Mounting a short scope on a Mauser 98

[CheeseBurger]

Trying to mount a Vx-2 2-7x33 on a Zastava M98 but with standard weaver bases and rings it doesn't work as the main tube is too short. I contacted Trade Ex and they suggested Weaver Quad rings and reversing them or a Warne Maxima extended base.

Not entirely sure of how far out I am as the rifle is away to get the stock shortened and a new recoil pad installed. The Vx-2 seems to have a 130mm/ 5" 1/8 main tube. I can't find the specs on the distance between centre - centre of the bases on the Zastava.

I guess at this point what I'm asking is what is the better option, the rings or a different base on a medium-heavy recoiling rifle. (9.3x62) I worry about the rings being cantilevered like that being able to handle the strain but then the one piece base may cause issues with loading the internal magazine.

 

[Mauser98]

I've got two Mausers with Leupold 2-7X33's on them.

The first is Oberndorf Brazilian 1908 9.3X62. I wanted to keep the hump and so had the rifle d&t'ed for Warne bases. Unfortunately the Warnes were factory defective(drilled off-center). Plan B was using Leupold bases designed for a FN Mauser. The rear base had to be modified to fit over the hump and, because the bridge holes were further back, have a corner milled off. Even with the more rearward positioning, my VX I fits just fine but with no room for forward or rearward adjustment.

I would bet that a set of Leupold FN two-piece bases would fit your Zastava.

The second rifle is a .375 Ruger Model 50 JC Higgins(FN Mauser). On this rifle I choose Talley bases and rings. The VX II fits nicely but again, there is no room for forward or rearward adjustment.

I personnally don't like one piece bases. They get in the way, they're heavier, they're ugly and, with only 3 screws as opposed to 4 with the 2-piece, probably aren't as strongly mounted. But that's just me.

 

[CheeseBurger]

Mauser 98 - Thanks for the informative post. My issue is with the lack of forward or rearward adjustment. In my case as I wear glasses I need that adjustment.

 

[Cleftwynd]

Mauser98, what ever happened to the original chrome lined High Standard barrel that came off the JC Higgins? Beautiful rifle btw.....

 

[Neilm]

I would use the leupold FN mauser base and a set of Medium extension rings. That should solve the problem. I don't like one piece bases either.

 

[gunpro]

you could try a 1 piece picatinny set up for the most options in mounting your scope. The down fall is that these are typically a bit higher and depending on where your scope needs to sit may require thus higher rings and that may put you out of your natural cheek weld which won't be comfortable.

 

[Mauser98]

Mauser98, what ever happened to the original chrome lined High Standard barrel that came off the JC Higgins? Beautiful rifle btw.....

I still have it. It's in .270 Win. I'm debating with myself as to what to with it.

 

[Northman999]

My one experience with the short 2 - 7 x 33 was pretty frustrating, for similar reasons as the OP stated.

Personally I would go with a one piece picatinny style based that will give more options, or go with a longer scope that allows some movement.

I'm not a fan of having no ability to move a scope forwards or backwards...

 

[Kevan]

This is a bit off topic but my scope choice on the 98s I use is the Leupold 1.5X5 because it gives me lots of fore and aft movement and more than adequate magnification for my hunting needs....

 

[medvedqc]

there is another option :

the Leupold QR base and rings excentred ...

 

[flyinlead]

I would use the leupold FN mauser base and a set of Medium extension rings. That should solve the problem. I don't like one piece bases either.

That sounds like the answer to me. With the leupold STD. extension ring set the rear ring is a regular one, and the front one is offset. The front ring sits 5/8" farther back. As for the rear ring check out mauser 98's first picture of the 9.3x62, thats the rear base and the ring would be centred on that, on those two big flathead windage screws, the front edge of the base being pretty much up to the edge of the action opening. So that rear ring sits farther ahead with this type of base than with others, say like a two piece weaver base.
Measure up your scope and figure out where the leupold rings would sit on your action and decide if that works for you. The leupold stuff looks nice and tidy and classy for a mauser.

 

[CheeseBurger]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to talk to my smith and see what we can do but it looks like the Leupold extension rings are the way to go.

 

[chuck nelson]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to talk to my smith and see what we can do but it looks like the Leupold extension rings are the way to go.

I would get a new scope before I went that route. Call Talley and explain the issue and see if they can help. Tell them you don't want anything overhanging the ejection port.

 

[Why not?]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to talk to my smith and see what we can do but it looks like the Leupold extension rings are the way to go.

Hey, Cheeseburger, PM me your mailing address. I have a set of Weaver extension rings that I will send you to try if you want. Sold the rifle with a different scope, so they are just sitting here.



They are light, tough as nails, and have solved your problem for me several times.
Ted