The Mosin Nagant is well-known for the legendary ruggedness of the platform, but this great gun with a long and colorful history finds new life in the hands of many gun aficionados and hunters. The most intricate part of the project of converting this soldier's rifle into a sporting gun is mounting a scope. This is definitely not as easy as mounting one on most other commercial rifles.
Most folks know that the Russians, long before World War II, began equipping Mosin Nagant Dragoon models with mounts and telescopic sights.
In the early days, the scopes were from famed German optical manufacturer Zeiss. Later, they were from domestic designers such as PE and PEM and still later with 3.5-power PU fixed focus scopes.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Scope Rings and Mounts for the Mosin Nagant
- OUR TOP PICK: Aim Sports M44/Mosin-Nagant 91/30 Scope Mount (Short)
- RUNNER-UP: Leapers Accushot 1-Pc Mount w/1 Rings, 3/8 Dovetail
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Mosin Nagant Double Rail Scope Mount
Comparison of the Best Mosin Nagant Scope Mounts
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Modern Mosin Nagant Scope Mounts
Classic sniper configurations interfere with the Mosin's standard bolt. The design has the bolt sticking straight out from the receiver at 90 degrees. One solution comes from manufacturers who encourage altering the rifle with a bent bolt handle.
On the other hand, we also have a choice of a wide variety of creative optic sights, including some in the "scout" configuration. This features a long eye-relief scope positioned forward of the bolt. However, these Mosin Nagant LER mounts are usually too flimsy. This is because the screw slots allow up and down movement potentially causing the scope to get off zero.
What Makes a Great Scope Mount or a Set of Rings?
No matter if you choose a scope mount or a set of scope rings, it’s important to find one or the other while knowing the characteristics and features of each. You’ll need to distinguish between a great mount or ring set from those that are considered to be ineffective for Mosin Nagant users. No matter what you’re going with, it’s important to know the following things while choosing a mount or ring set:
High-Quality Materials
Yes, the best mount or ring set will always be made with high-quality materials like steel or aluminum. These materials are proven to be the best when it comes to durability. It can take on all kinds of impact and abuse, thus setting the stage for them to last a long time in terms of longevity.
Easy to Install
The installation process will mostly be easy for a lot of these scope mounts and rings. So you’re not going to need a gunsmith to do any work for you. It’s just you, a few minutes of your time, and the right kind of tools. Thankfully, the mounts on our list fit this category.
The Ability to Keep the Scope in Place and Protect Zero Settingsss
Yes, even the sturdiest scope mount will have two main responsibilities: one, it will keep a scope in place and therefore won’t cause it to move around after every shot fired. Two, it will protect a scope’s zero settings from being thrown off by the shock that can be caused by recoil. So you have a scope mount that will not only do its initial duty of serving as an attachment accessory for a scope, it’s making sure that the scope itself can still function properly after a long time.
Review of the Best Mosin Nagant Scope Mounts
The following is a list of the three best Mosin Nagant scope mounts that are currently on the market right now. While looking through these, you should make a note of any of the characteristics and features that may stand out. If you have a good idea of how these scope mounts work, you might have an idea of how your ideal scope mount should work.
Find one that is close enough and you’ll have something that you can rely on for a long time. Check out our article on scopes, too, to find out what’s compatible and what best suits your needs. Now, let’s begin by taking a look at the first scope mount on our list:
Best Overall:
Aim Sports M44/Mosin-Nagant 91/30 Scope Mount (Short)
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This scope mount was a hit with many of the new users. A lot of them were able to add on their scope of choice without having to deal with any installation issues. One user said that it fit his scope that had a long eye relief and he was able to see through it just fine. He further added that it made his Mosin Nagant rifle a little more rugged in terms of looks.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope mount is at the right length for almost any rifle scope you can attach to your Mosin Nagant. It’s sturdy and strong enough to protect a scope’s zero settings from being thrown off after so many rounds fired. As it stands, the design is simple and minimal. Nothing too complex (other than the installation process).
The Aim Sports Scout scope mount is another model that is designed to maintain rifle historic integrity. This mount installs on one of the rear sight base of the most popular Mosin Nagant models. It accepts Weaver-style rings.
It is built of black anodized aluminum, and can be correctly installed with minimum drilling and metalworking. To keep the system stable , it helps to insert the stock leaf spring upside down below the mount during an installation.
This Aim Sports mount enables the budget conscious hunter or shooter to scope Mosin Nagant without spending an arm and a leg.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be best used as a mount that can handle heavy-duty scopes. For example, scout scopes with long eye relief and even rifle scopes that can handle the hard-hitting firepower of a Mosin Nagant will work very well with this mount. If you have a scope that is battle-ready and can be useful in any application where a Mosin Nagant is appropriate, this mount could be your best friend.
