Nightforce NXS on a Mosin?
Before you call me crazy, let me reassure you that THIS PARTICULAR Mosin Nagant shoots from a Douglas barrel, modeled after the original contour, caliber, etc., and shoots VERY small groups out to past where even I can't see so clear over iron sights.
Most of the mounts I have seen are crap, but I don't want to punch holes in this receiver for a PU mount.
Here's the question; How do I get this done without making the receiver any weaker (?) than it already is (it's over 100 yrs old!), and with such a long barrel-would I have to forgo the 20-minute mounts?
I only ask because a certain other site that doesn't do auctions (I'm pretty sure) has a 30mm 3.5-15X MLR reticle NXS for like, $125 off.
I got the bolt bent by a local guy here, it looks as if it came this way-no wierd colors, no burnt spots, no cracks in the chrome.
I wanted the Nightforce for 1000 yard shooting with this gun, since it's so darn accurate within 400 yards; I want to be able to see where I'm hitting without walking all the way downrange.
I tried a mount that replaced the rear sight, has 3 adjusting screws, and just won't stay put solidly enough to shoot more than 2 shots.
I realize that the sniper versions had extra work and the 2 holes in the side for the mount (kinda like an AK), but I don't think an offset sight/mount will work for what I want.
I thought about using a "scout" mount, but the Nightforce isn't compatible with long eye relief.
Check this one out, its sort of a "best of both worlds" option:
http://advancedrifleparts.com/
Again, no matter what kind of mounting option you go with, you'll need to have the bolt bent.
Yeah, I don't like the fact that you have to trust a hose clamp to keep it solid with this one.
This one is a drill and tap job, but looks pretty solid: http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html
After looking at the instructions, I decided that this one is an answer to a question that only gets asked twice a year.
I found the answer! Whilst perusing Utube; there's a secret to mounting scopes on a M-N! I'm surprised none of the experts knew about it! Rock solid, dovetail, strong as the rest of the rifle.
I got tired of looking at mounts, and started looking for a no-drill/no tap answer that required a bit of sleuthing; just remove the 2 pins holding on the rear sight, use a brass drift to pop it off to the front, and lookie what we have here!
It's almost a 3/8" (rimfire) dovetail with 2 pin (stop) holes already drilled.
Since it replaces where the rear sight goes; it must be a long-eye-relief scope that gets installed.
I grabbed a Leupold M8-4X, a Simmons 2-7X, and a old fixed-power Weaver, started experimenting with ring heights and widths, and found that using the Leupold with 40mm rings, a short piece of brass rod, and a set of rimfire (32mm)rings; I have a slightly offset Scout-mounted scope that doesn't interfere with my (already) bent bolt, and adds 3/4" to the already low sightline through the scope.
It's offset about 1/2" from the bore, to the left, and an even 3" above bore centerline to give me a solid cheek weld.
I wish my camera was working! Anyway, utube M-Ns Dirty Li'l Secret.
Oh yeah, I used my secondary M-N for the rear sight thing; the Douglas doesn't have the weird little dovetail.
It seems I'll have to get the barrel shank drilled'n'tapped if I ever want to see how well it shoots.
Most of the mounts I have seen are crap, but I don't want to punch holes in this receiver for a PU mount.
Here's the question; How do I get this done without making the receiver any weaker (?) than it already is (it's over 100 yrs old!), and with such a long barrel-would I have to forgo the 20-minute mounts?
I only ask because a certain other site that doesn't do auctions (I'm pretty sure) has a 30mm 3.5-15X MLR reticle NXS for like, $125 off.
I got the bolt bent by a local guy here, it looks as if it came this way-no wierd colors, no burnt spots, no cracks in the chrome.
I wanted the Nightforce for 1000 yard shooting with this gun, since it's so darn accurate within 400 yards; I want to be able to see where I'm hitting without walking all the way downrange.
I tried a mount that replaced the rear sight, has 3 adjusting screws, and just won't stay put solidly enough to shoot more than 2 shots.
I realize that the sniper versions had extra work and the 2 holes in the side for the mount (kinda like an AK), but I don't think an offset sight/mount will work for what I want.
I thought about using a "scout" mount, but the Nightforce isn't compatible with long eye relief.
Check this one out, its sort of a "best of both worlds" option:
http://advancedrifleparts.com/
Again, no matter what kind of mounting option you go with, you'll need to have the bolt bent.
Yeah, I don't like the fact that you have to trust a hose clamp to keep it solid with this one.
This one is a drill and tap job, but looks pretty solid: http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html
After looking at the instructions, I decided that this one is an answer to a question that only gets asked twice a year.
I found the answer! Whilst perusing Utube; there's a secret to mounting scopes on a M-N! I'm surprised none of the experts knew about it! Rock solid, dovetail, strong as the rest of the rifle.
I got tired of looking at mounts, and started looking for a no-drill/no tap answer that required a bit of sleuthing; just remove the 2 pins holding on the rear sight, use a brass drift to pop it off to the front, and lookie what we have here!
It's almost a 3/8" (rimfire) dovetail with 2 pin (stop) holes already drilled.
Since it replaces where the rear sight goes; it must be a long-eye-relief scope that gets installed.
I grabbed a Leupold M8-4X, a Simmons 2-7X, and a old fixed-power Weaver, started experimenting with ring heights and widths, and found that using the Leupold with 40mm rings, a short piece of brass rod, and a set of rimfire (32mm)rings; I have a slightly offset Scout-mounted scope that doesn't interfere with my (already) bent bolt, and adds 3/4" to the already low sightline through the scope.
