Big Bad
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'm leaving this as an open question after posting my understanding of the concept. Discussion is invited.
It will be understood that the scout or ranch rifle concept came me vial the EOTW survivalist community with the main concerns being durability, overall utility, and availability of ammunition. So to Col Jeff Cooper and to me a Scout rifle is:
1): Compact in length and low in weight, no more than a yard long and 7 pounds unloaded. We both like compound stocks but wood is fine too. The butt should be rounded to avoid snagging clothing.
2): Equipped with a very rugged and reliable action, in the real world almost certainly a bolt action which also encourages conservation of ammunition.
3): Fires all .308 Win ammunition and the military equivalent, Cooper said except in countries where ownership of that calibre is prohibited to civilians. Not a problem here.
4): Has backup iron sights useful out to at least 300 yards, ideally 500. I will add a modern top rail for optics.
5): Uses a lower power optic that allows for quick target acquisition. Cooper liked a forward mounted 'Scout' scope, but never having found a good one, I favour a 1-6 power top quality one.
6): Uses 10 round removable box magazines. Cooper wanted storage for an spare mag in the stock, which would be nice.
7): Is equipped with a simple easy to use sling that allows the rifle to be carried comfortably and brought to bear quickly.
8): Has an available bipod of some sort.
9): Is fitted with a flash hider.
That's what I have as an ideal concept. I've never found an ideal one but as recently posted elsewhere here, for mine I settled on a Tikka T3x Arctic with a SAI Optics 1-6 scope.
It will be understood that the scout or ranch rifle concept came me vial the EOTW survivalist community with the main concerns being durability, overall utility, and availability of ammunition. So to Col Jeff Cooper and to me a Scout rifle is:
1): Compact in length and low in weight, no more than a yard long and 7 pounds unloaded. We both like compound stocks but wood is fine too. The butt should be rounded to avoid snagging clothing.
2): Equipped with a very rugged and reliable action, in the real world almost certainly a bolt action which also encourages conservation of ammunition.
3): Fires all .308 Win ammunition and the military equivalent, Cooper said except in countries where ownership of that calibre is prohibited to civilians. Not a problem here.
4): Has backup iron sights useful out to at least 300 yards, ideally 500. I will add a modern top rail for optics.
5): Uses a lower power optic that allows for quick target acquisition. Cooper liked a forward mounted 'Scout' scope, but never having found a good one, I favour a 1-6 power top quality one.
6): Uses 10 round removable box magazines. Cooper wanted storage for an spare mag in the stock, which would be nice.
7): Is equipped with a simple easy to use sling that allows the rifle to be carried comfortably and brought to bear quickly.
8): Has an available bipod of some sort.
9): Is fitted with a flash hider.
That's what I have as an ideal concept. I've never found an ideal one but as recently posted elsewhere here, for mine I settled on a Tikka T3x Arctic with a SAI Optics 1-6 scope.
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