Dellet wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2025 at 11:52am:


I bought a minty Lyman Targetspot early last year that appeared brand new in it's original brown cardboard box! No signs on the bases it had even been slid on barrel bases! But the adjustments for windage and elevation were extremely stiff, and barely moved!
I loosened the tension screw and then used a syringe to get lightweight oil into the turrets and it immediately loosened up. The adjustments for focus on the scope body were fine, and moved easily. Just seemed like mounts had gotten a different oil that had turned to varnish over many years.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I bought a Litschert in a pawn shop a couple years ago that was resting on a pegboard with about a 1/4" of dust on it. Playing dumb I said "what's that?" Reply: "That's a rare Lichertal. I'll take $75 for it." No crosshairs but I cheerfully paid the man, and that's how he spelled it on the receipt. Twenty minutes of cussing and holding my breath and I had new tungsten hairs in it and am pleased with function.

I bought the first Litschert scope for ground squirrelshooting  in 1960 or 61. Wanted a Unertl, but couldn't afford the $75 price tag. Purchased the Litschert, still have it, and it still functions as well as the day I bought it. Bought another somewhat later with the sliding focus, and found it much easier to use for varmint shooting, rather than rotating but sliding horizontally. I have or have had many older scopes, Sidle, Stevens, Lyman, Winchester, Cummins, Malcom, etc. and untold numbers of more modern scopes. What I have ultimately decided, is that modern scopes are capable of higher definition, stronger construction, brighter(amount of light reaching the eye). A good example are the current Nightforce scopes made in Japan. Much of the credit must go to computer aided design, better glass and deeper pockets. That being said, I would not have one on a fine Ballard or other lovely single shot rifle. Kind of a painted lady so to speak. The choice is up to the user. And I wish you good luck. I always remember some thing my mom taught me long ago when I told her I didn't like peas, and she responded, how can you say you don't like peas, when you have never tried them. Any of the scopes mentioned by others here will serve you well, if prperly maintained and cared for.

Bent Fecker. It was a 20 power.

Joe, please tell us more about how that Fecker got bent.

It was Terry's wife's hammerless Ballard. Latecomers arrived at the match after Terry had charged a case. A cease fire was called to let the tardy go post targets. When the match resumed Terry charged the case a second time.

Indeed the barrel was made from Stessproof steel. The barrel shank was wrapped with Teflon tape indicating there was space between the threads and receiver ring. She opened up like a banana peel. The barrel and scope were pitched forward onto the ground in front of Terry's bench.

The top of the receiver ring blew off going straight up and ricocheted off the roof tin cover and struck Chuck Bordman on the upper arm. The forestock shattered into splinters imbedding in Terry's left arm. It was a mess I can tell you. 
Never wrap Teflon tape on a barrel shank thinking you will tighten it up and never double charge. 

Chuck was overacting as usual. Terry healed up. Not sure what happened to the bent Fecker or how bad it was damaged. 

One time Chuck was de-priming Snider cases when a primer went off and went through the tip of his pinky. At the emergency room he told them he had been shot. Well you can imagine what happened then.... He got a lot more attention than he had anticipated.