K-31 Scout Rifle project

[natedog]

I found that someone on the Parrallax C&R boards sells a scout-type mount for the K-31 that attaches where the rear sight is- with no permanent mods. I'm very interested in a setup like this. What power scope, and what brands would you reccomend? Obviously, I'd like to spend as little money as necesasry, but if need be I'll shell out the cash to get good glass that holds zero, and has a clear, bright image. Fixed power is ok. Would something like a 4x be good? Any brands I should steer clear of?

 

[Dave R]

I just mounted a "Darrel's Mount" last week. I used the 2.5X NCStar scope which is frequently mentioned on his site. Its a hunka Chinese junk, but its cheap and I wanted to see if I like the scout scope concept.

Got to the range late Monday and could just get a few rounds off to get it sighted in. I'll hit the range again this weekend to wring it out.

From what I've rad about scout scopes, you don't want too much power or it defeats the purpose--being able to keep both eyes open and see the target and the surrounding area. I think 4X would be max. Most people use 2-3X.

Brands to steer clear of? Don't know 'em that well. I hear very mixed reviews of the NCStar. Leupold makes one, so that would be best. I hear the Burris is pretty good, too.

 

[Malamute]

Are you cutting the barrel down also?

I've seen many references to "scout rifles", but the forward mounted scope is the "scout" part generally refered to. Coopers concept of a scout had some definite parameters, size, weight, etc, the forward mounted scope is a part of the concept, but is not "the" scout part. On commenting about this, Cooper mentions that a scope is not necesarilly needed on a true scout.

Sorry to go on about that, and truly not meaning to come off as critisizing. Just wanted to point out some information about the "Scout" concept.

Try doing a google search on "Cooppers commentaries", and go to the one that has "johnny-jeff-UK" in the address. He writes about 4 to 6 pages a month, and ten years or so are archived there. The magazines only publish 1 or 2 pages a month. Anyway, much info on scout rifles in the commentaries. It's a recurring item for comment with him.

 

[natedog]

Yeah, I've read the whole concept and the specifications- definetly not what I'm trying to build. I was just using "scout scope" as a general term for a forward mounted scope.

 

[Malamute]

Cool, let us know how you like it. I've been thinking of putting a forward scope on my short (19") No 4 Lee Enfield. I'd have to have mounts fabricated to mount on the barrel. I've never shot a rifle with the forward scope.

 

[mainmech48]

Burris and Leupold both make purpose-designed "Scout" scopes. Neither is cheap, but you get what you pay for. If you're contemplating any sort of 'serious' use, even hunting, get the best that you can afford even if it means deferring purchase for a while to do it.

While several IER (Intermediate Eye Relief) scopes should work satisfactorily if their magnification is 3X or less, most sources seem to agree that 2.5X is optimum for this role. IIWY, I'd take some measurements and compare the result with the published specs to make sure that the amount of eye relief available will work when mounted on your rifle before buying. It would probably be a good idea to have the mount and rings installed and take the rifle with you. Bad guesses have cost me time and money. YMMV.

FWIW, you might want to see if you can't get on Natchez Shooters Supply's mailing list. They offer deals on factory refurb Burris stuff at substantial discounts from MSRP from time to time.

 

[CentralTexas]

Well next to my M2 Aimpoints

those $30-$0 BSA red dots are great for cheap. Be all you need fotr that project.
CT

 

[HarryB]

Here's Mine

Darrell Mounts and an NC 2X scope less than $100 total.

 

[El Tejon]

How are you guys getting a K-31 to make Scout weight?

Oops, upon re-reading, I see you aren't considering all the elements of a Scout. A quasi-Scout then!

 

[cracked butt]

Who cares about keeping it in the scout rifle concept when these old rifles with shoot rings around the commercial and correct 'scout rifles' that cost more than 10x as much

 

[Dave R]

Great shootin' HarryB!

I finally got to wring my K-31 with Darrel mount and NC 2.5X today. I was getting ready to brag on my 1.3" groups--and I guess I will in a different thread--but you make that GP-11 look good!

 

[natedog]

HarryB, what length is that scope? I'm looking at the Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Scout scope and the FX-II 2x20mm Handgun. They're 10" and 8" long, respectively, and I was wondering if that's short enough to use stripper clips.

 

[HarryB]

HarryB, what length is that scope?

It is 8 3/8 inches and clears for strippers.