Mosin-Nagant Scope Mounts
There are two places to mount a scope to a Mosin-Nagant: the receiver and the rear sight. See below for a description of the pros and cons of each mounting location.
Receiver Mounts
Receiver mounts are generally more expensive than rear sight mounts but they are usually more stable, which in turn provides better accuracy because the scope is less likely to vibrate or shift. Receiver mounts usually require a turned-down bolt handle, so you'll need to modify your existing bolt handle or buy one from a vendor. Receiver mounts also block the view of the iron sights (with some exceptions), so if you want to use your iron sights you should look elsewhere.
Receiver mounts are generally more expensive than rear sight mounts but they are usually more stable, which in turn provides better accuracy because the scope is less likely to vibrate or shift. Receiver mounts usually require a turned-down bolt handle, so you'll need to modify your existing bolt handle or buy one from a vendor. Receiver mounts also block the view of the iron sights (with some exceptions), so if you want to use your iron sights you should look elsewhere.
Finally, most receiver mounts require drilling and tapping (D/T) the receiver, which is a delicate procedure that can be easily botched by the inexperienced. Your rifle's function will not be affected if you mess up the D/T job, but it will have ugly holes in it and you will have likely ruined the mounting surface, meaning you can no longer simply take the job to someone more experienced. In some cases, adding a scope to your Mosin-Nagant could include the cost of the mount itself, the cost of a replacement bolt handle, and the cost of paying a gunsmith to D/T your receiver for the mount. However, those looking to push their Mosin-Nagant's accuracy to the limit will need a D/T receiver mount for three reasons:
(1) They are the most stable mounts available.
(2) They allow the use of high-magnification, short eye-relief scopes.
(3) They allow the barrel to be free-floated.
(1) They are the most stable mounts available.
(2) They allow the use of high-magnification, short eye-relief scopes.
(3) They allow the barrel to be free-floated.
Rear Sight Mounts
Removing the Mosin-Nagant rear sight will expose a dovetail rail that can be used as a base for a variety of sight mounts. Rear sight mounts are generally much less expensive than receiver mounts and almost never require D/T or a turned-down bolt handle, but require a LER (long eye relief) scope or sight. LER scopes are often called pistol scopes because they are often mounted on revolvers or handguns, which require excessive eye relief. LER scopes and sights are generally more expensive than traditional sights because they have limited demand and are overbuilt for use in high-recoil applications like magnum revolvers. Some budget scope brands have released LER scopes that are in a more manageable price range, but these scopes are generally not able to withstand the Mosin-Nagant's stout recoil for an extended period of time without losing zero or breaking outright. However, if you are dying to put a scope on your Mosin-Nagant but are not planning to shoot it more than a few times a year, a budget LER scope could be a viable option. A rear sight mount could also be used with any number of unmagnified dot sights, which usually have unlimited eye relief.
Removing the Mosin-Nagant rear sight will expose a dovetail rail that can be used as a base for a variety of sight mounts. Rear sight mounts are generally much less expensive than receiver mounts and almost never require D/T or a turned-down bolt handle, but require a LER (long eye relief) scope or sight. LER scopes are often called pistol scopes because they are often mounted on revolvers or handguns, which require excessive eye relief. LER scopes and sights are generally more expensive than traditional sights because they have limited demand and are overbuilt for use in high-recoil applications like magnum revolvers. Some budget scope brands have released LER scopes that are in a more manageable price range, but these scopes are generally not able to withstand the Mosin-Nagant's stout recoil for an extended period of time without losing zero or breaking outright. However, if you are dying to put a scope on your Mosin-Nagant but are not planning to shoot it more than a few times a year, a budget LER scope could be a viable option. A rear sight mount could also be used with any number of unmagnified dot sights, which usually have unlimited eye relief.
The below list represents a nearly-complete overview of the market, with detail spared only when many manufacturers make a largely identical product. The list is organized into two categories, "drill-and-tap required" and "gunsmith-free". For any scope in the drill-and-tap required section, add about $65 to the final price of the mount if you are not capable of D/T yourself, as that is an average price for a gunsmith's D/T job.
Each mount is noted to be a receiver mount or rear sight mount in the description.
Each mount is noted to be a receiver mount or rear sight mount in the description.
Disclaimer
This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or generally in cahoots with any of the below manufacturers or product lines.
The below products are not claimed to be the best or worst available, they are merely listed to provide a "jumping off point" for a prospective buyer's search. Whenever possible the link will be directly to the manufacturer, but that does not always mean the product cannot be found elsewhere.
Prices are listed only to provide a general idea, not a guarantee. Prices may change over time.
