Reproduction German Post Reticle Optic

[Whatsinaname181]

Hey all, new around here. Recently acquired a DOU 43, all markings intact, no russian capture markings, no importer markings either. Bolt all matching numbers, but mismatched to the rifle itself. Some poor fellow cut down the stock and I am going to attempt to restore this rifle to like-issue condition. I do want to mount an optic on this rifle, however I dont want to pay 3 million dollars for a ZF39 or the like.

I hear the reproduction ZF39's are junk. Is there anything affordable with a german post reticle/BDC that I can get close to to mount on this rifle? Newer or older?


Thanks!

 

[20PZGR]

Hi, I was in a similar position. When you add up the cost of the repro scope + mount you are very much in striking distance to a real WWII era commercial scope or a post -war example. They are better quality and very much look the part. I'm sure the fellas here will chime in, they were incredibly helpful to me. Good Luck.....

 

[bsd]

I prefer to use pre and post war scopes myself. DOU never made a sniper. But just wanting a repro shooter to look the part who cares. What mount style are you going to use? The reason I ask is some scopes with adjustable focus will limit where they are put in the rings. Also some later post war scope the tubes are not made of steel so they can't be soldered on as in a turret mount.

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Awesome. It can be post war, pre war. I dont care, i just want something close- that will last and not break my pocketbook. This is a budget project.


**Although, Im going to see how this rifle shoots before I put anymore money into it. So far, the barrel is pitted and the rifling looks severely worn. Im going to do some test firing with a couple brands of civilian ammo and see if its worth it. If not, I will relegate it to a truck gun and go buy an M38 Swede.

 

[20PZGR]

Well I guess the question is how big or small a budget? Below is a photo of a BNZ 41 I had done. It is of course incorrect in that it is too early for an LSR and I had it done in a phosphate finish as it was an RC to begin with so no great loss there, but it still cost a good amount of money with scope, mount, gun smith etc.

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Well I guess the question is how big or small a budget? Below is a photo of a BNZ 41 I had done. It is of course incorrect in that it is too early for an LSR and I had it done in a phosphate finish as it was an RC to begin with so no great loss there, but it still cost a good amount of money with scope, mount, gun smith etc.



View attachment 62683

Beautiful. Im not a stickler for years and total athenticity. This is built to be a shooter. I live in the mountains and spend a lot of time by myself in remote areas, and this rifle is perfect for that task (plus my love of german weapons). That being said, I just need something that fits the general time frame, and costs less than 300 dollars. The need is not immediate, I am just doing my homework right now. I hear its easy to go wrong on this end of K98s and I dont have the money to not get it right the first time.

More importantly, I punched the bore last night and this rifling is chewed up and pitted. Im going to grab a box of expensive hunting ammo and test fire for accuracy to see if this rifle can hit the broad side of a barn. It it cannot, I may rebarrel it in .308 and then move on to the optics portion of the project. All the awesomeness of a K98 in a caliber I already shoot and have components for.

 

[20PZGR]

Here's a suggestion, why not a Yugo M48 with a good power scope on a scout mount. I have one, it shoots great, is virtually a brand new rifle, shoots 8mm which I have in abundance and kinda has the look. The BNZ was re-barreled in 8mm as the bore was crap, but I left it in 8mm because I literally do not have a single .308 round or weapon. I also have a Swede M38, gorgeous rifle and in great shape but 6.5mm ammo is hard to come by.....

Here's a Yugo:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=376687353

and with a scout scope set up:

 

[agalland]

I hear the reproduction ZF39's are junk. Is there anything affordable with a german post reticle/BDC that I can get close to to mount on this rifle? Newer or older?


Thanks!

Ebay is loaded with commercial german scopes pre/post war that will fill the bill.

I have a kahles or 2 that would fill the bill but they are in the 350.00 range.

Have you thought about a LSR mount instead of a turret mount..?

Lothar walther replacement barrels in military configuration 8mm/.308 are 235.00 per.

