Scout 'scope mount...
Zombiephobia--You said
decided I wanted to use scope mount base that replaces the rear site
so what you want to do is remove the rear sight itself, but NOT THE BASE, which as noted above is permanently attached to the bbl.
I did that; bought a B-Square Scout 'Scope mount, and it came with instructions on removing the rear sight. The Surplus Rifle site that NC Smitty noted will have those instructions--Surplus Rifle is a GREAT place for info on any milsurp.
BTW, the B-Square mount went right on the sight base for me, no problems, and the Leupold Scout 'Scope went right on the base the same.
Another BTW, the trigger that Timney makes for the k98K Mauser fits the M-48 (although many retro parts for the 98 do not) and mine went on with no adjustments. It was NOT a job for a gunsmith--Tap out one pin, military trigger mechanism comes off, put on the Timney, re-install the same pin, tighten a couple of screws, done. I have installed Timneys on several milsurps, and it almost always goes like that.
My M-48, with its scout 'scope, Timney trigger, and a Boyd's stock, will hold 1.5 MOA out to 200 yd, with my handloads. Took a deer with it this past season.
I like the M-48. Hope yours goes well. Please keep us posted, preferably with pix.