Modern scope on Parker Hale /243

WTMR

Well-Known Member
Hi all,

Just looking to see if anyone has experience fitting a modern scope onto older Parker Hale rifles. We have a .243 that by all accounts shoots pretty well. Has a crummy scope on it and I'm tempted to put something modern on top of it.

Is this just opening a can of worms that is best left alone?

Thanks.
 
Hi

My PH M81 Classic was topped by a 'period' Pecar 4x35 CH-S (26mm tube), and then late 80's? swapped over to a Shepherd (that of the 2-independent reticles).

Depends if you want the 'classic look' for the whole set-up, or a current optic on an 'old' rifle - will work both ways and (in my opinion) unlikely to reduce the number of deer brought home, unless you have the necessity/need to use last minute of light...........depends on your eyes.

L
 
Hi all,

Just looking to see if anyone has experience fitting a modern scope onto older Parker Hale rifles. We have a .243 that by all accounts shoots pretty well. Has a crummy scope on it and I'm tempted to put something modern on top of it.

Is this just opening a can of worms that is best left alone?

Thanks.
Both my Parker-Hales have decent Leupold scopes on them.
Using the existing bases and P-H rings you are limited to 1" tubed scopes, but there's plenty of good scopes available with 1" tubes. If you want to go up to a 30mm tubed scope you'll need to change the bases. There are Weaver bases that will fit. A quick search on here will give you the info on which Weaver bases are compatible.
 
Get the mounts & rings right and anything is possible!

Never owned a PH but suspect you need to be mindful of bolt lift when considering scope height above bore as I've seen too many nice vintage fixed 4 and 6-power steel tubed scopes with tramline-like grooves in the ocular housing!

K
 
Hi all,

Just looking to see if anyone has experience fitting a modern scope onto older Parker Hale rifles. We have a .243 that by all accounts shoots pretty well. Has a crummy scope on it and I'm tempted to put something modern on top of it.

Is this just opening a can of worms that is best left alone?

Thanks.
i have some spare 1" rings (parker & Hale ) to fit P & H dovetail or bases
 
Quite like that idea!
I think either would look great. They're superb scopes, and have a timeless appeal I think. They're not silly money either, and I think they just exude class. This is my '67 Husqvarna .308. It wears a 1980's Zeiss Diatal, and I think the two go together really well?

Don't think you're too far away from me? Feel free to pm and we can arrange for you to come have a look through them if you like? 👍

Screenshot_20251112_210114_Photos.jpg
 
If your not concerned about the aesthetic a large ring Mauser 98 picatinny rail fits Mauser, Interarms or Santa Barbara actions giving you a lot of choice for rings or NV.
 
there’s no reason whatsoever not to fit a modern scope. With a low profile bolt handle and an action with one of the biggest availability of different ring bases - your options are vast. Fit whatever you want…

Although there is no fundamental differences in the mounting of “modern” or vintage scopes. The availability of 26mm rings aside.

My FN (same base pattern as your PH) wears a S&B Klassik 3-12x42 S&K mounts - new this year. Traditional style, but you can fit the most tacticool looking Nightforce you can find if that floats your boat
IMG_7145.jpg
 
I’ve got a Parker hale 270 with an older zeiss on it works great some of the older classic German/austrian scopes can be had for reasonable cash these days that won’t break the bank and work great still
 
I think either would look great. They're superb scopes, and have a timeless appeal I think. They're not silly money either, and I think they just exude class. This is my '67 Husqvarna .308. It wears a 1980's Zeiss Diatal, and I think the two go together really well?

Don't think you're too far away from me? Feel free to pm and we can arrange for you to come have a look through them if you like? 👍

View attachment 446390
A very nice set up .

AB
 
I think either would look great. They're superb scopes, and have a timeless appeal I think. They're not silly money either, and I think they just exude class. This is my '67 Husqvarna .308. It wears a 1980's Zeiss Diatal, and I think the two go together really well?

Don't think you're too far away from me? Feel free to pm and we can arrange for you to come have a look through them if you like? 👍

View attachment 446390
Can you stop going on about your 1600 husqvarna please? It’s making my 1900s feel lonely and keep asking me to find their older brother.
 
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