Best Mosin Nagant Scopes – 2020 Complete Round-up

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Many people enjoy hunting as a hobby, but it isn’t the easiest activity to do well.

Thankfully, with the right gear, your hunting skills can be improved.

Mosin Nagant rifles are popular with hunters, and adding a decent scope to your rifle will also improve your hunting success. 

Comparison of the Best Mosin Nagant Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best Mosin Nagant scope overall
  • The scope offers impressively high zooming/magnification.
  • This is a budget-friendly and effective scope with a handful of great features.
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  • This scope has been built to last through all conditions
  • It is one of the more affordable scopes on the market.
  • It offers the kind of features that can be found in more expensive scopes.
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  • Best for the Money
  • Adjustments are easy to make to the scope.
  • The magnification ability of the Twod Scope is really impressive.
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  • The scope has sturdy dials and turrets for much better use.
  • Its crosshairs are illuminated either red or green.
  • The scope boasts a very solid construction and 6x-24x magnification.
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  • This scope offers a zoom range of 3.5x magnification.
  • You also get a 20mm objective diameter with the Bering.
  • The scope has multi-coated optics for better results when hunting.
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Are All Mosin Nagant Scopes the Same?

Of course, not all scopes are made the same, so they won’t give you the same hunting experience.

Some scopes are more focused on illumination, while others are better when it comes to magnification.

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40

You will find that some scopes come with mounts included, and they may be better than their counterparts. It can often be a bit difficult to find a good mount.

Some of the scopes on our list are very affordable, but they are still good quality. You should take a close look at the specs of a scope before you purchase it.

Why Did These Scopes Make Our List?

The scopes on our list are all very good options whether you’re an experienced shooter or new to hunting.

You should keep the following features in mind when looking at scopes for your rifles:

Magnification

This is especially important for hunters who like to hunt from a distance. You will see that not all scopes offer the same ranges. Always keep this in mind when selecting your scope.

Quality

This will always matter, regardless of what you’re buying. You will find scopes that are affordable and offer good quality. You just need to dig around. However, if you’re not on a budget, go ahead and splurge. You won’t regret it.

Ease of Use

There is no point in buying a scope that looks amazing and offers stunning features if you’re going to have trouble using it. Be sure that what you choose suits your level of expertise.

Reviews of the Best Mosin Nagant Scopes

Finding the best scopes may be an overwhelming task, as there are so many to choose from. You will find many high-quality scopes for Mosin Nagant Rifles. We’ll be looking at some of the best available and what makes them great choices.

Best Overall:
Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope

NIKON ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)

Pros

  • The scope’s accuracy is admirable
  • It is shock-proof, fog-proof, and waterproof
  • With this scope, you can zoom in relatively quickly
  • Light transmission is boosted up to 98%, giving an enhanced experience
  • The eye relief that is offered is very pleasing, and it helps prevent too much strain

Cons

  • It might be too large for some
  • Smaller users may find it difficult to handle
  • The mounting ring must be purchased separately

What Recent Buyers Report 

Buyers have truly loved this scope, and it comes highly recommended by them. In particular, they are pleased with the scope’s reticle. The shooting power is something that stands out to frequent users of this scope, as well. The impressive viewing field enjoyed with the scope is also praised by many hunters.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The scope’s Patented BDC Reticle makes it stand out above other similar products. With the technology used, hunting is made much easier. You can adjust the bullet drop by a whopping 600 yards. Add to that the affordability of the scope and you have a popular and admired winner.

Who Will Use This Most

This scope is great for long-range shooters because of how it’s manufactured. It is, however, not well-suited to smaller, petite hunters. The scope can be heavy and rather difficult to handle for some hunters. However, once you’re used to it, you’ll find out why everyone loves it so much.

Bottom Line

This scope hasn’t been labeled as the best overall scope because it looks pretty. Yes, it’s a good-looking product, but it’s great from 50 to 200 yards for accurate, long-range shooting. It can withstand the elements and is able to achieve 3x to 9x magnification. It also has a 40mm objective lens.

