Rifle Scopes Don't Laugh - Need a scope for a long range Mosin

[JaFlo]

I have a mosin nagant I built to target shoot out to 1000yds. Ok you can laugh. It currently has a cheap Barska 4-16 scope on it that really sucks. It holds zero just fine, but the glass is so bad I can't use 16x magnification at 1000yds because it gets too blurry. It has no parallax adjustment either.

I'm looking for something in the $500 price range to replace it. I wouldn't mind spending more, but at the end of the day this is still going on a Mosin. What I want is something that has matching reticle and turrets, preferably in MRAD. Exposed turrets. Illumination not required. 30mm tube. I would love to have first focal plane, but I realize at this price point that's hard to do. I can't do fixed power, BTW)

The only scope I've found that has all my wants is the Falcon Menace (looking at the 5.5-25x50). Reviews on these seem to be mixed. Is there anything else I should be looking at?

 

[D.ID]

I think you would probably be better served with the fixed power swfa or there 3-15x42, given your price range and need for matching turrets.
Take my opinion with a grain of salt considering I have NOT used the menace.
I really like the high power variables but with matching turrets there are not many (None I know of) worth recommending in the $500 range.

 

[997/2man]

Glorious Moisin, regalia of the proletariat.


Good Luck.

 

[JaFlo]

The mosin is just a fun gun. Not trying to enter matches with it. I'm putting the SWFA SS 5-20x50 on my 6.5 creedmoor build, but I can't justify spending that kind of money on a mosin. Is there anything in the $500 range that has everything I want but in a second focal plane perhaps? At the end of the day, I think the glass clarity trumps everything I want.

My friend has a Viper PST in FFP, I really like the scope. Could I expect nearly the same clarity in the cheaper HST (SFP)?

 

[ORD]

For $500...for the features you want...not gonna happen for a NEW optic. You may get lucky and get the price down somewhere near your budget by buying used or losing some of the features you want/need, but you are really, probably overglassing a Mosin at this point in time.

The $700 ranges gets you into the 2.5-10x32 FFP PST, the 3-15x42 SWFA SS, etc. Drop the FFP and go to SFP, you get into the 2.5-10x44 SFP PST for ~$500 or so from any number of trusted Hide vendors, as well as the 4-16x44 Vortex Viper HS-T (its basically the PST in terms of mechanics, glass, etc. sans illumination and a different mil-based reticle).

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I've done a fair amount of experimentation at scoping a Mosin, using the scout scope approach. As much as I like the concept, I seriously doubt it's viable for real LR applications. I still feel that it's susceptible to cheek weld variations.

Lately, I've been looking at the PE style mount. It requires a bent bolt handle, but it allows a closer eye relief, and I also suspect it's less susceptible to the cheek weld.

The thing I don't like about it, or even most Scout mounts, is that just about everything available puts the optical axis way too high.

By using really heavy duty airgun dovetail rings clamped onto the barrel sight dovetail, I got the Scout scope down to within about 1/8" of the receiver/upper handguard. That's good enough for me, but it still calls for some cheek rest padding, just not ridiculously so.

I'm not so sure the same can be accomplished for the PE style mount, but whatever one can accomplish in that direction should be worth doing. The thing I most dislike about the PE mount is that it prevents the use of the stripper clip.

PE repros can be had in 1" and 27mm rings versions. With the 1" size, most scopes you would already have on hand might be suitable. I have shot 1000yd F Class with a Tasco that cost under $100.

Greg

 

[pprochnow]

Weaver makes a tactical scope for midway usa that is pretty solid. 3-10x mildot reticle. SFP. Worth a look, great scope for the money.

 

[ORD]

Weaver makes a tactical scope for midway usa that is pretty solid. 3-10x mildot reticle. SFP. Worth a look, great scope for the money.

No, no, and NO! I have posted this before, but suppose it bears repeating...

My experience with that model, while they do fill a nice niche for a budget-minded, mil/mil, variable power optic, is that they don't track all that well and aren't terribly durable. Dialing adjustments with it on the couple I have used have resulted in them "wandering" a fair amount (i.e. - I had one on a .25-06 that I routinely took from a 100yd zero out to 600yds...regularly would have to over- or under-correct to get back on zero at 100yds after dialing up and down. Never more than 0.3mils or so, but enough to know that the scope isn't made all that well). As for durability, a friend of mine used one for a season on his .300WSM A-bolt. It did fine zeroing at the range, shooting around 20-25 rounds after zeroing just playing with the scope's adjustments, etc., but it took a fall when he had it out hunting (rifle was sitting upright on its butt leaning against a tree, fell over, hit the optic somehow but not like it fell on a rock or down a hill and that as they say...was that.) I don't recall if his tube got bent or if it was something else "not repairable" but otherwise NOT covered under the factory warranty (no surprises there I suppose). He dumped the Weaver needless to say and picked up a Vortex PST 2.5-10x44 MRAD which is still on the rifle to this day and has help take many a deer including at extended ranges (at least for WV Whitetails).

 

[pprochnow]

Wow. Sorry yours got bent.

 

[0933]

I use an SWFA fixed 10x on mine, and am more than pleased with it. I bought it used @ 250... though new they are only $299.

Here is a picture.

Some footage of it in action.

[video=youtube;7aU-tZnxMBY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aU-tZnxMBY&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[Scimitar]

Fixed power SS from SWFA to fit the bill with price limitations. That and rings under 400. Fixed 10,12 or 16 should do you

 

[Schleifalot]

A short anecdote: In 2010 I was trying to work up to 1000m with my Tikka. It was a unique opportunity, usually we can shoot max to 300m here in Germany. There was a dude shooting with his Mosin mounted with an original looking PUK scope. We were shooting at the same steel gong at 500m. He rang the gong (40cm x 40cm) pretty easily, mostly kneeling supported. That left me open mouthed.
Mosies are awesome for a hard kikkin russian POS.

