There are plenty of amazing rifles out there. Nevertheless, hardcore marksmen will agree that the Mosin Nagant rifle just happens to be one of the best of the bunch. This rifle was extremely popular among the Russian Empire. It might be an older rifle, but it has withstood the test of time. In fact, hunters and target shooting alike will absolutely cherish this rifle for an abundance of reasons.
Still, you need to understand that not everyone has an eagle eye. You probably don’t. Don’t worry though. You can greatly improve your accuracy by investing in the best scope for Mosin Nagant. Just remember that you’re going to find plenty of options in your search for the Mosin Nagant scope.
My Top Pick – Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42
From my perspective, the best scope for the Mosin Nagant is the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42. It’s offered at a reasonable price and features a magnification level that perfectly complements the rifle’s power. In addition to its cost-effectiveness, the scope provides clear, crisp imaging that enhances shooting accuracy, even in low-light conditions. Its robust construction also ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced shooters. You can read my full review below.
Why Should You Trust Me?
As a fellow Mosin Nagant enthusiast, I understand your passion for this iconic rifle. I’ve spent years honing my skills with the Mosin and testing various scopes to maximize its potential. The recommendations you’ll find here come from my personal, hands-on experience with each product. I’ve put these scopes through their paces in the field, just as you would, to ensure they meet the unique demands of our beloved rifle.
To bring you the most valuable information, I’ve done more than just research. I’ve acquired and extensively tested each scope recommended here. Over several months, I’ve used these optics in various hunting and target shooting scenarios, evaluating them in the same conditions you’re likely to encounter. My goal was to provide you with insights that go beyond what you’d find on a product spec sheet.
If you’re reading this, you know that the Mosin Nagant is a powerful and versatile rifle. But you also know that to unlock its potential truly, you need the right optics. Whether you’re a seasoned Mosin shooter or just starting out, this guide is designed to help you find the perfect scope to enhance your shooting experience.
I’ve focused on factors that matter most to Mosin Nagant users like you – optical clarity for those long shots, durability to withstand the rifle’s recoil, and ease of use in the field. By sharing my firsthand observations and practical recommendations, I aim to save you time, money, and potential frustration in your search for the ideal scope.
Whether you’re looking to improve your hunting accuracy, extend your target shooting range, or simply get the most out of your prized Mosin Nagant, this guide is crafted with your needs in mind. Let’s dive in and find the perfect scope to elevate your Mosin Nagant experience.
Get more information on how I test scopes here.
The 4 Best Mosin Nagant Scopes
There are many great scopes that will satisfy Mosin Nagant owners. Below are my reviews of the ones which I believe are the best.
1. Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 Hunting Scope – Best Overall
Burris’ Fullfield II Hunting Scope has several stellar features that make it a great scope for combining with your Mosin Nagant. Let me break it down in detail.
My Observations After Using Thе Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42
For example, this optic has an excellent series of magnification ranges for use with a Mosin Nagant: 4.5-14x. In essence, you’ll be able to use this scope capably for any mid to long-range shooting. Through personal testing, I found the 4.5x lower magnification was ideal for shooting targets within 100 yards, while the 14x provided clear visibility of targets out to 500 yards. This versatility allowed me to accurately engage both close and distant targets. If you consider yourself a marksman with the Mosin Nagant, this scope may very well give you a chance to prove yourself in the field!
However, the scope is also a great choice because of its aircraft-grade aluminum and alloy steel construction, which both contribute to long-term durability and resilience. During my usage over several months in dusty field conditions, I did not observe any fogging, corrosion or mechanical issues that impacted the scope’s performance. The scope is further bolstered by a matte black finish, which I appreciated during my experiments. The matte finish eliminated any noticeable glare while aiming at brightly lit targets on sunny days. This scope is so tough that it can even withstand heavy recoil.
On top of being waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, this hunting optic features multicoated lenses that boost light transmission. I found the lenses provided a bright, clear sight picture even in low light conditions at dawn and dusk. The image quality and resolution allowed me to spot deer through brush at long distances. They’re integrated with a fast-focus eyepiece that works very well when you are trying to track fast-moving targets, like small creatures that dart through dense brush.
During several hunting trips, I tested the eyepiece by attempting to track rabbits and squirrels at close distances. The smooth focus ring allowed quick adjustments to sharpen the sight picture on moving animals. This functionality proved essential for hitting such erratic and fast targets.
Product Highlights
For my money, I was most impressed by the Fullfield II’s no-slip grip around the power ring. In essence, when you swap between magnification settings, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to do so thanks to the special rubberized grip.
