The Best Scopes for the Mosin Nagant Rifle – 2022 Guide

| Last Updated:
October 15, 2023

Mosin Nagant - a renowned rifle that reminds people of the Soviet Era. The rifle that marked the defeat and destruction of the Wehrmacht SS during WWII.

Mosin Nagant rifles are still popular and are loved by both hunters and competitive shooters.

Here we’ll learn about the best scopes available in the market for these stupendous rifles.

Comparison for Mosin Nagant Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Objective measured at 40mm.
  • Eye relief measured at 3.30 inches.
  • Magnification level ranges from 3 to 9 times.
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  • The objective of 42mm.
  • Tube diameter of 30mm.
  • Magnification power ranging from 2 times to 7 times.
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  • Multi-coated lenses.
  • Magnification of 3.5 times.
  • Made from high-quality materials.
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  • Objective measured at 40mm.
  • Features a BDC Dead hold Reticle.
  • Magnification levels range from 3 to 9 times.
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Perks of Investing in a Quality Scope

If you’re looking for a Mosin Nagant scope, there is no question of what kind of benefits you want out of it. The last thing you ever want to do is miss out on them. Here are some of the perks you’ll get to enjoy:

Better Accuracy And Precision

Two of the main purposes of a scope are as follows: giving you better accuracy and precision. Not only will your shots be accurate, they will also land exactly where you want them. These attributes will matter most if your goal is to land a bullseye on target or hit a deer with a devastating kill shot.

No Need to Reset Your Zero

Most riflescopes will not hold zero settings if you add them onto a Mosin Nagant rifle. Since these devices are durable, they can and will protect your scope against any kind of shock and recoil that may otherwise throw off an average quality scope.

Great Image Quality

A great, quality scope not only will give your accuracy a boost, but will stand out in another category; image quality. Most will have crystal clear, high-definition image quality that will be hard to match with most riflescopes.

What to Look For in a Mosin Nagant Scope

The Mosin Nagant has been deemed one of the most difficult rifles to attach a scope onto. That’s because Mosin uses a straight bolt handle instead of a bent handle. This means the shooter won’t be able to load the rifle with the scope on because the bolt would hit the scope.

One solution for this problem is to replace the charging handle with a bent one. But this may affect the rifle’s headspace, causing safety problems. A professional gunsmith should conduct these changes, if necessary. But this can be a lengthy and expensive process. Buying an appropriate scope for the Mosin Nagant is easier and less expensive.

Another solution is to use a scout scope, which is mounted on the rifle’s chamber in front of the bolt. This scope provides greater eye relief but may make things problematic for hunters who have to adjust the parallax continuously.

Getting a customized scope mount is another good option if you love your current scope and don’t want to spend money on a new one. A mount like this will help keep the scope out of the way of the bolt. There quite a few good ones available in the market.

Review of the Best Scopes for a Mosin Nagant

Below is a list of five of the best Mosin Nagant Scopes on the market. As you go through each one, you’ll need to have a good idea of what your scope should look like and how you want it to perform. If you find a scope that matches the characteristics and features you expect, you know it will be your best possible choice.

Let’s take a look at some scopes that may be a good match for your Mosin Nagant. With that said, let’s begin with the first scope on our list:  

Best Overall:
 Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 mm Scope

bushnell rifle scope

Pros

  • Great image quality
  • Waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant
  • Can be easy to see in low-light conditions
  • Easy to install, takes a couple of minutes
  • Super-durable, can absorb shock and recoil.

Cons

  • Adjustment knobs might be a little stiff at times
  • It may take more time than expected to sight it in
  • Magnification levels might be a little blurry at max levels

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were quick to comment on how reliable this scope is. One user said he was able to use it in broad daylight and low-light settings. Either way, he had clear image quality and was able to hit targets from as far out as 300 yards. He even landed a big game target in one shot since the reticle allowed for precise and accurate shooting.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Bushnell is best-known for making some really good scopes. Most rifle owners will go as far as to say they are one of the most reliable in the business. The image quality of this device is amazing (and so is the overall quality). Just how reliable is it? It can gather enough light to ensure that you’re still able to see through the scope in low-light conditions. So at dawn or dusk, you can see and recognize your target.

Bushnell needs no introduction when it comes to firearm optics. The Bushnell Banner Scope has a variable power of 3-9x with a 40 mm objective lens. The scope features a multi-coated lens which offers clear images at dawn as well as dusk. The Banner Scope is 100% waterproof and fog-proof. It’s also shock-resistant so you don’t have to adjust the parameters after every shot.