If you have reloading componets for .308 already .making it into a .308 might not be a bad idea...less recoil also,along with good accuracy.

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Agalland, rgr that. Ive been browsing a lot of them. Thing is, Im not sure what to look for. Whats fake? Whats a good optic to buy? I know almost nothing about old school optics. Id like it to have decent glass, hold a zero, have a german post reticle and a BDC would be awesome. Oh yeah, and that the lense wont fall out when I discharge the rifle, lol.

Im taking shots in the dark right now.

 

[Twien]

Hey all, new around here. Recently acquired a DOU 43, all markings intact, no russian capture markings, no importer markings either. Bolt all matching numbers, but mismatched to the rifle itself. Some poor fellow cut down the stock and I am going to attempt to restore this rifle to like-issue condition. I do want to mount an optic on this rifle, however I dont want to pay 3 million dollars for a ZF39 or the like.

I hear the reproduction ZF39's are junk. Is there anything affordable with a german post reticle/BDC that I can get close to to mount on this rifle? Newer or older?


Thanks!

I would not say they are Junk. Quirky may be a better description. I have one that has lasted 600+ rounds. A Zeiss - no, but they can be functional. I shot an .8-inch, five shot, 100-yard group with a reproduction Zeiss ZF39 last week. Several manufactures make modern scopes with the picket post. However, I assume that you want one that looks WWII. You can buy pre and post WWII scopes for $200-$300, but they will likely need work (removal of rings, claws, rails). This takes time and will probably double the cost. When you blow out something on recoil, how will you fix it (no warranty on the antiques)? You might get a 30-60 day warranty on the repros, and you can replace it for $300 if you have to. Of course, it will probably take more than 60 days to get it mounted and tested.

I have an original Enfield No 4 (T) acquired 20 years ago. I occasionally like to shoot it, but the potential for scope damage has really killed it for me. I'm not that concerned about the rifle - just the scope. Having a No32 scope repaired or replaced is almost impossible (not to mention they are numbered to the rifle). I will probably get one of those "junky" replica No 32's for shooting purposes. If it lasts a 1000 rounds I'd be happy. Playing with the real deal or replicas, it's an expensive hobby.

 

[aus_k98]

I have a repro ZF39 scope and I don't think there junk at all. The optics are crystal clear and the tube is solid.
No problems so far.

 

[8x57mauser]

I've had one of the Ukrainian repro zf39 on my bcd 45 LSR since 2009 with close to 800 rounds fired. Scope has held up perfectly, no complaints.

 

[vaughn99]

Hello,

If you need to rebarrel to 308, heres something to think about coles sells Norwegian Military Grade K98 Contour barrels for 110 shipped CAN NOT beat the price for such quality military made grade barrel hands down IF your looking for a 308. don't forget to rebarrel a k98 is NOT cheap. you may of saved on the barrel but the barrel needs to be fitted to the receiver properly double crush, lugs lapped, chambered + the removal of sights from old barrel and now aligned on new barrel soldered and drilled perfectly. then there is rebluing the barreled action as the barrel is in the white. The cheap New zealand mounts look the part but a closer look many features or SHORT cuts is why there cheaper. all rebarrel work mentioned would run with shipping over 500.00 + cost of barrel. then next you need to make sure the stock is NOW fitted properly to your new barrel for maximun accuracy with correct free float and pressure points. If you can do this great most places charge about 150.00 to do this. Now you also need to install a RECOIL ring on your scope so about 150.00 with reblue, ring and install. Now add a mount of 250 for the cheap ones of a LSR + avarage of NON real deal sniper scope or commercial look alike 300.00 (can't get a ziess for this price) now most charge 350.00 for install of LSR mount your rifle + mount and bore sight. all listed with what you currently have, your at about 1850+ for you finished project. IF you got for HT/LT add about another 300 to the 1850 due to double solder points and dissassemble and reassemble of scope for soldering purposes and these scopes NEVER just fall apart after being together for 60 + years so time/money added for problems on dissassembly. NO CHEAP REPROS!! now with all that said you could always stumble on a deal that cut back on the total price, I was just posting the average/mean pricing. to wait for a deal it take years of reseach and WAITING took me 8 year to finish 1 project collectiong parts look for the DEALS. you will need to be patient and spent bookoo hours on searchs, it gets very time consuming checking EVERY DAY for new listing on all the various sights. I have the time for this but lots of others don't, you do put allot of other stuff back burner or don't time for while in the deals mode LOL

