The Mosin Nagant is a popular rifle loved by hunters and competitive shooters. It is incredibly effective for close, medium, and long-range targeting. Adding a scope to this rifle is one of the best ways to make your shot more accurate and your mission more successful.
Here, you will find the best Mosin Nagant scope recommendations, each product unique with distinct features, benefits, and specifications.
The best Mosin Nagant scope is a game-changer when it comes to hunting. A quality scope will not only enhance your accuracy but also stand out in terms of image quality. The scope provides crystal-clear, high-definition images that are hard to match.
On top of that, a good scope is durable and thus shields your scope from recoil, shock, and harsh elements. This maintains your zero settings if you add the scope on a Mosin Nagant rifle.
What Is the History of The Mosin Nagant?
The Mosin Nagant rifle, officially designated as the 3-line rifle M1891, is a bolt-action military rifle that was developed by the Imperial Russian Army.
It saw extensive use during the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II. It was known for its reliability, durability, and ability to perform in harsh conditions.
Various models were produced over its long service life, including carbine versions and sniper variants. The rifle continued to be used by Soviet and later Russian forces and many other nations well into the 20th century.
Today, it remains a popular collector’s item and is widely used by enthusiasts and hunters due to its historical significance and rugged construction.
What To Look for In the Best Mosin Nagant Scope
There is no question of the numerous benefits of investing in a quality Mosin Nagant scope. The last thing you want is a scope that is not a match for the rifle. To help, we have listed some factors to look out for before settling for a scope.
Construction Quality
You want a sturdy scope that will withstand the elements with ease. Scopes made out of aircraft-grade aluminum are sleek, lightweight, and offer unmatched durability and shockproofing. You will often encounter harsh conditions outside, so look for waterproof and fogproof protection. This is achieved by sealing mechanisms and argon/nitrogen purging.
Eye Relief
This is the distance between the eye and the scope at which the shooter can comfortably view the entire image. Eye relief varies with magnification adjustments in variable-power scopes. This protects the shooter from scope bite due to the rifle’s recoil.
The best Mosin Nagant scope should have eye relief of about 3 to 4 inches. This provides a comfortable distance for the shooter to maintain a full field of view through the scope while also accommodating the significant recoil of the rifle.
Magnification
Always keep an eye on magnification before buying any riflescope. Magnification is a pivotal aspect of a scope as it determines how clear you can see to take long-range shots. The magnification range of most scopes is typically 3x to 6x. Anything above this means you are looking at professional grade scopes. Identify what you need, and from there, you can determine the scope that aligns with those needs.
Mounting
Another factor to keep in mind when looking for the best Mosin Nagant scope is mounting. The rifle’s design requires specific considerations for a secure and functional fit. Its receiver and bolt action can limit traditional mounting options, often necessitating specialized mounts or modifications. A solid and stable mount ensures that the scope maintains zero and can handle the rifle’s considerable recoil.
Moreover, the mount must position the scope at an appropriate height and distance to provide a clear sight picture and adequate eye relief. Choosing the right mount enhances accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting performance.
Lens System
The lens system plays a significant role in clear images of the target. A high-quality lens generates superior clarity and contrasts images of the target regardless of the lighting situation.
A large lens offers a wide field of view of the target giving more awareness of the situation when shooting or hunting in wild areas.
The lens coating is also essential as it maximizes light transmission, leading to vivid, bright, and sharp images even at dusk or dawn or in bright light conditions.
However, keep in mind that a larger lens results in a bulkier scope.
Best Mosin Nagant Scopes
We have narrowed down the best options from a crowded market to help you easily find a pair for the rifle.
1) Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm riflescope features a BDC reticle with hold positions out to 125 yards, so you will never miss a shot. The reticle is on the second focal plane, which implies that its appearance remains the same whether you increase or decrease the magnification.
The optics are multi-coated to boost resolution, light transmission, and clarity for easy and accurate targeting. The glass is of high quality ensuring shots at first and last light are in the bag.
In addition, this best Mosin Nagant scope features a one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is lightweight, tough, and durable. The scope is IPX7 waterproof giving you confidence to hunt in adverse weather conditions without worry of moisture entering and causing damage.
Capped turrets protect your settings in the field ensuring that accuracy stays put. As a result, you will never miss a shot. Eye relief is 6 inches, and the magnification is adjustable from 3x to 9x. Also, the lens diameter is 40mm, which is sizeable enough to collect as much light as possible, granting clear and bright images.
Features
- Matte finish
- Weighs 15.4oz
- Second focal plane
- Fully IPX7 waterproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum structure
- 3x minimum magnification
- 9x maximum magnification
- One-inch tube diameter
- 40mm objective lens
- Capped turrets
- Multi-coated optics
Pros
- Accurate and easy to use
- Adequate eye comfort
- The glass is clear
- Precise and repeatable clicks
Cons
- No night vision
2) Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7x32mm Riflescope
The Hi-Lux 2-7x32mm riflescope provides a more comfortable shooting experience while maintaining razor-sharp accuracy in the field when using your Mosin Nagant.
The lenses of this scope are polished to photographic quality to enhance light collection and offer brilliant clarity even in challenging light conditions.
The scope offers a practical eye relief of 8 to 14 inches when zoning in on targets. You can choose between the standard Duplex reticle or a heavy 3-post with crosshairs and Scout .308 BDC reticle, which is highly advantageous for buck hunts.
It is made of aluminum and weighs 16 ounces. Windage and elevation adjustments are crisp and positive, and they adjust in 1/4 MOA per click. The riflescope includes flip-up caps as a bonus.