Runner-up:
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Pros

  • Sighting is excellent with the Diamondback
  • It is shock-proof, waterproof, and fog-proof
  • The scope is made with high-quality materials
  • Despite its lower price tag, this is still a decent scope with good features
  • It has capped turrets that allow hunters to reset to their original zero position

Cons

  • There are no sun shades available
  • No natural zoom is found with this scope
  • The scope has been discontinued by its manufacturer

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who have purchased this scope have been very happy. They find that the scope’s features are exactly what they’ve been looking for. It isn’t difficult to use and is very clear. Of course, buyers also love that it is affordable and made to last for many years.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The manufacturer put a lot of work into this scope. Even if it is now discontinued, it remains a high-quality scope without a ridiculous price. It comes with multi-coated glass and is quite compact and efficient. It’s made to last, and last it will. You’ll be able to use it for many seasons.

Who Will Use This Most

This scope is ideal for marksmen and the more serious hunters out there. It offers a medium-range scope that many hunters love. You get a very clear focus, as well as unlimited parallax adjustment. It’s also great for resetting your zero, and the scope has markings that can easily be read.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a great quality but affordable scope, this is the product for you. However, it might be difficult to find, as it has been discontinued. The features of this scope are truly impressive. It’s a hardy, very effective, and admirable scope for serious hunters and hobbyists alike.

Best for the Money:
Twod Rifle Scope Tactical 6-24X50mm AOEG

Twod Scope 6-24X50mm AOEG Optics Scope Red&Green Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle Scope

Pros

  • It has an impressive illumination level of 5
  • For users, optical quality stands out as very good
  • The scope offers good features at an affordable price
  • The lens is protected against scratches from everyday use
  • The ring mounts are hardy and heavy-duty and will last for a long time

Cons

  • The scope can lose zero position
  • The optics leave much to be desired
  • Eye relief is not as good as would be expected

What Recent Buyers Report

Overall, users of this scope find it to be a decent product and offer good value for money. It is one of the more affordable scopes that can be found. They love that the scope is easy to use and offers great illumination. Hunters also appreciate that it is easy to make adjustments with this item.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

For a hunter who is on a budget, this scope is not to be smirked at. It won’t break the bank but will enhance your hunting experience. It has an impressive 5 levels of intensity when it comes to illumination. The lens protection also adds to the scope’s value.

Who Will Use This Most

This scope is a good option for any hunter who doesn’t have money for a more expensive model. It does all the things a pricey scope can do and has good magnification of 6-24X50mm, which is not bad at all. In general, this scope is good for professionals, as well as beginners.

Bottom Line

If you need a scope that is both effective and affordable, this is the one for you. Although it has flaws, such as the scope losing zero easily, it is also great at magnification. You might find that the eye relief isn’t that great, and the optics can be disappointing.

4. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

Pros

  • You get a field of view of 28 feet at 100 yards
  • It’s made to best suit long-range hunting activities
  • The scope is designed to offer magnification of 6x-24x
  • This scope is very affordable compared to other models
  • It is a 50 mm scope, which means you get better resolution

Cons

  • Its mounts may not fit all rifles
  • The included manual isn’t as thorough
  • The mounts included with this scope aren’t the best quality

What Recent Buyers Report

In general, buyers have reported really liking this scope. Although you may have to adjust the scope a lot to avoid blurriness, it remains popular. Hunters like the green and red illumination, as well. This model is seen by hunters and rifle enthusiasts as offering great value for the money.

Why it Stands Out to Us

With this scope, you get traditional crosshairs that are illuminated in red or green. It can be switched off, or you can increase the brightness with 11 settings to choose from. You get about 28 feet of field view at 100 yards, and its objective diameter is 50 mm.

Who Will Use This Most

This scope is best for hunters who embark on or enjoy hunting that requires long-range optics. This particular scope from CVLife has a magnification ability of 6x-24x, which isn’t that bad at all. If you are looking for a very affordable scope that can zoom nicely, this one will work great.

Bottom Line

Many users will find this scope to be affordable and easy to use. Its illumination settings make it very popular with hunters everywhere. The scope’s magnification ability is very impressive and pleasing. Add to that its affordability and you’ve got a very likable scope that will aid your hunting skills.