Bottom Line
The AIM Sports Mosin Nagant Scope Mount may just be right up your alley if you’re looking for something that’s short in length but is sturdy enough to keep a scope in place and protect its zero settings at the same time. Just add this onto your rifle and you’ll make it stand out like the force of nature it was made to be.
Runner-up:
Leapers Accushot 1-Pc Mount w/1 Rings, 3/8 Dovetail
[amazon fields="B001BR4TJY" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This mount has made many of the recent buyers quite happy. Especially those who are hunters and target shooters. One user said that he was looking for a scope mount that would keep his scope in place and not give it any wiggle room. He was able to find this mount as his best choice and has not regretted it since.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a combination of a flat-mount and scope rings. So you get the best of both worlds in one mount. You get the reliability of the scope rings holding the scope together while the flat-mount makes it easy to install on your Mosin Nagant rifle. As a result, your scope is installed on a really solid mount that can probably last you years or even decades.
Another affordable but quality option comes from Leapers Accushot and its 3/8 Weaver style mount. It’s the same type of attachment as the Scout scope mounts from Aim Sports discussed above, but it may offer superior strength since it utilizes 3 clamp screws for installation as opposed to two.
The mount's rail has a 100 mm base length. It’s made from aircraft aluminum with a profile that fits the ⅜” dovetail of the rear sight blade and leaf. This keeps the sight tube as close to the gun barrel as possible without touching.
Leapers Accushot mounts easily and is very secure. It offers a solid way to install an extended-eye-relief scope to your Mosin rifle without the need to permanently altering the gun.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used mostly by hunters. Especially those who use their Mosin Nagant for deer hunting or any other game that they’re after. This will be used by those who want a solid scope mount that will keep a scope sturdy and will never allow the scope to lose its zero settings. If you want a scope mount like that, you might want to consider this as a good possible option.
Bottom Line
The Leapers Accushot is an excellent scope mount that will keep your scope in place and will do its best to ensure that you keep shooting accurate shots on your Mosin Nagant. Choose the scope you want to fit on this mount and never have to worry about any wiggle room or resetting your zero settings again.
Best for the Money:
Mosin Nagant Double Rail Scope Mount
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were able to install this with ease. Once they were able to add it onto their rifles, they were satisfied with the low profile it allowed for most scopes. Most of the scopes that fit this rifle were one-inch scopes, especially some with large objectives (measured at 30mm or more).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This may not look like some ordinary mount, but somehow it stands out as a great scope mount for Mosin Nagants. The design allows you to install it over the receiver of the rifle, which will make it easier for you if you’re using a scope that provides long eye relief. Sometimes, a scope like that can be a great fit for a hard-hitting rifle like a Mosin Nagant.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be the mount of choice across many shooters. Target shooters, hunters, and even some competitive shooters that happen to use a Mosin Nagant. Either way, this is a scope mount with an innovative design that will win over a lot of users.
Bottom Line
The Mosin Nagant Double Rail Scope Mount will probably be your cup of coffee if you want something easy to install, reliable, and will keep hold of any scope that will work best for a Mosin Nagant rifle. Plus, you’ll have all the tools you need and then some to make sure that the installation of this mount on your rifle is an easy one.
4. RSI Mosin Nagant Round Receiver Scope Mount with Picatinny Rail
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this rail mount. They quickly installed this and added on their scope of choice within minutes. One user said that the mount was pretty sturdy and enough to handle the heavy-hitting recoil of a Mosin Nagant.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This mount is one of the toughest on the block. Especially when you want to handle all kinds of recoil. Add on a nice durable scope that will work well with Mosin Nagant rifle and you’ll have a tough accessory on hand for one of the most powerful rifles in the world.
Rock Solid Industries (RSI) from Lexington, Missouri is one of the most popular manufacturers for outfitting the Mosin Nagant with modern-day top quality features. Their newest ironwork, based on the time-proven scope mounts line, is designed to fit your Mosin Nagant round receiver. It’s also compatible with Picatinny-style mounts and accessories. RSI has introduced a new classic mount for the Mosin Nagant featuring a Picatinny rail. It’s one more great option for optics for your Mosin.
The mount is built of 6061 aluminum and coated with a special hard coating. Due to the 3 mounting points, the mount fits tight and low to the receiver. This allows the shooter to keep a lower, more proper cheek weld.
Utilizing a full 6-inch Picatinny-type rail, the mount places the scope closer for better eye relief. It also supports the rear of the scope to eliminate any motion, improving accuracy. In short, the solid, one-piece Rock Solid Ind. scope mount does not move even when bumped, enabling it to withstand recoil or hold their zero easily.
The only drawbacks to this mount are a high price tag and the fact that it is not a do-it-yourself project for most people. It does require drilling and tapping by a qualified gunsmith to do it.
