doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com disassembly: Zeiss Zielklein

In order to reblue a set of one-piece G&H rings, I need to remove this scope which, in this case, requires some disassembly. Is this a hazardous undertaking? Any advice or direction is appreciated.

Bill:

I second this question! To even remove the scope from the mount, you must at least remove the eyepiece, and that requires the removal of the two screws holding the eyepiece on to the scope. I don't know if you have to do anything else, I hope someone here does! I never had the nerve to try.

That's what is nice about 7/8" two piece G&H rings, but they sure are hard to find.

Thanks!

Usually, these rings are split, and tightened with two screws. They are often removed by "springing" them open wide enough to get the scope through.I find it easier, if a second person helps by opening them with string or wire through the screw holes on each side.You have to use care reinstalling the scope.In addition to help described above,I like to protect the scope, from scratches,with a piece of paper.
Mike

I have used a well fitted steel rod in the screw counter sinks to spring the rings open, it's scary but works well.

Bill,
I have disassembled, reconditioned and repaired Zeiss, Hensoldt and Voigtlander scopes but have no experience specifically with the Zielklein. Because the basic architecture of these old German scopes is very similar the following for a Zeiss Zieleins might be useful.


I don't know whether you were able to remove the rings yet but if not the following might be an option for you. Since the Zielklein is a straight tubed scope, if the upper turret is removed the entire scope can be slide from the rings without having to remove the focusing assembly ring near the ocular lens. The focusing assembly moves in and out for focus by working against an inclined slot that is cut in the scope tube. It is secured to the adjusting ring by a screw that works against the slot (inclined plane).

First off, if you don't have driver bits that fit each screw don't proceed until you have appropriate bits. The screws are typically brass and can be damaged very easily. As you can see from the image these screws were removed in the past with a blade that had a marginal fit.

Here is the elevation control turret and as you can see there are three screws on the very top of the elevation wheel. I believe the Zielklein has four.

Once these screws are removed the brass disc that they secure can be lifted out, the elevation wheel can be lifted off and now the turret housing is fully exposed. This scope has a very small screw that pins the screw plate in and this must be removed before the turret housing can be lifted off.

Now the four turret housing screws can be removed and the housing lifted off. I believe your Zielklein has two housing screws. The screw plate that connects to the reticle housing can now be screwed off and no more disassembly is needed. If the brass reticle housing protrudes slightly above the surface of the tube, gently press it down.



I love these old scopes and hear often that they leak and fog and must be replaced. A prewar Continental gun with a modern scope is an inordinate compromise. These scopes can be adequately protected from weather. I hunted deer on Montegue Island in Prince William Sound five years ago just before Thanksgiving with a 1927 Merkel combination gun that had its original Zeiss Zielvier scope. I had previously reconditioned the scope and used a silicone grease on all of the joints. The seven days of hunting saw continuous drizzle mixed with snow and sometimes rain and the scope did not fail.
Dennis

Dennis, Thank you for a most detailed and helpful post. I think all went well with my operation. I got the rings off, blued them, and put everything back together again. As an addition to this topic I should say that the G&H windage mount is not so simple to disassemble either. To remove the rear ring take the windage knob off the shaft and then remove the screws that anchor the circular plate which secures the shaft. Let me second what Dennis says about using proper screw drivers. Have a secure container for the tiny screws. I like a magnetic dish. Don't drop a screw! PS: Der Ami's advice about wedging open the rings is very helpful. Thanks again.