Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vintage Weaver 330

I usually post on other sites in this forum but I thought I'd toss this out there and see what happens. The other day I came across a Weaver 330 in a gun shop for 25-bucks that is in nearly new condition. I've always been skeptical about these old Weavers as most I saw were well used. I understand the 330's place in the history of American scopes and I have to admit I am a bit impressed with this thing. The glass is brighter (but far from modern) than I thought it would be and it is built like a proverbial tank. Does anyone else have any other thoughts or observations on these scopes. Many thanks and I look forward to reading your responses.

One came to me on a 99E I bought. It had a dot on crosshair reticle. I used it for one season deer hunting, but hated that reticle for hunting. I put it on a CZ452 because it fit with the iron sights on the rifle. I like using it on the .22.

It's ironic you said you got yours on a 99E as the reason I was in the shop was to purchase a 99EG. I saw the Weaver when I scrounged through a cardboard box that was marked "cheap scopes."

For a $25 investment, you can’t go wrong. I’d would go ahead & purchase the scope myself.

Thanks and I did snag it. And now I have that age old problem of having a nice "period" scope and nothing to hang it on. Hmmm, maybe in et o Stith mounts for that old take down 99F of mine or,......

I have one on my grandfathers sporterized 1917 Enfield. When I first inherited the rifle I thought about changing out to a more modern scope but decided to hunt it as my grandfather had killed several truckloads of animals with it. That was 14 years ago and that old 4x scope still does it's job and makes meat every year. Those scopes are pretty rugged and plenty good for hunting.

Those go for good money, especially the post and crosshair models. Check EBay, you will be surprised

Hmm, and mine is in about 98% condition....

Mine came attached to a Savage 99 TD in .22 HP. Works well in that application.

I sold the one I had for 400.00.

Not sure when you sold yours but I remember a few years back they were going for a lot of money when the milspec sniper craze was going. I also remember you couldn't give one away back in the 90s. I don't know what value they have these days.

I sold mine two years ago.

I haven't looked through a 330 but recently bought a 1947 K2.5 and am amazed how good it seems. The field blending (lack of tunnel vision) and eye-relief flexibility (eyebox) rival that of a post-war Nickel Supra.

The 330’s were a great scope for their time.

The 330 was junk. Dark, not waterproof, tiny FOV etc. The German scopes were light years ahead. Even a WW ONE German scope is far better. Until we got the Lyman Alaskans and 8X Unertls we were SOL. People pay for 330s to be authentic, not because they are any good. You can be "authentic" with an Alaskan or M82 and still be able to see what you are shooting at.

Never found a 330 I enjoyed shooting, but in a Stith or even Weaver T7 and on a late '30s or 40's Savage 99 they look good. For $25 you stole it.. put it on ebay if you don't like it and pay for half of your next EG.

I like shooting Lyman Alaskans.

The only reason for 330's to command the prices they do is because of the WWII sniper rifle fad. They really are crummy scopes. It was borderline criminal that we sent GI snipers afield armed with M1903A4's topped with these 3/4" Weavers. At least the USMC fielded the M1903A1 (for the most part), topped with Unertl 8x target scopes. Even they lacked in the ruggedness department compared to the rigs that the Wehrmacht used in Europe and Africa.

Hey, looks like mine which is mounted in a Stith mount. Best part of the Stith mount was that it prevented the TD option from being utilized so mine is tight as a drum. Optics pale in comparison to modern scopes but hey, it still works and looks good on the rifle. even shoots good when I take the time to trim bullets to the proper length.

Looks good on that rifle

First takedown I owned was a 99G with a Stith/Weaver 330.

Which is where I learned I hate 330's. Shot it a bit, but then sold it to buy an older 1899. Glad you like yours, I almost regret selling this one.