Who Will Use This Most
This will probably be a great mount that will handle many Mosin Nagant compatible scopes. So if you have something like a scout scope with unlimited eye relief, this mount will be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Bottom Line
If you need an accessory that will handle the heavy-hitting recoil, the RSI Round Receiver Scope Mount will be the right kind of accessory that you’ll need for your rifle. Just install this in seconds and add on your favorite scope in the snap of a finger.
5. S&K – Mosin Nagant Mount
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this scope mount. They were able to install most one-inch scopes with the scope rings easily holding it in place. Once installed, they ended up firing off test shots at the range to see how long the zero settings can hold. As expected, they reported that their scope’s zero settings stayed in place through 100 rounds. They also added that the construction was quite sturdy and lightweight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The mount’s design isn’t too bulky. So it won’t take up too much room on your rifle, and because it’s so slim, it’s also the reason why it’s so easy to install. The rings are also adjustable so you can fit some larger sized scopes. Especially the scopes that have larger objectives. Finally, it also handles the scopes that can take on the heavy-hitting rifles like the Mosin Nagant.
Another affordable but quality option for mounting a scope on a Mosin-Nagant rifle is the S&K mounting system. It features a 3/8" diameter stud that locks into a 3/8" hole or slot in the rear sight base.
The S&K scout mount owner can install this without bolt modifications or drilling of the ultra-hard receiver. It will accept a long eye relief scout or handgun scope with a 1-inch scope tube. The package included an aluminum base. It also has two steel ring studs made to match receptacles in the base. It also has the appropriate tool for the screws.
The only flaw is in instructions. Unfortunately, they don’t explain how to handle the two screws that help in controlling elevation from the base.
Who Will Use This Most
This might end up being a good mount for target shooting and hunting. Regardless, if you go with this mount you’ll have a rugged little unit that will work together with your favorite Mosin Nagant scope. You can expect this to at least give you a few years of dependable service (or maybe more) without having to reset your zero settings ever so often.
Bottom Line
The S&K Mosin Nagant mount proves itself that it can hang with the heavy hitters like the Mosin Nagant Rifle. Pair this with your favorite scope that will handle multiple amounts of heavy shock and it will be your best friend out on the range or in the field for a long time. This might just be the toughest Mosin Nagant scope mount you’ll ever have.
6. ATI Mosin-Nagant Scope Mount with Bolt Handle
Unlike mounts for Scout or Long Eye Relief (LER) riflescopes, Advanced Technologies (ATI) offers a traditional scope mount kit for Mosin Nagant. The package includes a mount rail and a new bolt to convert your straight-handled bolt to a more modern, bent bolt. ATI says that the bolt is designed to be installed by the customer, but we recommended gunsmith installation.
The 6"-long scope base is made of black, anodized, T-6 aluminum. The stainless steel bolt handle features a polished finish.
Installation of the ATI kit parts is not for the faint of heart. The original handle has to be sheared off, and the bolt body requires drilling and tapping for installation. It’s much better done by a pro, unless you’re experienced in this type of change.
ATI has offered its mounting set for at least 20 years and includes a lifetime warranty against manufacturing flaws or defects. Still, there are mixed reviews about the mount, especially the bolt-handle adapter. These usually have to do with poor tolerances and durability. Since the Mosin has a "push feed" recessed bolt head, the shooter is applying more force to the system. The lifetime warranty may inspire confidence, but the system as a whole might not.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Aside from the characteristics and features, there are a few other aspects that you’ll need to consider before purchasing a scope mount or ring set. It will be important for you to mull over these things carefully since you may be using something for the long term. Here are some of those aspects:
Price
If you’re on a budget, then you’re going to find something affordable for you. That doesn’t necessarily mean go for the cheapest available option. You should invest in the best quality and performance that you can afford. That way, you’re spending money on value rather than something that turned out to be disappointing and unreliable.
Which Will Be Better For You?
Do you want something that will hold the scope in place? Are you worried about it moving and wiggling around? Do you want something reliable and durable? These answers will depend on which choice will be the best option for you. If you want something that is guaranteed to keep the scope in place, you’re better off getting scope rings if you’re worried about leaving any sort of wiggle room for your scope. However, a flat mount has long been proven to protect a scope’s zero settings so long as it’s strong enough to handle shock from recoil.
Will You Need Adjustments of Any Kind?
Some scope mounts or rings will allow you some flexibility to move it around and adjust it at a certain setting. For example, if you have a scope that will fit a Mosin Nagant but has a great deal of eye relief, you’re probably going to need this extra space so you’re able to look through the scope with both eyes.
Conclusion
For many military longarms collectors, most Mosin Nagants are worthless pieces of iron, but for thousands of gun enthusiasts, the millions of 3-line rifles are an inexhaustible source of joy, allowing them to modify these centerfire rifles to modern standards.
With 7.62x54R ammo being cheap, it’s a great gun to add to your collectio,. and getting a scope attached with a good scope mount is key for taking it to the range or the hunting grounds.
