Unertl Scope Battery Reset

[NMC_EXP]

Paul

I agree with and will expand upon Cosine26's comments:

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) formerly used bolt action rifles for long range competition. U.S. NRA rules allow the use of scopes in some events and the USAMU used barrel mounted scopes such as Unertl and Lyman Super Targetspot.

For use with a centerfire rifle, the USAMU manual states the recoil spring should be removed in order to: (1) prevent the scope from being driven by recoil into the shooter's eye due to the short eye relief and (2) prevent recoil induced damage to the scope.

The manual goes on to state the scope must be returned to battery after each shot by pulling it to the rear until it reaches the stop and giving it a slight twist (always in the same direction).

For long range USAMU used calibers such as the .30-.338 and .300 Winchester magnum. Bullets from 190 to 220 grains and maximum powder charges so recoil was significant.

I have seen a couple of references to rubber bands being used as a return to battery device. This would seem to counteract the positive effects of removing the spring.

Regards

Jim