yards, you can change the height to keep the scope closer to ring center as you go out. Ring center is critical as you adjust bc if u go far enough in elevation, the windage will change as the tube curve rises or lowers.

Best to you.

RTH1800 · Mar 12, 2024

There are also some two height front bases. But… when you move to the long range height you change the adjustment interval.

PotatoeTactical · Mar 12, 2024

Thank you all for the information, I’m leaning towards the Hi-Lux/Malcom 20x Vintage target. Really have been on a retro kick these last few years and thinking this will pair nicely with the Remington 540X and Win 52

I will be contacting a couple gunsmiths local (Idaho Falls/Pocatello) about doing the drilling and mounting. Looking for American steel screws - if I cant find any hardened I’ll be able to temper them in the workpiece “oven” at work.

With regards to @RandomGuy would those mounts you shared be better than the factory HiLux mounts? If they are, I wont shy away from doing it proper and paying now rather than later.

When I visit the folks up north, I’ll snag a few pics - and probably swap out the M110 out for the M70 as its the new project now.

The M70s Barrel has a series of tap holes near the muzzle for globe sights and 2 more pair near’er the chamber/reciever, if memory served they were 6 series screws. Might be a simple plug n play, but none the less a more competent ‘smith will install it. Again, I thank you all for this information.

PotatoeTactical · Mar 13, 2024

Update: have found a 1962 Pre-64 matching receiver and bolt for a fair price through some coworkers. Going to go that route and build it up into a proper Carlos rifle (albeit with higher mag optic) vs messing with my post-64 Target that I was just made aware of its value. So this project just got funner, finally have something to tinker with for awhile and make a new stock for.

noremorse92 · Apr 3, 2024

I picked up a very similar m70 recently. It came with a 12x Unertl. And then I picked up a 513t 22lr that had the mounts as well.

I've really been enjoying the Unertl scope, it turns a lot of heads at the range and gets a ton of questions and comments. It also works very well and optically it is very good.

68hoyt · Sep 15, 2024

PotatoeTactical said:
Update: have found a 1962 Pre-64 matching receiver and bolt for a fair price through some coworkers. Going to go that route and build it up into a proper Carlos rifle (albeit with higher mag optic) vs messing with my post-64 Target that I was just made aware of its value. So this project just got funner, finally have something to tinker with for awhile and make a new stock for.

Update

sirhrmechanic · Sep 16, 2024

Tag for later…

BJames · Sep 19, 2024

Since this thread has resurrected and I love 70’s, thought I’d ask a quick question pertinent to @PotatoeTactical. Since all pre64 and a ton of post-64 70’s were all long action, it has to be possible to open up the bolt face to .532? Maybe replace the extractor for a magnum, or have a competent 70 smith do it to a standard one?

j-huskey · Sep 19, 2024

BJames said:
Since this thread has resurrected and I love 70’s, thought I’d ask a quick question pertinent to @PotatoeTactical. Since all pre64 and a ton of post-64 70’s were all long action, it has to be possible to open up the bolt face to .532? Maybe replace the extractor for a magnum, or have a competent 70 smith do it to a standard one?

What caliber ?

The actions were rated 7mmRemMag, 300WM, 338WM, 375H&H, 458WM, and not recommended for larger calibers. They don't have the strength of the large ring mauser or rem700.
Some of the later stainless actions have been built on bigger, but most smiths aren't really into it.

BJames · Sep 19, 2024

j-huskey said:
What caliber ?

The actions were rated 7mmRemMag, 300WM, 338WM, 375H&H, 458WM, and not recommended for larger calibers. They don't have the strength of the large ring mauser or rem700.
Some of the later stainless actions have been built on bigger, but most smiths aren't really into it.

I believe the OP wants 300 h&h, which was a factory chambering. I was thinking with the proliferation of pre64’s in 270 & ‘06, it would be a simple thing for him to have one opened up. Not sure how many smiths would be willing to do that though. I have one up here by me, he made it sound labor intensive but he’s pretty anal about his work being perfect.

sirhrmechanic · Sep 28, 2024

Recently picked up this Unertl.

Want to mount it to my pre-64 model 70 .220 Swift.

I know the weaver bases need to come off..

Looking for mounting block options to fit receiver and in the barrel dovetail.

Anyone have part numbers and/or recommendations?

Cheers, Sirhr

roostercogburn98 · Sep 28, 2024

sirhrmechanic said:
Recently picked up this Unertl.

Want to mount it to my pre-64 model 70 .220 Swift.

I know the weaver bases need to come off..

Looking for mounting block options to fit receiver and in the barrel dovetail.

View attachment 8512817

Anyone have part numbers and/or recommendations?

Cheers, Sirhr

Look at Steve Earle Products or fleabay.

Or better yet @RTH1800 may have some. He has a lot of old stuff like that

RTH1800 · Sep 28, 2024

I have them.

sirhrmechanic · Sep 29, 2024

Pm sent!

RTH1800 · Sep 29, 2024

Replied. I’ll get them shipped.

Also going to add some basic information regarding Unertl type scopes.

Sir’s scope has the standard mounts. Not the notched Posi mount. Much easier to find bases for.

It also has AO so that simplifies things.

The spring and front and rear keepers are used for positioning and setting eye relief. When not in use it’s best to loosen rear keeper and resting the spring. Has a thumbscrew to do that. When cleaning or after being damp you can back off and wipe tube under spring with light machine oil to prevent rust. Once re positioned it will return to exact zero.

The two screw circular piece with the power marking retains the reticule. If you back the screws out slightly it will allow you to rotate and level reticule to plumb.

The eyepiece can be loosened via the locking ring to focus reticule for maximum sharpness.

On scopes with no AO they have two screws on front part of tube. When slightly loosened you move forward or back to focus on target at desired range.

Many of these old scopes have one or more adjustments locked up from lack of use and dried oil. I normally get them freed up with hair dryer or heat gun.

No need to over tighten the thump screws on the bases. A simple hand tightening without much force will hold fine. No need to use tools or damage them.

That is about it. If anyone has question please feel free to ask.

Thanks

RTH

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M70 with Unertl 8x/12x, mounting options?

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