In another thread, I mentioned a unique scope I found on an auction site. My research indicated that it was an artillery spotting scope mounted in a Unertl dehorned mount. In that thread, I expressed several concerns about the functionality of that particular setup. I also felt that scope pictured had seen better days and decided I didn't want that particular scope. Still, I found the concept intriguing. I also remembered that my local gun shop had similar scope without any mounts. A visit to the shop revealed it to be an M21 spotting scope with a BDC ranging reticle for a 75mm gun. Examination of the scope revealed that it would work but it was necessary to look through it backwards. With a suitable scope, all I needed was an appropriate mounting system, as the scope itself lacked any adjustment. Originally, I planned to use a Standard style base with windage adjustment and shims along with Burris Signature rings, which have shims built in. The system would have been totally fixed, and a complete pain in the ass to zero, but it would theoretically have worked. It would have functioned very similar to the scopes on the Japanese Arisakas. I still want to try it to determine its viability, however, on yet another auction site, I found a vintage off brand scope that used external adjustments. I decided that it was cheap enough that I could buy it and cannibalize the mounts for this project. This brings me to the actual point of the thread. If you have read this far, I thank you and please bear with me.
The scope I found was listed as a Texan 2.5x scope and the pictures showed it with capped external adjustment mounts. The description indicated that it was a 1" tube and had a crosshair reticle. I paid about $70 for the whole shebang and received it today. The scope is about 11 inches long. The tube is indeed a 1" tube and it is marked TEXAN 2 1/2X TYLER, TEXAS PATENTED. The main body of the scope is steel with the ocular bell of aluminum. The bluing and anodizing of the scope itself is fading. The optics are clear, though it looks like there was a coating on the rear lense that has flaked off except near the edges. The image is also slightly yellowed. The mounts are in better condition. They are black anodized aluminum and are marked WEAVER AJDJUSTABLE along with the patent dates. The turrets are capped but are finger adjustable, very similar in design to the turrets on the Weaver 330 scopes used on the 1903A4 rifles. All in all, it is a very neat scope. I'm willing to bet that some older members may remember these and I would appreciated it if they chimed in.
My plans for the scope were, and probably still are, to see if I can adapt the mounts to the artillery scope, either the one at the local gun shop or a different one if I find one. I may just keep it as it is because it is a pretty neat little scope. In either case I hope one day to have a Creedmoor Sports M1903A4 to mount it on, though I am aware it is not correct for that rifle. If anyone is interested, I will post pics sometime over the weekend.
The scope I found was listed as a Texan 2.5x scope and the pictures showed it with capped external adjustment mounts. The description indicated that it was a 1" tube and had a crosshair reticle. I paid about $70 for the whole shebang and received it today. The scope is about 11 inches long. The tube is indeed a 1" tube and it is marked TEXAN 2 1/2X TYLER, TEXAS PATENTED. The main body of the scope is steel with the ocular bell of aluminum. The bluing and anodizing of the scope itself is fading. The optics are clear, though it looks like there was a coating on the rear lense that has flaked off except near the edges. The image is also slightly yellowed. The mounts are in better condition. They are black anodized aluminum and are marked WEAVER AJDJUSTABLE along with the patent dates. The turrets are capped but are finger adjustable, very similar in design to the turrets on the Weaver 330 scopes used on the 1903A4 rifles. All in all, it is a very neat scope. I'm willing to bet that some older members may remember these and I would appreciated it if they chimed in.
My plans for the scope were, and probably still are, to see if I can adapt the mounts to the artillery scope, either the one at the local gun shop or a different one if I find one. I may just keep it as it is because it is a pretty neat little scope. In either case I hope one day to have a Creedmoor Sports M1903A4 to mount it on, though I am aware it is not correct for that rifle. If anyone is interested, I will post pics sometime over the weekend.
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