Mosin Scout.......sort of

kraigwy · October 14, 2013, 07:52 AM

I was working our range's sight in days at the end of Sept when a guy shows up with a modified Mosin rifle set up like a scout type. He had a scope where the Mosin's rear sight goes, black polymer stock, cut down barrel.

I shot three rounds at it at 300 and had no problem quickly hitting the gong 3 out of 3 times.

Now I'm a purest when it comes to vintage military rifles. I like to keep them "as issued" per the CMP Rules. I like the idea a scope on them if I don't have to modify the rifle. This mount does that. You push our the pen that holds the rear sight on and install the mount using the pin holes on the sight base. The mount has a couple of set screws that lock down the mount to keep it from teetering. Makes it pretty solid.

I ordered one and installed/bore sighted it last night, I zero it when it gets daylight.

Here is the set up on my Mosin:

The whole system, mount, scope (AIM 2X7), plus a add on but plate (which uses the existing but screws, again without modifying the gun) plus a new sling.

I kept the sling that came with the rifle. The butt pad is suppose to soak up a lot of recoil but I don't find the recoil objectionable so I didn't install it.

The Sportsman's Guide sells the whole kit for $60. Not bad, keeping the rifle set up cheap (I paid $99 for the rifle). Should be fun to play with. If the cheap scope doesn't work out it would be nothing to replace it.

Here is the link to the Sportsman's Guide showing the Mosin Scout Set Up.

The Sportsman's Guide - Hunting & Outdoor Gear, Shooting Supplies, Military Surplus, Survival Gear and More!

Just thought I'd pass it on to those who want to add a scope without screwing up the gun.

Magnum Wheel Man · October 14, 2013, 08:23 AM

that's pretty interesting... thanks for the link

when I was younger... I scoped as many of my milsurp rifles as I could ( I mostly used B Square mounts ) I did that back then, as I started with rifles later in life, & it was much easier to hit what I was aiming at, than to put in the practice time needed right away...

then as I got older, I learned to, & got better at hitting using the iron sights, & removed a good share of my clunky old mounts... however now I find my aging eyes can see better using a scope... so if I can get by using a mount that doesn't destroy the rifle, & not look too clunky, I find I'm starting to scope a few that are longer range guns...

sucks getting old

hornetguy · October 14, 2013, 02:44 PM

I agree with Magnum.... the older you get, the more difficult it is to focus on the sights and target. Your eyes just lose that flexibility.

Plus, with the power of the cartridge, the Mosin will really benefit from mounting a relatively low power scope on it, especially if it will be used for hunting. If you're just ringing gongs, it's not quite as important... unless you get upset when you miss, of course.

I'm in the process of semi-permanently mounting a base on mine, where the rear sight used to be. My project got interrupted by, well, life I guess, but I plan to finish it out no later than this winter. My Mosin carbine is just too accurate and fun to shoot to leave it waiting.

TMW89 · October 14, 2013, 05:42 PM

Thanks for the link. I've been looking at the brass stacker setup. Looks nice, but the mount is $60 by itself.. They also offer an ncstar scout scope for $79 I think. I was planning on buying it soon, but now I'll look at the good old' sportsman's guide first. Thanks

Rangefinder · October 15, 2013, 04:32 PM

Here's a little secret one should really know if you intend to mount a scope on a Mosin... Those scope adapters that drop into the rear sight lower to replace the leaf and slide are junk. BUT, the rear sight assembly is mounted on an 11mm Dovetail. Knock out the two lower retaining pin first. Then you'll need to heat the sight assembly with a propane torch carefully if you intend to salvage the original sight (they were usually soldered to prevent any movement, so you have to "un-stick" it), then tap the entire rear sight assembly off with a wood block. What's left is an 11mm dovetail to which you can mount a scope base and rings for a LER scope that is true to the barrel, solid, AND the right height. When finished, it looks something like this:

MUCH more solid than the drop-in style, and it snaps up with the correct cheek-to-stock rather than being an extra inch too high for comfort. When I mounted this scope, I pulled the bolt to get a rough bore-sight on a stump about 200 yards off from my back porch only to find it needed no adjustment--dead on with the bore. Took me about 5 clicks of elevation to tighten my 100 yard zeroing after mounting. If you're mounting a LER scope on a Mosin, there IS no other way to do it right.

vorgath · October 15, 2013, 11:30 PM

Did a similar thing myself, but had to change the approach a tiny bit. Ordered the wrong mount, 1 inch rings, so I got a 3/8 dove rail to Weaver adapter. Result is of course the scope sits higher than I wanted originally, but it's there lol

TMW89 · October 16, 2013, 07:18 AM

Rangefinder, thanks for the tip. I might have to at least try that

hornetguy · October 16, 2013, 11:45 AM

WHAT??? you mean the rear sight is sweated onto dovetail grooves like those on a .22 rifle? Or is it a cross-slot dovetail?

