O3A4 scope choice

[rice 123]

I have a A4 4996151 1-44 barrel. When I got it, it had all correct original mix of park and blue finish however the C stock was heavily sanded so I found a correct A4 scant stock it has OG and AA rebuild stamps on it. Because it was a rebuild stock and at that time no one was duplicating M84 scopes and you could find them at a reasonable price I choose to go with a M84 scope. Now that I have a CMP D coming. I was thinking about using my 84 scope on the D and get a more correct scope for the A4 what would be a correct scope for it? how easy are they faked. what would I have to pay for one. or because of the rebuild stamps on the stock would keeping the M84 on the A4 be correct.

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[JGaynor]

A second or third model M73B1 would be most correct for a rifle in your S/N range.
A decent one with the GI 3/4" rings will probably run $1100. to $1250.
The M73B1 remained the standard first line scope for the A4 up through the mid 50's. Other scopes were used as alternates however.

Fake M73B1's are not a big concern. The main thing you have to look out for is that some of these will have been assembled from parts. In those cases you may find parts from different models on one scope. Other than that, the markings are roll stamped and the serial numbers fall in to fairly well established ranges. I would not be overly concerned. BTW on 2nd model scopes the word SERIAL NO. is rolled stamped on the side of the tube immediately followed by a five digit electropenciled serial number. The 3rd model scopes have the s/n electropenciled on the data plate. Some 3rd models have been assembled using 2nd model tubes but they never had a 2ns model style s/n.

The M84 is also correct. Given that M84 prices have been going up and that the two piece 7/8" rings have been hard to find for years. The price/value of an M84 with rings will probably run $900. to $1000. the bare scope will probably run $500. to $700. depending on condition (which ideally will approximate the rifle).

If cost is an overriding factor. Old western Scrounger is offering the chinese made reproductions used on the Gibbs A4 for sale separately. These are clearly marked as reproductions. How good they are I am not in a position to say. All reports indicate they are acceptable cosmetically.

If you want to shoot your rifle i would sugget getting a decent 1' import in 4 or 6X and some 1" Redfield or Leupold rings. Why handicap your self with a 70 year old design?


the scopes depicted are an early 2nd model, late 2nd model and a 3rd model.
The main difference being the zeroing screw added to the W&E knobs.

Regards,

Jim