You should be able to use the russkie up to 1000, the 7,62 x 54 is coparable to the 308.

Good luck with your project.

 

[JaFlo]

It's already built and I've hit the 1000yd target with it. I just want a better scope. I have the same mount as the one pictured above (nice looking rifle, 0933). I may have to give fixed power a try.

 

[ORD]

It's already built and I've hit the 1000yd target with it. I just want a better scope. I have the same mount as the one pictured above (nice looking rifle, 0933). I may have to give fixed power a try.

I didn't bring up the fixed powers as you specifically swore them off in a post above as something you couldn't do, but I'll just second the above recommendations for the SWFA SS series scopes. They are available in mil/mil based setups with a great mil-quad reticle, and in 10x, 12x, 16x and 20x depending on your preferences. Great optics for ~$300 ($400 for the side-focus model) that will give you a lifetime of service.

 

[BCP]

I use an SWFA fixed 10x on mine, and am more than pleased with it. I bought it used @ 250... though new they are only $299.

Here is a picture.

LOL that is badass, I've been looking for a project that I can actually afford maybe I'll do that.

 

[JaFlo]

I really don't want a fixed power, but it seems like the best option if I want descent glass without a high price tag. The only thing I don't like about fixed power is trying to quickly locate targets at closer range, say 100-300yds. I am very new to long range shooting, so this could just be something I need to learn. The 1000yd target at my range is a 12 inch square. Would 10x magnification be enough to clearly see this?

 

[Scimitar]

you can see it, but I would get the 12 or 16, or a biggerl size target

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Yes, you would see it, with an image equivalent to seeing a 1.2" object at 100yd with the same 10X scope. Try that and determine whether it's adequate for your needs.

The next important question would be whether your Mosin can manage just a smidge larger than 1MOA at 1000yd. That's actually a bit optimistic, but if you're good with that, so am I.

Greg

 

[0933]

It's already built and I've hit the 1000yd target with it. I just want a better scope. I have the same mount as the one pictured above (nice looking rifle, 0933). I may have to give fixed power a try.

Thanks! I really like the Rock Solid mount... I just finished up an M28/76 using the same mount.

I posted the whole project in the 'vintage sniper rifle' section. http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...-sniper-rifles/232331-finnish-m28-76-a-2.html

LOL that is badass, I've been looking for a project that I can actually afford maybe I'll do that.

Thanks!! I only have around $750 in the whole thing... INCLUDING the scope. Here is the whole project. Surplusrifle Forum ? View topic - Mosin Nagant Sporter Project-With Range Report

I really don't want a fixed power, but it seems like the best option if I want descent glass without a high price tag. The only thing I don't like about fixed power is trying to quickly locate targets at closer range, say 100-300yds. I am very new to long range shooting, so this could just be something I need to learn. The 1000yd target at my range is a 12 inch square. Would 10x magnification be enough to clearly see this?

I don't particularly find it hard to find closer targets with a fixed 10x... though it takes some practice and definitely knowing your rifle. Keeping both eyes open and using the 'bindon aiming concept' helps.

As for seeing a 12"x12" plate at 1,000 yds... I didn't have any problem seeing a 12" diameter gong at 1,080 (the same one I shot in the video). It was small, but I could clearly see it, and hold for wind. The misses I could spot easily, as the splash was clearly visible also. There is the 12x... though if you are going to do some fast close in stuff, I wouldn't recommend the 16x, or 20x because there exit pupil is noticeably smaller. They are pretty popular scopes, so it shouldn't be to hard to find one to try out before you buy.

 

[koshkin]

I have a few scopes Mosins and they shoot quite well. The scopes that sit on them range from $300 to $1500, so I would not have an issue putting on nice scope on one if it shoots well (and quite a few of the do).

Do keep in mind that with a larger scope you need to make sure your mount is up to snuff.

Anyhow, for the money you want to spend, I suggest you give on on a notion of a FFP variable.

Get a fixed power 10x42 SS or a decent SFP scope like the Vortex Viper. If you want FFP, step up to the 3-15x42 SS or something along those lines.

ILya

 

[Pat M]

1930 hex / I've got the Bushnell 10x mil/mil on mine (stole it off the CZ .22 as it dosn't focus at 50yds) + ATI mount

Usually wears an old 4x that looks traditional (pic below)on it. -

 

[JaFlo]

Yes, you would see it, with an image equivalent to seeing a 1.2" object at 100yd with the same 10X scope. Try that and determine whether it's adequate for your needs.

The next important question would be whether your Mosin can manage just a smidge larger than 1MOA at 1000yd. That's actually a bit optimistic, but if you're good with that, so am I.

Greg

Last time I was out there, I hit the little 1000yd target 1 out of 10 tries. My shots kept dancing all around it. I was, however, using off the shelf PPU 180gn FMJ. I'm going to be using hand loads next time if I can find some .311 174gn SMK's. It's not an extremely accurate rifle, but that's what makes it fun.

 

[Houk8539]

Vortex viper HST 550$


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sobrbiker883]

SWFA SS 16X is the only scope I'd bother with in your price range, period.
20X is better power for 1K, but your at what I'd consider the minimum exit pupil of 2.0 or I'd say the SS20X.

People that say 10x is fine for 1k must like precision shooting at 100yds with no magnification, because that's exactly what it's like sight picture-wise.

 

[Chiller]

The big question is what is the capability of the rifle? If it is a 1-2 moa at 100 then why throw crazy glass at it?

A fixed power optic as shown above would be a wise use of your money. Precision 1k and Mosin are really not in the same zip code. YMMV