Scope set up for Swedish M-38??

Rating - 100%
120   0   0
Location
Nova Scotia
Hello All

Could the guys that have Swedish M-38 or M-96 that are scoped give a description of what bases and rings they use?? I have a one piece Redfield base and extra high rings set up; and can't seem to clear my scope when I #### the bolt.:mad:

Pain in the butt as I'd love to use the rifle for coyote hunting. Any info would be appreciated.
 
Your issue is not with the rings or scope. You have a straight bolt handle as they were originally issued with (not many scopes in 1938) - handle needs to be bent. Bubba sometimes does this or your local gunsmith might help you out. Not sure if swapping the bolt creates headspace issues or not.
 
get or install a Timney low profile safety. Dependant on the objective diameter of your scope you should be able to bring the rings down to medium height.
 
Even with the stock bent M38 bolt, you're going to have issues with scope interference. If you dont want to have the bolt modified, then you need higher rings, or go to a red dot. Higher rings usually means see through. Not sure you can get anything that is redield/leupold compatible, most folks use Weaver style, or see through rings with integral bases such as Holden Ironsighter. (The latter may work for you as they may fit the Redfield drilling pattern - they only require one hole on the rear charger bridge.)
If I were you I'd get the bolt modified, the see through mounts are quite inferior to the redfield, and will position the scope quite high off the rifle.
 
Last edited:
Best bet is to have the bolt cut and rewelded like a Model 70 , you still need high rings.These are not high in the sense your cheek is leaving the stock during shooting like SMLE's.I like steel bases and rings.............will be doing a 43 husky 38 soon.............Harold
 
I have an M 38 that I bought a while ago. It came with the bases already mounted.

I tried a scope & rings & had the same problem with the stock bolt which is straight & will not clear the scope. I finally found very high, see rings that allow the bolt to clear. The trouble is that the scope is so high it is difficult to use. I gave up & have another complete Mauser on the way that has a modified bolt.
 
The rifle that I have is a M 38 and it has a bent bolt. As Colin above mentioned it doesn't clear the scope. I imagine a fellow would have to cut the bolt or have it ground down to clear the scope.
 
My M38 sporter, someone else modded the bolt before I got it.
And they had to do allot of dremel work on the Ramline stock.

Raw125b.jpg


Even then I have to use a scope with a average eye piece.

The safety just says PH on it in a circle and is a small wing lever.
 
I have several swedes-and while sending it out to have a gunsmith cut and reweld the bolt handle is prefered it also costs a fair bit,possably more than the rifle is justified so another option is to grind the sharp angle and flatten out the bolt a bit and you should be able to get away with medium high rings if you don't use a large belled scope.My ''bubba'd'' bolt slides by my Leopold vx11 2x7 just fine.The safety needed just a little taken off to work.
 
I had an m38...put an after market safety on it and did a home concave grind on the top of the bolt handle, polished it up, and was good to go. As it turned out, I think I got away with medium height rings.
 
Back
Top Bottom