Air Gun Home :: View topic - How can I mount a scope on an old air rifle ?

Rocky64 · New Member

I have an old (30 years or more) solid and what appears to be well made Russian air rifle to which I would like to mount a recently purchased Beeman scope. The problem I have is that the scope mounting rings are for use on a dovetail rail but the rifle has no such rail, drilled holes or anything else (other than a smooth round barrel from the rear sight back.
I'm wondering if anyone knows of anything that might be mounted to the side of the wooden stock to which I could mount the scope or has any other ideas or suggestions.

Thanks.

rsterne · Moderator

It might be possible to drill and tap the top of the compression tube and install either weaver mounts or a dovetail rail.... The problem is that the tube will be relatively thin wall so you will need to use fine threads to get enough holding power.... You will also have to strip the rifle completely so that you can insure the screws will not protrude inside hitting the spring or piston.... It can be done, but not easily.... Here is a short rail I made to fit a red dot sight to my old Slavia 620....

You would basically need two of those, or a longer one....

Bob

Rocky64 · New Member

Thanks Bob, that would be the perfect solution and solve my problem but I'm not sure how difficult a project it might be. I would be game to try it if no simpler solutions show up but where is it possible to buy just a dovetail rail and how difficult would it be (and what tools required) to take the rifle apart and put it back, including the removal of what might be (?) a compessed spring. I do have a drill press and a tap and die set with course and fine thread.

If the project is simply too difficult I guess I could pickup a Ruger Air Hawk complete with scope but was hoping using what I had would save some money.

Gippeto · Member

This would be simpler...but not near as solid. Smile

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

I spotted a rail on top of a chinese air rifle I had. I had made the dovetail at work though, and I don't have access to a milling machine anymore. It's been 10 years though and the rail is still on there.

Rocky64 · New Member

Any comments available on how difficult it would be o take apart and in particular the compression chamber area ?

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

It would help if you posted a picture of it to see if it is a clone of any other rifle. That way we could give you an idea of the difficulty.

Dukemeister · Member

at Target Tune
http://target-tune.in/international/products/IHP-scope-mount.html
I am nod endorsing this site or product, only linking to show the concept.
Basically drill and tap a few holes in the receiver, red loc-tite the screws in place and that's it. But, as Bob said, you have to strip the innards first, and make sure all the drill and tap debris is out of the chamber before you re-assemble it. Might as well do a polish and lube while you're in there. Post make and model of your Russian rifle, and/or some pictures and someone will likely be able to guide you on how to strip it and do the work required. Smile

kanyon · Silver Status Member

Hi..
I have a WW2 303 NZ army issue that has
no scope rail/dovetail...
What I done was..Made a alloy bracket from
5mm angle that screws to the side of the stock and goes
up and over the receiver with a weaver rail
bolted to it...