As an avid hunter who’s spent countless hours trekking through forests and fields with my trusty Mosin Nagant, I can tell you there’s something special about these rugged old warhorses. But let’s be honest – while the iron sights might have served Soviet soldiers well enough, us modern shooters can definitely benefit from a quality optic.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of scopes on my Mosin, from budget options to high-end glass. Through trial and error (and more than a few frustrating range sessions), I’ve figured out what works best for these unique rifles. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best Mosin Nagant scopes in 2024, along with some key things to consider when choosing an optic for your own rifle.
Why Add a Scope to Your Mosin Nagant?
Before we dive into the top scopes, let’s quickly cover why you might want to scope your Mosin in the first place:
– Improved Accuracy: Even with practice, iron sights limit precision at longer ranges. A good scope can dramatically improve your groups.
– Easier Target Acquisition: Quickly spotting and getting on target is much easier with magnified optics, especially in low light.
– Versatility: The right scope setup lets you use your Mosin for everything from 100 yard plinking to 500+ yard target shooting.
– Aging Eyes: Let’s face it, our eyes aren’t getting any younger. Scopes help compensate for declining eyesight.
Now, on to the good stuff – my top Mosin Nagant scope picks for 2024:
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
If I could only recommend one scope for the Mosin Nagant, the Vortex Crossfire II Scout would be it. Here’s why it takes the top spot:
– Long Eye Relief: With 9.45″ of eye relief, it’s perfect for scout-style mounting.
– Versatile Magnification: The 2-7x range works great for both close range and reaching out.
– Durability: Shockproof construction stands up to the Mosin’s stout recoil.
– Clear Glass: Surprisingly good optical clarity for the price point.
– Lifetime Warranty: Vortex’s no-questions-asked warranty is hard to beat.
- The 2-7×32 Crossfire II Scout riflescope is perfect for use on your scout rifle. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
- With 9.45″ of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
I’ve had this scope on my go-to hunting Mosin for years now. Whether I’m stalking whitetails in thick brush or taking long shots on prairie dogs, it just plain works. The V-Plex reticle is simple but effective. At around $200, it’s also a great value.
2. Burris Scout 2-7×32
The Burris Scout scope is another excellent option purpose-built for rifles like the Mosin Nagant. Key features include:
– Ballistic Plex Reticle: Provides holdover points out to 500 yards
– Generous Eye Relief: 9.2-12 inches of eye relief
– Solid Construction: Withstands heavy recoil
– Crisp Optics: Better glass quality than you’d expect at this price
While slightly pricier than the Vortex, the Burris offers a more advanced reticle that I’ve found very useful for longer range shooting. The eye relief is also a bit more forgiving if you tend to inconsistent cheek weld.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
For those who prefer a more traditional mounting position, Leupold’s VX-Freedom is hard to beat:
– Twilight Light Management: Excellent low-light performance
– Punisher Recoil Testing: Withstands 5000 impacts on Leupold’s Punisher
– Lightweight: Just 12.2 oz
– Made in USA: Leupold’s legendary quality control
- Outer lens surfaces are scratch resistant to military standard extreme abrasion specification
- 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system is ideal for virtually any situation
While you’ll need to buy aftermarket mounts, this scope’s optical quality is a step above most “budget” options. I especially like how it gathers light in those crucial dawn and dusk hours when game is most active.
4. UTG 2-7×44 Scout SWAT
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a quality optic, the UTG Scout SWAT deserves a look:
– 11″ Eye Relief: Plenty of mounting flexibility
– Illuminated Mil-dot Reticle: 36 color options
– Side Wheel Adjustment Turret (SWAT): Easy parallax adjustment
– Affordable: Usually well under $150
While I’ll admit the illumination is a bit gimmicky, the base optical quality is surprisingly good for the price. It’s a great starter scope for those just getting into long eye relief optics.View Product Price.
5. Simmons Whitetail Classic 2-7×32
Another budget-friendly option, the Simmons Whitetail Classic offers:
– QTA Eyepiece: Quick target acquisition
– TrueZero Adjustment System: Maintains zero well
– HydroShield Coating: Helps shed water and fog
– Lightweight: Just 10 oz
While not as rugged as pricier options, this scope has served me well on several successful deer hunts. The optical clarity won’t blow you away, but it’s more than adequate for ethical hunting ranges.
6. Aim Sports 2-7×42 Long Eye Relief Scope
Designed specifically for Mosin Nagants and similar military surplus rifles, this scope offers:
– 8.5-10.5″ Eye Relief
– Rangefinding Reticle
– Adjustable Objective: Parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity
– Includes Rings: No need to buy separate mounts
I’ll be honest – the optical quality isn’t amazing. But for around $100 including mounts, it’s hard to complain too much. This is a good choice if you just want to try out a scoped Mosin without breaking the bank.View Product Price.
