M48 Scope Mounting

[DES0LAT0R]

So Im looking at getting a M48 Mauser for hunting, and I was wondering the scope mounting options for this rifle. Id like to stay away from scout scopes as I am not a fan, so what would be the best way to mount it above the action? Would it be best to get it drilled and tapped or use something like this

https://www.amazon.ca/Mauser-Zastava-Yugoslavia-No-Drill-Tap-Scope/dp/B01N4KD544/ref=cm_wl_huc_item

 

[Bigrounds8mil]

Bad Ace or Addley Precision are definitley the way to go for no-drill/tap mounts, both rock solid. That particular one however looks like it'll be sitting pretty high on the rifle, even with low rings. Will be more of a chin weld than cheek weld if you can live with that, sort of like shooting a Mosin PU sniper.

 

[Cold Warrior]

I don't think there's any good way to scope a Mauser:

1. You can drill and tap into that beautiful crest atop the receiver, and that's not good because that utterly destroys all collector value the rifle has.

2. You can use the Bad Ace 'scout' mount with a long eye relief scope. The advantage of this method is that it's "no drill, no tap",
so you can install it or remove it and no harm is done. But IIRC you said you're not keen on the 'look'.

If you don't already have the Mauser, and you want to hunt, why not go out and buy a hunting rifle that's made specifically for the job? I've never been a fan of using a 'milsurp' for hunting, especially if it requires permanent modification--not while there are so many new rifles on the market, many of which are less expensive than a Yugo Mauser. 50 years ago, guys were buying up Enfield "Jungle Carbines" in the hardware stores for $25, then taking them home and hacking pieces off the stocks to turn them into
"sporters". Today those rifles are pretty worthless, whereas those that remained in their original condition are worth ~30 times what they sold for in the 1970s.

I say, buy yourself a nice Savage and go hunting, then come home and admire your pristine Yugo Mauser.

 

[Hitzy]

To properly scope a Mauser you need to do 3 things.
D&T for bases....$60
Have bolt handle bent or replaced....$50-$100
Low swing safety...$50
And that $200 or so will reduce the value of your gun to about $200 or so.
Why not just buy one of the dozens already to go from Tradex? For $200-$300 you can get a commercial 8x57 Mauser or sporter if you prefer ex military models, some with a scope already on it. Just flip through the 23 pages of used rifles.
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/produits/95?page=22

 

[kjohn]

I have run across some nice old milsurp 98's that have been drilled and tapped. Just sold a 660 98 to a fellow with those things done. I wouldn't drill a nice M48, but it's your rifle.

 

[kaskirov]

There are a few issues:
1. Scopes must be mounted extra high due to the military safety switch. Some scopes will work with extra high rings, but most hunters went with the see through style. There is still debate on whether these are junk.

2. The scope will interfere with loading. No more stripper clips. It is workable, but don't expect to load fast when seconds count.
3. The weight. I took my m48 hunting, so i know. Its a heavy rifle with a thin sling. Its doesn't seem to be an issue until you spend a few km hiking.

Here are my suggestions (in no particular order):
A: Drill and tap. Look for some m48 sniper rings. You could try to make a sniper look-alike.
B: scout scope. I've been tempted to try this with a mauser, but you don't want that.
C: look for another rifle. Probably your best bet. You probably don't want to hear this if your like me, and you love surplus. As mentioned above, you can get a sporter mauser that has all of the modifications (safety, d&t, and maybe even detachable mag) done already. These sell for the same, if not less than the m48. You can also go with a entry level new rifle, but the only advantage of that route is maybe better accuracy.