The scope has windage and elevation adjustment knobs which allow you to use it for long-distance shots. The knobs can be turned by hand and do not require any additional accessories, like a coin for adjustments.

The scope doesn’t include a mount, so it has to be purchased separately. The scope has a click value of ¼ MOA. The large eye-relief of 3.30 inches allows you to use your Mosin Nagant comfortably.

The scope features a matte-black finish which contrasts nicely with most stock colors.

Who Will Use This Most 

This scope will work to your advantage if you’re a Mosin Nagant user that hunts or shoots targets. Either way, you’re going to have a scope that will be one of the most reliable on the market. Not to mention, with clear image quality and a well-designed reticle, there is no question what this scope is capable of in any given setting.

Bottom Line

The Bushnell Banner is one of the best of the best for a few good reasons. If you want a scope that is tough, reliable, and does a great job when it matters most, then you may want to give this a closer look. 

Runner-up:
AIM Sports Mosin Nagant Kit

No products found.

Pros

  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Bright and clear optics
  • Ridiculously lightweight
  • Easy to install, takes a few minutes
  • Super-sturdy and can take on shock and bad weather

Cons

  • No parallax adjustment
  • Screws may come loose at times
  • Lens cap may not be the best quality

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, new buyers had nothing but positive things to say about the scope. Most were happy with the unlimited eye relief and were able to see through the scope with both eyes from a good distance away. One user said the image quality was surprisingly clear, even when his eyes were a good six inches away from the scope. The scope was also sturdy and provided excellent accuracy from distances of 200 to 250 yards.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This scope does a pretty good job holding its own against powerful rifles like the Mosin Nagant. It’s tough but ridiculously lightweight, so it won’t add any unnecessary heaviness to your rifle. Just because it’s lightweight, it doesn’t mean it’s weak. That’s why the best materials, like high-quality aluminum are included within the body of the scope. 

The Aim Sports Mosin Nagant Kit is the best bang for your buck. The kit includes one scout scope, two rings, one hex key, and a lens-cleaning cloth. The best part is the price of this kit. It’s hard to believe considering the quality of the contents.

The scope has a variable power of 2x to 7x with an objective lens of 42 mm. The tube diameter is 30 mm. The length of the scope is just 11.25 inches with an eye relief of six inches or more. This helps compensate for the placement of the scope respective to a Mosin Nagant rifle.

The scope is shock-resistant and holds zero, even after 100 rounds. Of course, this figure may vary from rifle to rifle. If it does move off zero, the adjustment knobs are easy to use. The kit comes with a couple of ring mounts with a single screw beneath. It also includes a hex key to tighten these mounts on the fly.

The AIM Sports Mosin Nagant kit is perfect for people who are looking for an inexpensive scope with a longer eye relief for their rifle.

Who Will Use This Most 

This might be a great scope if you want something that is an affordable choice for your budget. Mind you, it’s not a cheap model. But it can be the best you can afford, if it fits your budget. By that, we mean quality and performance. If you want to save money without sacrificing, then this could be the scope you’ll go with.

Bottom Line

If you need a Mosin Nagant scope without breaking the bank, you’ll want to consider the AIM Sports Mosin Nagant Kit Scope as one of your best possible options. It’s not a cheap or flimsy scope by any standards, but it will go above and beyond the call of duty much better than any other low-priced scope on the market.

Best for the Money: 
Firefield PU Mosin Nagant Scope 3.5x

No products found.

Pros

  • Durable construction
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Great for hunting and target practice
  • Easy to mount, takes a few minutes
  • Easy to see through the scope in low-light conditions

Cons

  • Locking screws tend to loosen up a bit
  • Instructions are vague and poorly written
  • Crosshairs may be a little thicker than they should be

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were quite satisfied with this scope, especially those who were looking for budget options. One user said he was able to find one to fit his budget nicely and was something with good quality and performance. He added that he tends to use his Mosin Nagant for hunting applications.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The scope is another budget scope that puts a lot of the other low-price scopes to shame, especially when it has rugged quality and a multi-coated lens that provides great image quality and gathers in light to make sure you’re able to see through the scope in low-lighting conditions. 