Rangefinder · October 16, 2013, 02:55 PM

Every one I've seen were both sweated and cross-pinned. I've heard of some that were JUST pinned, but if you assume that and try to beat the sight off without heating and is IS sweated--well, you can imagine things aren't going to work out so well. You only have to heat to about 650 degrees max to break the sweat bond--nothing that will do any damage to the action or barrel, and a small plumber's torch will handle that easily without excess heat that could cause problems.

hornetguy · October 16, 2013, 04:48 PM

Yeah... I've "un-sweated" a Springfield rear sight, and my Swede's.... I just wasn't aware they were sweated on.... in dovetails. Man, that makes this a whole lot simpler.

Rangefinder · October 16, 2013, 06:16 PM

I'll say one thing with authority and experience--once you do this little process and mount tight to the barrel rather than a sight step add-on, this beast turns into a whole different animal. I had one of those drop-in adapters for a while and absolutely hated the results--which is what led me to look closely and find that darn dovetail. Since then it's gotten scary for a mil-surp, especially a Mosin 91/30.

jake99 · October 16, 2013, 06:47 PM

I've had good luck with the S&K mount on my M44.
http://thecountryshed.com/mosin_nagant_scope_mounts.htm

First I tried the brasstacker and it kept moving on me, but I didn't goop it up with lock-tight like they recommend. Don't think it would have worked anyway, it moved with every shot, and it was cranked as tight as it could get.

hornetguy · October 16, 2013, 08:51 PM

I believe it, Rangefinder.... mine has been so accurate with open sights, I just had to try it with a scope. I finally got a Burris handgun scope, and am anxious to try it out. I was going to glass bed the drop in mount where the rear sight went, but using the dovetails will be infinitely better.
I can't wait to see what this rifle will do when it isn't hampered by my almost 60yr old eyesight. It should be a hog/deer gun of the first order. And, it shoots cast bullets very nicely, as a bonus.

It shoots the S&B 180gr softpoints into an inch at 50yds with open sights... I'm thinking it's going to do that at 100yds with glass on it.

CZVZ · October 17, 2013, 11:48 AM

Rangefinder: What is the make/model of the Scoperings in your picture?

thanks

Rangefinder · October 17, 2013, 02:33 PM

Couldn't tell you who makes it--China Special, in all reality. I just liked the fact it's a solid one-piece mount, and it sure works nice. Perfect fit and solid as granite.

This is the closest I found on a quick search to what I bought--it's been quite a while since I got it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Piece-25...-/331035772620

TMW89 · October 20, 2013, 10:05 AM

UTG makes those, they sell for $15-20 on amazon, pretty sure.

I ended up buying the Brass Stacker mount and scope, if I end up hating it, I'll definitely sell it and get that utg mount.

jimbob86 · October 20, 2013, 10:21 AM

It still appears a bit higher than the original irons' sight line, but definitely the lowest for any scope I've seen, conventional or scout, on a Mosin. I like it.

Duzell · October 20, 2013, 11:48 AM

i found brass stacker with a red dot scope worked well, but i had to cut the front rail part off to lower it for correct eye to cheek sighting

TMW89 · October 20, 2013, 07:20 PM

Duzell,
I was looking for a red dot that would hold up to the recoil. Any suggestions?

October 14, 2013, 07:52 AM	#1
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Mosin Scout.......sort of I was working our range's sight in days at the end of Sept when a guy shows up with a modified Mosin rifle set up like a scout type. He had a scope where the Mosin's rear sight goes, black polymer stock, cut down barrel. I shot three rounds at it at 300 and had no problem quickly hitting the gong 3 out of 3 times. Now I'm a purest when it comes to vintage military rifles. I like to keep them "as issued" per the CMP Rules. I like the idea a scope on them if I don't have to modify the rifle. This mount does that. You push our the pen that holds the rear sight on and install the mount using the pin holes on the sight base. The mount has a couple of set screws that lock down the mount to keep it from teetering. Makes it pretty solid. I ordered one and installed/bore sighted it last night, I zero it when it gets daylight. Here is the set up on my Mosin: The whole system, mount, scope (AIM 2X7), plus a add on but plate (which uses the existing but screws, again without modifying the gun) plus a new sling. I kept the sling that came with the rifle. The butt pad is suppose to soak up a lot of recoil but I don't find the recoil objectionable so I didn't install it. The Sportsman's Guide sells the whole kit for $60. Not bad, keeping the rifle set up cheap (I paid $99 for the rifle). Should be fun to play with. If the cheap scope doesn't work out it would be nothing to replace it. Here is the link to the Sportsman's Guide showing the Mosin Scout Set Up. The Sportsman's Guide - Hunting & Outdoor Gear, Shooting Supplies, Military Surplus, Survival Gear and More! Just thought I'd pass it on to those who want to add a scope without screwing up the gun. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

