Unertl External Adjusting Scopes

ligonierbill · December 17, 2024, 02:15 PM

Anyone here have experience with these scopes? Obsolete, sure, but so am I. What should I look for, watch out for?

Erno86 · December 17, 2024, 04:47 PM

I just bought one a couple of weeks ago....but it had no instruction booklet.

It has 2 variable focus adjuster rings on the front end of the scope tube. I spent a half hour at the range to figure that out and get it focused.

It is easy to bend the top clamp screw for the recoil coil spring, so may I suggest that you don't overtighten it.

And I believe that you need Unertl bases for it.

jcj54 · December 17, 2024, 11:22 PM

The external adjust scopes have some advantages over internal adjust, especially in the adjustment range. With the blocks set a 7.2 inch center to center spacing they give 1/4" adjustment at 100 yards. With the correct height differences on the blocks the scope will have an adjustment range from 50 feet to 1200 yards without difficulty for centerfire rifles.
They are somewhat delicate because the tube can be bent but robust enough to withstand recoil.
I own an early Unertl and several Lyman Super Targetspots as well as a Fecker. All perform well.
Things to look for include the rear mount having positive not mushy clicks and the plunger that does not bind. Also, clear lenses and smooth yardage adjustment on the front. Fun fact, the clicks move the tube precisely .0005" per click. Very repeatable.

tangolima · December 18, 2024, 12:05 AM

I read it somewhere that it needs to be reset after each shot.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

jcj54 · December 18, 2024, 07:26 AM

If the scope has no recoil spring it needs to be pulled back to the stop collar after each shot. If there is a recoil spring on it this is not necessary.

tangolima · December 18, 2024, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcj54

If the scope has no recoil spring it needs to be pulled back to the stop collar after each shot. If there is a recoil spring on it this is not necessary.

Right. USMC chose to remove the spring on their sniper rifles, because the spring might cause damage to the scope. Perhaps the mechanism is similar to what a springer airgun would do to a normal scope. The forward acceleration detaches reticle.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

**4V50 Gary** · December 18, 2024, 01:32 PM

It's my understanding that the USMC removed the recoil spring because they feared the spring could snag on jungle foilage.

jcj54 · December 18, 2024, 01:33 PM

The reticles are fine tungsten wire attached to the reticle mount with small screws. I have experienced no issues with my scopes all of which have recoil springs from the factory.
A scope equipped with a recoil spring can have the spring backed off so it does not work if one is concerned about it. Removing the spring risks damage that should be avoided.

ligonierbill · December 19, 2024, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the info. I bought a target rifle on GB that had, to me, odd looking scope mounts. The seller told me it had a Unertl on it. If I can find one at a less-than-outrageous price, I think I will give it a try.

jcj54 · December 19, 2024, 05:00 PM

Unertl scopes bring the highest prices. Lyman Super Targetspot scopes are not too far behind.
Fecker (he taught Unertl to make scopes) are next. Litschert and Davis scopes are the cheapest but are good quality. Davis was Litschert's son in law who took over the business when Litschert retired.
I have seen the old external adjustment scopes go fairly reasonably at gun shows where the seller knows little about them.

December 17, 2024, 02:15 PM	#1
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,648	Unertl External Adjusting Scopes Anyone here have experience with these scopes? Obsolete, sure, but so am I. What should I look for, watch out for?

December 17, 2024, 04:47 PM	#2
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,779	I just bought one a couple of weeks ago....but it had no instruction booklet. It has 2 variable focus adjuster rings on the front end of the scope tube. I spent a half hour at the range to figure that out and get it focused. It is easy to bend the top clamp screw for the recoil coil spring, so may I suggest that you don't overtighten it. And I believe that you need Unertl bases for it. __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell

December 17, 2024, 11:22 PM	#3
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 282	External adjustment scopes The external adjust scopes have some advantages over internal adjust, especially in the adjustment range. With the blocks set a 7.2 inch center to center spacing they give 1/4" adjustment at 100 yards. With the correct height differences on the blocks the scope will have an adjustment range from 50 feet to 1200 yards without difficulty for centerfire rifles. They are somewhat delicate because the tube can be bent but robust enough to withstand recoil. I own an early Unertl and several Lyman Super Targetspots as well as a Fecker. All perform well. Things to look for include the rear mount having positive not mushy clicks and the plunger that does not bind. Also, clear lenses and smooth yardage adjustment on the front. Fun fact, the clicks move the tube precisely .0005" per click. Very repeatable.

December 18, 2024, 01:32 PM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,306	It's my understanding that the USMC removed the recoil spring because they feared the spring could snag on jungle foilage. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 18, 2024, 12:05 AM	#4
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 5,178	I read it somewhere that it needs to be reset after each shot. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

December 18, 2024, 07:26 AM	#5
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 282	If the scope has no recoil spring it needs to be pulled back to the stop collar after each shot. If there is a recoil spring on it this is not necessary.

December 18, 2024, 01:33 PM	#8
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 282	The reticles are fine tungsten wire attached to the reticle mount with small screws. I have experienced no issues with my scopes all of which have recoil springs from the factory. A scope equipped with a recoil spring can have the spring backed off so it does not work if one is concerned about it. Removing the spring risks damage that should be avoided.

December 19, 2024, 01:54 PM	#9
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,648	Thanks for the info. I bought a target rifle on GB that had, to me, odd looking scope mounts. The seller told me it had a Unertl on it. If I can find one at a less-than-outrageous price, I think I will give it a try.

December 19, 2024, 05:00 PM	#10
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 282	Unertl scopes bring the highest prices. Lyman Super Targetspot scopes are not too far behind. Fecker (he taught Unertl to make scopes) are next. Litschert and Davis scopes are the cheapest but are good quality. Davis was Litschert's son in law who took over the business when Litschert retired. I have seen the old external adjustment scopes go fairly reasonably at gun shows where the seller knows little about them.