Did I make a poor purchase?

[Allen Humphrey]

Since I will never likely be able to afford a real A4, one of my long term projects is to build a clone. Therefore I have kept an eye out for some parts. I happened on an GB auction for “a lot of 3 weaver scopes”. Buried in the description was a Weaver 330. The picture showed what I think is the civilian versions without a serial number or the detent turrets, but close never the less. I took an uninformed chance and bid and got the 3 of them for 50. Considering my intent for a decent want-to-be A4 did I do OK on price or waste 50 bucks on otherwise worthless scopes. The other two were a B4 and V22, but I only really wanted the 330. Am I correct that this is the commercial version of the M73B1? Thanks for any info.

[Dan in NY]

Yes...this is a commercial model 330......You did just fine....For ONCE we see someone who sold a Weaver 330 commercial model and didn't advertise it as a "WW2 sniper scope"......

Now get some parkerized 3/4" rings and a Redfield base....You're well on your way....

nice score...

[Johnny P]

Before the jump up in military weapon prices you use to see the Weaver 330 on old hunting guns at the gun shows, but now they have all become "off the shelf" military scopes. You did good for a look alike.

[pelago]

did fine, now go out and get the redfield jr for the 03A3

you can get a good action from Gibbs for less than 300, it will be correct and serviceable, then a stock and metal and someone to drill and tap and bend bolt........

barrels can be found if you are patient took me a couple of years but i found all and all pieces and parts are vintage, mine could have been a 1903A4

and it do shoot

[Allen Humphrey]

Thanks Guys. I was concerned that my impulse buy might not be worth the price of shipping, but I knew that it wasn't a M73B1 and I am fine with that. I'm sure i won't be able to tell the difference when I am looking down the tube. I am really impressed by how well the 1903 family of rifles shoot with stock iron sights, I can't wait to see how it will do with glass. Still a few years down the road. Gotta finish the other projects first!

[Mike D]

Considering the outrageous prices people are paying for a Weaver 330 anything, you did very well! Sell the other stuff you don't need and your coming out like a bandit. Check out this scope just like yours - http://cgi.ebay.com/Weaver-Model-330-scope-VG-works-1903-A4-mounts-/230554836610?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ae239e82

Why did it sell for so much? 'Cause the guy mentioned the M1903A4!

And this is one of the cheaper ones!

If the B4 and V22 are both in good shape, they could be worth the $50 themselves.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

You did good.

Jim

[Hal O'Peridol]

That's how my A4 project started. About 10 months ago I picked up a post and crosshair Lyman Alaskan for 24 bucks at a small gun show. The guy just before me picked up the other one for 25 dollars. It had the leather lens covers.

[jgaynor]

[QUOTE Am I correct that this is the commercial version of the M73B1? Thanks for any info.[/QUOTE]
No. Its close. As part of the specifications for the A4 Ordnance specified "click" adjustments for the windage and elevation knobs. The two specifically approved models were the Weaver 330C and the Lyman Alaskan. The specifications also left the door open for any other vendors who could meet the basic spec. Commercially the Weaver 330 was offered in two versions, the 330C and the 330S (S for Silent adjustments). The 330S requires a tool or coin to change the adjustment settings.
For your purposes its perfectly suitable.

Regards,
Jim

[jennifer123]

I also want to know about weapons. Please tell each and every weapon price if anybody buy.

[Bill D]

i also want to know about weapons. Please tell each and every weapon price if anybody buy.

looks like a brand new spam artist ! ! ! !

[Mike D]

I also want to know about weapons. Please tell each and every weapon price if anybody buy.

Forgive me, but I can't help but picture a small Asian lady wanting to blow somebody up! :eek:

[Hal O'Peridol]

I also want to know about weapons. Please tell each and every weapon price if anybody buy.

Me love you long time GI.

[ltcboy]

read, think in Brophy, earliest A4's used off shelf 330's before marked M73B1 models available. only steel tube sturdiest available at time. need opinion experts?

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Say what?

JT

[Darreld Walton]

read, think in Brophy, earliest A4's used off shelf 330's before marked M73B1 models available. only steel tube sturdiest available at time. need opinion experts?
I don't think Ordnance went out and specified the 330 because it was the best, or ideal, or what was really wanted. More likely, it was the only thing available in quantities they could use, and wrote the spec to meet that model.
Truth be told, the 330 is a pretty pathetic piece of glass, and wasn't the 'best' by any stretch in 1943!