M1 Garand Sniper Optics

[JMJS]

Hello All,

I'm a greenhorn here so, hope this is done correct. I'm trying to find info on what I think is the M1E7 Experimental Sniper rifle optics. It used the Commercial 2.5X Lyman Alaskan, All-Weather scope(M73) with a Griffin & Howe mount and what looks like the standard one piece rings. The ones used before the cast style two piece used on the M1C. No shade or eye cup either. I've only found one pic online that shows the four stages of the M1 Sniper Rifles. Thank you,

Jim

Information

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[Bob Seijas]

That scope should be marked Telescope M-73 on the turret housing, usually with the 73 defaced out.
Attachment 94313

[JMJS]

[IMG][/IMG
I made an attempt but, I'm not sure how to add pics. One scope enthusiast told me that in 1944 was when the Army started with the Commercial All-Weather, standard crosshair, Lyman Alaskan scope. Referred to as Telescope M-73. After my description of it to him, said it may be a "transitional" scope, before the actual M73 stamping. Showed him a pic of the ocular bell being stamped 7634670, he said it may have been robbed from an actual sniper scope. However, even though all the M73, M81 and M82's have that number too, they are stamped on the smaller diameter part of the bell, not the large end as this one is. That's why I'm wondering if this set-up with the Model 1932 Griffin & Howe mount is one of the first used by the Army back in 44'.

[Bob Seijas]

Never say never but it sounds like a lot of "could have" and "might have" excuses for incorrect stuff. The early Lymans will have a Lyman serial number after the word ALASKAN... the earliest militaries seem to be the Canadian contract for 350 in May 1944 numbered from about 4340S to 4690S. The US M-73s seem to start around 4900 and run to 5200. If yours has a Lyman number that might provide a clue.
Attachment 94349

[Bob Seijas]

Note also the high-dome caps with full side grooves. These early caps are characteristic and scarce, they didn't last long.
Attachment 94350

[browningautorifle]

I'm not sure how to add pics.

I can add pics for you if you need, see pm for an email. Email me your pics and I'll put them up.

[Bob Seijas]

Would love to see photos of the scope and mount, the only non-standard mount I have seen is JCG's redesign of the G&H slide.
Attachment 94371

[browningautorifle]

Would love to see photos of the scope and mount

Here's his pics Bob.

[Bob Seijas]

Sorry to say it looks to me like a post-war Alaskan in a commercial mount. Those adjustment caps are clearly post 1947. After the war Lyman resumed production with serials about where they left off for the WWII military contracts, roughly 5250. They used up some leftover military parts in the first year... we have seen that numbered rear lens housing on post-war 6916, 7282, and 8651. No way it's M1E7, sorry.

[JMJS]

Thanks for your input but, I don't feel I'm making.."excuses for incorrect stuff". I've had and seen more than my share of Alaskan scopes and have never, ever seen this sniper scope related stamping. Have you? Wouldn't you question its existence? Having read over and over the part about the serial numbers online and in a Senich sniper book. The number on this scope is 8981, without a "B" or "A" in front. If you go online and type in, "M1E7 Experimental Snipe Scope", click on "Images", and you may see what looks like a book page with 4 sniper Garands on it. Look at the top one. That's what mine looks like. Look at the style of rings on it. They don't look like the two piece later used. Thanks again.