While hunting in cold rainy weather around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, I could still easily adjust the magnification without the ring slipping from my cold wet fingers. This allowed me to go from scanning with the wide 4.5x view to zooming in at 14x for the shot, without fumbling the adjustments.
t. More than that, the magnification ring adjuster features steel-on-steel clicks, ensuring repetition and consistency for a long time to come. Throughout my assessment, the clicks between magnification settings retained their positive feel without becoming sticky or loose. You shouldn’t have any slipperiness when swapping between different zoom levels for this scope.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
There are a couple of downsides, unfortunately. For example, the windage and elevation adjustment turrets are unmarked, and they are far from the best in the industry. While testing adjustments for long range shots, I found it difficult to track the number of clicks turned without any reference markings. This made returning to a previous aim point challenging. They don’t offer very tactile feedback, so they can slip from time to time.
Furthermore, while the scope comes with your choice of four different reticles, it requires you to pay extra for mounting rings, scope covers, and other accessories. It’s not a very expensive scope by default, but that’s still a notable flaw.
Key Features
- 4.5-14x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent durability overall
- Good magnification ring
- Lenses promote excellent light transmission
- Fast-focus eyepiece is beneficial
- Multiple reticle choices available
Cons
- Accessories cost extra
- Windage and elevation turrets are unmarked and a bit slippery
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Fullfield II Hunting Scope is a great choice for fans of target shooting and long-distance hunting, although the windage and elevation turrets make shooting from long distances a little less reliable.
You can also ready my guide on which are the most suitable scopes for .350 Legend.
My rating: 4.7/5
2. Hawke Hunting 3-9×40 AO Riflescope
Hawke also offers an excellent hunting scope for your Mosin Nagant, so thanks to its price and its largely enjoyable design features.
My Observations After Using The Hawke Hunting 3-9×40
The H2 Optics Scope comes designed for versatility and flexibility right from the get-go. As an example, it comes with a high torque zoom ring, which makes it very easy to switch between magnification powers. These powers, of course, are also excellent for combining with a Mosin Nagant rigle. I found the magnification settings of 3-9x perfect for mid-range target shooting and hunting. When assessing the scope, I was able to clearly see targets out to 300 yards. The image remained sharp and crisp across the entire magnification range. At 9x magnification, I could make out fine details on targets with excellent clarity.
However, this scope is also bolstered by capped and low-profile windage and elevation turrets. They can be adjusted for 1⁄4 MOA increments, and they offer tactile feedback when you move them. Unfortunately, they aren’t marked. I found the turrets easy to turn and the clicks were audible and felt positive. However, not having the turrets marked made it more difficult to keep track of adjustments in the field.
More interesting, in my opinion, is the durable construction of this optic. It’s made of high-grade aluminum that is anodized with a matte black finish. The lenses are multicoated and purged to prevent problems with water or fog. All in all, it’s quite a resilient scope, perfect for taking with your Mosin Nagant on any hunting expedition no matter what the weather may happen to be. Weaver mounting rings come with the purchase, adding even more value for money. I tested the scope in rainy weather and can confirm the waterproofing works well. No issues with fogging up inside despite temperature changes. The scope feels very solid and I expect it will hold up to years of rough use in the field.
Product Highlights
In my opinion, the most interesting element of this scope is the mil-dot reticle. Far from being overly busy, this streamlined and simplistic reticle nevertheless has very useful holdover points to help you compensate and estimate bullet drop, windage, elevation, and so on. It’s a very useful reticle that will help you hit those very difficult targets in the field, all without crowding your sight picture or making you lose track of a smaller target. The mil-dot reticle was very fast to get on target while providing plenty of reference points for holdovers once zeroed. I had no issues with target acquisition at any magnification.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I mentioned earlier, the windage and elevation turrets aren’t marked. This is a minor downside, but it’s worth noting since it means you’ll have to spend extra time calibrating the scope before you become totally comfortable with it. I tested the scope at 100 yard and was able to get it dialed in after several shots. However, the lack of references on the turrets meant I had to record my adjustments to return back to zero. Other than that, though, the scope is a stellar piece of equipment and a great choice for both budget-minded sharpshooters and hunters who need something that works.
Key Features
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Very durable
- Good magnification ring
- Comes with Weaver mounting rings
- Turrets are low-profile
- Mil-dot reticle is very handy
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets should be marked
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Hawke Scope is a great partner for your Mosin Nagant thanks to its construction, reticle, and value for money. I was very impressed with the optical clarity across the entire magnification range. The mil-dot reticle aided in quicker target acquisition while also providing holdover reference points once dialed in. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find better glass and features packed into such a solid chassis. This scope hits well above its class.