This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or generally in cahoots with any of the below manufacturers or product lines.
The below products are not claimed to be the best or worst available, they are merely listed to provide a "jumping off point" for a prospective buyer's search. Whenever possible the link will be directly to the manufacturer, but that does not always mean the product cannot be found elsewhere.
Prices are listed only to provide a general idea, not a guarantee. Prices may change over time.
Drill-and-Tap Mosin-Nagant Scope Mounts
ATI Scope Mount - Fitting both hex and round receivers, this cantilever receiver mount uses a Weaver rail and requires drilling and tapping two holes in the front of the receiver. Simple and inexpensive, this mount has garnered an unfairly bad reputation because installation is just easy enough to encourage the average joes of the world to take a swing with their hand drill. When the job goes poorly, they blame the scope mount. However, those that install the mount properly, using a drill press and spending a dollar or two to replace ATI's admittedly lackluster fasteners, are generally quite satisfied with the mount at this price point. No stock inletting is required for this mount.
$25 - $35
Rock Solid Ind. Scope Mount - Offering a single top Picatinny rail or a top and side Picatinny rail, this receiver mount is available in two different models to fit round and hex receivers. This mount attaches to the receiver using three screws and is very highly regarded, although it is currently one of the more expensive mounts on the market. However, if you need the absolute best in strength and performance, this is a good choice. Some stock inletting may be required.
$100 - $120
Rock Solid Ind. Scout Scope Mount - This mount attaches to both the receiver and rear sight base, providing what is arguably the longest and most stable rear sight mount available. Accuracy is reportedly not as good as the Rock Solid Ind. receiver-only mount, possibly because this mount prevents the barrel from free-floating, but the base model of this mount is less expensive and allows the shooter mount both LER sights and traditional sights as they prefer. An extended model called the MI-24C is also available, which has an even longer rail as well as mounting points for side rails.
$75 - $85 for base model $125 - $135 for MI-24C $30 for side rails
SVD/AK mount adapter - SVD and AK-pattern rifles use an unusual side-mounted receiver rail with a mount that curves over top of the rifle’s receiver. These mounts can be attached to a Mosin-Nagant rifle through the use of a small adapter plate like the one in the link, providing a rugged mounting point for Russian optics and mounts in both screw-on and quick-detachable variants. Most of these mounts require inletting of the stock.
$40 - $60.
WWII Sniper Mount - Some Russian Mosin-Nagants were converted to sniper rifles and used with great success in World War II. Most of these rifles use a scope pattern know as the PU, which uses an unusual 26.5mm scope. This PU receiver mount is a reproduction and reproduction scopes are also available, or an original WWII antique can be used for maximum authenticity. Inletting the stock will be required.
$70 - $80
ATI Scope Mount - Fitting both hex and round receivers, this cantilever receiver mount uses a Weaver rail and requires drilling and tapping two holes in the front of the receiver. Simple and inexpensive, this mount has garnered an unfairly bad reputation because installation is just easy enough to encourage the average joes of the world to take a swing with their hand drill. When the job goes poorly, they blame the scope mount. However, those that install the mount properly, using a drill press and spending a dollar or two to replace ATI's admittedly lackluster fasteners, are generally quite satisfied with the mount at this price point. No stock inletting is required for this mount.
$25 - $35
Rock Solid Ind. Scope Mount - Offering a single top Picatinny rail or a top and side Picatinny rail, this receiver mount is available in two different models to fit round and hex receivers. This mount attaches to the receiver using three screws and is very highly regarded, although it is currently one of the more expensive mounts on the market. However, if you need the absolute best in strength and performance, this is a good choice. Some stock inletting may be required.
$100 - $120
Rock Solid Ind. Scout Scope Mount - This mount attaches to both the receiver and rear sight base, providing what is arguably the longest and most stable rear sight mount available. Accuracy is reportedly not as good as the Rock Solid Ind. receiver-only mount, possibly because this mount prevents the barrel from free-floating, but the base model of this mount is less expensive and allows the shooter mount both LER sights and traditional sights as they prefer. An extended model called the MI-24C is also available, which has an even longer rail as well as mounting points for side rails.
$75 - $85 for base model $125 - $135 for MI-24C $30 for side rails
SVD/AK mount adapter - SVD and AK-pattern rifles use an unusual side-mounted receiver rail with a mount that curves over top of the rifle’s receiver. These mounts can be attached to a Mosin-Nagant rifle through the use of a small adapter plate like the one in the link, providing a rugged mounting point for Russian optics and mounts in both screw-on and quick-detachable variants. Most of these mounts require inletting of the stock.
