[Whatsinaname181]

Ive had a couple discussions with a few folks on this board about the topic, but I figured why not throw a line out there and see what I can find out before I leap into a mistake.

My german K98 needs an optic that I can dial DOPE on. The Picar Berlin is a great optic, and I will hang onto it, but I need something that will be repeatable in adjustments, period correct and is durable/able to hold zero. I dont want a sloppy BDC dial, but something that is precise. Many of you are knowledgeable on the subject more than I, so please educate me.

I am currently considering either a Ukrainian repro ZF39, but I am not sure if it will hold up to what I am looking for.

Im also looking at some original ZF39s, but again, they are old and they could break just easily, right?

Maybe there are some other optics I am overlooking as well such as the AJACK? Looking for some good knowledge here please. Again, Ive heard mixed reviews about the repro ZF's and I dont want to blow 300 bucks on a substandard optic that wont do the job. The last thing I want to do is climb a mountain, dial a bead on an elk, only to discover that my optic is broken, has shifted zero or did not repeat to the previous range setting.

THANKS!

 

[Joop]

The problem you will run into is that "period correct" and "dialing dope" really won't go hand in hand in this realm. The German scopes and mounts of the period just weren't made for it. Elevation can be very repeatable in the right scope, but windage is always going to be held off. This is one of the main reasons that I've hesitated on using my SSR clone in the vintage sniper matches. I'm hoping to change that this year, but I've really been spoiled by the ease of operation offered by Russian scopes of the same period. With them, it's just a matter of shoot, correct and you're on (or even dialing in the estimated drift, based on a dope card, before ever pulling the trigger). To be able to do that with my K98 would be heaven! So, you either have to get really good at doping the wind and holding it off, or use a later period scope, I think.

 

[Joop]

Forgot to mention:

I don't have any personal experience with the repro ZF39 scopes, but have also heard some bad reports. However, I've found the postwar Hensoldt Wetzlar Dialytan scopes to be very rugged and if you search patiently, you can probably get one for even cheaper than the repros. That's the route I took and I'm happy with it.

John

 

[mike radford]

Put a PEM on it. The Germans used them and they will get the job done. Rugged, have windage adjustment, good optics, Zeiss design and great scopes.

My zf39 replica died in its third useage.

 

[Joop]

Put a PEM on it. The Germans used them and they will get the job done. Rugged, have windage adjustment, good optics, Zeiss design and great scopes.

My zf38 replica died in its third useage.

Doh! Why didn't I think of that? Of course! :facepalm:

 

[Whatsinaname181]

I never dial for wind even with modern long guns. I have thought about a PEM, but they are not 26.5mm, right? They are larger than my LSR mount rings are. Unless I missed something.

I would love to have a PEM. Are repro PEM's decent or should I get an original? I know squat about PEM optics.

 

[mike radford]

The Chinese PEMs are not well established one way or the other. I would avoid them. I have a very heavily used PEM, minus recoil ring, on my LSR. The originals have held up well in my experience.

 

[Whatsinaname181]

How did you get a PEM to fit in an LSR?

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Awesome gents... now I just need to find a period optic to put on her then. Preferably post-war. There seems to be so many options, not sure. The PEM would be nice, but again- different diameter.

 

[Joop]

Awesome gents... now I just need to find a period optic to put on her then. Preferably post-war. There seems to be so many options, not sure. The PEM would be nice, but again- different diameter.

I usually have my eye out for such things. If I find something that I think would work, I'll drop you a line.

John

 

[Whatsinaname181]

Thanks Joop. I hope Im not grasping at straws here.