There are actually three versions of the Ruger Scout rifle that have been sold in Canada. The first was the stainless international version with an 18" barrel which I believe was sold in Canada and Australia since rifles could not be exported from the US with a flash hider prior to 2013. The second version was the GSR which came with a laminated stock and a 16.5" barrel and a flash hider, though the barrel was actually 17" in length. The current versions have a 16 inch barrel and are available in both stainless and matte finished barrels and receivers with laminated stocks in both 223 and 308. There is also a synthetic stock version which comes with a muzzle break in both stainless and matte finishes, however this is only available in 308 and is the lightest version at 6.25 lbs, and as such it is the only one that would truly qualify as a Scout rifle according to Coopers definition i.e less than 6.6 lbs. I have had a Tikka Battue in 308 for a number of years and I really like the rifle and last week I purchased a synthetic stocked GSR in 308 since I believe the rifle does serve a different purpose compared to the Tikka. I would concur that the Tikka is a better finished rifle and that the GSR is a more rugged rifle which seems to be the consensus of the previous posts. I like the iron sights on both rifles, though they are very different. I seem to have a tendency to lose the front sight hoods off rifles when hunting and in that regard I prefer the protected sight of the Ruger, however the post it quite thick. I intend to mount a conventional scope on the GSR after which I will have a better idea of the accuracy of both rifles, since I will use a lead sled to remove as much user error as possible, but will normally use the rifle with just with the iron sights. I have tried the GSR and it is quite pleasant to shoot in the open if you are by yourself, since the recoil is very mild with the muzzle break, however with others present or partially undercover like at a range it would not be very pleasant for other people.
http://www.realguns.com/articles/672.htm
http://www.realguns.com/articles/672.htm
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