I picked up a nice Mossberg 342 KA at the gunshow- never owned a mossberg before-can anyone tell me anything about it-how are they for accuracy-reliabilty etc?-This one appears to be in very nice shape-wood and bluing original.Not sure whether to scope it or put peepsites on it[can't use iron sights anymore due to my eyes]
Mossberg 342KA
- Thread starter ratherbefishin
- Start date
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
The 342KA is considered a hammerless bolt action. I guess this is because the firing action is enclosed in the receiver. I can attest that the mossberg 342 was built from 1960-74 as a target rifle and there is no harm in puting on a scope providing it has the slots for the mounts.
I shoot a couple Mossy 151s and a 152 (which also has the fold down front ) and use scopes on them all.( bad eyes too). At the range they have proven to be as accurate as many of the proclaimed "target rifles" and some "built to shoot 50 yards rifles. I enjoy them more in the actual field duty. At over a 80% hit ratio, even out to 150 yards. Do not knock the old girls as they have proven themselves for over 80 years. The shorter barrels do tend to limit the distance but with practice, them and you come into sync and can be very pleasing.
I shoot a couple Mossy 151s and a 152 (which also has the fold down front ) and use scopes on them all.( bad eyes too). At the range they have proven to be as accurate as many of the proclaimed "target rifles" and some "built to shoot 50 yards rifles. I enjoy them more in the actual field duty. At over a 80% hit ratio, even out to 150 yards. Do not knock the old girls as they have proven themselves for over 80 years. The shorter barrels do tend to limit the distance but with practice, them and you come into sync and can be very pleasing.
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
Accuracy depends on the ammo, you and wind conditions. A rifle shoots only to one point and how you learn where that is determines the bullet pattern. I do not shoot paper targets only but use them to set up for the fields. I can say that during scope set up that I have shot less than 1 inch at 50 and close to the same at 75. I do not compete as it were but the accuracy is good enough for the uses my guns see. Called minute of gopher lately. Try different ammo brands to see what is best in your gun. Not all act the same.
if I could get an inch at 50 yards that would be good enough for head shots on grouse, squirrel or rabbits.I tried it with the open sights this morning ,but its shooting CB Longs about an inch high at 20 yards with the sights on the lowest notch-ok as long as I remember
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
At 20 yards the bullet is still in its upward arch. Try 50 yards and it should be closer to center. By 75 it should be center and 100 about 2" low. The scope will certainly help get the rifle shooting center at the desired distance.
I ordered a bushnell 4X fixed power .22 scope from Wholesale -they seem to have the best prices[$63.13 shipped] on this item.I know its not a premium quality scope but I've never had a problem with them-they seem to do just fine for my shooting-plinking and small game,where 50 yards is a long shot.My eyes just can't handle open sights anymore and a low powered scope is a neccesity for any kind of accuracy at all.I installed a firesight on a savage 219 30/30 with peep sites-that helps,because you don;t focus on the rear sight.Getting old isn't easy on the eyes....
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
I use only 3x9x on my .22s. The changes in magnification sure helps for the longer shots. Very seldom a 50 yard or less shot but can turn it down if necessary.
freefallmike
New member
- Location
- ontario,kingston
try walmart -tasco 32mm-3-9x $65 with rings and see thru protective cover. works VERY well...put one on my old 1960 342k mossberg and it's a wonderful smallgamer out to 60m.
Havelin Sales has a bunch of Mossberg parts....
Good website for Mossberg enthusiasts http://home.epix.net/~damguy/
I've had more luck with the pre war models, even the 1950's made ones have been decent...60's and on seem to be in decline accuracy and quality wise.
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
Haveline sports can no longer ship to canada as they are not a OEM manufacturer.
If you have 2 mags, look at the feeding lips on the top of the mag that doesn't feed properly and make sure it looks like the one that does feed. A small adjustment on the feeding area can make a huge difference.They bend very easily and can be the source of much frustration.
