NOS Vintage Redfield Accu-Rance 3-9x scope for M40 projet - Value and opinion

[MescaBug]

I bought a rifle from a nice gentleman yesterday. I was packing it up when I notice a Redfield scope box on a shelf, along with other misc stuff.

I asked if I could take a look at it. He said yes... I couldnt believe it.. This scope has never been mounted. It is brand new, not a scratch, turrets have never been touched. Original box with papers and all. Still has the sticker on it! Accu-range with the 200-600y tombstone and 2 top lines. Papers says: 18" reference wire.

Told me he bought it mid-60's. Papers are dated 66. He put it on the shelf 47 years ago, and its been sitting there since. He said; I'm glad you found it! My reply; didnt found it, its right there... It been there for so long, I guess he didnt see it anymore. The best thing about it, he gave it to me for free... I just couldnt believe it. I gave him some money, so I didnt feel cheap.. I found a set of Redfield rings in the box, brand new. They are stamped '1-66'.

I bought a similar Redfield scope a few weeks ago. Its used... I want to send it to Celtic Rifles to get it rebuilt and green anodized. But its not a 1st gen... doesnt have the '1" Tube" marking. This is for a M40 project.

Whats the value of a NOS scope like that? I see them on eBay often, 200-400$. But this is a NOS item.. Would you mount it on a rifle? Would you have it anodized?

Dont know what do to.. Opinions are welcomed!

 

[MescaBug]

Serial is F698XX.. Is there a serial registry somewhere?

 

[Rainier42]

MB ... that is a 1st gen and it does have the 1" tube markings on it. How do the lenses look, are they clear? Really great find! I would give Connor at Celtic a call and maybe he can give you a sense of what a virgin scope like this would be worth, maybe help you with your decision.

 

[mjh30]

Mescabug, a great find, its remarkable what you can find out there and the 1-66 marked rings as well. As much as it pains me to say this, that scope is really the only scope that should be anodized green not the gen 2 which were satin anodizied just like the original Art Tel scopes. Although its such a rare find, it seems a pity to do anything with it. On page 141 of The One Round War, theres a great picture of one of the first M700 sniper rifles produced by Remington and shes wearing a gloss black accurange. As for price, several years ago a scope like this would have made 6+ plus on Ebay, the market does seem to have teetered off greatly, but its such a rare gem. I was fortunate to pick up an original satin anodized scope several years ago, although it was in very good condition, I had Ironsight recondition it for me, your scope its just a beautiful find.

 

[Rainier42]

I would think the value in this scope is that it is NOS. If/when you mount it, it's value may go down a bit. Other thing to consider is that it is a 45 year old scope at this point and the cosmoline seal (yes, internal grease is cosmoline) inside my have dried up a bit so a rebuild might not be a bad idea. Others may want to chime in here ...

 

[MescaBug]

I'll give Connor @ Celtic a call.

So it is possible that the very first M40 were equipped with gloss Redfields.. I've never seen a combat issued M40 with a gloss scope though. Tactically, thats a bad idea.. They probably never left the factory like that.

Rainier42: Lenses are in perfect condition. I'll snap a pic when the lighting is better.

If I mount it, it will be on a era-correct M40 clone. Value of the scope may go down, but it would be a shame to store it on a shelf again... I'd rather use it.

 

[Guest]

If it were mine I'd donate it to the Sniper museum at Ft. B. Ga.
That same model was bought from PX's and was used in 4 different country's long, long, ago.

 

[Rainier42]

If you are going to use it then I would get it reanodized.

 

[cattle buyer]

I have my Dads scope ,its the twin to your find, I have it mounted on a Win mod 52 sporter, its my squirrel getter. One of the few non AO scopes that work with my old eyes. Put me on the list if U decide to sell. very best

 

[D_TROS]

Vintage Redfield 3X 9x Accu Range Rifle Scope MCH 1960'S | eBay

was wondering who got that. Dont know whats what here, but that scope was listed on ebay a couple weeks ago. Then randomly the auction ended. I was terribly irritated I didnt win it!!!

Either way, nice scope sir,
DT

 

[MescaBug]

I was watching it also. I contacted the seller for the serial. This one was P172**. I was curious about it since the catalog is from 1964 and it was listed as 1967? It had a 150-450y Accu-Range reticle... Not the usual 200-600.

Most 1st gen I saw had a serial beginning with 'Y' like mine.

I tried to bid on it, but eBay policies and buyers requirements prevented me from bidding on anything 'gun' related. I'm in Canada.....

Cant believe it sold for 99$. That's a steal!

EDIT: Serial begins with F, not Y. Brain fart.