N80
Super Member
I have a J.C. Higgins 30-06 bolt action rifle that was sold by Sears in the 1950's. Despite being a "department store" rifle, it has an FN Mauser action and the barrel is chrome lined and made by High Standard. It has a plain walnut stock with raised cheek piece with average cut checkering. So, it's nothing beautiful to look at but in reality it is a fine rifle. It is quite accurate.
For the last few years I've had a Lyman peep sight on it just for fun. I've killed several hogs and a doe with it. But, I'm finding the peep sight increasingly more difficult to use and even at 30 yards I did not make a good shot on the doe. I'm not willing to make any more bad shots that might wound an animal just so I can play with a peep sight.
I have plenty of other deer rifles with good, modern Leopold and Nikon scopes on them. So I want to set this rifle up with a scope consistent with its age. Something from the 50-60's.
But, I don't know anything about older scopes. I realize the optics will not be coated (or minimally if they are), that the objective lens will not be as large as my modern ones and in general the optics will not be as good. That's fine.
I want to go with an American brand. I guess that leaves Weaver and Redfield. I do not want to spend a ton of money. Maybe $300. I will be buying used of course and there is no need for the scope to be pristine because the rifle isn't. Does anybody know which specific model or Weaver or Redfield would be best. I'm thinking one of their higher line models. A fixed 6x would be fine but I suppose I'm more likely to find a 3x9.
Any advice much appreciated.
For the last few years I've had a Lyman peep sight on it just for fun. I've killed several hogs and a doe with it. But, I'm finding the peep sight increasingly more difficult to use and even at 30 yards I did not make a good shot on the doe. I'm not willing to make any more bad shots that might wound an animal just so I can play with a peep sight.
I have plenty of other deer rifles with good, modern Leopold and Nikon scopes on them. So I want to set this rifle up with a scope consistent with its age. Something from the 50-60's.
But, I don't know anything about older scopes. I realize the optics will not be coated (or minimally if they are), that the objective lens will not be as large as my modern ones and in general the optics will not be as good. That's fine.
I want to go with an American brand. I guess that leaves Weaver and Redfield. I do not want to spend a ton of money. Maybe $300. I will be buying used of course and there is no need for the scope to be pristine because the rifle isn't. Does anybody know which specific model or Weaver or Redfield would be best. I'm thinking one of their higher line models. A fixed 6x would be fine but I suppose I'm more likely to find a 3x9.
Any advice much appreciated.
