The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT Made a Bold First Impression
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT, offered by CRICK, promises a simple solution for mounting optics on a rifle known for its ruggedness and historical significance. The Mosin Nagant, a rifle steeped in military history, traditionally lacks an easy way to mount a modern scope. This kit, priced affordably, piqued my interest as a potential gateway for modernizing a classic piece of firearm history.
I’ve been looking for a way to accurately and reliably mount a scope on my Mosin Nagant without permanently altering the rifle. Many solutions involve gunsmithing or complex modifications. I wanted something simpler, something that would allow me to explore the accuracy potential of the rifle with modern optics.
Upon receiving the CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The kit itself is compact and unassuming. It’s definitely a no-frills package. My initial impression was that the design seemed straightforward. It promised a quick and easy installation. Compared to some of the more elaborate, and expensive, scope mounts I’ve seen for the Mosin Nagant, this one stood out for its minimalist approach. I did consider a side-mount requiring drilling and tapping, and a scout-style mount replacing the rear sight, but the CRICK kit’s promise of a simpler, reversible installation swayed me. This product offered the best trade-off of cost, ease of installation and reversibility.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was certainly attractive. The potential to easily add a scope to my Mosin without permanent modifications made it worth exploring. I hoped it could deliver on its promise of a secure and stable platform for mounting optics. Only real-world testing would determine its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT was at my local shooting range. I mounted a simple 4×32 scope to the Mosin using the kit. I chose a controlled environment to assess its ease of installation and initial stability.
The installation process, as promised, was relatively simple. No gunsmithing skills are required. The kit relies on existing mounting points on the receiver. However, I did notice that the fit was extremely tight, requiring some careful maneuvering to get everything properly aligned and secured. It took about an hour, including some minor filing to get everything to fit properly. During my initial shooting session, I fired approximately 50 rounds of surplus 7.62x54R ammunition. The scope seemed to hold zero reasonably well. The mount didn’t appear to shift or loosen noticeably.
There was one initial issue. The screws included in the kit seemed to be made of relatively soft metal. I managed to slightly strip the head of one screw while tightening it. I replaced it with a higher-quality screw from my own collection.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 200 rounds fired, the CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT has proven to be… adequate. I’ve used the Mosin with the mounted scope on several range trips. I also did a bit of informal target shooting on my property.
The mount hasn’t completely failed. There haven’t been any catastrophic issues. However, it requires constant monitoring and tightening. The vibration from the rifle’s recoil tends to loosen the screws over time, leading to zero shift. I find myself checking and tightening the screws after every 10-15 rounds.
The finish on the mount itself is holding up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. However, the cheap screws are a constant source of concern. Overall, the mount functions, but it requires constant attention and maintenance to maintain accuracy. It’s definitely not a “set it and forget it” solution. Compared to other, more robust scope mounts I’ve used on other rifles, this one definitely falls short in terms of long-term reliability and stability. This is what I would expect from a product in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT
Specifications
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT is designed to provide a stable mounting platform for scopes on Mosin Nagant rifles.
- It is constructed from aluminum. This keeps the weight down and helps to resist corrosion.
- The kit includes a receiver mount that attaches to existing mounting points on the rifle. This avoids the need for permanent modifications.
- The kit is designed for standard Weaver-style scope rings. This allows for compatibility with a wide variety of scopes.
- The finish is a matte black. It is intended to blend in with the rifle’s existing finish.
- The price is $27.49. This makes it an affordable option for Mosin Nagant owners looking to add optics.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the ease of installation, stability, and overall user experience. The aluminum construction helps keep the weight manageable. The Weaver-style compatibility allows for flexibility in scope selection. The price makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Performance & Functionality
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT allows you to mount a scope on a Mosin Nagant. The question is how well it does its job.
The mount does what it says on the tin. It provides a platform for attaching a scope. However, its performance is limited by its inherent instability and the quality of its components. Accuracy is acceptable with frequent maintenance. The mount is usable, but not confidence-inspiring.
Its greatest strength is its affordability. Its biggest weakness is its tendency to loosen under recoil. It barely meets my expectations for a budget-friendly scope mount.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT is simple and utilitarian. It prioritizes ease of installation over aesthetic appeal.
The build quality is adequate for the price. The aluminum seems reasonably durable. The included screws are the weakest point. The weight of the mount is negligible, adding very little to the overall weight of the rifle. The mount is not particularly comfortable to handle. It is simply a functional piece of hardware.
There is a slight learning curve involved in the initial installation. However, once installed, it’s fairly straightforward to use. The tightening of the screws during shooting becomes second nature after a while.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT is questionable. The aluminum mount itself should last a reasonable amount of time.
The screws, however, are likely to require frequent replacement. Maintenance involves regularly checking and tightening the screws. It also involves replacing them as needed. This is not a low-maintenance setup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the mount itself and the necessary screws. The only real customization option is the choice of scope and scope rings.
The mount is compatible with any standard Weaver-style scope rings. This provides a wide range of options for scope selection. You can use low, medium, or high rings depending on the size of your scope and your preferred cheek weld. I recommend using high-quality scope rings from a reputable brand such as Leupold or Vortex. I also recommend replacing the screws included with the kit with higher-quality replacements.
Pros and Cons of CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Relatively easy installation with no gunsmithing required.
- Compatible with Weaver-style scope rings.
- Allows for scope mounting without permanent rifle modifications.
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
Cons
- Poor quality screws that are prone to stripping and loosening.
- Requires frequent monitoring and tightening to maintain zero.
- Questionable long-term durability.
Who Should Buy CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT?
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT is perfect for budget-conscious Mosin Nagant owners who want to experiment with optics without permanently modifying their rifles. It’s also suitable for those who are willing to tolerate frequent maintenance and adjustments in exchange for an affordable price.
This product is not for serious hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone who demands absolute reliability and accuracy. It’s also not for those unwilling to perform regular maintenance.
Must-have accessories include high-quality Weaver-style scope rings and replacement screws made of stronger metal. A thread-locking compound like Loctite may also be helpful in preventing the screws from loosening.
Conclusion on CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT
The CRICK MOSIN NAGANT SCOPE MOUNT KIT offers an inexpensive way to mount a scope on a Mosin Nagant rifle. It delivers on its promise of simple installation and Weaver rail capability.
However, the low price comes with significant drawbacks. These include questionable durability and the need for frequent maintenance.
The value proposition is debatable. If you’re on a very tight budget and are willing to constantly tinker with your setup, then it might be worth considering. But for anyone who values reliability and accuracy, I would recommend investing in a higher-quality scope mount.
Personally, I would not recommend this product as a long-term solution. But as a temporary or experimental option, it may serve its purpose. If you’re curious about adding optics to your Mosin Nagant and don’t want to break the bank, give it a try. Just be prepared for some tinkering.