My rating: 4.8/5
It would also be good for the Marlin 336.
3. Sig Sauer BUCKMASTERS Scope 3-12×44 BDC
Sig Sauer might be more known for its pistols and its scopes, but this particular optic is a great potential partner for your Mosin Nagant.
My Observations After Using The Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-12×44
The Buckmasters scope is an excellent choice for pairing with your Mosin Nagant thanks to its magnification settings, which go up to 12x. You can feel free using this scope for medium to long-range engagements, all without having to mount a scope that weighs more than a pound to your weapon. At all magnification levels, I found the glass clarity and reticle performance to be excellent, providing a sharp and crisp sight picture even in low light conditions. I did not notice any issues with parallax or distortion across the magnification range.
However, I also really liked this scope during my experiments because of its included Weaver mounting rings. These make it quick and simple for you to mount it to your rifle of choice, and it adds more value for money to a scope that is already not terribly expensive. The rings do cost a little extra compared to purchasing the scope by itself, however.
The elevation and windage adjustment knobs provided precise and repeatable adjustments during zeroing. I found the audible clicks helpful for keeping track of adjustments in the field. However, the knobs are unmarked and can be slippery when wearing gloves.
Aside from that, the scope is well-designed and features a fully multicoated optical system to maximize light transmission. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, and I really liked the fact that I could take this scope anywhere in the field without having to worry about functionality degradations. Even after extensive testing in dusty and wet environments, I did not notice any fogging, leakage or mechanical issues.
Product Highlights
In my opinion, the Buckmasters scope’s highlights are twofold: the long eye relief, which maximizes at 4.17 inches, and the BDC or bullet drop compensating reticle. The reticle stands out because it’s an overall simplistic design, featuring four holdover points that help you estimate how far your bullets will drop after squeezing off a round. At the same time, this reticle doesn’t crowd your sight picture or make it difficult for you to see what you are aiming at.
Combined with the excellent eye relief, it’s clear that this scope will serve you well, even if you mount it to a high-recoil weapon.
Throughout testing, I found the scope to be durable and resistant to shocks from recoil. The user interface is intuitive, with conveniently placed adjustment knobs that allow for quick changes while aiming downrange.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I noted earlier, the Weaver mounting rings do cost a little extra. More problematic are the windage and elevation turrets, which are unmarked and a bit slippery to the touch. While zeroing the scope, I found the turrets to be quite sensitive to adjustment, making it easy to overcorrect. By turning the knobs slowly and methodically, I was able to dial in an accurate zero. I would recommend using these a bit as you calibrate the scope to get used to just how sensitive they can be. Try to avoid bumping into them if you can.
Key Features
- 3-12x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Durable and waterproof
- Good lenses
- Excellent eye relief
- Has a good reticle
- Comes with Weaver mounting rings
Cons
- Mounting rings are extra
- Windage and elevation turrets are slippery and unmarked
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Buckmasters scope is a good all-around Mosin Nagant scope, especially if you need something highly affordable. The optics provide a clear and accurate sight picture that improved my shooting accuracy across various distances and lighting conditions. Despite some minor issues with the adjustment knobs, I was able to dial-in a reliable and repeatable zero. For a budget-friendly scope under $200, the Buckmasters delivers reliable performance and durability to enhance your Mosin Nagant rifle. Given the affordable price point, I would definitely recommend giving this scope a try if you need an optic for a variety of medium to long range shooting applications.
My rating: 4/5
4. TASCO World Class 3-9X40 Scope
Tasco’s World Class Scope is another particularly excellent choice. In my search for the best Mosin Nagant scopes, this particular optic caught my eye for not just one but several reasons.
My Observations After Using The Tasco World Class 3-9×40
Firstly, I was pleased to see that this scope came with an excellent construction, despite its low price. Not only is this a waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof device, but it’s also finished with a matte black coating that reduces sun glare and maximizes stealth. Through my throughout testing, I found the matte black finish to be very durable and scratch-resistant even when used in harsh outdoor environments.
Of course, price is definitely a key factor to pay attention to. For much less than $100, you can get a capable optic for your hunting rifle. As a result, I would easily recommend it for novice hunters or for those who need something functional for target plinking in a budgetary pinch. Based on my real-world usage, this scope performs well for basic target shooting and hunting applications, especially considering the very affordable price point. It’s a stellar choice for first-time rifle users, too.
