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Lyman Alaskan value
- Thread starter lihpster
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Fishinfool
Member
I would venture to guess that as a using optic, the value is nil. Any value would probably be to a collector who wanted a period correct vintage scope for his rifle. In that case, maybe $100.00?
Larry
Larry
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I got $125 12 years ago for one in lessor condition, but older. I was in a WWII foot locker of a Navy Pilot. Lots of people wanted it for $100 back then.
Ivan
Ivan
Lyman Alaskan’s are great vintage scopes. It’s essentially the same as the US M81 sniper scope, except it lacks the sun shield, rubber eye piece and US markings. The US M82 was similar, but had a post instead of crosshairs. It seems that post reticles are more desirable on commercial versions. The US had a hard time getting enough scopes during the war, so it’s reported that some commercial Alaskan’s were used on Garand and 03-A4 Snipers.
Alaskan’s are approved for CMP sniper matches, which adds to their desirability. You’ll also see them on period Griffin & Howe Sporter’s in G&H detachable mounts and on Winchester Model 70’s/Savage 99’s in Stith no-drill mounts. These mounts can bring as much or more than the scopes.
Your Alaskan appears to be in Weaver tip-off rings for a .22 and they’re only worth around $20. Your scope looks pretty clean and it would probably bring somewhere between $200 - $300 at auction.
FYI, those have 7/8” steel tubes. They weren’t nitrogen purged and it was necessary to remove the ocular bell to install the early Redfield rings. These originally had flat rubber washers that help seal between the turret housings and the caps and they tend to deteriorate and tear. You can find suitable replacement rubber O-rings in the bulk trays at ACE/ACO Hardware for about $0.50 each.
Alaskan’s are approved for CMP sniper matches, which adds to their desirability. You’ll also see them on period Griffin & Howe Sporter’s in G&H detachable mounts and on Winchester Model 70’s/Savage 99’s in Stith no-drill mounts. These mounts can bring as much or more than the scopes.
Your Alaskan appears to be in Weaver tip-off rings for a .22 and they’re only worth around $20. Your scope looks pretty clean and it would probably bring somewhere between $200 - $300 at auction.
FYI, those have 7/8” steel tubes. They weren’t nitrogen purged and it was necessary to remove the ocular bell to install the early Redfield rings. These originally had flat rubber washers that help seal between the turret housings and the caps and they tend to deteriorate and tear. You can find suitable replacement rubber O-rings in the bulk trays at ACE/ACO Hardware for about $0.50 each.
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200 to 300 is a good value range for these as S&WChad mentions.
There obviously a lot better optics out there now, but these continue to be popular for mounting on vintage firearms.
Leupold brought out the Alaskan Scope again in 1990. A retro type of thing I guess. Same look as the Lyman.
Nice steel tube scope, 2,4 or 6X. Same 7/8d tube. They had special 'Alaskan' rings to go with it that fit their standard bases.
I guess there wasn't much of any Vibe-Feelin' Retro market around at the time as they discontinued the scope after only a year in 1991.
I have one of these in 2x. Very nice scope.
There obviously a lot better optics out there now, but these continue to be popular for mounting on vintage firearms.
Leupold brought out the Alaskan Scope again in 1990. A retro type of thing I guess. Same look as the Lyman.
Nice steel tube scope, 2,4 or 6X. Same 7/8d tube. They had special 'Alaskan' rings to go with it that fit their standard bases.
I guess there wasn't much of any Vibe-Feelin' Retro market around at the time as they discontinued the scope after only a year in 1991.
I have one of these in 2x. Very nice scope.
OP
It's in great shape but it and the gun it was on have sat in the safe for 40 years. No joke. Might be time to let it see the light of day. Maybe use it for trade.
They sure are nice!
Leupold Alaskan’s are highly sought after today. They’re made with much better lens coatings than the originals and are nitrogen purged. I’ve got a 2-1/2X and a 4X. They were designed to handle the recoil of centerfire rifles, but people want them for high-end .22 sporter’s today. The 7/8” tube is perfectly proportioned for a rimfire and doesn’t look top heavy on some rifles like a 1” scope does.
These are bringing good money and can easily bring $500 or more in high condition. I always wondered how Leupold got away with using the Alaskan name. They must have entered into a licensing agreement with Lyman.
Edit to add:
Here’s a 4X Leupold Alaskan in their Alaskan rings on a custom Remington 541S.
Here’s an original Lyman Alaskan.
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My old gun show partner bought and sold guns and stuff for 45 years. Lyman Alaskans in Colorado would bring anywhere from $150 to $400 depending on condition. He sold more Alaskans than any other scope. Even bought rifles for the Alaskan and often times had a free rifle. As they dwindle I would expect them to go up a bunch. For some reason people with old rifles want an Alaskan for it.
I'd say the $200-$300 estimate is a good one. I have one of the Leupold Alaskans in 4x on a 1950 Winchester Model 70 with a G&H side mount in 300 H&H, and it is a very capable rifle. I have an original Alaskan that I've had on several old M70's and that I have taken several game animals with, mostly mule deer and one elk, and I've never felt handicapped in the least. If it's in good shape you have a great vintage piece there that remains fully viable for use today.
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Have no idea of the value but the scope brings back fond memories.
My dad had an old NRA Springfield 03/A3 that had been sporterized. It had a Lyman Alaskan post reticule scope on it. Think it was either 1.5 or 2X.
All of us boys learned to hunt with that gun, even some of the nephews shot their first deer with it. That rifle and scope accounted for a pile of deer and elk over the years. My brother ended up with it then when he passed away his son got it. He still uses it for dark timber elk hunting and is quite fond of the set up.
My dad had an old NRA Springfield 03/A3 that had been sporterized. It had a Lyman Alaskan post reticule scope on it. Think it was either 1.5 or 2X.
All of us boys learned to hunt with that gun, even some of the nephews shot their first deer with it. That rifle and scope accounted for a pile of deer and elk over the years. My brother ended up with it then when he passed away his son got it. He still uses it for dark timber elk hunting and is quite fond of the set up.
As a young boy my first deer rifle was a pre 64(1952) M70 30-06 with a 2.5 Lyman Alaskan, with a post and crosshair. It was handed down to me from my great grandfather. I thought I could take any critter with that combo. It sure put a lot of venison in the freezer. If I were looking for a vintage scope I’d give up to $150 for a nice example.
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