I have gone the ATI stock, scout scope, and bipod route and it is fine for the type of shooting I packaged it for (seated bench and varmint) . I will admit for this project I went black for the aesthetics as well. The stock and pod can be found cheaply at combathunting
COMBATHUNTING.COM Official Website - Combat Hunting Store Rifle Scopes Quality Hunting, Shooting, Camping and Outdoor Gear All On Sale At Competitive Prices.. My rifle is the one linked in the above post.
Here are the pros and cons to this project:
Pros, the stock is light and gives a modern look to the rifle. Also it is less expensive than the other options. Bipod can be removed easily to accommodate shooting sticks.
Cons: There is no drop in. It will need to be inleted (which can be a pain). The bipod is plastic.
Now understand that I have 6 MN's (91/30's. M44, 91/30 repro sniper) and I wanted one of them to be suited for "my" multipurpose needs. I chose the most accurate 91/30 and because I reload I can use it for smaller game as well.
To be honest, if I was going to build a dedicated deer rifle, the Boyd stock would be my choice because of the ergonomic design and IMHO it is more of a timeless hunting rifle stock. Heck anyone can go to Big5(or other gun shop), pick up a 91/30 and a box of winchester 180gr, clean it up strap-on your ammo pouch/ sling and go big game hunting the same day, but that is not the point.
[soap box]
As far as advising to buy other rifles, the thread was not "what type of rifle should I buy for deer hunting", it was "
trying to make a awsome deer rifle out of a mosin nagant..."
I see this alot in gun forums, if asking pistol questions, it always ends up with 45 ACP or its crap.
In MN forums it is "dont waste your money" and just buy another rifle, or why put a $100 something on a $90 rifle.
I believe that if the MN were stored and distributed from countries other than the eastern block they would be much more in price. Just as some companies purchase them and resell them for twice their economic value. Now I understand the concept of supply and demand and perceived value but again my point is we like to personalize things to make them our own. If that means spending $200 on a $90 rifle and your not spending your diaper money, well so be it.
[gets off soap box]
We are advising you to make good decisions to save you time and money, well because most of us have been down this road before.
G&G is the best forum I have found for anyone considering customizing a MN. You can find great credible advice and tons of rhetoric, but that adds to the fun.