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Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:34 am
by rodom
I was curious as to if there was a source available for some type of optics for the Lafette mounts. It just doesn't look complete without something there. I found a website in Germany that carries them, but after I contacted them they explained that they weren't allowed to export anything of that nature. Anybody know of a state side source?

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:03 pm
by JBaum
Watch ebay, go to gunshows. They used to be easy to find. Not so much anymore.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 12:06 pm
by rodom
Thanks John. I'll try that. If anyone has one for sale please let me know.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Thu May 05, 2016 5:50 pm
by mightymouse
www.amasupply.co.uk has some for sale

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 10:38 am
by rodom
Wow! That price puts the optics way out of my reach. Thanks very much for the lead, good looking website.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 1:16 pm
by JBaum
That website price is actually very realistic in today's market.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 7:25 pm
by Der Alder
If you want original German WWII expect to pay.

However, if you are like me and just want something to fill the Yugo tripod dovetail mount, look for a Yugo ZRAK ON-M59 rocket launcher scope. It will fit the Yugo lafettes dovetail, though the retical will be sideways. I painted mine grey after painting my Yugo mount in camo, just for looks. Not correct at all, but works for me. Just depends on what you want.

Image

Apex had them in stock for like $59, but are now sold out. They can be found elsewhere including ebay for a little more. This is what I used:
http://www.apexgunparts.com/zrak-on-m59 ... -good.html

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 1:02 pm
by Abominog
$23+shipping on Ebay will ship to US it says http://www.ebay.com/itm/YU-jugoslawisch ... Swn1RXI3pm

I have several, but I paid a lot more and am not parting with anywhere near that price.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 9:19 pm
by messerschmittfan
I purchased a couple of the Yugo scopes for the MG42 tripod when I was stationed in Germany a few years ago. They cost a bit more than what is being sold on eBay.de right now. However the optics on mine did not have the cross hair sideways as the anti-tank sight does when mounted on the MG34/42 tripod. The big problem I had with them is that they were a VERY loose fit even on the Yugo copy of the MG42 tripod. Anyone else have this problem? My scopes look very similar to those on the eBay.de offering. Thanks Harry

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 4:56 pm
by rodom
Thanks so much to the membership for the leads. As DerAlder said, I just want something to fill the void. I'm going to try ordering one from EBay.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 12:04 pm
by rodom
Well I moved too slowly and the sights that were listed are now gone. If any body runs across a new listing for them please let me know.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 3:57 pm
by Der Alder
rodom wrote:Well I moved too slowly and the sights that were listed are now gone. If any body runs across a new listing for them please let me know.
I just ordered another from here:
https://colemans.com/shop/militaria/mis ... ar-on-m59/

Better price than the last one I got. I picked up a Yugo helmet too to add to my helmet collection as they have good prices on them to. I've ordered from Coleman's before BTW and they are good to deal with in my experience.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 4:02 pm
by Der Alder
messerschmittfan wrote:I purchased a couple of the Yugo scopes for the MG42 tripod when I was stationed in Germany a few years ago. They cost a bit more than what is being sold on eBay.de right now. However the optics on mine did not have the cross hair sideways as the anti-tank sight does when mounted on the MG34/42 tripod. The big problem I had with them is that they were a VERY loose fit even on the Yugo copy of the MG42 tripod. Anyone else have this problem? My scopes look very similar to those on the eBay.de offering. Thanks Harry
I was able to tighten mine down ok, but if loose being it is a dovetail mount with thumb screws, what I would do is add a shim. I'm betting a if you cut a soda can with sissors and folded an appropriate sized shim you would be GTG.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 10:36 pm
by rodom
Hi DerAlder. Thanks so much for the posting. I was able to get a sight ordered so I can "fill the hole" on my Lafette. I'm going to be cleaning my tripod up and painting the chassis to match the MG3 clone my M53 has slowly evolved into. Any ideas, suggestions? What colors are appropriate? I was leaning toward a dark grey, but then CAMO has an appeal too.

Re: Optics for the Lafette

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 9:45 pm
by rodom
I received the optics from the website DerAlder recommended, and I have to say it's a pretty cool looking sight. It came with a really nice leather case, and both items were in very good condition. For any of you members out there that want something to complete your Lafette, and can't fork over $1700 it's a great compromise. It really looks like it belongs on the Lafette.