no 32 scope advise

[tonyd]

hi all, my first post on here so ge easy on me haha,
i have been looking at a T to purchase, the rifle itself checks out but i have some concerns about the scope, its a mk1 and very dark to look through plus a bit cloudy and the drums are very hard to turn compared to others i have handled. is this something to steer away from or is it generally repairable? this scope looks to have never been pulled apart or rebuilt is there a risk of it falling to bits or damaging something with use as i do actually want to shoot this rifle. cheers.

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[Gil Boyd]

Tony,
Firstly welcome to the site.
You will get a great deal of support from those who know the in's and out's of both the rifle breed as well as the most intimate details of the scopes.
Is there any chance of some photos of both to assist you?

[tonyd]

thanks Gil, yes your are correct in saying there are a lot of knowledgeable people here on this forum, i was even pointed to this site to by a fallow member to enquire and use my favourate saying "no harm in asking".
i will hopfully get some photos this weekend, its a reasonably early mk1 scope 1941 #1400 odd serial number, still has the sunshade, matchig tin, tool, lens cap ect. but if im forking out a decent amount of coin for the setup i want to be able to shoot it. well thats if i can even see out of it at 2 or 300 yards its rather dark almost tinted. i dont want to buy this setup in the hope the scope is usable or rebuildable, in that case id rather wait untill something better turns up but the only problem with that is there are just not alot of Ts here in NZ to pick and choose from. is a good repro 32 scope worth it? do they actually handle being used and hold a zero?

[Gil Boyd]

I can't remember a member who was able to repair and bring back from the dead a No32 scope in Christchurch NZ or on the north island. They normally make their way back to the UK and Peter Laidlaw does his magic with his hands and you end up with a 100% usuable piece.
I take it you haven't bought either yet then?
If not what sought of money is being asked for the rifle and scope as I am sure those who deal in these would give you some sound advice?
Looking forward to some photos to help members give you the advice you need.

[Peter Laidler]

It's NOT this Peter Laidler.....

[Gil Boyd]

Be good if I spelt your name right first time after a few Guinesses Peter
Tony, there will be those on the site who might help you when you have acquired the said rifle and scope, apologies, I think Peter has retired from area of work.
Just put a plea out when you have it in your hands and I am sure those people will come forward to sort it for you

[CINDERS]

Its the old adage with the repro's you get what you pay for some have had good reports others not so good the No.32 was built to last and take a reasonable beating not that you would throw it against a brick wall but you get the drift as for the other stuff from what I have read on this site with the information supplied by the experts is the scope has a couple of issues.
The cloudiness or tinting could/maybe be caused by a couple of things there has been an ingress of moisture or the balsamic type glue that holds the lenses together has degraded, the turrets being stiff or not turning sounds like the grease has hardened over the years and set under no circumstances try and turn the turrets as you can do irreparable damage to the inner workings.
Its not terminal and nothing that cannot be fixed its just trying to find a person whom has the experience I thought there was a mob in Sydney Aus that did them anyway if I have inadvertently said the incorrect thing about the scope in question others will set the record straight and duly smack me for mis-information

[Macca]

Malcolm Eames in Brisbane will be the man to speak to in this hemisphere.

[Gil Boyd]

Tony, there you go. Hope all goes well on the purchase, and look forward to seeing and hearing about bhow it went.

[tonyd]

thankyou for the input everyone, i will let you guys know how i get on shortly.