Side-mounting Scope Mounts

[mhutchinson]

Hey all,
I began looking into scope mount options for my Waffen Honold mauser these past couple weeks. There's an older thread from a month ago with pictures of the rifle. Anyway, I had settled on Weaver pivot mounts because I want to retain the ability to use the iron sights but can't quite spring the money for something like a German claw mount system. This is a $500 rifle, after all. Unfortunately, the Weaver mounts will not work--the scope would be too low to clear the bolt handle. So I need something taller.

One option would be to go with the tried-and-true Leupold fixed mounting system. If I weren't concerned about the iron sights I would go this route. But I like using iron sights when I can. For taller mounts that can be removed easily it seems like my options are really the German claw mounts or swing mounts. Since I am not in a rush I could just wait and keep my eye on ebay, hoping to pick up a used set of claw mounts that have rings already fitted. But I think some sort of side mount might be the most practical option. I've really grown to like the idea of the Jaeger side mount because it would possibly allow me to use the iron sights without having to remove the scope in a pinch. Problem is, Jaeger side mounts are going for hundreds of dollars. So...are there any other side scope mount options that are durable and reliable? Does anyone have any experience with any of these?

Perhaps something like what these folks make: https://www.accumounts.com/german-k98.html

[mike ford]

mhutchinson,
I have no experience with these mounts, but from the info provided, it seems one of the following might meet your requirements. First, since you expressed a desire for claw mounts, their "K 98 Double Claw Mount", but with extra purchase of 4 1" inserts( shims to allow use of 1" scope). The rings must be "sprung apart enough to allow insertion of the scope, or the scope must be taken apart. Neither option is especially easy, and some scraping or shimming may be required to level the scope. The second option is "High Turret Mounts(Split Rings). This set comes with the 1" inserts, but scraping or shimming may be required also. Side mounts are not the easiest to mount, and usually require modification of the stock( to let the base into the stock).
Mike

[mhutchinson]

Thanks for the reply, Mike. Scraping/shimming and modification of the stock for a side mount are skills that are within my repertoire. What I probably don't want to do is use any scope rings that either require the scope to be taken apart or the rings to be bent. I suppose it isn't out of the realm of possibility but I have little experience with soldering so I'm weary to take on the task of soldering rings to a scope. It would also be nice if I could use a more modern scope that is nitrogen-filled or something, in the event that I find the older non-filled scopes to be inadequate for hunting.

[mike ford]

mhutchinson,
Then it sounds like the one for you would be the "High Turret Mount(Split Rings). The scope fits in like Leupold rings, and the 1" inserts allow you to use American made modern scopes.
Mike

[mhutchinson]

Update--did some measuring today on how high the scope needs to be as well as how high the mounts can stick up without interfering with the iron sights. The turret style mount offered by Accumounts is too tall--it would prevent the use of the irons. What I did find out, though, is that Weaver used to make a taller set of rings for the pivot mount. If I can find a set of those on ebay then it would likely be viable as the low rings are only about 1/4" or so too short. Other than that, it looks like my best bet is to wait and watch for an old side mount like a Jaeger or Griffin and Howe to pop up. That or a set of claw mounts that are already fitted. So either way it's a waiting game for now. Thanks for taking a look at those mounts, though, Mike.

[mike ford]

mhutchinson,
I must have misunderstood the photo in the advertisement then. I thought I could see an opening in the base that may allow use of iron sights.
Mike