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common sniper scope?

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remmylite View Drop Down
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    Posted: October/12/2007 at 12:27
I was recently reading a book that had a bunch of common military sniper set ups, and it mention the Unertl brand scope. i was just wondering how come i never see this scope mentioned on this page?  i looked it up i couldnt find much info except that itll run you about $2500. if it is a high quality military grade scope i fugured i wouldve read about it in the threads that have centered around S&B or USO. Is this thing over priced or hard to get? not that im looking to buy one just alittle curious.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Graysteel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2007 at 13:33

Unertl scopes we used in the Vietnam era sniper rifles. I know the marines used them, not sure about anyone else. (that was a bit before my time)

You got me curious and I looked it up... there is a nearly 10 year old thread on snipercountry about them:

http://www.snipercountry.com/hottips/ScopeUnertl.htm




Edited by Graysteel
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remmylite View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote remmylite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2007 at 13:45

this is what i have found

 

http://www.unertloptics.com/scopes2.aspx?scc=UNERTL-10X

 

if i had the money i would consider buying one, seems like a good investment that will hold its value. i like the oversized turrets. i saw one on top of an RAI model 300, and if i could find one of those for sale i might consider selling a kidney.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/13/2007 at 10:26
They are great scopes, very good glass, rock solid mechanics, nearly indestructible; however, $2,500 for a fixed 10X is a bit excessive.  Also, the company hasn't sold direct for that long so, since people don't know much about them, they tend to go with known values.

Most of the Unertls sold go to guys putting together M40A1 replicas or original rebuilds of old guns.

And, the real trick: if you can find an original "USMC" stamped Unertl, buy it; they will continue to appreciate in value as they become more scarce.  The marking means it was original USMC gear, the civilian versions lack that marking.

Great scopes, but I'd consider this one too (if you are in the market for a bomb-proof fixed 10X.)

http://www.usoptics.com/product.php?partnumber=MST-100

Same price, exceptional Customer Service. (I am NOT promoting non-SWFA products; since neither Unertl or USO are sold here, I figured I could throw it out there.

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Critter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Critter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2007 at 11:31
There is an old saying that goes something like this:

THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS IS A FADING MEMORY.

Now I will have to admit that the UNERTL scopes I saw that were originals were some that had been returned to USO for refurbishment and repair. By that time, they had been out in the fleet for many years, and as one staff sergeant said, "Rode hard and put away wet many times." There was evidence of every kind of wear and tear possible on a scope, including corrosion of non ferrous parts, discolored or blurred glass, etc.

At that time USO was responsible for repair, replacement and refurbishment of what they called the MST-100 (.30 cal) and MST-150 (.50 caliber) versions. Main difference was the ballistics cam in the elevation knob. It appeared that they had replaced many of the non-ferrous parts with stainless, improved the internal design of the mechanicals and replaced the glass with improved and optimized versions, taking advantage of of many years of improvement in available scope and lens technology.

USO also made approximately 1000 or so, MST-100 and MST-150 for the civilian market, one of which I acquired to put on my M700 target rifle, shown below.



Edited by Critter
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Dale Clifford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2007 at 11:44
buy microsoft at 29
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Critter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2007 at 16:39
Here is a close up look at the M40A3 (Fake) with modifications to M700 per USMC drawing. Note modifications to bolt handle and trigger group are my personal preferences.



Edited by Critter
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ericsrussell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2007 at 02:33
I was active durring the shift of scopes from the Unterl to the S&B and let me tell you there is a reason for the upgrade.... I love the Unterl and disliked the new scope untill we got used to it. But trying to get your hands on a original is just trying to buy a piece of history. My 2 cents wouldbe spend your money elsewhere. Unless you want that old used USMC scope that is only 1/2 as capable as today new scopes. Good scope but it has been phased out for a reason..
 
Eric
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Newone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2007 at 21:13
I'm a bit confused. I recently met and shot with an active duty Marine Corps sniper, recently returned from Iraq. He told me that they still use Unertl 10X scopes on the Rem 700's. Are these new manufacture or are they recycling the Vietnam-era scopes? Shocked
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2007 at 22:29
If he was he was one of the unlucky ones-- make sure if your going to buy one of these relics it's not stolen government property, possibly could cause a lot of problems.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/10/2007 at 09:25
Originally posted by Dale Clifford Dale Clifford wrote:

If he was he was one of the unlucky ones-- make sure if your going to buy one of these relics it's not stolen government property, possibly could cause a lot of problems.
 
+1 there was a stolen one recently on ebay that got removed, money is better spent elswhere.


Edited by Trinidad - December/10/2007 at 11:04
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/11/2007 at 16:49
From what I understand, there are still some Unertls bouncing around the Corps - probably mostly in Reserve units.

If you want to buy one that says, "USMC Sniper" be very careful, some slipped out into civilian markets (legally) and probably even more got out illegally.  Buyer beware.  I'd get copies of the documentation and I would contact John III at US Optics with the serial number, he can tell you if it ever went through their shop and where and to whom it went.

If you want one for the history, it is well worth the money.  if you want one as a cutting-edge piece of field-grade gear, look elsewhere.  They are good, they are tough, they are well built, but they are antiquated and I wouldn't put one on a modern weapon.

And did I mention you can get the US Optics version brand new for $2,500 - much better scope!
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