Scoped Yugo M-48

[freedomintheskies]

Hi all,
In the fall I started my small collection of Mauser rifles as a bit of a way to invest and shoot at the same time. Martin at Corwin Arms here in Canada brought in some really nice examples of unissued and VG++ M48 and M48A rifles and is charging very reasonable prices for them (and he offers a veterans discount too, so that helps the pension go further).

While researching these rifles, I found that during the Balkan Conflict in the 1990's, the Serbian Forces were using M48's with Zrak ON- M76 scopes/rings that were mainly used on Dragunov sniper rifles. The scopes are 8x with a tritium reticle and IR filter (they were the latest, greatest in the 70s and 80s). The scope also features a retractable sun shield and turrets that are calibrated for 7.92mm 175 gr. Yugo ammunition.
So I found a fellow on Ebay that is selling these scopes for what seems like a very reasonable amount of money and I managed to get hold of one to mount on one of the M48's.
Here she be...

[/url]20180205_231107 by PEI Rifleman, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20180205_231133 by PEI Rifleman, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20180205_231115 by PEI Rifleman, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20180208_092548[1] by PEI Rifleman, on Flickr[/IMG]
Note the white sticker above the windage turret- it's Cryllic writing and translates as "Hells Angel"... Nice touch...

Information

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[usabaker]

Thats very cool, don't know that I want to drill and tap my Yugo-A-gogo though. what did the set-up run you?

[freedomintheskies]

the cost of this (in USD) was:
M48 rifle (VG++) $400.00
Zrac scope w/ mount $305.00
gunsmithing $60.00
Total $765.00 US

M48 Yugos are quite plentiful here in Canada, at least right now. The ones that are coming in have, for the most part not been issued, or if they have, they are in at least 90-98% new condition and the barrels are pristine.
There are some that have been issued and suffer from lost bluing and wear associated with military service, but they are not the norm.
I believe the biggest hurtle right now is ammunition. The factory stuff is loaded light to avoid liability issues if a consumer uses it in a .318" barreled Mauser, so handloading is a much better option. I've cast some 175gr. gas checked bullets that shoot respectably and PRVI components are fairly easy to find. I think I'll switch from Russian primers to Federal or Winchester for the Mausers though. I've had some light primer strikes (in the cold weather).
Cheerz!

[IMG]20180215_113745[1] by PEI Rifleman, on Flickr[/IMG]

[usabaker]

The ones that are coming in have, for the most part not been issued,

I have to say that seeing your M48 on the bench with that scope is beautiful! Makes me almost want to do it to my rifle. I wish I could find an Unissued M48 in my area but they are about as common as Eskmo farts in San Diego. I just pick up my first M48 last Friday used for $280.00 ( https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=63787 )

When I read your post the first time I looked on eBay for the scope and mounts and you got a great deal! Perhaps If I can get a newer M48 rifle at a decent price I'll scope mine. Thanks for the post and picture.. beautiful rifle.