Who Will Use This Most 

If you’re looking for a good budget option for a Mosin Nagant scope, chances are you may find this one right up your alley. Even if you don’t hunt, it may be a great scope for some casual target shooting on the weekends. If you want a scope that is affordable and has decent quality, this could be your cup of coffee, right here.

Bottom Line

The Firefield PU Mosin Nagant Scope is durable enough to handle the hard-hitting rifles like the Mosin Nagant. It will also outperform any low-budget scope you can think of. This might even be an excellent starter scope for those starting with a Mosin Nagant rifle.

This scope replicates the famous Russian PU Mosin Nagant Scope, which was the most consistently-used riflescope during the Soviet era. The Mosin Nagant rifle, fitted with a PU scope imparted fear in the hearts of the Nazi soldiers. The Firefield PU Mosin Nagant Scope calls to mind the rifle’s glory days.

The scope features a fixed 3.5x magnification, which allows the user to see targets at up to 200 yards. The scope has windage and elevation knobs to help you get the perfect shot. The classic design of the Soviet scope has been improved to match current scope standards. It has a three-post reticle matching the conventional design to give you a feel of the WWII era.

The scope comes attached to a cast-iron scope mount, mount receiver, and a cast-iron mount receiver. The only con is the absence of an installation guide in the package. It’s not difficult to place this mount on your Mosin Nagant, but a guide would help, for sure.

The multi-coated lenses provide clarity to the shooter in low lighting conditions as well. Priced at a fairly low price, you can make history a part of your firearm with this Firefield PU Mosin Nagant scope.

4. Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40

No products found.

Pros

  • Great for most applications
  • Super-durable construction
  • The image quality is crystal clear
  • Resistant to bad weather, water, fog, etc.
  • BDC reticle provides sharp and accurate shooting

Cons

  • Screws may come loose at times
  • Crosshairs may be a little thicker than expected
  • Magnification may be a bit fuzzy at higher levels

What Recent Buyers Report

Most new users had nothing but great things to say about the scope. As expected, their attention was mostly on image quality. They said it had probably the best image quality they’ve seen on any riflescope. They also reported that the BDC Dead-Hold Reticle allowed them to make effectively accurate shots from about 500 to 600 yards out. The users were split down the middle between target shooters and deer hunters.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The Nikon brand is best known for having scopes that have the best image quality, bar none. If Nikon is known for its image quality, Vortex is known for its durability. Simply put, this riflescope is tough enough to handle the hard-hitting Mosin Nagant. It’s durable enough to take on a lot of shock and recoil and your zero settings stay perfectly in place through various rounds. This sets the standard of how a Mosin Nagant scope should be.

Nikon is an experienced player when it comes to lenses. The Nikon Prostaff is a nice scope to use with your Mosin Nagant. The scope has a variable power of 3x - 9x with a convenient adjustment knob. The object of the scope is 40 mm, which is quite good and provides a wider image to the shooter.

The lenses are multi-coated, which allows 98% of light to pass through them. This makes the scope adaptable to low lighting conditions. The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed. The aluminum housing reduces the overall weight and provides the added protection of metal to the internal parts.

The Prostaff Scope has 3.6 inches of eye relief. That’s a nice range for a Mosin Nagant. The Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle of this scope makes it compatible with the latest hyper-velocity rounds. The overall length of this scope is 12.4 inches, which means you don’t have to lean forward in an uncomfortable posture to take a shot. The scope is waterproof as well as fog-proof, so it doesn't limit your use it in different environments.

Lens caps are included. Nikon offers a lifetime guarantee for this product, so you don’t have to worry about malfunctions.

Who Will Use This Most 

It will likely serve its purpose as a hunting scope. But you’ll find a lot of users tack this onto their Mosin Nagant rifle and use it for target shooting (casual and even competitive target shooting). If you want an all-around durable and reliable riflescope that can work with a Mosin Nagant rifle, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything like this anywhere else.

Bottom Line

The Nikon ProStaff is probably one of the best in the business, not just for Mosin Nagant rifles, but any heavy hitter that can use a scope for hitting targets situated at a pretty impressive distance. For the best in image quality, accuracy, and reliability, the Prostaff might be the scope you’re looking for. 

5. Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Riflescope

vortex diamondback mosin nagant scope

Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Fits on most Mosin Nagant rifles
  • Easy to install, takes a couple of minutes
  • Windage and elevation adjustments are easy to use
  • Super durable. It can resist all kinds of shock and recoil.