$40 - $60.
WWII Sniper Mount - Some Russian Mosin-Nagants were converted to sniper rifles and used with great success in World War II. Most of these rifles use a scope pattern know as the PU, which uses an unusual 26.5mm scope. This PU receiver mount is a reproduction and reproduction scopes are also available, or an original WWII antique can be used for maximum authenticity. Inletting the stock will be required.
$70 - $80
Gunsmith-free Mosin-Nagant Scope Mounts
Jmeck Scope Mount - Fitting both hex and round receivers simultaneously, this receiver mount does not require drilling and tapping and uses a Weaver rail. The Jmeck mount uses a unique “band mounting” system and can be installed using basic hand tools in under an hour, including some inletting of the stock. It is available in either steel or light-weight aluminum, and in two styles: a high-profile variant that allows use of the Mosin Nagant’s iron sights, or a low-profile variant that sets the scope low for the best cheek weld. Despite the lack of drilled and tapped mounting points, this mount has excellent reviews. One reviewer noted that after two years of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the zero was unaffected. Although this mount is pricey, the fact that is doesn’t need to drilled and tapped by a smith makes it possibly the cheapest and simplest receiver mount on the market.
$75 - $95
Brass Stacker Mount - This clever rear sight mount allows a LER sight to be mounted but still provides use of the factory iron sights. One of the more expensive rear sight mount options, this mount attaches to the pin holes on the Mosin Nagant rear sight base rather than the 3/8” dovetail, and so is a better choice for serious accuracy.
$55 - $65
Advanced Rifle Parts Scope Mount - This receiver mount is a lesser-known entry to the market, and unfortunately this website's authors do not know much about it. It appears to be a gunsmith-free mount that will not require D/T. More information is pending.
$100 - $110
Generic Rear Sight Rail Mount - This type of rear sight mount is made by a number of companies, though this particular one is made by Aim Sports. It is a simple aluminum rail with a Weaver rail on top and 3/8” dovetail on the bottom. These mounts have mixed reviews. Some say they’re great, some say they’re useless. If you do purchase one of these mounts, buy one that has as many screws as possible. The more screws that are clamped onto that dovetail, the stronger it will be. A version with two detachable side rails is also available.
$8 - $30
Generic Integrated-ring Base - This is an example of a rear sight mount intended for 3/8” dovetail air rifles, with integrated rings. It is uncertain whether these mounts will withstand the Mosin-Nagant's recoil indefinitely, but they will fit on the rear sight's 3/8" dovetail rail.
$10 - 50$
Jmeck Scope Mount - Fitting both hex and round receivers simultaneously, this receiver mount does not require drilling and tapping and uses a Weaver rail. The Jmeck mount uses a unique “band mounting” system and can be installed using basic hand tools in under an hour, including some inletting of the stock. It is available in either steel or light-weight aluminum, and in two styles: a high-profile variant that allows use of the Mosin Nagant’s iron sights, or a low-profile variant that sets the scope low for the best cheek weld. Despite the lack of drilled and tapped mounting points, this mount has excellent reviews. One reviewer noted that after two years of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the zero was unaffected. Although this mount is pricey, the fact that is doesn’t need to drilled and tapped by a smith makes it possibly the cheapest and simplest receiver mount on the market.
$75 - $95
Brass Stacker Mount - This clever rear sight mount allows a LER sight to be mounted but still provides use of the factory iron sights. One of the more expensive rear sight mount options, this mount attaches to the pin holes on the Mosin Nagant rear sight base rather than the 3/8” dovetail, and so is a better choice for serious accuracy.
$55 - $65
Advanced Rifle Parts Scope Mount - This receiver mount is a lesser-known entry to the market, and unfortunately this website's authors do not know much about it. It appears to be a gunsmith-free mount that will not require D/T. More information is pending.
$100 - $110
Generic Rear Sight Rail Mount - This type of rear sight mount is made by a number of companies, though this particular one is made by Aim Sports. It is a simple aluminum rail with a Weaver rail on top and 3/8” dovetail on the bottom. These mounts have mixed reviews. Some say they’re great, some say they’re useless. If you do purchase one of these mounts, buy one that has as many screws as possible. The more screws that are clamped onto that dovetail, the stronger it will be. A version with two detachable side rails is also available.
$8 - $30
Generic Integrated-ring Base - This is an example of a rear sight mount intended for 3/8” dovetail air rifles, with integrated rings. It is uncertain whether these mounts will withstand the Mosin-Nagant's recoil indefinitely, but they will fit on the rear sight's 3/8" dovetail rail.
$10 - 50$
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