38 Swedish Mauser

[Capt Teach]

Anybody ever mount a scope on a 38 Swedish Mauser? I don't mean the no drill stuff from B-square, etc. Tried that and it was a real pos. Can a smith set one up for 2-3" eye relief scopes without breaking the bank?
The rifle is super accurate and has the military toughness for a working gun. I don't want a bubba job and I was just wondering if anyone else has had something similar done. Ideas?

Capt Teach

 

[Selfdfenz]

I had a gunsmith mount a set of Millet rings on one of my long Swedes about ten years ago. It has had 2-3 scopes on it since that time. He also did a wonderful job of turning the bolt and he put a side swing safety on her at that time. Like you, the B Square did not appeal to me.
You could pick up a minty one for about 100$ back then. I'm pretty sure this one was unfired.

The gunsmith tried to talk me out of it. Many have shaken their head when they see such a nice example to have been modified.

This was and is not my only Swede. Ever since the first one I owned I wondered what a nearly unfired version with a decent scope could do.

The answer, with handloads, is miracles and for that reason I don't give a hoot in he-- what anyone else thinks.

Good luck with your project, it sure can be done, but if you want a good outcome I would go with a good gunsmith that you trust to do a good job.
S-

 

[JohnKSa]

My Model 38 shoots sub MOA with the Swedish MilSurplus FMJ ammo.

I've wondered about scoping it, but I'm afraid of having an idiot butcher it. I guess when my eyes give out I'll have to take the plunge...

 

[scotjute]

Capt Teach,
I've had a Model 96 done. New laminated stock, glass-bedded action, free-float barrell etc. Had #1 military barrell cut and re-crowned to match the short Mauser length. Gunsmith bent the existing bolt, and replaced part of the safety so it would fit under the scope, and re-blued the gun. Used Leupold rings and scope. Did a beautiful job. Shoots .75" 3-shot group at 117 yds. But I spent approx. $1100 total with gun, scope, and all. Realistically, I could have bought a nice commercial gun in 6.5 as cheaply.
The advantage to me personnally is the repetiveness of action, trigger, etc.
with my other guns. I have and practice with several other Swedish Mausers M96's. They're accurate with the iron sights, but with the scope, my ability to both identify the target and shot placement have both increased noticeably.

 

[Capt Teach]

Well I already have a turned down bolt and several scopes, so it would just be the cost of drilling and mounting.

scotjute, the advantage the Swede has is it's a military rifle. It's made to be knocked around and should hold up better than a commercial 6.5x55.

Now I just need to find a "good" smith. Not easy in NJ. I'll look to PA.

Thanks all.

Capt Teach