later
vaughn

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Hello,

If you need to rebarrel to 308, heres something to think about coles sells Norwegian Military Grade K98 Contour barrels for 110 shipped CAN NOT beat the price for such quality military made grade barrel hands down IF your looking for a 308. don't forget to rebarrel a k98 is NOT cheap. you may of saved on the barrel but the barrel needs to be fitted to the receiver properly double crush, lugs lapped, chambered + the removal of sights from old barrel and now aligned on new barrel soldered and drilled perfectly. then there is rebluing the barreled action as the barrel is in the white. The cheap New zealand mounts look the part but a closer look many features or SHORT cuts is why there cheaper. all rebarrel work mentioned would run with shipping over 500.00 + cost of barrel. then next you need to make sure the stock is NOW fitted properly to your new barrel for maximun accuracy with correct free float and pressure points. If you can doe this great most place charge about 150.00 to do this Now add a mount of 250 for the cheap ones of a LSR + avarage of NON real deal sniper scope or commercial look alike 300.00 (can't get a ziess for this price) now most charge 350.00 for install of LSR mount your rifle + mount and bore sight. all listed with what you currently have, your at about 1700+ for you finished project. IF you got for HT/LT add about another 300 to the 1700 due to double solder points and dissassemble and reassemble of scope for soldering purposes and these scopes NEVER just fall apart after being together for 60 + years so time/money added for problems on dissassembly. NO CHEAP REPROS!! now with all that said you could always stumble on a deal that cut back on the total price, I was just posting the average/mean pricing. to wait for a deal it take years of reseach and WAITING took me 8 year to finish 1 project collectiong parts look for the DEALS. you will need to be patient and spent bookoo hours on searchs, it gets very time consuming checking EVERY DAY for new listing on all the various sights. I have the time for this but lots of others don't, you do put allot of other stuff back burner or don't time for while in the deals mode LOL

later
vaughn

Thats exactly what I did. Heres some photos. Ive decided to go with the accumount LSR mount, and that way i dont have to further bent the K98 bolt, plus the LSRs have a quick detach, right?

The groups pictured are average 1.25-1.5 MOA at 100 meters using privi partizan ball ammo fired from the prone supported firing position. The rifle has been shimmed and floated per german specifications. Im sure with an optic and some match ammo, I will be doing much better. The rifle will be cold blued soon.

 

[vaughn99]

Hello Whatsinaname181,

just to help give the builder of this thread how much is your project running?? did you do all the work your self or did a gunsmith help?? like to compare as your project, like you mentioned is right were the poster might be heading. let us know how deep your on your project thus far as it looks like the LSR work is still ahead and scope work???


later
vaughn

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Hello Whatsinaname181,

just to help give the builder of this thread how much is your project running?? did you do all the work your self or did a gunsmith help?? like to compare as your project, like you mentioned is right were the poster might be heading. let us know how deep your on your project thus far as it looks like the LSR work is still ahead and scope work???


later
vaughn

Vaughn, I am the original poster.

 

[vaughn99]

DOH!!!!!!!

