Ideas for a Scout-ish rifle

Chuck

Chuck

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I've been thinking that I would like to get a rifle that fits the spirit of the scout rifle concept but I don't care if it fully adheres to the idea. Rugged, bolt action, .308, back-up sights and relatively short and light matter to me. Likely it would end up with a low powered conventional scope rather than a scout scope. I've got a couple rifles that are close but happen to be .30-06. Any suggestions for rifle or set up? It could be a project or a commercially available option.
 
I'd say get a 788 Carbine in 308 for an older used gun. 18" barrel, drop mag, iron sights.

For a newer build, the Savage Hog hunter would be nice and light, but no drop mag.

I'm using an X-bolt micro hunter in 308 with NEG iron sites and a low power Leupold.
 
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I've handled the Ruger Scout and I like it a lot. I also happen to like Ruger firearms in general. It is definitely a strong possibility for me. For the price of the Steyr I would have to want it awfully badly. Having said that, I do have a Cooper 52 so if I want it bad enough I have saved for the extra nice rifle before.
 
I have owned two Savage scouts one in .308 and one in 7.62x39. I have some scout rifle exposure. It is my opinion now that if you are looking for a true rough and ready Scout rifle consider a good condition No4 Mk1 Lee Enfield sporter. They are cheap enough on initial purchase to allow upgrades for mounts sights and stocks slings etc. They when loaded with 150 grain bullets will about match a .308 and they have a large capacity mag.that is detachable if needed. Stripper clips are faster but only may be depending on your scope mount location. For what a new Scout (any brand) starts at 8 to 9 hundred bucks you could make a pretty sweet .303. and have lots left over. The key would be to select a solid sporter with good bore and tight head space. The rest is easy.
Darryl
 
GMC403 said:
I'd say get a 788 Carbine in 308 for an older used gun. 18" barrel, drop mag, iron sights.

For a newer build, the Savage Hog hunter would be nice and light, but no drop mag.

I'm using an X-bolt micro hunter in 308 with NEG iron sites and a low power Leupold.
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All of the above are good choices for an affordable "Scout type" rifle.:)
I wish someone would remake the 788 Remington , rimmed cartridge action . Oh.. the fun we could have
with that bugger. ;)
 
GMC403 said:
I'd say get a 788 Carbine in 308 for an older used gun. 18" barrel, drop mag, iron sights.

For a newer build, the Savage Hog hunter would be nice and light, but no drop mag.

I'm using an X-bolt micro hunter in 308 with NEG iron sites and a low power Leupold.
Click to expand...

I do find the Hog Hunter to be an interesting rifle for sure. It could work. I also know a fellow who might be selling a tang safety Ruger 77 Ultralight. This particular one doesn't have sights so I would be adding some like you did with the Browning. NECG certainly makes some nice options.
 
Chuck said:
I've handled the Ruger Scout and I like it a lot. I also happen to like Ruger firearms in general. It is definitely a strong possibility for me. For the price of the Steyr I would have to want it awfully badly. Having said that, I do have a Cooper 52 so if I want it bad enough I have saved for the extra nice rifle before.
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I figured I should chime in since I have the Steyr and a ruger or savage just doesn't cut the mustard even at the much lower price.

From the built in bipod, spare mag in the stock, flip up irons, smooth action and finally the single set trigger on the Steyr you really cant buy a better factory "scout" rifle with those options IMO.

If budget is your main concern, I would look/take the Mossberg MVP Patrol over the ruger and savage
 
Off the shelf I'd take a Savage Scout, (their model 10FMC.) But I'm cheap and I like the .303British so I'm doing it much as madtrapper143 suggests in post #6, starting with an already sportered No.5 for which I have an XS Sights "Clifton" scout scope mount.
 
Rem 600...probably the original scout.

What is the problem with 30-06 in a scout anyways? It is not available in FMJ bulk, but who is going to use that in any hunting situation anyways? I tamed down my loads for a 30-06 Bar, if one wanted a 308 equivalent make some anemic handloads.
 
:agree:

The Remington 600 Mohawk is a pretty nice little rifle...

Remington600M019.jpg

(not mine)

While not a 'bolt' gun, the Browning BLR Takedown is another nice (dandy) scoutish rifle...
823263_02_browning_blr_lt_takedown_308_640.jpg
 
LawrenceN said:
What's wrong with a modified SKS? You have 5 quick shots, options for optics, light and easy to carry, and sufficient knock-down power?
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SKS weighs a ton.....

OP, I have a gunsite scout and love it.... and if you like Rugers then go for it... Also, while not a true scout rifle, you may want to consider a Rem model 7....
 
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