M38 Scout Rifle

[RHINOWSO]

Finished up this project today when the mount came in, zeroed the scope to the irons but still need to get to the range to confirm zero as well as finalize any mount adjustments required.

Intend was a inexpensive, handy, easy to replace rifle useful for hunting hogs / other game in SE USA.

Base is a 1945 M38 Mosin Nagant. Limb saver recoil pad, ammo holder, and sling. Added Brenshok scout mount that allows the irons to be used but also mount the scope. Cheap NCStar 2-7x scout scope in Leupold low rings. Add a crate of 880rds of surplus Silver Tip and I'm set for life.

[Leaveammoforme]

Nice fire breathing dragon! I'm assuming you know about the recoil seeing how you added a recoil pad. I don't think the NC will last long. I cut down a 91/30 to just under 20 inches to mimic a 38's size. I went with the drill and tap mount on receiver. My dovetail under rear sight was machined at angle eliminating any scout scope set up. Put a Simmons 3x9 on it in Warne rings. Have about 500 rounds through it with no issues. Shooting brass cased 150 PPU SP's it will clover leaf 3 rounds at 100 yards. Group opens to around 3 inches shooting 180's. Worked up a W748 load that gets me 2700 fps with very low muzzle flash. Got just over $200 in my whole rig. (I already had scope on a 7 WSM)

Get it out and shoot it! I wanna see bruises!

[mrvip27]

Man I want a M38 They are hard to find. Also without spending an arm and leg!

[easy]

Maybe a 91/59 instead of a M38? Barrel is thicker than a M38 as it's made from a 91/30.

[RHINOWSO]

Yeah, the NCStar gets mixed reviews but for $50 I figured it'll let me try the concept without having to spend a lot more. Might try a Nikon handgun scope or something better after I get some rounds down range.

I've put about 70 RDS through the M38 w/o the pad and it is a bruiser, so I'm looking forward to some relief.

[mrvip27]

Maybe a 91/59 instead of a M38? Barrel is thicker than a M38 as it's made from a 91/30.

and where do u find one

[Leaveammoforme]

Maybe a 91/59 instead of a M38? Barrel is thicker than a M38 as it's made from a 91/30.

ETA - My 91/30 barrel that is cut down to 19.5 that has the original lathe marks removed measures .656 OD at muzzle.

[Averageman]

Please let us know how that scope and mount hold up.
I tried a similar project with a .308 SMLE some years ago with bad results.
The concept usually looks good on paper, but in the end scoping these old battle wagons can be trouble.

[bigghoss]

Maybe a 91/59 instead of a M38? Barrel is thicker than a M38 as it's made from a 91/30.

Hickock45 did a video on the 91/59 not long ago. Been wanting one ever since. Not enough to drop real money on, mind you but it'd be cool to find one.

[easy]

mrvip - I found mine in the bargain barrel at an indoor gun range for all of $70. This place though milsurps were junk.


Leaveammoforme - mine measures 0.656 behind the front sight. Muzzle end has been turned down to fit standard sight.