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.
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!
You can also ready my guide on which are the most suitable scopes for .350 Legend.
The 4 Best Mosing 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
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 Feeling After Using This Product
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. 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. The scope is further bolstered by a matte black finish, which I appreciated during my experiments. The finish prevents sun glares from affecting your shot. 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. 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.
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.
This is a great thing in the field, especially if it is wet or foggy out. More than that, the magnification ring adjuster features steel-on-steel clicks, ensuring repetition and consistency for a long time to come. 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. 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
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris |
| Eye Relief | 3.1”-3.8” |
| Weight | 18 oz |
| Magnification | 4.5-14x |
| Field of View | 7.5’-22’ |
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.
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 Feeling After Using This Product
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 your rifle. I found the magnification settings of 3-9x perfect for mid-range target shooting and hunting.
However, this scope is also bolstered by capped and low-profile windage and elevation turrets. They can be adjusted for ¼ MOA increments, and they offer tactile feedback when you move them. Unfortunately, they aren’t marked.
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.
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.
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. 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
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Hawke |
| Eye Relief | 3.5” |
| Weight | 17 oz |
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Field of View | 13’-40’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the H2 Optics Scope is a great partner for your Mosin Nagant thanks to its construction, reticle, and value for money.
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 Feeling After Using This Product
The Buckmasters scope is an excellent choice for pairing with your rifle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Sig Sauer |
| Eye Relief | 3.85”-4.17” |
| Weight | 14.8 oz |
| Magnification | 3-12x |
| Field of View | 11.3’-34.1’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Buckmasters scope is a good all-around Mosin Nagant scope, especially if you need something highly affordable.
My rating: 4.6/5
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 Feeling After Using This Product
Firstly, I was pleased to see that this scope came with very 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.
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. 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. These skeleton aluminum rings are durable, easy to adjust, and supremely useful. A fast-focus eyepiece rounds out the scope’s main offerings.
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. 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.
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.
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
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Tasco |
| Eye Relief | 3” |
| Weight | 14.8 oz |
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Field of View | 7’-30’ |
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: 4.5/5
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 was 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 pursuing his hobby ever since.