Building a Ruger Scout Rifle help.

Some say a scout rifle is the answer no one asked for. I like the idea. Was going to do something like this with a Kimber in 257 bob. Did this instead, will end up being cheaper to get what I wanted..

Light, 223, modified quite a bit, does exactly what I wanted.

Sad part is very disappointed with Ruger sending this out from the factory like it showed up. Trigger adjustment screw not there, sights so far off I had to come up with ideas to make new.

Thanks to some good CGNers I’ve got it where I want it for a cheap rifle .
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5634.jpeg
    IMG_5634.jpeg
    131.2 KB · Views: 58
Last edited:
Not to be too obviously Canadian but one of the basic concepts of a Scout or Ranch rifle as I understand it is that it should have backup iron sights and for me that meant the Tikka T3x Arctic with its pic rail and great ranged setting peep sight system. Another basic concept is that it be .308 calibre for all round versatility and availability of ammo. Also that it have a flash hider, which is the only thing the Arctic lacks, pity.

My other deviation from Cooper's rifle is that I gave up on the scout scope idea and chose a SAI 6 scope from SAI Optics here in Canada. These are just a great piece of glass, available with a first field of view ranging reticle set up for either 5.56 or 7.62 NATO. I even found open bottom rings that allow basic use of the iron sights without removing the scope. Put all these together and you have what I regard as an unbeatable rifle. The slightly bright coloured furniture is unfortunate outside of hunting season, maybe, but that can be fixed in 5 minutes with a permanent marker or two and converted to a camo pattern . Or by using removable tape, whatever.
 
Big Bad said:
Not to be too obviously Canadian but one of the basic concepts of a Scout or Ranch rifle as I understand it is that it should have backup iron sights and for me that meant the Tikka T3x Arctic with its pic rail and great ranged setting peep sight system. Another basic concept is that it be .308 calibre for all round versatility and availability of ammo. Also that it have a flash hider, which is the only thing the Arctic lacks, pity.

My other deviation from Cooper's rifle is that I gave up on the scout scope idea and chose a SAI 6 scope from SAI Optics here in Canada. These are just a great piece of glass, available with a first field of view ranging reticle set up for either 5.56 or 7.62 NATO. I even found open bottom rings that allow basic use of the iron sights without removing the scope. Put all these together and you have what I regard as an unbeatable rifle. The slightly bright coloured furniture is unfortunate outside of hunting season, maybe, but that can be fixed in 5 minutes with a permanent marker or two and converted to a camo pattern . Or by using removable tape, whatever.
Click to expand...

Got a pic or two?
 
berger said:
I am a carbine and scout rifle fan. One of my favorites is my Win94 with a no-gunsmith cantilever mount and a HiLux LER scope. Only "downside" is the lack of a sling. I know there are no-drill options to mount a sling, I just haven't bothered.
Click to expand...
I believe that I read that the Win 94 was one of Cooper's favourites for a Scout rifle - but he wanted a rifle with more power. The same source said 243 Win was also an option, but with 21.5" barrel. I think 7mm-08 or 308 Win about fit Cooper's thoughts. Scout rifle - idea came around in 1960's - finalized in 1980's by a bunch of 60 year old's, who were probably using their 1940's experience at fighting Germans in Europe or what they thought a "walk about" in Africa might be like.
 
These posts have given me a ton to think about, so I want to thank everyone who has chimed in. One interesting thing i did not put together for Jeff Coopers Scout rifle was the fact that it was not designed to be a militarized scout but rather a survival/wilderness rifle for someone who spends extended time in the woods.

A friend of mine has the new Ruger scout and unfortunately the rear iron sight seems to be high enough that an LPVO optic requires high rings to clear it. Which kind of sets you up to only use scout scopes, or having a large increase in comb height. What I really want to build is a rifle that can be used for a hunting rifle, or a grab and throw in the truck rifle for heading back into the woods. From what i can gleen from these comments a .308 running a standard pattern magazine (AICS), with iron sights seems to be a good recipe for success. Perhaps a Ruger gen 2 Ranch in .308 with a skinner scout rail seems to be a good option to run LPVO or scout scope. With a quality optic what ever you choose.

The Tikka T3x, Steyr Scout also seem to be amazing options too. Just pricey (thanks for all the other options presented as well)
 
This is a bit of a long shot, but has anyone found a rifle chassis/stock that is similar to the Manners MCS-LRH-NV that is not thousands of $$? I currently have a KRG chassis and have had MDT's before. But I would love a traditional style stock that allows a nightvision Bridge or m'lock on the side and bottom of it for accessories.
 

