Sporterizing a Mosin--Specifically, a scope

[Dionysusigma]

Has anyone ever used these components? How difficult is this? Quality? Is it worth attempting?

http://www.tapco.com/product_information.asp?number=MNT5201&back=yes&dept=191&last=35

I'm trying to decide whether to get a standard Mosin Nagant 91/30, adding the stock offered by Tapco, and then the Scope and Bolt Handle package. My main concern is if there are any permanent changes made to the rifle (esp. the existing bolt handle) and even then, the performance due to the lighter stock (many of us are quite familiar with the infamous Mosin-Nagant recoil from Hell). And before anyone flames me for sporterizing a part of history, I've already got an M44 that has a good solid history behind it

Any input at all is appreciated...

 

[GD]

Get one of Darrels scope mounts. It does not alter your rifle and is rock solid. You will need a pistol scope for this mount. I believe Darrel has a sale going on them right now. You can find a link to his page on the Parallax website.
www.milsurpshooter.net

 

[oldfart]

I traded an SKS for a 91/30 in an ATI stock. The last inch or so of the barrel was worn to about .315", so it didn't shoot very well. After cutting 6" off the barrel and removing the rear sight, I elected to try one of the ATI scope mounts too. It went on pretty well and it was as solid as you could want, but the edges of the mount are sharp and every time I reloaded, I ended up with blood on my hands.

So I looked around a bit and found an old Pachmayer tilting mount, probably designed for a Reminington or something, that would fit on the round Mosin receiver. I used J-B Weld to tack it in place first and after I was sure it would work, I drilled and tapped the side of the receiver to mount it permanently. Now I have a 4-12X40 Bushnell mounted on it and it seems to work quite well. In time, I suppose the Bushy will give out due to the recoil, but it just happened to be laying in the back of my closet...

This system has a real advantage over the ATI mount. I can use stripper clips to reload. All I have to do is tip the scope out of the way, load and tip it back. Unfortunately, the Pachmayer mount is no longer manufactured and has to be found at a gunshow.

 

[MagKnightX]

If I were you, I would get a bent-handled bolt-body. That way, you do not ruin your current handle. I believe I have seen them for sale a few places, namely Here. However, they are expensive.

If you want to be really traditional, you can also have it drilled and tapped for a PU scope mount, which with the scope can be had for 300 bucks from the same supplier as the bolt bodies. I cannot testify as to the quality, as I haven't used them, however.

This will give you a rifle nearly identical to the one used by the Soviet sniper in Enemy at the Gates. Once I gather the money, I will have this done to my 91/30.

 

[cool45auto]

Once I gather the money, I will have this done to my 91/30.

You and me both!