October 14, 2013, 08:23 AM	#2
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	that's pretty interesting... thanks for the link when I was younger... I scoped as many of my milsurp rifles as I could ( I mostly used B Square mounts ) I did that back then, as I started with rifles later in life, & it was much easier to hit what I was aiming at, than to put in the practice time needed right away... then as I got older, I learned to, & got better at hitting using the iron sights, & removed a good share of my clunky old mounts... however now I find my aging eyes can see better using a scope... so if I can get by using a mount that doesn't destroy the rifle, & not look too clunky, I find I'm starting to scope a few that are longer range guns... sucks getting old __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

October 14, 2013, 02:44 PM	#3
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	I agree with Magnum.... the older you get, the more difficult it is to focus on the sights and target. Your eyes just lose that flexibility. Plus, with the power of the cartridge, the Mosin will really benefit from mounting a relatively low power scope on it, especially if it will be used for hunting. If you're just ringing gongs, it's not quite as important... unless you get upset when you miss, of course. I'm in the process of semi-permanently mounting a base on mine, where the rear sight used to be. My project got interrupted by, well, life I guess, but I plan to finish it out no later than this winter. My Mosin carbine is just too accurate and fun to shoot to leave it waiting. __________________ I always felt that if I got to the point where I thought it was time to bury my firearms, it was actually time to pick them up..

October 14, 2013, 05:42 PM	#4
TMW89 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2013 Location: MI Posts: 185	Thanks for the link. I've been looking at the brass stacker setup. Looks nice, but the mount is $60 by itself.. They also offer an ncstar scout scope for $79 I think. I was planning on buying it soon, but now I'll look at the good old' sportsman's guide first. Thanks __________________ Springfield XDM9C Savage Mark II F .22 H&R ultra slug hunter 20 ga 1942 Mosin Nagant "Natalia"

October 15, 2013, 04:32 PM	#5
Rangefinder Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 2,017	Here's a little secret one should really know if you intend to mount a scope on a Mosin... Those scope adapters that drop into the rear sight lower to replace the leaf and slide are junk. BUT, the rear sight assembly is mounted on an 11mm Dovetail. Knock out the two lower retaining pin first. Then you'll need to heat the sight assembly with a propane torch carefully if you intend to salvage the original sight (they were usually soldered to prevent any movement, so you have to "un-stick" it), then tap the entire rear sight assembly off with a wood block. What's left is an 11mm dovetail to which you can mount a scope base and rings for a LER scope that is true to the barrel, solid, AND the right height. When finished, it looks something like this: MUCH more solid than the drop-in style, and it snaps up with the correct cheek-to-stock rather than being an extra inch too high for comfort. When I mounted this scope, I pulled the bolt to get a rough bore-sight on a stump about 200 yards off from my back porch only to find it needed no adjustment--dead on with the bore. Took me about 5 clicks of elevation to tighten my 100 yard zeroing after mounting. If you're mounting a LER scope on a Mosin, there IS no other way to do it right. __________________ "Why is is called Common Sense when it seems so few actually possess it?" Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians.

October 15, 2013, 11:30 PM	#6
vorgath Member Join Date: August 21, 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 78	Did a similar thing myself, but had to change the approach a tiny bit. Ordered the wrong mount, 1 inch rings, so I got a 3/8 dove rail to Weaver adapter. Result is of course the scope sits higher than I wanted originally, but it's there lol

October 16, 2013, 07:18 AM	#7
TMW89 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2013 Location: MI Posts: 185	Rangefinder, thanks for the tip. I might have to at least try that __________________ Springfield XDM9C Savage Mark II F .22 H&R ultra slug hunter 20 ga 1942 Mosin Nagant "Natalia"

October 16, 2013, 11:45 AM	#8
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	WHAT??? you mean the rear sight is sweated onto dovetail grooves like those on a .22 rifle? Or is it a cross-slot dovetail? __________________ I always felt that if I got to the point where I thought it was time to bury my firearms, it was actually time to pick them up..

