Redfield 3x9 Scope for 700 BDL .243 varmit

Guest Annapolis · Guest

I have a Redfield 3x9 scope (with rangefinder reticle) mounted on my Remington 700 BDL. The rifle and scope sat unused in closets in various houses for 38 years and now the scope is so fuzzy that it is unusable. I can see the crosshairs but not what I am viewing through the scope. I tried cleaning the objective and rear lens but no luck so far. It may be that it is out of focus as well but I have forgotten how to focus the scope.
Any ideas? If all is lost, any ideas for a replacement at a reasonable price? Thanks.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:48 am Post subject:

Hi

Sounds like the seals have dried out and failed, so the scope has fogged up internally. If so, no amount of cleaning is going to fix it. It will need to be repaired. I don't have a contact for a riflescope repairman, but I'm sure someone does this work.

Redfield is still in business, but in name only. The current "Redfield" company bears no relation to the old Redfield company in terms of products or ownership. Not sure if the current Redfield company will honor a warranty on an old Redfield product, but you can try them at 1-800-323-3191

Unless your old scope is a high end model, it probably isn't cost effective to repair it, especially when you consider advancements in riflescope optics over the years. Even an avergae quality riflescope made today will be sharper and brighter than a good scope made nearly forty years ago. Unless your old scope has sentimental value or collector's value, it probably makes more sense to replace it.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

ranburr · Guest

The current Redfield will not fix your scope. They will most likely suggest an outfit in FL. I don't care for them because they take so long and I understand that you don't neccesarily get your own scope back. I would suggest Mike Sexton in OK City, OK. I am not sure which number is current but here they are (918) 445-2001, 445-2286, 521-7736. He charges a flat $53.00 fee and guarantees for one year. As said above, even if he fixes it perfectly (and he will) most any new scope will be better. I do use this sevice for the old 3/4 Redfield .22 scopes since they are no longer made and I detest a large scope on a .22.

ranburr

Guest Annapolis · Guest

Thanks to both for your replies. Both make sense. Any suggestions for a scope? I just bought a Bushnell 2.5x4 for a Ruger 10/22 for around a $100 at a local gun shop. What's good for the Remington? 3x9 around $150 or $200?

ranburr · Guest

I would suggest a 3-9x40 Burris Full Field II. It is a very rugged scope and the only scope that I know of in that price range that has fully-multi-coated optics and a lifetime warranty. For about $50.00 more you can look at the Weaver Grand Slam.

ranburr

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 9:37 am Post subject:

Hi

Can't argue with that. You might also consider the Bushnell Elite 3200 in a 3-9x40, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bu3el32hascw.html It just squeezes in at $200, but is a good value in an all-around big game scope, though only multi-coated instead of fully multi-coated like the Burris.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820