5. BERING OPTICS Russian 3.5x20 PU Scope

Pros

  • You can easily focus while hunting
  • You’ll enjoy a clear view with the Bering
  • This is a good-looking scope that comes on a solid steel base
  • The scope is easy to handle and mounting isn’t tricky or difficult
  • Its aluminum housing helps the scope to last longer and endure the elements

Cons

  • Taps and drill bits are not included
  • It is one of the more pricey options
  • This scope won’t work well for left-handed hunters

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers really appreciate the vintage look and feel of the scope, as this adds a lot of character to a scope. It is a favorite with rifle enthusiasts because of how it was made to last a long time. Overall, this scope is very impressive to the hunters who bought it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Although this is one of the most expensive scope models you’ll find, it is also one of the most pleasing to the eye. It is made to endure the elements and its aluminum and steel parts aid in this aspect. It is not difficult to work with this model from Bering.

Who Will Use This Most

Because this scope is great for short-range hunting, as well as long-range, it’s popular with everyone. It can be used by newbies to hunt, as well as experienced professionals. However, it’s not good for left-handed shooters. You get a mount included with the purchase, so you don’t need to find one.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a scope that will aid your hunting skills while looking great, you will love this one. It is very expensive, though, so it isn’t for someone who is looking to save a few bucks. The Bering also features a coated lens and has optimal light transmission.

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

If you’re interested in buying a scope for your rifle, be sure to always keep in mind your own requirements.

Remember that, although scopes are durable, they can be damaged. You have to take care of your scope so it can last for years to come.

They are made to endure and outlast natural elements but don’t be careless. If you can avoid exposure, do so. Also, always use a lens cap and be mindful of the products you use to clean your scope.

Eye relief is often overlooked, but it is very important and can make a difference in your hunting experience. It is the distance between the lens’ eyepiece and your eye when you look through it. The distance matters because it prevents your eye from getting hit by kickback when you shoot. A distance of about 3 to 4 inches should be enough.

While it is possible to find a scope that is very good quality at a low price, these are rare. Often, quality is neglected in cheaper scopes, so make sure you know the features of a product. If it doesn’t meet your needs, don’t buy it. There’s no point in buying a scope that will leave you disappointed.

How to Install a Scope on a Mosin Nagant

If you follow the instructions that come with your scope, you shouldn’t have any issues.

  1. You have to start by removing your rifle’s bolt (make sure it’s empty) by pulling it all the way back. You can then release it by pulling the trigger. 

  2. After this, you should take the receiver off. Slide down the barrel rings to do so.

  3. By undoing all the relative bolts and nuts, you’ll be able to take apart the rifle.

  4. You’ll be using Allen keys to get the scope mounted. This should be included in your purchase.

  5. For the best results, you should mount your scope as low on your rifle as you can. However, this should be done without letting the bell touch the barrel and leaving space at eye level for the bolt.
  6. Attach the bases after wiping them and making sure they’re clean. You’ll want to apply a thin coat of rust preventative or oil. Make sure you’re properly aligning the bases and not putting them in backward.

  7. To have everything tight, apply a small drop of a thread-freezing compound and align the reticle.

For step-by-step instructions that are easy to understand, check out this video:

Conclusion

Now, you have plenty of information on how to choose a good scope. We also gave you excellent examples of some very good options. The rest is up to you - decide what you want and need and make an informed decision. Just remember all the information shared here.

People Also Ask

You may still have some doubts about hunting rifles, so let’s answer some of the frequently asked questions. We’ll look at the range of Mosin Nagant rifles and if they are any good for hunting and shooting. Let’s take a closer look at these popular hunting rifles, shall we?

Is a Mosin Nagant a Good Hunting Rifle?

The Mosin Nagant is described as a ‘fine hunting rifle’ by those who use it often. That said, it’s a little heavy to carry around. For smaller hunters, this could be a bit of a problem. You should also keep in mind that the rifles work better with recommended ammo.

What is the Effective Range of a Mosin Nagant?

You will find that a Mosin Nagant has a very good range, even without a scope added. It can effectively shoot accurately for up to about 500 meters. The conditions in which you shoot obviously affect this number. Your experience and skill will also affect the rifle’s effective shooting range.