Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Resurect a 1965 Bushnell Scopecheif IV

I stole this image from e-bay

Dad set up his 760 in 30-06 with this scope somewhere around 1965. Dad is gone now, and I would like to put the scope on something just for nostalgia. I do have both base mounts for Dad's scope. The mounts each have a single standard screw in the bottom to bolt into the receiver. Then they clamp into grooves on the bottom of the scope akin to a 22lr receiver. You can see the cross ribs built into the base of the scope to keep it from slipping.

The scope is amazingly clear. I think it is as nice as my Leupold VX-3 3.5-10

The problem is that the front and rear mounts are the same height for the flat receiver of the 760. I have no rifles that would work in that regard.

I was considering if maybe the scope could be gently chucked into a lathe and turned round.

But probably a more viable option would be to build a spacer block between the rear receiver bridge and the scope base.

Comments? Suggestions?

Why not just buy a 760?

Never saw a Scopechief with an under rib like that. That's odd

I have one too, 3-9 with Command post--- Scopechief IV-4 M

Get a 760.

Given the general looneyism on this site, surely someone will have a Bushnell catalog from the year(s) that that style of ScopeChief IV was made and could provide you with the Bushnell part numbers for the bases that you need to fit the rifle that you want to put it on. Shooters Bible might even have a page or two covering those scopes and mounts. Will they work with Weaver-style or Lyman Tru-Lock bases?

The ScopeChief line are good scopes that were carried over from B&L to Bushnell. Some of them have the Command Post reticle that can be changed between a crosshair and a post and crosshair "on command" and some of the later series have a BDC option.

I do have a Scopechief. But it doesn't have that rib

I did this a few month back. I bought a scopechief at a gunshow that was near perfect for 5.00. Its a command post 3x9. I found a base with help from a few members on here and mounted on my near perfect 1957 336 marlin in 35 remington.

This may sound weird. If all you need is steel studs.

Take some grand slam weaver steel bases for the rifle you are using. This will set you flat and parallel .

drill and tap a stud on the center of the bases. Tada you are done. You could even file off the sides of the bases for looks.

I spotted one of these in a LGS circa '90 for a darned low price. But of course no mounts available. What the heck would a guy do with it?

And today, they are on fleabay for $40 to $100. But again, usually without any mounts. And no indication of fitment if mounts are included.

That is a good thought. Except it adds a little height to the system which I would like to avoid.

I could though, purchase those Grand Slam bases, throw the front one away, and have the machinist scalp enough off of the rear to just bring it level with the front receiver ring. This system uses just one 6-48 screw on front and one on back to mount the scope.

I would like to mount the scope on a Remington 722 in 244. As manufacturing dates are very close.

This one is the command post model with fine crosshair.

Buy a 760?

Dad's old '06 is still in the back of the safe. But until I get it rebarreled, it is just a wall hanger. Dad let the barrel get severely damaged in storage thirty years ago. After I get about three others rebarreled and put back into proper service, I will look into a barrel for the 760. It may well come out as a 24 inch, 7.5 twist 6.5-06.

Not trying to hijack the thread but I have one of these scopes sans any bases/rings. The scope is pretty much perfect and the glass is really nice and I would love to be able to use it but have no idea how to. Anyone know a way to utilize this scope? Really hate to not be able to mount it up on something.
rookie

Hijack away. 'Tis the Campfire way. grin

Good Luck finding mounts. There are several such scopes available on E-bay, but I have seen no mounts.

With new Burris FF II in 3-9x40 or 4.5-14x42 available for $129 on Amazon, it does not make much sense to spend money and time trying to make use of these 60 year old antiques.

But, since when did being a gun nut have anything to do with sense.

Remember when you could buy them anywhere for $400, or new factory barrels for $40.

Oh yeah, those were some good times. But I didn’t jump on one then like I should have. Also sold several Marlin 336 lever actions that now would have been worth double!