Scoping a swedish mauser sporter m38

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I recently bought a Swedish mauser m38 in 6.5x55. It's being shipped but I haven't received it yet. It's a husqvarna 1943 which has the bent bolt handle from the factory. I believe the only modification to the gun is the sporter stock. It is not drilled and tapped for a scope or diopters.

Is it possible to mount a scope on this rifle without further modification to the bolt handle? I was thinking of a 2-7x33 mm type scope. If its a big job I'll use it with open sights only.
 
If your eyes are still good, just use the irons sights. They are plenty good enough for hunting out to 300yards. If for persission then a scope may be handy.. Don't think you will have to modify the bolt handle any more depending on the size of the lense of the scope and the eye relief on it.
 
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Here's a pic.

I'll likely use the irons, but I like to know my options.
 
I have an almost identical rifle... a Husky built in 1942. You would have to use high rings or get the bolt handle modified, and the safety will have to be changed too.
 
Very high or see through rings will be needed to clear the bolt handle. If the scope is high enough, the safety will clear. Cheek weld may become a jaw weld.
The receiver will have to be drilled and tapped.
For a lower mount, in addition to drilling and tapping, the bolt handle will have to be altered, and a low scope safety fitted.
 
i think your only issue will be the safety. that bolt looks like its bent far enough down. but a higher mount and tall rings will correct that.
 
There are sight bases that replace the rear sight leaf. A dot sight could be installed that way, no alterations to the rifle.
 
Drill and tap it for bases.

I had a Leupold vx II 2-7x33 on mine with a sportered military stock, and it wasn't too bad as far as height goes. With your sporting stock you should be better off.

As long as your willing to forgo the safety you don't have to mount the scope that high.
 
I have a bubba'd 96 with misaligned scope mount holes in the receiver that I had filled and new mounts put on by a smith. The safety won't clear my scope and my bolt handle needed more modification to clear the scope. My scope rings are pretty high but still if you're not careful you can cut your thumb on the scope zoom ring while working the bolt quickly.

At least with a "jaw weld" it isn't a high recoil round.

Wasn't worth the effort once it's all said and done. Too bad, she's a sweet shooter.
 
SoBored said:
...Wasn't worth the effort once it's all said and done. Too bad, she's a sweet shooter.
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X2

If you must have that gun scoped, you'll spend far more to make it tolerable, i.e. not accept "no safety" and a "chin weld" than it's worth to you or anyone.
 
Andy said:
X2

If you must have that gun scoped, you'll spend far more to make it tolerable, i.e. not accept "no safety" and a "chin weld" than it's worth to you or anyone.
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^^^ This is very good advice.
Also...

Qhergt said:
could get away with a red dot or scout scope on it and not have to worry about clearance issues
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As an owner of a bubbah m38 swede who has spent way too much time and money in the same position as the OP...I would go the red dot scout mount route on the rear sight base... Or just leave the rifle as is with it's Iron sights.

Don't mess with the bolt (yes yours looks to be a factory bent bolt) as it doesn't take much to muck them up out of alignment or retemper the metal from the heat.

Also if it still has the original three position safety leave it alone!

Mine came with one of those after market PH wing safeties and it fired when the safety was turned off while cocked. :eek:

So I replaced mine with an original three position safety I found at a gunshow, nothing IMHO beats the original design. Also now the bolt doesn't fall open while walking with the rifle on my back.
 
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tiriaq said:
There are sight bases that replace the rear sight leaf. A dot sight could be installed that way, no alterations to the rifle.
Click to expand...

Where would someone get one of those bases. I have a m-96 and I just can't see open sights anymore.
 
exceptionaly accurate caliber in a very well built rifle, once you get it shooting you may never grab another rifle again (even up to moose). Can be challenging but its been done so many times its not a big deal for a smith. Quality craftmanship in these rifles,well worth money spent as for the same value you can get a marlington 770 (wouldn't take one for free) .once done this rifle will amaze your grandkids when they're shooting it. -my 2 cents-
 
I have a williams aperature sight on mine and am very happy with it. I considered putting a scout type scope on mine forward of the reciever to alleviate clearance issues. So I have found the peep sight accurate enough to not need a scope.
 
I agree with most members, I would not drill, tap or modify the rifle. Perhaps I like the idea of the base that replaces the rear sight....no damage to the rifle! (As mentionned B Square)

Does anyone knows if only a red dot could be installed on such a base or a scope could also be installed in front of the receiver.

Thanks

OK:)
 
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