Alright, here's a bit more of a deep dive in a potential alternative that is cheaper for a real scope solution on a GK build.
I started off getting a Weaver K2.5 and then was informed that a Weaver K1.5 is better suited and that is definitely true.
The K1.5 works out great but they are somewhat limited (probably because of us, lol).
So, as we do, I was scouring eBay for scopes. It's kind of a relaxing to midlessly scroll looking for features that may work in a 90% okay kind of look when searching for scopes.
Here's one I came across for really cheap and it's compared to the K2.5 and K1.5:
It's a Bushnell Banner 4x32. It does have the bell at the end of the barrel, much like the Compac Super 4x31 which as we know, is a suitable stand-in for the Compac Super 2.5.
When I saw it listed, I was hesitant to get at as I wasn't sure about the extra bell at the end and how easy it would be to remove, but the price was cheap comparatively and I like taking risks.
As I've only started recently trying to put together a GK DL-44 I started to notice the biggest comparative features to look for in a suitable vintage scope included the definitive line in the bell, the length of the 1" barrel before the knurled ringg was also long and not short, the saddle was hard to find a similar one to the Compac, the windage knobs on the Compac are distinct, and the length of the barrel part between the knurling ring and the saddle was meant to fit the scope rings and rail tightly with little to no space. All of those together are virtually impossible to find so some concessions are made.
In the case of the Weaver K1.5, the saddle has the cleft in the middle, the middle barrel between the knurled ring and saddle is a bit too long, and the windage knobs are diverse and never quite right. All-in-all an entirely good substitute if you'd prefer vintage over reproduction.
With that in mind, the Bushnell Banner 4x32 ends up being another alternative and much cheaper than the Weaver K1.5 though it's availability may be an issue still as well.
In the case of the one I got, it's not perfect but it is nicely worn and beat up.
The issues and positives with it as compared to the K1.5:
The distance between the knurled ring and saddle is slightly smaller. Miniscule alomst but every centimeter counts.
I prefer the windage knobs on it as well. They are domed but straight ridges which I like.
The distance between the base of the bell and the knurled ring is admittedly shorter than desired so the Weaver K1.5 wins there.
After removing the other bell, there is no front optics. Not really important in it's function as a display prop, at least for me, though I miss the slight small front ring feature but maybe I can find a piece to fit in.
The saddle just looks better. No cleft and some sloping and angles like the Compac. Not perfect in the least but nothing is unless it's the real one or a reproduction, but again, I prefer vintage.
Overall, I like it as an option and I think I may use it for the time being. It's worn and dinged up and has the character I want for my build.
Here it is mocked up on my build and some more detailed pics of the damage and wear:
Thanks to 48th Ronin, I'm now waiting on a proper set screw and Tamiya paint. Once those are in hand, I'll make the commitment and epoxy the grill to the front, and then mark the spots for drilling for the mount. Almost there. I can taste it.
And agian, all the help has been phenomenal. Such a great community and I'm again standing on the shoulders of giants.