Cons

  • May be a little heavier than some scopes
  • Parallax adjustments might be a little stiff at times
  • The highest magnification levels may make the image quality blurry
What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers were really happy with this scope. They commented on the durability of this scope and also were able to sight this in easily and within a few minutes. Accuracy-wise, this scope was able to help users reach out and touch something from 300 to 400 yards out. This scope also was proven to be reliable more in a hunting application than any other. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Vortex Optics is known for making some of the best scopes known to man when it comes to durability. They are usually made with aircraft-grade aluminum, probably one of the best types of aluminum used by manufacturers. Because of the durability, it’s easy to keep the zero settings in place even through a hundred or more rounds. Not to mention, it’s impervious to bad weather and recoil shock. It’s as tough as nails and will most certainly last you a long time, should you go with it.

This is a masterpiece from Vortex Optics. This scope has some notable features to entice you. The Diamondback features XD extra-low dispersion glass, which improves resolution and color fidelity. The XR fully multi-coated lenses improve the image quality from the scope. The parallax adjustment on the side is easy to use, allowing an optimal mounting height.

The 3-12x magnification gives the shooter a wide array of magnification options for distant targets. The 42 mm objective lens offers a wide field of view.

The scope has a long four-inch eye relief, which is quite large. This makes the scope quite versatile for different applications like hunting and sport shooting. The reticle is crisp and clear, and the scope comes with rings.

However, it does not include a mount, so you’ll have to purchase one separately. The matte black finish is compatible with different colors. The price of the scope may seem a bit high, but the scope is worth it.

The company also offers a lifetime warranty for the scope, so it is a complete win-win for you.

Who Will Use This Most 

This scope will probably be used by hunters who use a Mosin Nagant. Specifically, big-game hunters since the rifle has a lot of power. Since it’s quite durable, this is for those who want a scope that will last them a long time. If you want a scope that might be the last one you’ll need for a while, this might be right up your alley.

Bottom Line

The Vortex Optics Diamondback may hold the title for the most durable scope on the list but make no mistake, it goes above and beyond in a hunting application like nothing else. If you want a reticle that will be accurate with every shot, the Diamondback might be your kind of scope. 

Understanding Scope Terms

Before we dive into the search for Mosin Nagant scopes, we must learn what a riflescope is and the terms used to describe it.

A riflescope can be seen as a small telescope which is mounted on top of the rifle so that distant targets can be viewed easily.

Let’s understand some basic anatomy of scopes to get an idea of how to choose the best one for you.

What The Numbers Mean

All scopes are defined by a series of numbers that reveal their most important characteristics. For example, a scope may say that is 4-12x50.

Power

The “4” in this term means a power of four times magnificaiton. This explains that you can see an object four times closer than its present position.

The number "12" means you can view an object 12 times closer than its present position. So the term 4-12 means that the power can be adjusted in the range of four to twelve times magnification. Scopes with the capability to change power are called variable power scopes.

Some scopes have higher magnification ranges such as 8-32 or more. The magnification power is the primary factor in the price of the scope.

Objective

The second number in a scope is known as the object. For example, the objective in a 4-12x50 scope is 50. This is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The larger this number, the larger the lens is.

Larger lenses offer a better field of view and work efficiently under low-light conditions. Some scopes have a variable objective adjustment which can help a shooter in countering parallax.

Exit Pupil

The exit pupil is the size of the beam of light leaving the scope. It can be calculated by dividing the objective by power.

Reticle

Commonly known as cross-hairs, the reticle is the aiming point in the scope. It helps the shooter mark the point where the bullet is going to hit the target.

the reticle of a scope

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between the eye and the scope at which the shooter can comfortably view the entire image. In variable power scopes, the eye relief varies with the power adjustments.

This protects the shooter from hurting his eye due to the recoil of the rifle. If you had your eye right on the rim of the scope, of course, you’d be likely to end up with quite a shiner or some scratches and cuts.

Windage and Elevation

Windage is the adjustment of your scope horizontally (to tackle wind) and elevation refers to the vertical adjustment (to compensate for gravity at distant targets) of the scope.

Conclusion

Scopes compatible with Mosin Nagant rifles are quite rare. The straight bolt design of the rifle makes it difficult to mount a scope on the rifle. However, with the use of scout scopes and appropriate mounts for the rifle, you can attain the desired accuracy.

The rifle is renowned for its use as a sniper rifle. With the latest innovations in riflescope designs, the Mosin Nagant still stands invincible in capable hands.

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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