Lafette optic block base

[ShaneH]

Hi all
Could someone possibly give me the measurements of the lafette optic block base in metric if possible please.
Length, width, and depth.
Thanks

[joe6167]

I'll take some measurements and photos tomorrow and get back to you.

All my tools are in inches though...

The metric system...

https://youtu.be/z5-s-4KPtD8

[ShaneH]

That will be great thank you

[joe6167]

The block is made from two parts, a sheet metal bracket and a solid block.

Here's the dimensions for the sheet metal bracket. I didn't even attempt to measure any of the bolt holes, but I did mention the relationship between the end of the sheet metal bracket and the studs welded onto to the tripod. See the photos for reference of orientation.

All dimensions are in inches (I don't know nuthin' about that "metric system", so I'll leave it to you to do the conversion to something that makes sense for you (25.4 is the magic number). Also remember that these are measurements of painted surfaces.

Lastly, my tripod is Yugoslav, but probably a German/Yugo hybrid (the T/E mechanism is dated 1939).

That 1.375" dimension is probably more important than the 1.600" dimension. Measure the studs on your tripod to confirm.

[joe6167]

Let me know if you need dimensions for the machined block.

[joe6167]

Here's a parts list.

[ShaneH]

That’s brilliant thank you so much.
Pm sent

[joe6167]

After tearing apart my optics block here are some comments:

-The rear mounting bolt is actually a cam for adjusting elevation, while the large bolt running through the dovetail block is a cam for adjusting elevation.
-After taking it apart and putting it all back together again, the best idea I had for leveling the block was to put the gun in the tripod, mount a level on the receiver, and level the block to that.
-I couldn't get the hinge pin at the front of the dovetail block apart, so I'm not sure exactly what is going on there. My best guess is, it is a press fit into the mounting bracket (along with that washer you see) and maybe the hole in the dovetail block is just a few thou larger, just enough to let it move. It's probably just a straight .250"+ hole through the dovetail block, no counterbore or anything.
-The tolerance on the tabs welded to the tripod seemed kind of loose, which is probably why they have windage and elevation adjustment built in.

All the screws and nuts seem to be using 6mm threads.

Here's a parts list (in English)

-Dovetail Block
-Mounting Block
-Clamp Block
-Clamp Screw
-Washer
-Wing Nut (M6)
-Lock Nut (M6)
-Hinge Pin
-Hinge Pin Washer
-Windage Cam
-Windage Cam Nut (M6)
-Windage Cam Nut Retainer
-Mounting Block Spacers x2
-Elevation Hinge Screw
-Elevation Hinge Screw Nut (M6)
-Elevation Hinge Screw Nut Retainer x2
-Elevation Cam Screw
-Elevation Cam Screw Nut (M6)
-Elevation Cam Screw Nut Retainer x2

As I was examining the tripod, I noticed that the mounting block on the Tripod had Yugoslav proof marks on it.

Here are my drawings:

[joe6167]

Mounting and adjustment hardware.

[joe6167]

Mounting Block Details

[joe6167]

Dovetail Block Details

[joe6167]

My best idea on how to level the optic block, as well as how to adjust windage.

[joe6167]

Yugoslav Proof Marks on the tripod, and a proof mark on the dovetail block. I've never seen the latter one before, so I'm not sure if it is Yugo.

Good luck with making a new block, I hope you'll show off your progress!

[JBaum]

An excellent thread on the scope mount block.

[ShaneH]

Fantastic,
I can’t thank you enough for stripping the block down for measurements. I’ll be post up some pics when it’s completed. But for now I’m tackling the search fire mechanism

[ShaneH]

And it will be ready for paint after I weld up the optic block base

[joe6167]

Is your tripod of "Yugoslavian extraction"?

[ShaneH]

Yes it’s 100% yugo. I sold my German lafette 3 years ago thinking I’ll just buy another, but I was wrong all I could find was this yugo one with no optic platform.

[joe6167]

Interesting. That's why I was surprised to see the Yugo proof marks on my tripod.

I wonder if the Yugoslav army was actually using an optic with their M53s, or if they were just adding the mounts to their tripods due to "inertia", i.e. "the blueprints said 'optics mount goes here', so we added an optics mount," until one day someone said "wait a minute...".

FYI: I've seen a number of places try to peddle a Yugo anti-tank rocket sight as being suitable for the Lafette, but when you actually look at it, you will quickly figure out that there is NO way such a sight could have ever been used in that role.

[joe6167]

An excellent thread on the scope mount block.

I just hope the board won't crash again and it gets erased...