CZ Trail vs Sig Cross vs Gunsight Scout vs … ?

[Tikka223]

What are your thoughts?

I’m considering a handy rifle that’s easy to carry, can take a box mag, can be had in a heavier caliber, and that comes in a short(er) package that can be used for all-round hunting, plinking, and the odd precision shot (read 1MOA capable with 5 shot groups).

Basically what my Stag was suppose to be, only lighter and shorter and obviously not semi-auto.

I’d likely be toping it with a variable scope, something like a 1-8 or a 3-12.

 

[Tikka223]

I should add that I’ve already got a T3 CTR in .308. Great rifle, love the action but the semi-heavy counter battle in the 20” length is a tad nose heavy and a little long when dragging it through the brushy woods that we have here. That and I’ve got it set up as a PRS rig and don’t feel like pulling it out of its chassis.

 

[Tikka223]

I’ll also add that I had an 18” Gunsight Scout back in the day. I loved the irons and the bomb-proof feel of the rifle but really wasn’t impressed with the bolt/action, especially when trying to cycle it quickly.

 

[mctrigger]

RDSC shield works. If you got the cash.

 

[Vewdu]

Dunno if you've seen reviews for the CZ trail, but you won't be hitting precision shots with it. Good enough to hit what you're aiming at, but don't expect sub moa or even MOA accuracy.

 

[Tikka223]

Dunno if you've seen reviews for the CZ trail, but you won't be hitting precision shots with it. Good enough to hit what you're aiming at, but don't expect sub moa or even MOA accuracy.

I did see that. Must be the wobbly stock.

 

[Tikka223]

RDSC shield works. If you got the cash.

Interesting. Thank you, I wasn’t aware of that one. Definitely in the Sig-money ballpark but well short of Q-Fix money that I can’t bring myself to spend on something that will likely get scratched and dirty.

 

[Ungrateful]

The Ruger is a hell of a rifle. Surprised anyone didn’t like it. I also like the savage 110 scout. It’s built on a standard 10/110 short action.

If cost is no object, the tikka t3x arctic is really nice

If you’re still missing the stag, the Troy par in 308 might actually be a decent choice for short and light

 

[Bartok5]

I have the SIG Cross in 6.5 CM and the CZ 600 Trail in .300 Blk. You will be challenged to obtain less than 1.5 MOA with the CZ Trail due to inherent design limitations (wobbly Buttstock, 2-piece Chassis, etc) and your only calibre choices are based on the .223 cartridge case, so .300 Blk is as "large caliber" as it gets.

What you want is the SIG Cross, hands-down. Mine is sub-MOA capable with match ammo out to 800m all day, easily. The unitized aluminum alloy Receiver/Chassis is a brilliant weight-saver while not adversely affecting accuracy, which is outstanding for a rack-grade rifle. I am told that the .308 Crosses are equally accurate, so there's that. SIG even manufactures a line of Magnum Cross rifles nowadays, so you can obtain even heavier chamberings that .308 Win. Throw on a decent, lightweight optic and you will be amazed at just how light the Cross is for what it offers in terms of the fit of the infinitely adjustable Buttstock, the smoothness of the action, and the system's inherent accuracy. Try a Cross if you can, and you will see exactly what I am talking about. It is an excellent hunting rifle that can double as a precision rifle in a pinch!

I also have the Troy PAR in .308, which was also mentioned as an option above. It is bulkier and considerably heavier than the SIG Cross. While decently (even surprisingly) accurate, the Troy PAR is no match for the Cross in the accuracy department. I would pass over the PAR for the Cross every time. The PAR is attractively priced at $1700, but trust me when I say that your money is better spent on the $2500 SIG Cross.

 

[Silverado]

If you don't want another Ruger, go with your first instinct.

 

[GPMG]

I have a Sig Cross in 308 and CZ600 Trails in .223 and .300BLK. I echo Bartok's comments. The Cross is a fantastic rifle. Lightweight, accurate, great action. Very reliable with Magpul AICS 10rd mags. I can shoot 1.1MOA with Norma 147gr FMJ. When the new Dec ban came through, I nearly bought a second Cross to set up as an iron sights only rifle. Ended up getting a Scalarworks scope mount so I can just go back and forth between optics and irons whenever I feel like it.

 

[johhny12gauge]

My vote goes to the 6.5 Sig Cross with a higher magnification optic to make use of the 6.5 and really nail those accurate shots. Athlon makes a very affordable optic.

For a more affordable rifle that would also meet your specifications you may also want to look at the Ruger 26983 American Hunter 20 inch in 6.5, it's about half the price of the Cross.

 

[Butcherbill]

I’ll also add that I had an 18” Gunsight Scout back in the day. I loved the irons and the bomb-proof feel of the rifle but really wasn’t impressed with the bolt/action, especially when trying to cycle it quickly.

The Ruger Scout has quickly become my favourite compact handy hunting/hiking around rifle, so out of your list I’d go with that. Especially seeing that you are already familiar with them.

The only thing I don’t like about them is the forward mounted scout scope, the full length xs sight rail solves this for me. Allows you to mount a scope over the action and you keep a rear peep sight like the factory rear. With a set of high Leupold QRW rings I can mount a 40mm or 42mm optic.

The key to running the bolt smoothly is to break it down into to motions, bolt straight up and then back. It’s a Mauser based action after all.

 

[mikeyb]

I've also owned a Cross is 6.5 Creedmoor. Mine was likewise quite accurate and with a lightweight scope it was nice to carry. The custom magazine follower is nice for single-feeding them through the loading port. Only problem is I personally prefer the feel of a rifle stock, but it has nothing to do with any problems with the Cross - mine folded and locked up solid and was really accurate.

If I had more money to burn I would have hung on to it and spun a .338 Federal pre-fit on for a bit of a different flavour.

 

[SilentKnight]

Dunno if you've seen reviews for the CZ trail, but you won't be hitting precision shots with it. Good enough to hit what you're aiming at, but don't expect sub moa or even MOA accuracy.

Owned one. Can confirm. It was like 2.5 or 3 MOA on average factory .223.

Fun gun though to plink with

 

[SilentKnight]

I did just buy a Cross in 6.5CM as well, I'll let you know how it shoots.
Seller told me he was getting 5/8" groups at 100 though, so think it'll be a solid rifle for taking up into the mountains for hunting and a bit of long range precision work.

I'd go with a Cross from the choices you mentioned!

 

[Desjard]

I wish the sig came in 223

 

[jimbo45]

I have an sig cross in 6.5 it’s easily moa with factory match ammo my friend also has a cross in .308 and it’s equally as accurate

 

[Mik123]

I wish the sig came in 223

I wouldn't be surprised if sig makes one. They already made a magnum version.

 

[KND]

Ruger scout is not half moa rifles and I have 3, one is 223 and other two are 308 win but they are very handy, lightweight especially the plastic stock one. The most it could do like 1-1/2 moa at 100 meters with scout scope but again, they are very handy.

Sig Cross in 308 is probably my favorite of all the bolt action rifle I ever had. It's lightweight, very well balance and adjustable to different shooters but most of all it shots very good, I can do half moa at the first 10 rounds, it opens up a bit once the barrel is getting hot, can't really blame it since it's not a bull barrel.

Go for Sig cross and you won't be disappointed.