Rem 788 44 Mag scope?

6

682bear

Inactive
I have just acquired a very nice 788 in .44 magnum. It came with 5 magazines and an original Redfield scope base and rings. It was manufactured in 1967, but does not appear to have been shot more than a very few times.

I would like to acquire an original 'period correct' scope for this rifle, but have no idea what to look for. I would like something that might have been put on this rifle when it was new, but something that is also functional. I would also like it to have a smaller objective so I won't have to remove the original rear sight from the rifle to install it...

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions that would point me in the right direction...

Thanks- Bear
 
You might look on ebay for a vintage Redfield scope. I do not know the height of your rings, but you do. How big/small an objective will work for you ? Search for specifications on any scopes you might be interested in. The Redfield (non Widefield) was a big name in scopes back in the 60's,
 
Well, the rings are very low, actually. I put a Bushnell 4x 32 on it and had to remove the sight...

So I'm thinking that I may have to go with a scope without a bell on the end, or use higher rings, but I really wanted to keep the rings that came with it.

-Bear
 
Don't lose that rear sight! They are difficult to find and expensive when you do find one.

The rear sight is the first thing removed when a scope is mounted and they are often thrown away.
 
You wouldn't have picked that rifle up in Corinth MS or thereabouts would you? Saw one in a shop there about 6 mo ago. I had never seen one prior.

RE scopes, +1 to Weaver K4. Another might be a USA Redfield Widefield 4x. I have one that is very oval and the bell very sleek. The smallest option might be a Weaver K3. The obj end is 1"/20mm (tube size) and as small as you can go. K3's bring a price though.
 
Ditto to barmanger. I love the old Weaver K series and the Redfields.

My Remington 722 in 257 roberts sports an Old Style weaver K-12. It is still clear as a bell and holds true after 35 years of use.
 
Bamaranger: actually, I found it in a gunshop in Pensacola, but didnt buy it. 2 weeks later, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I called down there and had them ship it to me. Of course... USPS lost it for 5 weeks... nobody could tell me where it was, so I had given it up for good when it finally arrived.

DnPRK: No way that sight is gonna get away from me... the main reason I want a scope that will fit with the rear sight installed is just so it all stays together!:p

Thanks for all the advice, guys... now I'm gonna start shopping...

-Bear
 
Back in the 1970's Weaver was the low end scope, Redfield was middle, and Leupold & Stevens had the most spendy top end scope in USA.

Redfield 2X - 7X shared same tube body as their 4X. It was popular where I hunted: zero the rifle on 7X and set the scope for 2X on drives or 4X for posting. Many guys even shot varmints with their deer rifles using 7X setting.

Redfield has always had an excellent reputation for sturdiness and good optics

Jack
 
The K4 would be a great choice but if you can find it a Leupold M8 fixed 4X would be my top choice. Ironsight will repair those old Weaver's and Redfield's at $75+ each and a six month wait at a minimum. At least Leupold is still in business and will service the scopes for the cost of shipping. Much faster turn around time too.
 
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