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Quality of 1950" Redfield Scopes

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AftonJohnny View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AftonJohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Quality of 1950" Redfield Scopes
    Posted: November/06/2008 at 10:23
I've recently purchased a pre-64 (1957) Model 70 with afixed 4X scope.
I believe the scope is original to the rifle. The optics are clear, and the scope body is unmarked by other rings and shows no signs of wear.
How good were these scopes, and how do they compare to more recent scopes in their price segment (adjusted to 2008 prices).
I'd like to keep the rifle "period correct", but I'm wondering if Leupold or B&L of the same vintage were superior.
Thanks,
John
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 10:34
Eduardo where you at.   We need your old timer expertise.  
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 15:49
I think they were pretty good for that day, but I doubt it could hold up to some of the newer scopes adjusted for inflation. 
take em!
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Ed Connelly View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 15:56
Bucky      ahem............
 
If the scope is a Redfield it would be from 1959 onwards......Redfield did not buy Kollmorgen until 1958.  At first Redfield simply moved all the machinery and everything from Massachusetts to Denver and simply built the Kollmorgen scope using their own name stamped on it in Colorado.  
 
At first the Redfield Bear Cubs were 26mm, exactly like the Kollmorgens had been, but Redfield was working on that.  By 1962 Redfield came out with the 1" Tube and they also produced the world's first variable-power scope with a second focal plane reticle so that the reticle would not magnify as you raised the power.  That was the famous Redfield 3X9 Bear Cub.
 
During the sixties Redfield was considered one of the premier scope builders in America.  The Leupolds were not a better scope.  Bausch and Lomb was also a great scope.  So, as far as wanting a period-correct scope on your old Winchester,  all of the three we just mentioned were the cat's meow of the day.
 
How well they would be 50 years later, no one can say.  Those older scopes were only coated with one coating of magnesium fluoride and they will not be anywhere near as bright as even an inexpensive scope of today.  About 80% light transmission probably.  As far as resolution and clarity are concerned they are quite remarkable....but you will be going home when it gets dark like we used to do when I was a kid and the forests got dark in there.  They will still put a bullet where you are looking, unless they have taken a beating over the years.....Leupolds certainly have a good reputation for waterproofness and  endurance.  I don't know whether all Redfields have the same reputation---I guess it all depends on who owned them.....I have 1970s Redfields and I like them, although they are not like the new and magnificent " light-gatherers" of today.......
 
Those old scopes would have the same coatings as a VX-I Leupold with about TWICE as good an image.  You can always get them recharged for maybe $75 or so.....Bucky
 
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AftonJohnny View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AftonJohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 05:30
Thanks to all.
Ed, where can I get the scope recharged?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 08:53
Well, I will need some help here....
 
There is Parsons Scope Service @  www.parsonsscopeservice.com
 
There is a guy in Tulsa, OK but his name has flown out of my head right at this minute.....ANYBODY???     Bucky
 
There is an outfit in Florida.....Whatever    ( help.....) 
 
There is Ironsight International ( which I understand is going to attempt to be a repair shop for the old Weavers.....) 
 
and probably several more that these fellas here will give you the names of as soon as they see this thread..............
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 09:04
OK.....
 
Iron Sight Inc.
Mike Sexton
4814 S. Elwood Ave
Tulsa, OK 74107
(918) 445-2201
 
ABO USA   ( Florida )
 
 
Osborn Optical Systems
attn:  Earl Osborn
585 S. Dewey Rd.
Dewey, AZ 86327
(928) 632-8717 
 
                                                       Thunbs%20Up
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AftonJohnny View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AftonJohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 13:46
Thanks!!
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