7. Hi-Lux M40 Tactical Hunter 2-7×32
Another solid mid-range option, the Hi-Lux M40 features:
– 14″ of Eye Relief: Super forgiving eye box
– Mil-dot Reticle: Good for holdovers and ranging
– 1/4 MOA Adjustments: Precise zeroing
– Multicoated Lenses: Good light transmission
I’ve found this scope to be a nice compromise between budget and higher-end options. The extremely long eye relief is especially nice if you wear thick clothing or shoot from awkward positions.
8. NcStar 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief Scope
An affordable option that still delivers decent performance:
– Blue Lens Coating: Reduces glare
– Weaver Style Rings Included
– Duplex Reticle: Simple and effective
– Compact: Just 11″ long
- Tactical rifle scope providing crystal clear targeting at 2X-7X magnification, with a 42mm objective diameter and an eye relief of 8.5 – 10.5 Inches.
- Long eye relief 2-7×42 Hunting rifle scope fits Mosin Nagant 1891/30 M39 with Rangefinder Reticle with Weaver/Picatinny ring mounts.
While not as rugged as some pricier scopes, I’ve found the NcStar to hold up surprisingly well to the Mosin’s recoil. It’s a good choice for occasional range use or light hunting duty.
9. Barska 3-9×42 IR Huntmaster Pro
If you prefer higher magnification, the Barska Huntmaster offers:
– Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle: 3 color options
– 30/30 Reticle Option: Good for hunters
– Fog proof and Shockproof
– Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Precision Aiming: The 3-9x magnification scope features 1/4 MOA click adjustments to improve accuracy.
- Quality Construction: The scope comes with multi-coated optics, providing impressive viewing clarity. Tube diameter 1″.
- Illuminated Reticle: The illuminated cross 30/30 reticle with adjustable brightness and fast focus eyebell can be used to target with ease.
While the eye relief isn’t quite as generous as dedicated scout scopes, careful mounting can still work well on a Mosin. I’ve found the higher magnification useful for longer range target shooting.
10. Trijicon AccuPoint 2.5-10×56
For those with a bigger budget who want premium glass, it’s hard to beat the AccuPoint:
– Fiber Optic Illumination: No batteries needed
– Fantastic Low Light Performance
– Second Focal Plane Reticle
– Extremely Durable
- SUPERIOR QUALITY LENSES: Multi-coated lenses provide superior clarity and light gathering capabilities with zero distortion
- BATTERY-FREE ILLUMINATION: Fiber optic technology automatically adjusts the brightness level and contrast of the reticle aiming point to available light conditions and a tritium phosphor lamp illuminates the reticle in low to no light
Is this overkill for most Mosin Nagants? Probably. But if you want the absolute best optical quality and are willing to pay for it, the AccuPoint delivers. I’ve used one extensively on my .308 hunting rifle and the clarity is truly impressive.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mosin Nagant Scope
Now that we’ve covered my top picks, let’s discuss some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a scope for your Mosin:
Mounting Options
Mosin Nagants weren’t designed with scope mounting in mind, so you’ll need to choose between a few options:
– Scout-style Mount: Allows for long eye relief scopes mounted forward of the action. Generally the easiest option.
– Bent Bolt Handle: Lets you mount a traditional scope, but requires gunsmithing.
– Receiver Mount: Drilling and tapping required, but allows for sturdy mounting.
I personally prefer scout-style mounts for their simplicity and ability to maintain stripper clip functionality.
Eye Relief
Given the Mosin’s hefty recoil, generous eye relief is crucial. Look for at least 9-10 inches if possible, especially with scout-style mounting.
Durability
That 7.62x54r cartridge packs a punch. Make sure any scope you choose is rated to handle heavy recoil.
Optical Quality
While budget is always a factor, don’t skimp too much on glass quality. Being able to clearly see your target is critical for ethical shooting.
Reticle Choice
Simple duplex reticles work fine for most hunting, but more advanced options can be useful for long range work. Consider how you’ll use the rifle.
Magnification Range
For most Mosin Nagant applications, a 2-7x or 3-9x range works well. Higher magnifications can be nice for target shooting but aren’t usually necessary for hunting.
Weight
Mosins are already heavy rifles. Try to avoid adding too much extra weight with a massive scope.
My Personal Mosin Nagant Setups
To give you a better idea of how I use scoped Mosins, here are my two main setups:
Hunting Rifle:
– Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
– Brass Stacker scout mount
– Smith Sights rear peep sight (for backup iron sights)
This setup gives me a handy, quick-handling rifle that’s great for deer hunting in heavy cover. The low-power variable optic works well from 25 to 200 yards.
Long Range Plinker:
– Hi-Lux M40 2-7×32 Scout Scope
– S&K Insta-Mount
– Timney trigger
I use this rifle primarily for ringing steel at 300-500 yards. The clearer glass and mil-dot reticle of the Hi-Lux help with precise shot placement.
Final Thoughts
While purists might scoff at the idea of scoping a Mosin Nagant, I’ve found that a good optic can really unleash these old war horses’ potential. Whether you’re chasing whitetails or punching paper, the right scope setup can dramatically improve your shooting experience.
Remember, the “best” scope ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit to find what works for you. And most importantly – get out there and enjoy shooting your piece of history!