• Update – 12:30 PM EST
    Attachments are now working, and all members can once again upload files.
    We are currently testing URL redirects and other miscellaneous features across the site.
    Thank you for your continued patience and support during this migration.

    Prefer a darker look? You can switch between light and dark modes in your account settings:
    smith-wessonforum.com/account/preferences

J. W. Fecker Scope help

Y

younggun22

Well-known member
Silver Supporter
Joined
Nov 14, 2011
Messages
1,842
Reaction score
3,325
Location
IL
I recently picked up a Winchester 1917 that someone had converted very tastefully into a target rifle with a Redfield aperture rear sight, Lyman glob from sight and a J. W. Fecker scope.

The scope is not marked and has a post reticle. The objective is 1.25in and the serial number is 2502.

The scope isn’t marked with magnification, is there any way to tell? Also does anyone have an idea of manufacture?

I would also love to find the proper threaded cap as the front is missing… any help here would be appreciated.

Oh forgot to add that is came with an extra eye piece wrapped in newspaper!

Here is a quick picture I snapped on the way home

eb79be3b3e157da57dac5d53ed07e75d.jpg
 
Look on the eyepiece, often that is where you will find info. Sometimes stamped on the eyepiece cover as well.

From what I see probably a 20x scope and the turrets are most likely 1/4 MOA.
What a great slice of yesteryear...the Fecker was not as popular as a Unertl or Lyman but a very high quality scope. The same is true for the old Lietschert scopes.

Randy
 
Unfortunately nothing marked on either eye piece. I don’t think it’s quite 20 when looking through other known optics. If I had to guess it’s 10 or 12x?
 
I have an old reference source. Measure the length of the scope and the diameter of the objective bell in inches; should be either 1 1/8", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" or 1 5/8".
 
s&wchad said:
Magnification of Fecker scopes weren't marked. Good luck finding a screw-in cap.

You'll need to compare the image with another scope of known magnification. You might try contacting Mike at Ironsite about a cap, but I doubt he can help.

Scope Repair Company in USA | Ironsight, Inc.
Click to expand...


I can’t be the only idiot with this problem. I’m sure someone out there has a solution. I’ll try like at iron site and go from there.
 
Saw your post on The RFC Forums you may get some help over there try searching the Winchester 52 sub forum & the Remington 37/40 sub forum on RFC, there are some folks there that can likely help.
 
I've never seen a Fecker with 20X magnification, usually lower...from what I understand they were mainly used by rimfire guys and do not have the spring adjustment for heavy caliber or black powder use, as was mentioned there is no identification regarding power anywhere. There is a ring designated for paralax adjustment with numbers, other than that nothing other than Fecker and serial number. I have a 6X Fecker that is identical to the one pictured, it came on a .218 Bee Martini I traded into. I upgraded to a 30X Unertl I had laying around in a box, nice upgrade. I believe the scope doctor specializes in end caps and should be able to help you.
 
Thanks for all the insight here guys. The scope seems to have been on the rifle for a long time so I assume it’s seen enough 30-06 recoil to be ok for limited continued use.

I’ll check out all the aforementioned spots for scope caps
 
rockquarry said:
That's a later Fecker, probably the "Commando" made after 1950. Powers were 6X, 8X, 10X, and 12X. The scope should be about 22 3/4" in length.
Click to expand...


I saw on another forum that the S/N would place it between ‘35 - ‘36 but I’m pretty much in the dark here, not sure if they kept great records or not like colt.

Either way the glass is still great and the adjustments seem to be nice and firm
 
Someone mentioned maximum magnification of Feckers....one had a maximum power of 30X - the 1 5/8" Champion.

I've never seen a Fecker but have had many Unertls; still have several of these. The Feckers may or may not have been of the quality that Unertls were; I don't know having never owned or worked with one, but Unertl had the bulk of the market for a long time.

Give us a report on this scope after you've familiairized yourself with it and have had time to shoot some groups. I'd be curious to know about it.
 
Nice looking rifle, scope is identical to mine. I think mine is a 6X, its real clear and has good adjustment. I'm just more comfortable with the few Unertl's I own and prefer 30X for target use with my old eyes. Most of my older friends have graduated to 40X for quality .22 marksmanship, Leupold straight 40's are the current rage for 100 yd X-ring shooters.
 
younggun22 said:
I saw on another forum that the S/N would place it between ‘35 - ‘36 but I’m pretty much in the dark here, not sure if they kept great records or not like colt.

Either way the glass is still great and the adjustments seem to be nice and firm
Click to expand...

Based on the information I have from the forty year-old "Scope and Mounts" published by GUN DIGEST, the 1 1/4" Fecker wasn't produced until around 1950. This information was compiled by the late Bob Bell, the GUN DIGEST recognized scope expert for many years . I'll assume it's correct information and would trust Bob Bell's research more than I would something from the Internet, but I have no way of knowing for sure that it is 100% accurate. Good luck-
 
younggun22 said:
I saw on another forum that the S/N would place it between ‘35 - ‘36 but I’m pretty much in the dark here, not sure if they kept great records or not like colt.

Either way the glass is still great and the adjustments seem to be nice and firm
Click to expand...

If you are not familiar with external adjustment scopes that firmness on the adjustments may be a red flag. There is a lock screw that must be loosened before turning those adjustment knobs or damage may occur. Once zeroed the lock screw can be tightened (firm but not like a modern scope base screw for example) it is a challenge trying to go back and use old technology as that knowledge is slowly disappearing. Nice rig and it should be a joy at the range. Enjoy.
 
Last edited:
Try this : Steve Earle Products He may have what you need. Ask the guys on RFC 52 and 37/40X forums if anyone has a copy of the instructions that came with the Fecker. I use Lyman's myself as I like them better than Unertl scopes. Look all over your scope for a magnifying power, my scopes have them in different places on each one. Use a magnifying glass when looking.
 
OK, here's my not so helpful contribution. This is a all original 16X Fecker scope purchased new for my father's Remington model 37 in 1950. It is my understanding that the power adjustment on a Fecker was made by replacing the eyepiece. Thus the "16" on the mounting ring.

I've been shooting this scope on the #37 up until this past winter. I re-scoped the rifle with a 6-24 Vortex due to 73 year old eyes that needed something brighter.

BTW, Unertl worked in the Fecker shop before going out on his own.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20230520_075808794.jpg
    IMG_20230520_075808794.jpg
    65.7 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_20230520_075922216.jpg
    IMG_20230520_075922216.jpg
    141.7 KB · Views: 14
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top