October 16, 2013, 02:55 PM	#9
Rangefinder Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 2,017	Every one I've seen were both sweated and cross-pinned. I've heard of some that were JUST pinned, but if you assume that and try to beat the sight off without heating and is IS sweated--well, you can imagine things aren't going to work out so well. You only have to heat to about 650 degrees max to break the sweat bond--nothing that will do any damage to the action or barrel, and a small plumber's torch will handle that easily without excess heat that could cause problems. __________________ "Why is is called Common Sense when it seems so few actually possess it?" Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians.

October 16, 2013, 04:48 PM	#10
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	Yeah... I've "un-sweated" a Springfield rear sight, and my Swede's.... I just wasn't aware they were sweated on.... in dovetails. Man, that makes this a whole lot simpler. __________________ I always felt that if I got to the point where I thought it was time to bury my firearms, it was actually time to pick them up..

October 16, 2013, 06:16 PM	#11
Rangefinder Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 2,017	I'll say one thing with authority and experience--once you do this little process and mount tight to the barrel rather than a sight step add-on, this beast turns into a whole different animal. I had one of those drop-in adapters for a while and absolutely hated the results--which is what led me to look closely and find that darn dovetail. Since then it's gotten scary for a mil-surp, especially a Mosin 91/30. __________________ "Why is is called Common Sense when it seems so few actually possess it?" Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians.

October 16, 2013, 06:47 PM	#12
jake99 Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Location: PA Posts: 48	I've had good luck with the S&K mount on my M44. http://thecountryshed.com/mosin_nagant_scope_mounts.htm First I tried the brasstacker and it kept moving on me, but I didn't goop it up with lock-tight like they recommend. Don't think it would have worked anyway, it moved with every shot, and it was cranked as tight as it could get. Last edited by jake99; October 16, 2013 at 06:55 PM.

October 16, 2013, 08:51 PM	#13
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	I believe it, Rangefinder.... mine has been so accurate with open sights, I just had to try it with a scope. I finally got a Burris handgun scope, and am anxious to try it out. I was going to glass bed the drop in mount where the rear sight went, but using the dovetails will be infinitely better. I can't wait to see what this rifle will do when it isn't hampered by my almost 60yr old eyesight. It should be a hog/deer gun of the first order. And, it shoots cast bullets very nicely, as a bonus. It shoots the S&B 180gr softpoints into an inch at 50yds with open sights... I'm thinking it's going to do that at 100yds with glass on it. __________________ I always felt that if I got to the point where I thought it was time to bury my firearms, it was actually time to pick them up..

October 17, 2013, 11:48 AM	#14
CZVZ Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Posts: 17	Rangefinder: What is the make/model of the Scoperings in your picture? thanks

October 17, 2013, 02:33 PM	#15
Rangefinder Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 2,017	Couldn't tell you who makes it--China Special, in all reality. I just liked the fact it's a solid one-piece mount, and it sure works nice. Perfect fit and solid as granite. This is the closest I found on a quick search to what I bought--it's been quite a while since I got it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Piece-25...-/331035772620 __________________ "Why is is called Common Sense when it seems so few actually possess it?" Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians.

October 20, 2013, 10:05 AM	#16
TMW89 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2013 Location: MI Posts: 185	UTG makes those, they sell for $15-20 on amazon, pretty sure. I ended up buying the Brass Stacker mount and scope, if I end up hating it, I'll definitely sell it and get that utg mount. __________________ Springfield XDM9C Savage Mark II F .22 H&R ultra slug hunter 20 ga 1942 Mosin Nagant "Natalia"

October 20, 2013, 10:21 AM	#17
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	It still appears a bit higher than the original irons' sight line, but definitely the lowest for any scope I've seen, conventional or scout, on a Mosin. I like it.

October 20, 2013, 11:48 AM	#18
Duzell Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2011 Location: Monterey Posts: 803	i found brass stacker with a red dot scope worked well, but i had to cut the front rail part off to lower it for correct eye to cheek sighting __________________ Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. -GW

October 20, 2013, 07:20 PM	#19
TMW89 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2013 Location: MI Posts: 185	Duzell, I was looking for a red dot that would hold up to the recoil. Any suggestions? __________________ Springfield XDM9C Savage Mark II F .22 H&R ultra slug hunter 20 ga 1942 Mosin Nagant "Natalia"

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