Can you make a 32 scope from a 42 or a 53?

[read6737]

Can you make a no 32 scope from a 42 or a 53?
is it possible?
what do you need,
is it worth doing?
1, as an exact copy,
2, as an outward looking working copy, with modern internals.
3, or would it be cheaper to just buy a real one.

Another question is can you increase
the magnification of a no 32 mk 1/2 or 3?

Information

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[bradtx]

read6737, No. They can be used as spare parts for repair of a No.32. PL will know the specifics, but there was an adjustable mount tested with one of these two 'scopes.

Brad

[read6737]

Thanks, I do know that the 42 can be used for the 32mk1 and early mk2 and the 53 for the late mk2 ans mk3.
The Israelis made there own no 32s from 42s. and ones that were the same to look at but different internals.
If you were going to make a copy using a 42 or 53 what modern bits would you or could you use to make the job easy.

[Peter Laidler]

Is/would it be possible to make a No32 from a No42 or 53? I have often pondered over the idea. Quite clearly, the internal parts could all be used, eventually!

The first thing you’d need to do was machine down the outside diameter of the tube from 1.018 to 1.00”. Next would be to decide whether you wanted a Mk1 or 2 or a Mk3. And if I was you, I’d settle for a Mk3 – and you’ll understand why in a minute. Now you’ll have to cast up the brass turret over the tube and machine it for a) correct distance between the segment cover collars and the brass turret and b) the turret for length.

Having done that, you’ll need to bore into the brass turret to accept the clicker spring, plunger and the deflection turret head. Then turn it through180 degrees to machine through for the graticle shoe, spring, threaded bush and screw. Now turn it through 90 degrees and repeat the process for the deflection mechanism. Done that........? This option is going to be a whole LOT simpler that making the same for the Mk1 or 2....., and the reason the simplified Mk3 was easier and cheaper to produce than the Mk1’s and 2’s

Now you need to insert front and rear collars into the tube to support the graticle.

Machine about an inch or so from the rear of the inner sleeve and use that as the medium to lengthen the tube to Mk3 spec.

Make up a few sets of range and deflection drum assemblies plus a few graticle blocks plus the other odds and sods such as the clicker springs and plungers.

Assemble it all up and there, lo and behold, before your very eyes, a ‘repro’ Mk3, And if you started with a No53, you’ve even got the correct ocular lens cell.

Would it be economic? I don’t think so but a brilliant question Reedy. Anyone got any other ideas? I ask because I have had a No53 with No32 graticle pattern fitted to my privately owned SA80 L98A1, mounted on a SUSAT sight base with the zeroing adjustment on the mount

[read6737]

Thanks Peter for the thought out and no to disheartening reply.

It is something that I am thinking about,
I am getting a few bits together more as spare parts,
but also with the idea of building with some (alot) help.

The Israeli idea of putting modern internals in, is an idea but how easy is it?

In France you can use a copy in competitions as long as it is in the same spirit as an original.

Also is it possible to increase the magnification in an original??

[jmoore]

You could do something along the lines of a Liechert(sp?) adaptor to increase magnification, but it invariably makes the scope longer at the front. (Doesn't seem to be in the "spirit" of the original, though!) Plus it will only help if you are required to shoot tiny targets. The L1a1 (No32 Mk3) scopes on an L42a1 are easily capable of making 1MOA groups at distance, if the operator does his part. Most No4 MKI(T) rifles won't shoot this well, regardless of scope (I've tried, using the IWS bracket on different rifles w/ scopes up to 24x), so gains would be minimal.

[read6737]

Thanks
The gain for me is that I lost mt my eye sight 3 years ago, it went down to 1 in 10 in both eyes. It is now 5 in 19 and 1.5 in 10 and getting better after many laser and other surgery.
I shoot with my 5 in 10 eye and a magnification of just 3.5 is not quiet enough for me, one of up to 6x would be much better to see 200m, although I have shot groups of 20 cm or so at 200m in the right light, not too strong and not too dark.
6x is the max allowed on the other rifles in the comp i.e the German rifles.
But it would have to be an internal modification and not a added adapter.
This is the main reason I like the idea of building a 32 copy like the Israeli one with modern internals etc.

I am gong to shoot other comps at 200 and 300m I have an IWS mount and a Redfield LE12 sniper scope which is 2-12 x 56 and is very good at letting in the light. Too much magnification and one starts to shake and see the movement which is not good for my groups at least.
My stand is 3min by car from my house, and is a full length covered 200m range, with the light arriving from behind the shooter most of the day.

[jmoore]

Thanks for the clarification. Helps to firgure out what you need. The major drama I think you'll have trying to run up the power in a No.32 lookalike is the small objective. Exit pupil's going to shrink. (I'm envisioning trying to "slide" another scope inside a dummy exterior.-Doesn't seem very feasible! Hmmm, what else?....)

[Peter Laidler]

Great question and the many answers Reedy and others. Anyone else got any comments. The most difficult but would be casting the new Mk3 turret in place. Machining it would also be a bit of a drag but with CNC and once one edge is squared true, that should be relatively easy. Even the shorter tube length can easily be catered for by using the Mk1 and 2 type inner sleeve. The added bonus is that by doing that, you can use the original Mk1 and 2 type front shade too..............

Machining down the tube diameter will remove(?) the original markings too. The new markings are a simple pantograph engraving job..... if anyone still uses one that is!

[read6737]

Now how can I let this question just fade away?
Peter L, thought it was a GREAT QUESTION when I asked it in a PM to him.
Enough so that he suggested I put it out to the rest of you.
Come on this topic really interests me, and I know 32's are a hot topic at the moment.
Does any one have a really well broken 32 ?