If you are looking for unmatched eye relief and precise reticles in the best Mosin Nagant scope, the Hi-Lux 2-7x32mm is perfect for you.
Features
- 2x to 7x power range
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Second focal plane
- 32mm objective lens
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- One inch tube
- Matte finish
- Up to 14 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Clear glass
- Includes scope caps
- Lightweight
- Adjustments are a breeze
Cons
- Thin reticle
3) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Hone in on your target with absolute precision with the Sig Sauer Whskey3 3-9x40mm riflescope. This Mosin Nagant scope is made for all environmental conditions because it is fogproof and IPX7 waterproof rated for complete immersion up to 1 meter. You can bring it out in damp conditions without worry.
It has an adjustable 3-9x magnification complemented by a 40mm objective lens for light maximization capabilities. Low-dispersion glass offers top-of-the-line optical clarity for any scenario.
Another highlight of this scope is the European-style eyepiece, which makes reticle focus a cinch. When the reticle is in focus, fast and easy target acquisition is guaranteed.
Other benefits of this best Mosin Nagant scope include a rugged chassis that can withstand intense use and capped windage and elevation turrets.
Features
- 3.5 inches of eye relief
- Low dispersion glass
- Waterproof and fogproof
- European style eyepiece
- Parallax setting at 100 yards
- Matte finish
- Capped turrets
- One-inch main tube
- 25 MOA adjustment click value
Pros
- Solid and dependable
- Awesome glass quality
- Smooth magnification adjustment
Cons
- Lacks night vision
4) Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm Riflescope
The Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm riflescope stands out as the best scope for a Mosin-Nagant due to its robust features and versatility. It has a Traditional Mil-dot reticle that allows for precise ranging and holdover, enhancing accuracy at various distances.
The reticle’s design features a front focal plane that remains consistent in size relative to the target across all magnification levels, ensuring reliable performance and ease of use.
The side-adjustable knob helps adjust the parallax from 15 yards to infinity. The fast-focus eyepiece provides a sharp, clear view of both the target and reticle, which is critical for achieving accurate shots.
In addition, the scope offers tactile and audible 1/10 mil windage and elevation adjustments, allowing for precise fine-tuning in the field.
This Mosin Nagant scope is built for anything and everything. It is fashioned from durable and long-lasting aircraft-grade aluminum. It is also shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, making it a durable and dependable choice for the rugged and powerful Mosin-Nagant rifle. Heavy recoil will not be a problem.
Features
- 30mm tube diameter
- Mil-dot reticle
- 44mm objective lens size
- 4x to 14x magnification range
- 44mm objective lens
- Mil rad adjustment click value
- Waterproof
- Fog resistant
- Shockproof
- First focal plane
- Anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Tactile windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Holds up well in harsh weather
- Clear glass
- Durable
Cons
- Fog resistant, not fogproof
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm has sufficient power for medium to long-range hunting. The magnification is easy to change using the magnification adjustment ring found near the fast-focus eyepiece.
Your hunting will get even better with the high-quality optics that this best Mosin Nagant scope boasts. The glass is of premium quality and delivers crystal-clear images and clarity from edge to edge.
The full multi-coating on the lenses allows maximum light filtration for more brightness and vividness. Images are stunning from dawn to dusk, ensuring a bountiful harvest on your spree.
A robust one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and rugged scope that will stand the test of time while camouflaging the shooter’s position. O-ring seals and argon purging deliver a lifetime of waterproof and fogproof performance.
What’s more? The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is handy for shooting or hunting at various ranges where estimating holdover is an issue. The customized dot in the reticle helps you get an accurate range of the target and allows you to have more successful shots. The fast-focus eyepiece helps keep the reticle in focus for rapid acquisition of the target.
Features
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Lenses have a full multi-coating
- Waterproof
- Weighs 14.6 oz
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- 4-12x magnification
- Single-piece tube
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Heavy-duty construction
- Holds zero
- Accurate sight pictures
Cons
- No illumination capability
Benefits of Mosin Nagant
The Mosin Nagant produces powerful shots and is found in armory collection of hunters, firearm enthusiasts, and professional shooters.
It is one of the best rifles for hunting and shooting games. It is also a great choice for target shooting, so it is no wonder it is widely used by many serious shooters.
Besides target shooting, the Mosin Nagant shines immensely in big game hunting. Some hunters prefer to use it without changing its traditional design, while others modernize the rifle.
If you intend to use this rifle for hunting, you have to prefer using soft point ammo instead of the solid and metal jacket cartridges. This guarantees continuous shots without missing when focusing on the target.
The Mosin Nagant is produced in millions because it is reliable, accurate, and gets the job done.
What Is the Effective Range of Mosin Nagant?
The effective range of a Mosin-Nagant rifle is typically around 500 meters for aimed shots at point targets. However, with skilled marksmanship and optimal conditions, it can effectively engage area targets at distances up to 800 meters.
The rifle’s robust cartridge provides significant stopping power and accuracy, contributing to its effectiveness at these ranges.
Sniper variants of the Mosin-Nagant, equipped with scopes, can extend the effective range further, making it a versatile and powerful option for long-distance shooting.
Final Thoughts
The Mosin Nagant is one of the best rifles ever. It is accurate, reliable, and effective on its own. Adding a top-notch scope boosts accuracy to new heights and makes you a far deadlier shooter out there. We hope this review has been enlightening and has helped you find the best Mosin Nagant scope that suits your needs and preferences.
Also Read: 7 Best Long-Range Scopes