Newbie to Scopes

[H Wally]

As the title says, I'm a newbie to scopes. My knowledge of them includes very basic understanding of how they work, and that you "turn the knobs until the cross hairs are where the bullet goes".

I'm wondering what a good initial setup for a rifle should be. I shoot milsurps; Mosin nagants, 8mm mausers, and Enfields in .303. I've seen the scout mounts, but lean more towards side mounts as I would prefer to be able to fall back on the iron sights without having to remove the scope. What kind of basic scope and mount would people here suggest for a new-to-optics shooter?

Also, can anyone explain why the mounts for some rifles can cost up to or more than that of a rifle? They just look like milled aluminium or steel to me
Same goes for the scopes themselves. to a lesser degree...

 

[Grizzlypeg]

There's lots to go wrong and little margin for error in optics and mounts. Its got to fit right and stay tight. Not an area to cheap out on. Not saying there aren't some bargains, but if you optics shift or fail, you will be very disappointed. Not that I feel it should be that way, but reality is that decent optics and mounts cost as much or more than many rifles. I put a redfield dovetail base and rings on a Swedish Mauser, it wasn't expensive, required some drilling and tapping, but has given years of dependable service. It might be a whole nother ball of wax if you don't wish to alter the rifle in any way.

 

[H Wally]

Hmm, I've got an enfield that has already been drilled and tapped, a line on an ex sniper mosin that already has the holes, etc etc etc. I am willing to mount a scope when the piece isn't feasible to return to "as was" condition. Since all these rifles are very roughly similar in their performance, is there a specific scope that would suite one or more of them? I don't think any of my rifles are incredibly accurate out past 500 yards or so, or at least not up to match one of the new magnum titanium $5000 rifles, but that's expected from a 45-100 year old rifle that's been through at least one war. It gives it character

Edit - are there any turret scope bases for m48's that have a gap in them so one can still use the iron sights? I found a picture of one online, but have never seen since.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I can recommend the Burris Fullfield II's that are available on ebay for around $155.00 cdn. They are 3-9x40 and matt black. Probably the best scope for that price. Some cheap scopes are ok. It depends on your standards and whether you can risk having it let you down. I have an old Banner fixed 6x on my Mauser and its held up to many rounds, different users and years.

I can't comment on see through rings or bases, other than to make sure they are sturdy enough to not lose zero. Nor do you want the scope up to high or you won't have a comfortable and repeatable cheek positioning on the stock.