Putting scope on 6.5x55 Swede question?

[Gypsy Davy]

I'd like to put a scope on this military weapon and I'm wondering how difficult it is? I had the bolt turned down so it won't interfere with the placement of the scope. Is there a way to put the scope on and will it have to be a side mount?

[huntsman]

I'm not a gunsmith, but I do know that a scope can be easily mounted on your military Swede; I have two of my own that both have top-mounted scopes. Several companies make top mounts for the M96 that work very well. The one consideration that might be most important is that due to the bolt throw (even with a turned-down bolt), you may have to go with a higher mount. My standard military M96 has see-through mounts even though they are not functional due to my scope blocking the view. They are still needed to provide enough bolt clearance in the rear.

The disadvantage of the hight mount is the extra distance above the rear stock for the sight line of your scope and the increased distance between muzzle and sight line (mine is 2 1/4" rather than the standard 1 1/2"). It doesn't bother me much, but I have heard others who weren't so cozy with it. Along with that comes a slight bit more horizontal instability holding the gun, but I haven't found this to affect my shooting to any measurable degree.

The flipside advantage is that I was able to mount a 50mm-lensed scope that has higher power with good resolution and more light-gathering ability. This might be just the ticket for your long-range antelope hunting.

However you go, good luck with it.

[Gypsy Davy]

Thanks Huntsman,

Lots of good info there and I will keep it all in mind when I buy for the rifle. See thru mounts and a good scope ought to make it a dandy.

[hillbill]

hey gypsy! a couple years ago i had a gunsmith mount a  scope mount on my swede. he used a redfield mount and set of tall redfield rings.  the rings are tall but not as tall as a see thru set. looks very nice and is balanced well. i put a leupold vari x 3 scope on it and it works well. the bolt only clears the eyepeice by about a 1\16 of an inch if that much but i dont seem to have any problem with it. you will have to be carefull about the size of your scope if you mount the scope fairly low like i did. good luk!

[hillbill]

hey something i for got to mention, when scoped the original safety on these guns becomes kind of inconvienent to get at. you may want to check into a aftermarket safety set up also.