Scoping an M48A mauser

[Okiecruffler]

I have a M48 that I was putting together for a friend who decided he didn't want it. Now my son is thinking about taking it. It's plenty accurate, and could benefit from a scope. I've used B-Square mounts and LER scopes before with good results, but for the price I could probably just have it drilled and tapped. Usually I don't even consider such things, but this is a run of the mill M48, non-matching. I was wondering if any of you had drilled and tapped a M48 and how hard it was. Also, if I were to put see-thru mounts on it do you think the normally bent bolt would clear, or would I need a completely bent bolt?

 

[Clark]

You will probably have the smith mount a Weaver #45 and a Weaver #46 with four 6-48 screws.

I have drilled and tapped and bent the bolt on dozens of Mausers.
If it is a fancy smith and you pay extra, you may get the front or rear mount shimed [whichever needs it] to be level, and the mounts will be glass bedded to the receiver in a co planar and co direction alignment before the screws are tightened. Then each set of rings put on the rifle will not need to be lapped.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Finding a fancy smith around here is the problem.

If the offspring is going to use it I want it done right, might have to send it off. Problem is, the gun only cost $79 and modifying it isn't going to increase the value any. So I'll probably end up with more in the gun than it's worth.

 

[Jim K]

"So I'll probably end up with more in the gun than it's worth."

The story of milsurp "sporterizing"; and there is no "probably" about it.

Jim

 

[Okiecruffler]

I've looked into it, and it's a bust. Biggest problem is there's no one local I'd trust to do the job and the last thing I need is an out of kilter scope mount. Probably going to go with a B-Square scout mount again if I can locate one and maybe do some things on my own to make it more permanant. Did see one guy who had removed the rear sight and the band beneath it, drilled and tapped the barrel, and and put a T/C Contender scope mount on it. Nice looking rig, if I had the tools I might try that myself.