Hi Spartacus,
I've turned my M38 nagant into a scout and it is actually my favorite rifle right now. I just took off the rear sight and drilled and tapped so i could put a mount on it. (I believe it was for a Mini-14). I also chopped my barrel and recrowned it which actually improved its 'handiness'. I would also reccomend looking up Brownell's and getting a new bolt handle, those straight bolts are a bit rough to work quickly! I havent yet put on a recoil pad,but they are a very worthwhile investment.
I would try searching the forum, you'll get a lot of info on scouts in general and on turning mil-surps into scouts. Take care, and watch your six!
-Spooky
ps- Nice tagline, it was a good scene