Attachments

  • lrhnv_page.png
    lrhnv_page.png
    138.8 KB · Views: 13
Buzzballer said:
Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with, or suggestions for, my next build.

I'm looking to put together a scout-style rifle that will serve as a hunting rifle for deer in the Ontario bush, a general-purpose survival rifle, and hopefully something I can eventually take to New Zealand for a hunting trip or two.

The plan is to run a Vortex Crossfire Scout scope, but I can't decide on the rifle.

My original plan was a Ruger American Ranch Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor with a Skinner Sights scout rail. The ballistics of the 6.5 CM are really appealing, especially since I already own several .308s. With the new Peak+ 6.5 CM ammunition available, a 16" barrel seems like it could make for an excellent lightweight bush/survival rifle. I also have to admit, the fluted barrel on the Gen II Ranch looks fantastic.

Now, though, Ruger has released the new Ruger Scout Rifle. It's already set up for a forward-mounted optic and iron sights right from the factory, which is a big plus. On the downside, it isn't fluted and it's only available in .308. I'm also not a huge fan of the large front sight post, although it's probably more functional than the small backup sights built into the Skinner rail. Realistically, the rifle will almost always be wearing the scout scope anyway.

So what would you do? Would you go with the Gen II Ranch in 6.5 Creedmoor and add the Skinner rail, or choose the purpose-built Scout Rifle in .308?
Click to expand...
I'm half way through doing mine, I used a ruger pred2 308 as doner rifle, its going onto a boyd stock, I have a choice of either an arken or leupold scope. The Boyds stock is really really nice, way better than I thought it would be.
 
jparent said:
Another option for a "scout like" rifle would be the Tikka Battue. The barrel is a little long compared to a 16" scout, but you could have it trimmed if you really wanted to. The 3 round magazine is basically flush fitting for easy carrying, and the irons are really really good. Topped off with something like a Leupold 1.5-4x in QD rings and you would have a fantastic, lightweight package for the price of a used Ruger M77 Scout, and not that much more than the Ruger American Scout.



https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/tikka-battue-questions.1646877/post-14359906
Click to expand...
i have a new Battue Lite 308 thats been tucked away for months, this is giving me inspiration to tinker with it...
 
Last edited:
Big Bad said:
Yes I do now and before Crazy Davy makes it here and accuses me of lying, here is my recent snapshot of the rifle and the very excellent SAI scope.

View attachment 1183243
Click to expand...
Looks like you've got that diopter dialed all the way out. This you?

looks-good-to-me.jpg
 
There is a ruger GS scout in 450bm right now in the EE, I have one, love it, I load heavy for it as well. The m77 action is stronger than any AR platform data listed. I love shorter Carbine length rifles, I'll post some pictures when I get home today.
 
Buzzballer said:
Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with, or suggestions for, my next build.

I'm looking to put together a scout-style rifle that will serve as a hunting rifle for deer in the Ontario bush, a general-purpose survival rifle, and hopefully something I can eventually take to New Zealand for a hunting trip or two.

The plan is to run a Vortex Crossfire Scout scope, but I can't decide on the rifle.

My original plan was a Ruger American Ranch Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor with a Skinner Sights scout rail. The ballistics of the 6.5 CM are really appealing, especially since I already own several .308s. With the new Peak+ 6.5 CM ammunition available, a 16" barrel seems like it could make for an excellent lightweight bush/survival rifle. I also have to admit, the fluted barrel on the Gen II Ranch looks fantastic.

Now, though, Ruger has released the new Ruger Scout Rifle. It's already set up for a forward-mounted optic and iron sights right from the factory, which is a big plus. On the downside, it isn't fluted and it's only available in .308. I'm also not a huge fan of the large front sight post, although it's probably more functional than the small backup sights built into the Skinner rail. Realistically, the rifle will almost always be wearing the scout scope anyway.

So what would you do? Would you go with the Gen II Ranch in 6.5 Creedmoor and add the Skinner rail, or choose the purpose-built Scout Rifle in .308?
Click to expand...
This is the nearest I've got when I started feeling the need for something LIKE a scout rifle.

Garand from CMP, 30-06, new Criterion barrel, new refinish stock, and everything made new and tight like a new M1. A forward scope mount system from Garand Gear, ported gas plug to use modern hunting ammo, military sling, and Nikon pistol scope to accommodate the forward mounting position.
https://imgur.com/a/CpGMGEM
 
Craig0ry said:
only one is a scout rifle, but its in 450BM, but the rest have their purpose as well.

Dm0og54.jpeg
Click to expand...

I don't care about scout but tell us more about that shorten No1 Mk3. I always love the Lee-enfield and have No1, No4 and No5 in my closet but a shorten version or tanker must be very handy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom