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    1903A4 Scope questions?

    What should the correct markings be on a military Weaver 330? I am looking at one that has the Weaver 330 data plate and is engraved with the serial number only below the plate. Must it also be engraved with M73B1? Where there two variations whith different engraving? Thanks for any help.
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    It would help if you posted a picture.

    But if the scope is marked Weaver 330 The Electro penciled nomenclature on the side of tube should read:

    TELESCOPE, M73B1
    SERIAL NO. NNNN (or NNNNN - maybe)

    One of the things to keep in mind is that ordnance was under a great deal of pressure to get these rifles in the hands of the troops.
    The earliest scopes (probably 2 or 3 thousand) were most likely plain vanilla commercial scopes - either the "330C" w/ crosswire or "330 Scope - M.8" w/tapered post.
    Others on the forum have done more comprehensive research on M73B1 Serial numbers and hopefully they will chime in. Personally I have never seen a military marked M73B1 with a real low serial number.

    Also the A4 Tech manual TM 9-270 which was signed off in July of 43 and published in September contains no mention of the nomenclature M73B1 ( or M73 for the Lyman Alaskan for that matter). This suggests that the official nomenclature for both scopes came about sometime after A4 deliveries commenced in February 43.

    Another point if you have something that doesn't seem quite right. Many of these scopes have been repaired either by the military or private concerns. Given that the main source of spare parts in recent years will be junked scopes its likely you will see more and more "weird" scopes.

    Regards,

    Jim
    Last edited by JGaynor; 08-07-2011 at 04:53 AM.

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    Question More Info Please?

    Quote Originally Posted by braymee View Post
    What should the correct markings be on a military Weaver 330? I am looking at one that has the Weaver 330 data plate and is engraved with the serial number only below the plate. Must it also be engraved with M73B1? Where there two variations whith different engraving? Thanks for any help.
    I agree with Jim Gaynor. Post more info..or better yet some photos. Particularily of the scope tube markings.
    Based on your limited discription I suspect a "Parts" scope.
    Mike Haas

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    Thread Starter
    My feeling is that it may also be a parts scope. The only examples I've seen where only the serial number was engraved have a M73B1 data plate. This one has a 330 plate. The serial no. is in the 14000 range. I was attempting to add the photo but had some trouble. Thanks for the imput guys I will try a figure out the photo problem. Jason

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