*Grumbles*
I recently tried to put a scope on my Mosin, using a non-permanent scope mount that fit in the normal sight slot. It's a neat concept let down by a bit of poor engineering.
The first problem came when I realized that the part was a bit too long in front. After having gone through a short period of struggle and more than a little cursing, I had removed the rear sight. (I really need to get a proper set of punches) The new rail is designed such that it is screwed in through the same holes as the pin that normally holds the rear sight. The problem was, the base was a hair too long, and the holes didn't line up right. A slightly longer period of filing, though with a touch less cursing, later, I had a shiny patch on the nicely anodized rail, now mounted to the rifle. Tighten the leveling screws, slap a scope on it, and go.
As many of you know, the recoil from a Mosin Nagant is, well, significant. As such, the leveling screws had a nasty habit of working themselves loose with every shot. This is less than ideal when trying to sight in a rifle. After a few attempts at field fixes, I gave up and came home.
There are a few more things I can try to get that working properly, but considering I'm heading up to Michigan tomorrow and bringing the rifle with, I figured it was best to have it in a shootable condition.
Having gone through the trials of taking the iron sight off, I really should have anticipated how difficult it was going to be to reattach it. I'm sure the Russian armorists have a set of specialized tools for working with it, but I had a vice, pliers and a hammer. For those of you who don't know, the rear leaf sight on a Mosin has a fairly significant leaf spring under it. In order to put the rear sight back on, you have to push it back into position against the spring such that the holes line up, then hammer the retaining pin back in, a feat unto itself. The vice was an invaluable aid in that effort, but it still took me well over half an hour to put a pin in a hole, which is somewhat embarrassing.
In other news, Google to censor gun related shopping results? Harumph. Guess I won't be using that particular service anymore. Shame, really. It was useful. But hey, they have every right to show whatever products they want, as I have every right to not buy through them.
It's a frustration. Google does plenty of stuff I don't like (ahem new blogger) but it's still definitely the best stuff out there. I'm hoping for a viable alternative at this point.
Lock tite is highly recommended on any scope mount screws. I've learned that much from my reading. 'Cause as you say, the recoil is "significant'.
ReplyDeleteI'm considering going the same route, might I ask which scope mount you went with?
And did you go with a long eye relief scout scope ?
Next attempt to make the system work will feature lock-tite, and lots of it in all likelihood.
DeleteI have the NC Star mount, here: http://www.amazon.com/Mosin-Nagant-Weaver-Scope-Mount/dp/B000R7C02W It's major benefit is that it doesn't require any permanent modification to the rifle itself, but clearly it needs some stability work.
I have a middle eye relief scope for it. It's definitely far enough away to avoid scope bite. I think it might also be an NC Star, though I don't recall off the top of my head. It seems overall like the system should work and be fun, it just needs a bit of tweaking.
I've got a couple friends who have used that same mount with less than stellar results. It never seems to line up quite right, nor does it stay in place.
DeleteYMMV
Next time you're around Scribbler, take a look at my Nagant. It uses a side mount rail, clears the (modified) bolt handle pretty well. Doesn't move, either.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some neat tricks for different scope mounts, but I wasn't keen on making permanent modifications to the rifle. At this point, I'm highly considering buying another one to tinker with more. That way, I can keep one as a historical piece, and have fun with the other. They are certainly cheap enough.
DeleteWasn't the original sniper variant a side-mount?
The 91/30 "sniper" rifles are indeed mounted off the side of the receiver.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to look at a really great mount that is designed for use with the Nagant, check out these
http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html
I would personally rather machine that in my garage versus paying through the sinuses for it, but that's me. :)
It wouldn't hurt to have one put back, still packed in cosmoline, and have one (or ten) that you can modify and have fun with. For an example of just pure fun, here's one that was rechambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.
http://www.weaponsguild.com/forum/index.php?topic=27905.0
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