It's offset about 1/2" from the bore, to the left, and an even 3" above bore centerline to give me a solid cheek weld.
I wish my camera was working! Anyway, utube M-Ns Dirty Li'l Secret.
Oh yeah, I used my secondary M-N for the rear sight thing; the Douglas doesn't have the weird little dovetail.
It seems I'll have to get the barrel shank drilled'n'tapped if I ever want to see how well it shoots.
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Drilling and tapping for a good scope mount is not going to weaken the action relative to any sane loading. Unfortunately I do not know what is available for MN that will give a solid mount and a low sight line. Whatever worked for that would likely require bolt handle alteration, though.
A long barrel will not relieve you of the need for a canted base for 1000 yard shooting with any usual scope. The Nightforce might make it but why test your luck?0 -
I'd look into a side mount. There are different options;
Here's one:
http://jmeckscopemounts.com/Mosin_Nagant_Side_Mount.html0 -
If the receiver's so fragile and your barrel has chunk tap the barrel for a scope mount "Scout Style". Hell JB Weld a Pic. rail on.
gunnut505 - If you can find a Scout or that SKS rig you can bolt down a long pic. rail (cut to size ones) on top to get the hight and rearward space to get your eye relief. EGW makes the cut your own length for like 20 bucks.0 -
gunnut505,
Here is bit of historical information:
"The sniper rifle M1891/30 , which is basically the M1891/30 adapted for use with a telescope, was a standard weapon in Soviet and satellite armies. The telescopes employed are somewhat similar to those used on United States hunting rifles. The sniper rifle M1891/30 is almost identical in appearance to the rifle M189l/30; however, it has been selected specially for its accuracy, and has been adapted for use with telescopes. The bolt handle has been lengthened and bent down to prevent interference with the telescope. c. Additional machining and tapping on the receiver of the sniper rifle M1891/30 permits the installation of three different types of mounts and telescopes. "
I would never stoop to calling you crazy...
However, I might question the voracity of the decision to mount a very expensive scope on this particular rifle, no matter what the degree of accuracy might be. But it's your money to do with as you see fit.
The side mount isn't workable for your intended distances as suggested by the 20 MOA question.
I would simply buy the best Picatinny-style rail available, have it mounted on your rifle but use the Burris Signature Zee rings in 30mm to handle your scope and 20 minute question.
The problem to address is the bolt handle. As is pointed out in the above quote, the handle can be lengthened and bent in the same process or you might look at the ATI solution. I usually don't advocate for anything ATI but this might be a viable alternative.
Best.0 -
The thing about putting a nice scope on a cheap rifle is that you are not going to wear it out looking through it and can move it to the next gun of interest. Seeing clearly all the way. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by gunnut505
I tried a mount that replaced the rear sight, has 3 adjusting screws, and just won't stay put solidly enough to shoot more than 2 shots.
Yeah, those cheap $20 Mosin mounts are crap. There are a few good rear sight mounts available, but they're a little more pricey.
I have an SK rear sight mount on my M44 with a 2x Leupold pistol scope and the thing is like a rock:
quote:
I thought about using a "scout" mount, but the Nightforce isn't compatible with long eye relief.
Check this one out, its sort of a "best of both worlds" option:
http://advancedrifleparts.com/
Again, no matter what kind of mounting option you go with, you'll need to have the bolt bent.
This one is a drill and tap job, but looks pretty solid: http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html0 -
im going to be that guy and call you crazy for putting 1500+ glass on a hundred dollar rifle.
that being said, not a penny of it is coming out of my pocket, nor would a penny of it have gone to me had you decided to go in a cheaper direction; so i say drive on and do what makes you smile. we only come this way one and you cant take it with you.
as far as the technical details you seek, i have nothing for you.0 -
quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
quote:Originally posted by gunnut505
I tried a mount that replaced the rear sight, has 3 adjusting screws, and just won't stay put solidly enough to shoot more than 2 shots.
Yeah, those cheap $20 Mosin mounts are crap. There are a few good rear sight mounts available, but they're a little more pricey.
I have an SK rear sight mount on my M44 with a 2x Leupold pistol scope and the thing is like a rock:
quote:
I thought about using a "scout" mount, but the Nightforce isn't compatible with long eye relief.
Check this one out, its sort of a "best of both worlds" option:
http://advancedrifleparts.com/
Again, no matter what kind of mounting option you go with, you'll need to have the bolt bent.
This one is a drill and tap job, but looks pretty solid: http://www.rocksolidind.com/mosin-nagant.html
EDIT:
quote:I found the answer! Whilst perusing Utube; there's a secret to mounting scopes on a M-N! I'm surprised none of the experts knew about it! Rock solid, dovetail, strong as the rest of the rifle.
So, what's the answer? Please share, because I'd like to know.
You can post a link to the youtube video if you like.
In terms of cost, things are a bit disproportionate here because the Mosins are so cheap. In the case of my "scout" Mosin above, I paid quite a bit more for the scope and mount than for the entire rifle. Don't really have a problem with that, since there is really no other way to put quality glass on the gun.
In the case of this poster, he said the rifle in question already has a custom match barrel, so its not exactly a stock $90 beater gun, and it probably does merit something more than a "beater" scope.
One other thing. . .while personally, I wouldn't *buy* a $1500 scope to put on a $400 rifle, I don't see the issue/problem with mounting such a scope, if I already had it and it would otherwise just be sitting in the box. You can always take the scope off and put it on a better rifle later, should you feel the need.0
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