Scoping a split bridge rifle
What Bubba will do never ceases to amaze me.
I recently picked up (of all things) a sporterized Portuguese Kropatschek in 8X60R Guedes. Stock modified, mag cut off to hold only about 5 rounds, wood shortened, barrel chopped... but with the original hardware and sights otherwise.
As a general question, how do you go about scoping a split bridge Mannlicher style rifle? I have a drill press, this is soft steel, I already reload for the caliber for my minty original Kropatschek, so no issues there. I figure since any collector value is ruined, and I got it for $60, it might be one to experiment on.
I recently picked up (of all things) a sporterized Portuguese Kropatschek in 8X60R Guedes. Stock modified, mag cut off to hold only about 5 rounds, wood shortened, barrel chopped... but with the original hardware and sights otherwise.
As a general question, how do you go about scoping a split bridge Mannlicher style rifle? I have a drill press, this is soft steel, I already reload for the caliber for my minty original Kropatschek, so no issues there. I figure since any collector value is ruined, and I got it for $60, it might be one to experiment on.
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What I have seen most often on a split bridged rifle is a side mount. I don't know who all makes them now but several companies have made either swing-over mounts or quick detachable such as the Griffin & Howe.
Redfield made a set of mounts for the Mannlicher-Schoenaur rifles that had the front mount on the receiver ring and the rear on the left side of the split bridge.0 -
With Moisins (which have a split receiver), the easiest way to go is with a "scout" type forward mount into the rear sight base.
Edit: For an obscure $60 rifle with no collectors value, this is probably the simplest/cheapest way to scope it.
The better way is with a side mount, but that involves tapping the receiver, and also has a downside of blocking the port so you can't use stripper clips anymore.
Here's a pic of a side mount on a Mannlicher:
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quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
With Moisins (which have a split receiver), the easiest way to go is with a "scout" type forward mount into the rear sight base.
The better way is with a side mount, but that involves tapping the receiver, and also has a downside of blocking the port so you can't use stripper clips anymore.
Here's a pic of a side mount on a Mannlicher:
No offense shooter but I wouldn't agree at all it's a side mount on the photo you posted. The front mount is dovetailed to the top of the receiver.
Here is a photo of a side mount I got off the net.
The Portuguese Guedes is such a obscure little encountered rifle to get a side mount that will work, would be a matter of luck or making one yourself.
The Guedes uses a tube magazine under the barrel, so stripper clips won't be a factor.0 -
Redfield used to make a mount similar to the one shown on the 1951 MS but in standard 1 inch tube configuration. Mine attached; 2 screws on the top of the forward receiver ring and 2 screws on the left side rear. 0 -
jonk,
These are available through New England Custom Guns:
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/index.html?clawmounts.html~maindeal
Mounts for Mannlicher-Schoenauer
1' (26mm), 30mm
All steel construction. Front base requires drilling and tapping two holes in the front receiver ring. Rear base mounts to left side of split rear bridge. One height only (wing safety clears scope tube).
You might have to fabricate your own if the dimensions and angle aren't correct.
And yes, the rear mount is referred to as a side mount.
Best.
Added:
I just re-read the original post and saw the price paid for this rifle.
I fear that most of the suggestions including mine, will outweigh the original cost substantially. The M-S side mounts will run about $415 and the Jaeger side mount runs about $270, so these will be way above what might be considered for an expedient, yet affordable solution.
There will probably be something that can be adapted for this configuration but nothing is coming to mind immediately. As suggested, try the big manufacturers like Weaver to see if they have something usable.
Best.0 -
Doesn't Weaver still make/sell side mounts? 0 -
I might compare it to some commercially available mounts as side mounts, and if one fits, great. If not, I'll just shoot it as is.
Yeah, it's an odd duck alright; that's why I said "WHY would anyone bother to sporterize THIS???" It's not like ammo is easily available or ever was.0 -
Send it in to Griffin & Howe. They'll make a sideplate that not only fits your rifle, it will be trued to the bore axis.
Benefit: the scope/base is of the quick-detach type. Just like the M1-C rifles. Store the scope separately when travelling, etc.
Best, Joe
EDIT
Item in this post is expensive. That it may be too expensive is not up to me (or anyone but the OP) to decide. Best again, Joe0 -
I bought a G & H side mount base from them a few months ago. The base alone was $100.00. Detachable ring assembly will run $400-$500. Gunsmithing to get the base on the rifle would cost on top of that. This hardly seem a reasonable solution to get a scope on a $60.00 rifle. 0 -
I bought a G & H side mount base from them a few months ago. The base alone was $100.00. Detachable ring assembly will run $400-$500. Gunsmithing to get the base on the rifle would cost on top of that. This hardly seem a reasonable solution to get a scope on a $60.00 rifle.
There's always the "scout option". 4 holes in the barrel in front of the receiver, a couple of Weaver bases and long eye relief scope.0 -
Why not use an extended eye relief scope and use the rear sight mount to fasten a scope base too???? 0
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