Mounting optics on a 30-30

[chiwawadan]

My buddy has inherited a 1970's Winchester 30-30 he'd like to throw a scope on. He has as 3x9x40 on hand. I'm no expert and neither is he... from what I'm seeing online, it looks like he may not be able to mount standard sized scopes on that type of gun. Is that correct? If so, what are his options?

Appreciate the help in advance!

[N7XW]

I use the Weaver side mount.  It is solid and works for what it is.  Mounting a scope on a top eject carbine is a compromise at best though.  I had to rotate the scope 90 degrees to move the turrets out of the way of ejecting brass.  It feels odd looking through the scope since you can't get a good cheek weld with the scope mounted off to the side.  I had to go with a 36mm objective scope to give just a little clearance to the rear iron sight.  I can still use the iron sights this way for quick offhand shots.  I also used a MOA reticle scope to allow windage hold since the further you shoot the further you will impact left if uncorrected, due to the scope offset from the bore.  Given the challenges, I still feel it's worth it to have a scope on the old 30-30, mainly because of the extended range you can get with Hornady's Leverevolution ammo.

[chiwawadan]

I use the Weaver side mount.  It is solid and works for what it is.  Mounting a scope on a top eject carbine is a compromise at best though.  I had to rotate the scope 90 degrees to move the turrets out of the way of ejecting brass.  It feels odd looking through the scope since you can't get a good cheek weld with the scope mounted off to the side.  I had to go with a 36mm objective scope to give just a little clearance to the rear iron sight.  I can still use the iron sights this way for quick offhand shots.  I also used a MOA reticle scope to allow windage hold since the further you shoot the further you will impact left if uncorrected, due to the scope offset from the bore.  Given the challenges, I still feel it's worth it to have a scope on the old 30-30, mainly because of the extended range you can get with Hornady's Leverevolution ammo.

Thanks for this... Looking around at things it looks like the Weaver side mount would work out great... and it's only $18 on amazon! Is he going to need anything other than that for set up? Doesn't need to get anything drilled?

[N7XW]

You might do a little research on which model he has - top eject or angle eject.  Both should be ok I would think but you might want to do a little research.  I believe mine is an angle eject.

You shouldn't need anything other than the mount.  It should bolt right to the rifle using existing holes in the side of the receiver (that's how mine was anyway). 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Most mounts will require drilling the receiver (older models) in this area if a top ejecting model.

Another option is a scout-style mount which puts the scope in front of the ejection zone and allows direct over bore mounting.

[N7XW]

I've always wondered - when you scout mount a scope, do you use a handgun scope or are there models made as 'scout scopes'?  I'd like to do this with one of my SKS's.

[lokidog]

I've always wondered - when you scout mount a scope, do you use a handgun scope or are there models made as 'scout scopes'?  I'd like to do this with one of my SKS's.

Figure out your required eye relief and go from there.

Side mounts are good for righties that are left eye dominant.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I've always wondered - when you scout mount a scope, do you use a handgun scope or are there models made as 'scout scopes'?  I'd like to do this with one of my SKS's.

Just one of many examples:

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-2-1-5-4x28mm-ier-scout-scope

[N7XW]

Great, thanks.

[lokidog]

Here's mine, my grandmother gave it to me. It was the first gun she bought for my grandfather, serial number looks like 1943 even though there are technically no records for the war years.. I wish I could use it here on the island....

[Calvin Rayborn]

Don't do it - Leave nasty holes - value of a '70s model is poor enough to begin with

[Special T]

I'm not sure what the desire of optics are on a caliber that is a 150 yard maybe 200 yard gun.

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[chiwawadan]

After putting some rounds through with him, the decision has been made to keep optics off of it. The sight is plenty accurate at the distance the gun is accurate at. It's good as it is... saving the optics for another gun.

Thanks!

[lokidog]

I'm not sure what the desire of optics are on a caliber that is a 150 yard maybe 200 yard gun.

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I think with the Leverevolution ammo, these could be 200 yard guns. I'd rather have a crosshair than the open sights, I've never been a good open sight shooter anyways....

[CP]

I'm not sure what the desire of optics are on a caliber that is a 150 yard maybe 200 yard gun.

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I think with the Leverevolution ammo, these could be 200 yard guns. I'd rather have a crosshair than the open sights, I've never been a good open sight shooter anyways....

Even without pointed bullets, I have no problem banging a 6" steel plate at 225 yards and shooting a respectable group at 300 with a scoped 30/30.  I would not hesitate to take a deer sized animal out to 250 - 300 yards but I'd never try that far with iron sights.