Yet another 32 mk1 scope inquiry.

[mr.e moose]

Hi all,

Perhaps there's another thread appropriate for this but this current thread is recent...

I have a No32 mk3, OS 2039 A, No 24024. Originally mated to rifle 32344 (on bracket and No8 mk1 steel transit case).

The turrets are 'seized' and need servicing. Otherwise the optics are crisp and clear. I don't know if there's any other issues. Knowing the collector I purchased this (and the mismatched No4 mk1 T with it--rifle is matching (receiver, bolt), scope not matching to the rifle though) I can safely assume that the scope hadnt been serviced since originally sold surplus.

I'm looking for advice on who can perform the necessary refurbishment. In Canada, U.S. or U.K. I want the work done right and won't risk sending the scope to someone that isn't highly recommended.

Perhaps Mr. Laidler, sir, you could help with info?

Last discussion of No32 refurbishment is a bit dated.

Get the contact info for Warren on here, or Wheaty on CGN. He's one of the best here in Canada.

[StratA]

Get the contact info for Warren on here, or Wheaty on CGN. He's one of the best here in Canada.

Thanks!

[Surpmil]

Good evening Surpmil,

I have a 1931 dated trials rifle with wrist stamped 6003. My other trials is dated 1933 with HBMC number 3234 stamped into its wrist.

Very interesting! So you have their third scope AFAWK! That should win the prize for earliest survivor.

Colin's spreadsheet on the trials conversions will show up some interesting patterns I'm sure. Is your data in the thread?

[smle addict]

Not yet; I've been meaning to get the information over to him. I'll do my best this weekend if it rains; that's a good excuse for hiding in the garage and pulling all the Lee's out of the safe!

Correction: The wrist is stamped 6003, but the scope its currently wearing is a KL in the high 6000 range.

Sorry for the confusion

[Hodgson1]

1941 presumably. IIRC from Peter's book on the No32, that would make it the 661st scope produced by KL as their SN range began at 6000.

WW began at 0 or else 1000 - AFAIK nothing below 1000 has ever surfaced even stamped on a buttstock, and HBM began at 3000. HBM soon dropped the date from their production for some unknown reason. I once had 3057 which was dated 1941, but have never heard of another.

IIRC, no trials rifles are seen with KL SN ranges, so either they were a bit slower getting going or the need for the 1400 odd scopes required for the trials conversions was filled from WW and HBM production.

Much of the production then appears to have spend a couple of years or so sitting in a depot somewhere before H&H caught up with the supply of scopes.

Thanks Surpmil. I apologise for not reading your answer sooner. Very interesting reading. I'll jot your information down on this scope. Thanks again for taking the time to reply in such a detailed way. Cheers.

[tonyd]

1941 presumably. IIRC from Peter's book on the No32, that would make it the 661st scope produced by KL as their SN range began at 6000.

WW began at 0 or else 1000 - AFAIK nothing below 1000 has ever surfaced even stamped on a buttstock, and HBM began at 3000. HBM soon dropped the date from their production for some unknown reason. I once had 3057 which was dated 1941, but have never heard of another.

IIRC, no trials rifles are seen with KL SN ranges, so either they were a bit slower getting going or the need for the 1400 odd scopes required for the trials conversions was filled from WW and HBM production.

Much of the production then appears to have spend a couple of years or so sitting in a depot somewhere before H&H caught up with the supply of scopes.

I have scope 6009, so from what your saying is the 9th KL scope produced?

[Lance]

I have scope 6009, so from what your saying is the 9th KL scope produced?

Peter's scope serial number lists are just ranges and are not exact. Earliest KL scope I have seen to date is 5849, latest is 7769

[Peter Laidler]

Lance is right. The scope numbers are just he ranges that the old Instrument Techs had noticed through their service. Like all these things, Bren Mark/types and the Mk1 intermediates are a classic example, you'll never be dead certain until you've seen them all

[Surpmil]

I have scope 6009, so from what your saying is the 9th KL scope produced?

That was on the basis of Peter's published research. As you can see, more examples have surfaced since which change the picture a bit.

Peter's scope serial number lists are just ranges and are not exact. Earliest KL scope I have seen to date is 5849, latest is 7769

Interesting; and someone wasn't paying attention when they cut that locking segment hole!