Scout and Pseudo Scout builds

[AncientPaths]

I'm interested in reading the details on any scout or pseudo-scout builds that folks here may have done, whether based on C&R actions or modern actions. (I'm particularly interested in what was used for iron sights and why.) I'm in the initial stages of mapping out a pseudo-scout build and I'm looking for ideas; I'd like to see what others went with and why. I'm also interested in how the resulting rifle works for you -- your personal impressions.

Thanks in advance

[Jakeiscrazy]

I haven't personally built one but a lot of people take a cheap Mosin Nagant and put a mount on that replaces the back sight. Then you add a scout scope and a few other accessories. You may be better starting with an M44 Mosin. It has a shorter barrel length it would be more handy. You can also add a polymer stock or laminate stock as well. Also since you go with a scout mount you don't have the expense of bending the bolt handle.

Here is a good How To on the matter: http://www.castbullet.com/misc/smount.htm

People have done so K31 scouts also but that rifle looks so pretty I would hate to ruin one with a scope.
http://www.scoutrifle.org/index.php?topic=646.0

[AncientPaths]

Thanks Jackie. Having owned a number of Mosin-Nagants before, I can say that those are at about the bottom of my list as a scout platform, primarily because of the difficulty in working the bolt. I've heard people talk about the rare MN with a bolt that's a bit easier than most, but all three that I owned (M38 and two Finnish M39s) were a PITB. And don't get me started on the MN safety - ever try engaging one? If I were going to go with the MN, I'd use the M38 as it's lighter than the M44 due to it not having the integral bayonet. A K31 would make a pretty heavy scout rifle, I think.

I'm probably going to go with a modern action, but I'd love to hear about any scout project, whether modern or C&R.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Thanks Jake. Having owned a number of Mosin-Nagants before, I can say that those are at about the bottom of my list as a scout platform, primarily because of the difficulty in working the bolt. I've heard people talk about the rare MN with a bolt that's a bit easier than most, but all three that I owned (M38 and two Finnish M39s) were a PITB. And don't get me started on the MN safety - ever try engaging one? If I were going to go with the MN, I'd use the M38 as it's lighter than the M44 due to it not having the integral bayonet. A K31 would make a pretty heavy scout rifle, I think.

I'm probably going to go with a modern action, but I'd love to hear about any scout project, whether modern or C&R.

Yeah I have never worked one but the MN bolts don't look smooth. If you didn't already know Ruger is making a scout rifle and of course Stery makes one. Other than that I would refer you to this forum were you may find more people that have built scouts http://www.scoutrifle.org/

[Diomed]

I guess if you've got time and money to tinker, the Indian 2A rifles are good candidates. You can modify them to work with L1A1 magazines if you need twenty rounds, and you can get fine-adjustment aperture sights for them. And lighter polymer furniture sets that don't look completely awful. It would just be hard to scope it and keep irons usable.

I'd probably have done that with my beater 2A1 if I had any interest in a scout rifle.