doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion German & Austrian Sporting Guns @ doublegunshop.com Another Drilling/Herkules Scope

I am acquiring another Fortuna drilling. (this is like eating potato chips). This one is 16x16 over 7x65R. It has a claw mounted Herkules 6x47 scope. Does anyone have any information on this scope brand? I cannot find any info online.

Gary,
It seems I can recall the name. It is not of Ziess quality, but is(if in good shape)a good "working" scope with an exit pupil diameter of over 7mm.I believe it is a "house brand", made in either the "East Zone" or Japan. I can be wrong about specifics, but any claw mounted scope with clear optics is a good find, and you should be happy. You didn't ask, but, both the 16 ga and 7x65R chamberings are great.
Mike

Thank you....I returned the previous drilling; 12 gauge is too heavy for use as a shotgun. I am learning quite a bit about drillings; such as the fact how many people in the U.S actually hunt with them, and 16 is the gauge of choice. I would prefer 7x57R, but the 7x65R is quite popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. Ammo is readily available here. This 16 gauge/7x65 has 26" barrels as opposed to the usual shorter ones and is choked mod & full. Can the scope be replaced with another rail scope in the 6x42 size?

the only pic I could find of a Herkules L62 6x47 scope....it is my understanding they may have been made by Hertel & Reuss; the optical company that made the Weatherby scopes.

Gary,
Is something wrong with the scope? If it is OK, except for the name, I would just use and enjoy it. The 7x65R is a very good caliber, in 280 Rem/30-06 class. I also prefer 57mm case, but only because we hunt small deer at close range. I agree with you about 12ga drillings being too heavy, and about short barrels being better, your barrel length is OK, I wouldn't want longer ones, though. Also, drillings are shot with your head up, like a shotgun, it is a shotgun. Don't worry about a "cheek weld", you will be hunting, and likely have only one shot.
Mike

Gun isn't here yet; scope looks fine in the pics taken by the dealer. I just didn't know anything about a German Herkules scope and wondered if anyone did. The description says German Herkules L62 6x47 scope in claw mounts. I have yet to see any guns, optics, or automobiles made in Germany that were junk, so I'm not too worried about it. A 7x65R drilling now and that makes a good excuse to acquire one in 7x57R later....or maybe 6.5x57; this is like eating potato chips; I can't stop.

GaryW,
I have had a lot of experience with 7x57R, and some with 6.5x57R. I can say, without reservation, you will enjoy either of them. I can say the same about 8x57R( either IR or IRS).
Mike

Gary, it doesn't get any better. Seems it's always, "just one more".

Gary
Bring it to the club (if you EVER get there)

Krieghoff 16x16x8X57R