Milsurp Pseudo-scouts and spare ammo compartment

[Pnyx]

I've been pondering this for a while. I've got a cheap M91 MN in storage at a friend's, and I've been pondering getting either a Yugoslav or Czech M24 Mauser or a M-44 MN for a pseudo-scout conversion (the Mosin has the advantages of using a bullet that's still being made and used and a 20 inch barrel instead of 24, which makes it closer to the intent).

I know the basics for the scope, although I'm still pondering whether to make it temporary or permanent, I'd probably take the bayonet off to shave weight; of course a M-38 would be better since it lacks a bayonet to begin with, but nobody seems to have M-38s to sell, so these two are my next best option, with the MN being the closer one to Scoutvana.

My only question is whether someone has tried to make an internal "spare mag" in the butt like there is in the Steyr? I've been thinking of trying, which would probably be moderately hard, but I'm not sure wether or not it would make it too weak, even though it's certainly comfortably wider than the 15mm base of 7,62x54mm, similarly for the Mauser 8mm.

Bad idea? Horrible idea? "Tried it, but..."?

 

[fatcat4620]

The MN is not accurate enough to make it worth it.

 

[451 Detonics]

Go with the Mauser and 20 round trench mag then you won't need the spare mag.

 

[dnthmn]

Many Mosins are plenty accurate, but why not just go with an elastic stock band with cartridge loops or just carry a couple of stripper clips in your pocket?

 

[Pnyx]

Many Mosins are plenty accurate, but why not just go with an elastic stock band with cartridge loops or just carry a couple of stripper clips in your pocket?

A bit of practicality, a bit of wanting to try, a bit of being bored and thinking of the practicality.

Also looking at the mausers in question... Is cutting their barrels viable at all, or is 24 inch actually a tolerable compromise in terms of length? To be honest, I'd rather not go around cutting barrels; the main reason I'm planning to pick a new rifle is because of barrel length to begin with.

 

[courtgreene]

It's viable, but I fail to see a significant advantage. They aren't exactly gargantuan to begin with.

 

[Pnyx]

K, yeah; two feet is not that massive and I'm not trying to go for absolute purity.

 

[451 Detonics]

I wouldn't hesitate to cut a Mauser back to 18 inches and add a comp. Add on a scout scope mount and the trench mag in a sporter stock and you would have a great scout rifle in a caliber that is easy to find and still pretty cheap. If I didn't have 3 projects in the line up now it is one I would consider doing.

 

[fatcat4620]

MNs are accurate but not 2 MOA. A mosin scout would look cool though, think M44 with sniper bolt, POSP scope and ammo butt cuff.