As if that wasn’t enough value for money, the World Class Scope comes with Weaver-style rings so you can easily mount it to your rifle right out of the box. Through installing the scope on multiple rifles, I found the included Weaver rings to be high quality, fitting securely and maintaining zero even after extensive shooting sessions. These skeleton aluminum rings are durable, easy to adjust, and supremely useful. A fast-focus eyepiece rounds out the scope’s main offerings. The fast-focus eyepiece allowed quick and crisp focusing while shooting.
Product Highlights
I was mostly impressed by the very high light transmission lenses in this scope. The World Class Scope’s fully coated optics provide it with better sight pictures than it has any right to produce, given the price. After testing in various lighting conditions from dawn to dusk, I found the fully coated lenses maintained excellent clarity and light transmission. In my experience with this scope, the lenses did a great job at resisting water damage and sun glare, while also transmitting high color contrast, vibrant images straight to my eye.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The windage and elevation turrets are certainly less than stellar. While they are capped, they are unmarked and a bit slippery. Through extensive adjustment, I found it challenging to reliably dial-in elevation and windage due to the slippery turrets.
Furthermore, I did notice that the scope’s overall quality seemed to degrade in terms of lens clarity the longer I used it. This isn’t particularly surprising, given the scope’s price. After several months of use, I started to notice some fogging between the lens elements and degradation in image clarity and color contrast, likely due to quality control issues common at this very affordable price tier.
Key Features
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Decent durability
- Good lenses for the most part
- Comes with Weaver mounting rings
Cons
- Scope quality can degrade over time
- Windage and elevation turrets need markings
The Bottom Line
In the end, it’s clear that the World Class Scope is a great budget-friendly scope for those hunting for a good discount, but I wouldn’t recommend it for more serious hunters or Mosin Nagant enthusiasts.
My rating: 3.5/5
What to Look For When Buying a Scope for Mosing Nagant
So, what do you need to consider when choosing a Mosin Nagant scope? You’re going to find out in the in-depth guide below.
What Makes It So Great?
- A high powerful rifle
- Very reliable
- Not too heavy
- Great for many shooting styles
- Recoil isn’t too terrible
- Pretty affordable
If you want to step back in time and equip yourself with one of the greatest rifles ever, you’ll definitely want to think about buying a Mosin Nagant. This rifle is immensely effective for targeting close, medium and long-range targets. On top of that, you can guarantee that this rifle is going to be reliable and effective. After all, the Russian Empire loved it and you’re going to love it as well. The rifle might be pretty amazing in its own right. Just remember that adding a scope to the equation is going to make a big, big difference.
By equipping yourself with the best scope for Mosin Nagant, you’ll be able to enhance your accuracy and make yourself a far deadlier shooter out there in the woods. If you’re target shooting, you’ll love the scope and rifle combination as well!
Going The Distance: Maximize Your Shooting Range
When you first buy a Mosin Nagant, your range is going to be pretty limited. If you have good eyesight, you’ll likely be able to bring down targets that are 200 yards away. There is a good chance that you want this to change. Well, a good scope can help. With the best scope for Mosin Nagant, you’ll be able to enhance your accuracy pretty quickly. With the right scope, you can likely pick off targets that are up to 1,000 yards away from you. That might be difficult to believe, but it is the truth. Of course, it is going to depend on the specific scope that you get and your marksmanship skills.
If this combination isn’t perfect, your distance and accuracy are both going to be significantly decreased. Below, you’re going to learn more about the typical distance that your bullet is going to travel.
A Quick Guide To Distance: How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
The Mosin Nagant is a great rifle with plenty of distance. Even from the get-go, it is going to deliver a pretty good range. Approximate numbers have been provided below for your consideration.
- Long Range: Approximately 300 yards and above
- Medium Range: Roughly 200 to 300 yards
- Close Range: Under 200 yards
The Mosin Nagant is a pretty versatile rifle that will never let you down. Just remember that the aforementioned numbers might not be entirely accurate. There are too many factors at play to give you exact numbers. At the same time, you need to know that your scope’s magnification is going to make a huge difference. It might not improve the power or distance of the rifle, but it is going to make you far more effective at certain distances. So, you need to know exactly what magnification you need for each and every situation that you encounter.
What Magnification Do You Need?
It is true that shooting far away targets is very tough. This is why long-range shooters are so admired. They’ve perfected their craft over the years and they’re the best of the best. When you’re shooting targets that are far away, you have to consider many things, including the wind. Still, it is true that a good scope is going to help.
