M91/30 scope mounting confusion

summerside sniper

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I was looking into prices for D&T'ing a M91/30 for a repro scope and mount.

I emailed Epps and they said, "There are several reasons for this. First, the receivers themselves are generally milled down to a point where there is not enough side-wall to drill and tap for a scope mount. Second, there is no overhead bridge upon which to mount a scope. Third, the bolt handle on Nagant rifles rises vertically in the open position, making it impossible to mount a riflescope directly over the bore.
The Mosin Nagant rifle was not designed to take a scope mount, except in factory-altered models built during WWII and used exclusively in the sniper role. These are modified models which differ from the standard-available 91/30s. In most cases, you require a kit manufactured by ATI which includes a scope rail that mounts over the rear sight, as well as a turned-down bolt handle that will allow for a scope to be mounted and the rifle to operate. This kit retails for $70.99 + taxes. We have several kits in stock. Please note that this is a self-install kit that does not require a gunsmith to install."

I've heard of this in the past and was wondering how true this is? I've been thinking of, and its been recommended that I buy the non-gunsmith kit, which I plan to buy for a M44, but would I need it for any M91/30 that I purchase as well?
 
If you can find Claven2's description of his restoration of a 91/30 PU rifle, the process is well described. Claven2's gunsmithing was done by Jason at Gunco in Nepean, ON.
Easiest rifle to use is a later 91/30 with high sidewall receiver. The repro. mounts on the market work with this variation. You will need an altered bolt handle. If you don't want a custom alteration of your handle, there are altered bolt bodies available. Headspace isn't affected, because you use your bolthead.
Epps' description is of one aftermarket mounting system. If you want a reproduction of a real MN sniper, stay far away from the ATI.
 
Easiest rifle to use is a later 91/30 with high sidewall receiver. The repro. mounts on the market work with this variation. You will need an altered bolt handle. If you don't want a custom alteration of your handle, there are altered bolt bodies available. Headspace isn't affected, because you use your bolthead.

How late should I be looking at? '43's, '45's? Would the hex reciever that I sometimes see (correct me when I say it was the first type of reciever) be possible to use or no?
 
I do not know if the repro PU base will work with an earlier faceted receiver. If it is made to fit a round one, I doubt it. Ask Claven2, he will be able to tell you which years and makes of receivers would be best.
 
Ok, so I've chosen my future Mosin (I emailed P&S to make sure it can be used for a PU repro sniper rifle) and scope, but my final problem will be the handle. I will be needing an extended, turned down handle. Can I use the existing handle (which I doubt) or is there some to purchase somewhere?
 
I wouldn't mess with the one it came with...just replace it.

w w w.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=291700

w w w.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=1920z91/30

:)
 
Ok, so I've chosen my future Mosin (I emailed P&S to make sure it can be used for a PU repro sniper rifle) and scope, but my final problem will be the handle. I will be needing an extended, turned down handle. Can I use the existing handle (which I doubt) or is there some to purchase somewhere?

You can buy a bolt body with an extended and bent down handle, but these often leave a lot to be desired. Quite often they are off at an angle usually backwards and not flush with the stock. If I were you I would cut off your existing handle and the ball and drill and tap the bolt body and the ball, then make a new handle, thread it and screw the lot together. It will cost you only pennies + if you ever want to convert it back again just unscrew it all and replace the bent bolt handle with a straight one :)

Here is my effort
Jul07411.jpg
 
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