I've decided to put a scope on one of my two K-31s.

I'm leaning toward the S&K "scout type" mounts.

Either the S&K style (that comes with S&K rings) for $74. Shown here......

OR.... the S&K Weaver style mount (without rings) for $64. Shown here.......

What are your thoughts?

I would like to retain the ability to use the chargers for rapid reloading ..... that's why I thought I would go with the "scout" set-up! But I could be talked into going with the "St. Marie" type mount without too much arm twisting because I have a Redfield 3-9 power scope that I'm currently not using. With the scout mounts, I'll have to go out and buy a scope with longer eye relief.

I have the first of the two S&K mounts you show, on my K-31. I am not at all pleased with it.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the mount, but I have found very few scopes available of more than 2-X which have the correct eye-relief for me to use in this mount.

Bushnell does make a 3-to-9-X in one of its cheaper lines which has an advertised eye relief of 6". I am going to get one, as that is just about exactly what I need, based on the way the rifle comes up in my grasp.

Most other rifle scopes have either about a 3"-to-3-1/2" eye relief, or if "EER" pistol scopes, a relief of 10" or more. That puts the rifle scopes too far away from my eye for a full, easy field of view, and the pistol scopes too close.

If the Bushnell does not work out, I am going to get one of the more expensive clamp-on mounts from Brownell's. That means I will lose the quick-loading ability you seek, but I have decided that for me I'd rather have to load by removing the magazine and filling it, than have to be a contortionist to see through the scope.

Because of my age I need more than 2-X.

Thanks for the feedback on this question, Alberta Canuck!

It looks like the "Weaver Type" S&K "scout mount" can position the scope a bit farther forward. S&K's photo of their own style mount and rings, looks like the location of the eye bell would make use of the K-31 chargers impossible.... at least with the fixed power scope shown.

Only two Intermediate Eye Relief scopes are usually available. These types are what should be used for scout set ups, although a number of people say that they use pistol scopes with success. Leupold makes a 'scout' in 2.5X and Burris makes one in 2.75X If your lucky, maybe you can find scout scope rig for the old 30/30. I did get lucky with a 'Marlin' 1.5X It sits on a Swede. A K-31 wears a Burris 2.75X I really like the 1.5X Theres nothing wrong with being under 2X especially when everything is in focus and you can keep both eyes open easily! Best-o-Luck

I tried the SK/rings version with a Bushnell shotgun scope, 1.75x4 . I moved the scope as far back as I could and still have clearance for ejection. The eye relief was adequate.

But the comb height of the K-31 is not set up for a scope. I had to raise my head completely off the comb to see through the scope ("turkey neck"). I then put a strap on comb on it and that was barely adequate.

The gain with this set-up was minimal and I removed the scope set-up. I was trying to make something out of the rifle that it was never designed for.

I've gone to the clamp-on mounts and don't regret it, true I'm not using strippers. Accuracy and stability is beyond reproach and it takes but 1' to switch the scope to another rifle.


BTW, my mount is the steel German EAW but I heard reports about the St.-Marie being as good at half the price.

Tried various "Scout scope" mounting setups. Except for the Steyr-Mannlicher Scout rifles, I hated them all! They result in a clunky, clumsy arrangement that is too awkward and unhandy, not to mention ugly, for my tastes.

I like my scopes put where they belong, like Andre's are!

I got a Darrels scout mount, and put a cheap NC Star 2.5x scope on it. The scope adjustments suck, but once sighted in, it has stayed there.

Even with low rings I have to get a chin weld instead of my cheek.

Stripper clips work on this rifle.

The mount is very solid.
mount info here
http://www.milsurpshooter.net/

There used to be two more higher magnification IER scopes available, both from Burris. Sometimes a guy can find one of them used, and they will work okay on the S&K type mounts.

They were the fixed power 7-X, and the fixed power 5-X, I have one of each, but they are on other "scout-type" rifles. I have only come across those two higher power IER scopes in the last 15 years of prowling gun shows.

I think Burris also made a third in either a 3-9-X or a 2-1/2-8-X in their IER scopes, but I've never come across either, so can't remember for sure which range of powers it had.

(I'm pretty sure they also made a 10-X IER, but that is too much power for me to use when mounted in the "scout" position.)

Thanks to all for the good info.

Since I already have a suitable scope on hand for the St. Marie (steel) mount, I'm leaning in that direction. And the fact that I can switch it quickly between my two K-31s is also a plus.

I was shooting my two K-31s at 600yds. (iron sights) the other day. Standard issue K31s using only standard military issue ammo.... these are some accurate SOBs!