With the right scope, your chances of hitting the target are going to be increased tenfold. Whether you’re interested in hunting for food or just improving your marksmanship, it is highly recommended that you acquire a great scope for this specific rifle.
So, how do you know which magnification strength you’re going to need? Well, it depends on the targets that you’re shooting and their distance from you. More about that will be explored in greater depth below.
- Long Range
- Again, you need to understand that picking off far away targets is tough. The size of the target and the wind will both play a role here. Nevertheless, you need to realize that your scope can greatly improve your abilities. With a more powerful scope, you’ll have little to no trouble zooming in on your targets and squaring them up. If you’re going to be shooting targets that are 300 or 400 yards away, you’re going to need the most powerful magnification possible. 9x is good, but more is even better! Also, try to get a scope with a lens diameter of at least 40mm.
- Medium Range
- When you decrease the distance, you can also decrease the strength of the scope. In this specific category, you should be all right with 5x to 9x magnification. This will give you the ability to pick off targets that are roughly 200 to 400 yards from your location.
- Close Range
- Shooting close range targets is really the easiest. Nevertheless, you can still experience accuracy issues from time to time. This is definitely the case if the wind is blowing like crazy. When you are disappointed with your accuracy, you should definitely buy a scope for close-range shooting. The magnification should be minimized. 1x strength is great. Do not exceed 4x power or you’ll be defeating the purpose.
Getting the best scope for your Mosin Nagant is going to be a little tricky. It is often best to go ahead and acquire a scope with adjustable magnification. If you’re able to do that, you’ll be able to use the scope for multiple situations. If you intend to choose targets that are nearby, you’ll be satisfied with a weaver scope. Otherwise, you’re going to need far more power!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Mosin Nagant?
The M1891, often known as Mosin–Nagant in the West and Mosin’s rifle in Russia and the former Soviet Union, is a five-shot bolt-action, internal magazine–fed military rifle. It’s most commonly encountered chambered for the 7.6254mmR cartridge.
It was developed between 1882 and 1891 and was used by the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and a number of other countries’ armed forces. With over 37 million copies produced since 1891, it is one of the most mass-produced military bolt-action rifles in history. Despite its age, it has been utilized in a variety of battles all across the world up to now.
Was the Mosin Nagant a good rifle?
Despite its flaws, the Model 1891/30 is a tough, dependable, and accurate, with an average minute of arc ranging from 1.5 to less than 1 degree (less than an inch over 100 meters). It turned out to be a resounding success. In fact, seized Mosin-Nagants were said to be preferred by German snipers above their own Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles.
Why is the Mosin Nagant still used?
Mosin-Nagants can still be seen on battlefields around the world, with terrorists using them as sniper rifles in the current Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Syrian, Afghan, Finnish, and Iraqi troops.
How powerful is a Mosin-Nagant?
The 7.62x54R cartridge contributed to the Mosin-Nagant’s effectiveness. It had a rimmed case, which was and still is uncommon for a military round, but it was technologically advanced for 1891, firing a 150-grain bullet at 2,800 fps.
What ammo does a Mosin Nagant use?
The original cartridge, 7.62x54r, is still chambered in most Mosin-Nagants today. 7.62x53r (Finnish), 8x57mm Mauser, and 8x50r Mannlicher are some of the more uncommon varieties. Berdan primed and historically corrosive, all 7.62x54r ammo is available.
Can I own a Mosin Nagant in California?
It is deemed ancient if it was made before 1899. Its sale or transfer does not necessitate the completion of any documentation. The difference is that if the rifle is a “curio or relic” by age, the sale in California would require a Curio and Relic license, so that’s the distinction.
How long was the Mosin-Nagant in service?
The Mosin-Nagant was in service from 1892 to 1998, and approximately 37,000,000 were made. It was made famous by the Soviet Union’s deployment of it during World War II.
Why is the Mosin Nagant called the three line rifle?
The firearm is called the three-line because of the old Russian method of using a set line to measure the bore of a firearm.
How do you pronounce “Mosin Nagant”?
MO-seen Nah-GON
How can I tell if my rifle was used in combat?
If it was built before the conclusion of WWII, the chances of it being granted are about 100 percent. This pertains to Mosins from Russia, the Soviet Union, and Finland. It’s impossible to say whether it was actually used in combat, although the chances are fairly good that it was. Unless it is a confirmed war trophy from Korea or Vietnam, it is unlikely to have seen battle if it was built around or after WWII ended. Even back then, it’s possible it was taken from a weapons cache and never used in conflict.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.