I saw you started question of DOU and them later saw a different rifle should have checked out the poster L O L

later
vaughn

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Ha, no problem! Ive done a bit more work on the rifle and Im currently doing accuracy testing with various handloads. The rifle is completely free floated, sans the very end of the wood stock. Im playing with the barrel shim to try and get her just right. This rifle was printing about 1 MOA but for some reason Im out around 2 or 3 right now. I dont know if its me, or the ammunition or the rifle. The first three rounds of yesterdays test fire printed exactly 1 MOA, then she started to really open up. Thats telling me (again unless its a marksmanship issue) that something was touching the barrel or it did not like the way I shimmed the barrel. Trial and error for now. She sure is coming back to life though. The purist collectors probably wont appreciate this rifle at all, but I basically built it from the ground up and put a lot of hours into bringing this piece of history (nothing is matching each other on any part of the rifle except the bolt!) back to life. It will make a fine all purpose rifle. Cant wait to get an optic mounted on her!

Finished the cold blue job on the barrel and bands, which were in the white, as well as the receiver ring which looked like someone took a dremel to the finish. Looks like new now and matches the original finish!

 

[emcon5]

I have a repro ZF39 scope and I don't think there junk at all. The optics are crystal clear and the tube is solid.
No problems so far.

Which scope do you have? Where do you get the Ukrainian scopes, are those the ones Saraco has?

Hello,

If you need to rebarrel to 308, heres something to think about coles sells Norwegian Military Grade K98 Contour barrels for 110 shipped CAN NOT beat the price for such quality military made grade barrel hands down IF your looking for a 308. don't forget to rebarrel a k98 is NOT cheap. you may of saved on the barrel but the barrel needs to be fitted to the receiver properly double crush, lugs lapped, chambered + the removal of sights from old barrel and now aligned on new barrel soldered and drilled perfectly. then there is rebluing the barreled action as the barrel is in the white. The cheap New zealand mounts look the part but a closer look many features or SHORT cuts is why there cheaper. all rebarrel work mentioned would run with shipping over 500.00 + cost of barrel. then next you need to make sure the stock is NOW fitted properly to your new barrel for maximun accuracy with correct free float and pressure points. If you can do this great most places charge about 150.00 to do this. Now you also need to install a RECOIL ring on your scope so about 150.00 with reblue, ring and install. Now add a mount of 250 for the cheap ones of a LSR + avarage of NON real deal sniper scope or commercial look alike 300.00 (can't get a ziess for this price) now most charge 350.00 for install of LSR mount your rifle + mount and bore sight. all listed with what you currently have, your at about 1850+ for you finished project. IF you got for HT/LT add about another 300 to the 1850 due to double solder points and dissassemble and reassemble of scope for soldering purposes and these scopes NEVER just fall apart after being together for 60 + years so time/money added for problems on dissassembly. NO CHEAP REPROS!! now with all that said you could always stumble on a deal that cut back on the total price, I was just posting the average/mean pricing. to wait for a deal it take years of reseach and WAITING took me 8 year to finish 1 project collectiong parts look for the DEALS. you will need to be patient and spent bookoo hours on searchs, it gets very time consuming checking EVERY DAY for new listing on all the various sights. I have the time for this but lots of others don't, you do put allot of other stuff back burner or don't time for while in the deals mode LOL

later
vaughn

I am planning on building a RC barreled action I got from RGuns a couple years back into a HT, I know it is not "correct" but I plan on using the Accumounts high turret mount with split rings. My intent is to initially use an El Paso steel tube Weaver K4, and keep my eyes open for either a post war German scope, or a repro.

Do you have a ballpark on what the cost would be to remove the original barrel and install a Norwegian barrel, move the sights from the old to new barrel, and install the turret mounts?

Thanks.

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Which scope do you have? Where do you get the Ukrainian scopes, are those the ones Saraco has?



I am planning on building a RC barreled action I got from RGuns a couple years back into a HT, I know it is not "correct" but I plan on using the Accumounts high turret mount with split rings. My intent is to initially use an El Paso steel tube Weaver K4, and keep my eyes open for either a post war German scope, or a repro.

Do you have a ballpark on what the cost would be to remove the original barrel and install a Norwegian barrel, move the sights from the old to new barrel, and install the turret mounts?

Thanks.

My smith charged me about 150. I also had him silver solder the new original type sight bands, front and rear. Overall, I got a good deal. YMMV.