What can anyone tell me about the Lyman-marked 5-As.  I just found one looks all complete with both mounts for dovetail blocks.  I am amazed at how clear and crisp the optics and fine cross hair is. It looks to have a parallax adjust on the front optic unit but I'm not messing with it until I decide if I want to spend the $$ for it.  Exterior looks used but not abused.
Just ahead of the Lyman name is a very small 3 digit number.  Is that some sort of serial number?   How can I tell what the power is?

I have a few Lyman 5A scopes and consider them better than the Winchester A5s. As soon as Lyman used up all the inventory of Winchester stuff they redesigned the optical system and had a vendor make up more conventional Lenses. Winchester used a system designed for them that would make it very difficult to add or change anything in the Optical path. Lyman got out of that as soon as they could. Lyman quickly improved the mounts, here again as soon as they used up the Winchester inventory that came with the business. They never made any of the B5s that were really poor. well poor optically anyhow. They looked a lot like the Weaver B4 and B6 scopes when you looked thru them. The number is a serial number which makes me believe you have a Scope that is all Lyman and not Winchester leftover parts. A side note though. Years ago in a conversation with Paul Shuttleworth he noted and I quote. "The old scopes are nice to have as part of an original outfit. BUT! if you want to be competitive in today's world you need to buy modern Optics such as Supertargetspot or Unertl" I have found his sage advice to be very correct. My old scopes are neat to have but are not as good as the modern optics. HTH  Regards, FITZ.

DWS, I will check my Lymans tonight and let you know. But my memory does say the numbers were small. FITZ.

Well I went ahead and bought it.   It looks and feels solid and the cross hairs are pretty fine.   I can't get over how clear the lenses are.   I was looking at the sample MVA  John had at EG a year or so ago.  I honestly think this looks as bright.   I think the mounts (which do not click) could use a bit of cleaning and lubing.  probably try it on the Ballard
at the EG 22 shoot,  or the #2 roller, early next month.

I've been cruising the internet trying to find more about them.  Sounds like there is a lot of myth and lore about the military use of them---to say the least.

DWS, I checked two Lyman 5A scopes. They both have serial numbers. So small I had to use my magnifier to see them. I have others but they are on Rifles in the safe. All the Lyman 5A scopes I have are equipped with the early 4 point mount rear mounts and the Pope rib guide for the front mount. It is these things as well as the optics that I feel make the Lyman's better than the Winchester A5s. HTH Regards, FITZ.

Dang,  I've been looking at 5-A's on some of the web sites,   Anyone interested?   I think I'd sell mine for a thousand bucks too