Redfield 3x9 experiment & questions

[BarlowL]

I bought a cheap Redfield 3x9, has a cracked lens. I'm going to experiment with anodizing it after machining some tools to disassemble/reassemble properly.
What would in everyone's opinion be a close/proper color? I notice in many photos the color is different on parts of a same scope. Is this from fade from sun light and oils or on purpose.

Another thought I have is what part inside the scope is the tombstone range finder on?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Cracked lens is going to be interesting… but we like tilting at windmills projects here. They are the best kind.

Crosshairs will be on the erector. Suspect they since this is not an FFP scope, the rangefinder will be on the same “panel” as the stadia.

Going to be an interesting project!!! Post some pix. I have a soft spot for crazy people trying to restore optics!!! And mad respect!!!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[RIGREG]

Check out this thread, if you haven’t seen it yet:

USMC M40 3-9X40 Redfield Cerakote​

It’s in Vintage. It has a few pics that you may find useful. Including location of tombstone.

Greg

 

[BarlowL]

Thank you both! Not restoring this one really, Sacrificing it for the sake of gotta know if I can do it.
Cant be much different than the old days throwing chevy 350 cranks in 400 blocks, Pontiac 389 ram air heads on a 326. 351windsors in Maverics or a 351 Cleveland in a mid engine Econoline. Well........maybe it is , but I anit scared.

 

[sloporsche]

I had the 3x9 accu-range wide field on a Remington 243 chuck n deer gun in the 70's ....wadda scope...i still miss it

 

[Random Guy]

No experience anodizing parts, but I would look for a brownish-green dye to try. Avoid the bright green color. The 1960s dye in the original Redfield scopes has degraded over time producing various shades of greenish-brown. Something like this color is what I might recommend:

OLIVE DRAB ANODIZING DYE - 4OZ

caswellplating.com

Any tiny change in amperage makes big changes in the color of the anodized parts. Fyi:

https://support.aeroprecisionusa.com/hc/en-us/articles/14130696388375-Colored-Anodizing-Finishes-What-You-Should-Know

 

[BarlowL]

Had some time this weekend to make two of the tools to disassemble the Redfield. The first few parts were straight forward. I'm going to pull some measurements on the other parts not knowing if they are adjustable of not.
I have ordered the Caswell OD dye that was suggested.
With a little heat using a heat gun. the lock rings unscrewed easily.