Auction Mystery: Is that an M1C Sniper???

[cplstevennorton]

You think perhaps it’s a quality stamping? These barrels were selected to go on refurbished M1Cs because of tighter measurements or something like that.

It seems to be some overhaul program that hasn't been documented before. The Punch mark is most likely a proofing mark, stamped after it was proof fired. The A, we don't know, either an Armory stamp of some kind, or possibly even an individual inspector.

[Ernest T]

How are the reproduction M82 scopes by Hi-Lux?
Looks like an original is going to be in the $700 range on the cheap end. A reproduction is about $350.
Any thoughts?

I've got a Hi Lux M82 replica on my replica M1C and I'd say it is a very nice scope. Optics are clear and it has been fine through a lot of shooting. I also have a real M82 scope waiting to go on a real M1C when I can afford one. The Hi Lux scope looks and functions very much like the real M82. Real M82 scopes are selling for $1400 plus these days. There is a guy on Gunbroker that is selling a couple of M82 scopes right now. He also has a B-prefix Lyman Alaskan for sale, which would also be appropriate for your rifle. I think he wants around $550 for the Lyman, and much more for the real M82s. Some guys also put M84 scopes on their M1Cs, but I think the M82s are more appropriate for a C and the M84 more appropriate for a D. The M84 scopes are less expensive, but still in the $700 plus range.

If you get a Hi Lux, there is also a guy on Gunbroker that sells reproduction rubber eye-cups for $30 that really make it look authentic. These are made from the original molds, so you can't really tell them from the originals down to the drawing number. I put one on my Hi Lux scope.

Here are a couple of photos of my Hi Lux on my replica M1C:



Looks like you scored a great deal on that rifle! If you decide to sell it, keep me in mind.

[rcathey]

Ernest,

Thanks very much for the thorough reply! Lots of good information there.

As I stated, I do have a few bids in on some original scopes so I’ll wait to see how that goes. But I’m definitely leaning toward to the Hi-Lux for actual use.
Just need to get a cheek pad after that and I’ll be ready to make some noise.

Edit to add: the deals are out there! That’s the most fun part of this hobby. It’s literally like uncovering buried treasure.

[rcathey]

Bonus check came in.
Yeah.
I’ll take up the role of caretaker on this one. Replica scope and cheek pad are on the way!