Looking for an All-Purpose, compact .308.

[Northern Shooter]

I've been on the hunt for sometime now to track down the perfect all-purpose, compact (bush gun) in .308.

The features that I'm looking for specifically are:

1. Bolt Action (Mauser style preferred)
2. Chambered in .308
3. Short Barrel <20"
4. Compact package (OAL <40")
5. Ideally comes with iron sights (this really narrows the options)
6. Has 10 round magazines available (bonus points if it accepts SR-25/AICS magazines).

So as you can see, these features basically describe a Scout rifle and the Ruger Gunsite Scout was the model that led me down this path. Unfortunately the Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308 is no where to be found in Canada (discontinued?).

Another option that I was considering in 2020 was the CZ 557 Ranger model which checked off most of these boxes but has since been discontinued. CZ offers some other 557 models with a similar stock but without the iron sites, and limited to 4-5 round magazines.

I'm aware of the Savage, Steyr and Mossberg Scout models as well as the Tikka Arctic and Battue Models.

What else is out there that I am missing? Has there been any news of upcoming models that may meet the criteria above?

Cheers,

 

[Slimbo]

The sig cross fits some of your criteria. You could add a set of folding battle sights.

 

[Ravage]

So like the Savage 110 scout, Mossberg MVP scout/patrol, both can still be found in stock

 

[Sun_and_Steel_77]

Ruger Scout is the only CRF action with a claw and it is indeed a great little rifle. If you have access to the EE and are willing to pay the going rate of between 1100-1400$ you will snag a GSR in good used shape in no time...they are a very popular rifle.

 

[Hoss274]

Sounds alot like my Browning BLR '81 stainless takedown.
The BLR is actually a lever actuated bolt action.
Very accurate out of the box with factory ammo.
I found Federal 180 grain SP (stock# 308B) to be the best.
1.5" or less 3-shot @ 100yd groups all day long off a rest.
Taken down it can be transported in a suitcase or normal business sized briefcase.
20" bbl very handy in brush.
I have a Leupold VX 3i 1.5-6x40mm on mine attacked with Quick mount rings & bases.
Holds its "0" very well between takedown & reassemble - group center varies about 1/2".

 

[mikeelliot]

Ruger scout checks all your boxes. They are on the EE frequently

 

[track]

Tikka Battue and Styer Mannlicher Scout will fit your bill.

 

[uberti77]

Husqvarna 1600 carbine.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Ruger scout checks all your boxes. They are on the EE frequently

I've seen a few come and go, usually for a pretty penny. I have a thing about only buying firearms new though.

I really hope Canadian distributors eventually restock these models, I've only seen 450 BM and 350 legend in current stock.

 

[Sun_and_Steel_77]

I've seen a few come and go, usually for a pretty penny. I have a thing about only buying firearms new though.

I really hope Canadian distributors eventually restock these models, I've only seen 450 BM and 350 legend in current stock.

Do you only want new because of warranty? Reason I ask is in the specific case of Ruger they don't really have a warranty like other manufacturers, they go on a case by case basis doesn't matter if you are the original purchaser or the tenth.

 

[keith mokry]

Older Remington model 7 could also fit the bill. As they had sights and 18.5-20” brls

 

[Milt Dale]

I would also say Ruger scout, I have one in 450BM, will not be for sale any time soon.

 

[Can-down]

I've seen a few come and go, usually for a pretty penny. I have a thing about only buying firearms new though.

I really hope Canadian distributors eventually restock these models, I've only seen 450 BM and 350 legend in current stock.

Good deals do happen but you need to be quick on the trigger!
Sun and Steel blew a nice one out recently... somebody scored a proven shooter with some well chosen modifications for a hunting gun.... great deal!

Ruger's are not getting cheaper new out of the box, though I suppose nothing is these days.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Another option I have been toying with is buying the Ruger American Predator with the 18" barrel. For some reason the .308+18" barrel combination only seems to come with the older style rotary mags unlike the 6.5 which you can get the AI style with.

I could then swap out the bottom metal to accept AI 10 rounders and eventually upgrade the stock as well. I'd still be without iron sights in this scenario though and I don't believe the American Action is the same as the Gunsite Scouts.

 

[sgt.rock]

Older Remington model 7 could also fit the bill. As they had sights and 18.5-20” brls

I second this. Mine has nice sights, super smooth action, 18.5" short nimble barrel and it has a short OAL. It is so light and nimble it points like a cane with one hand.
I wonder if mag kits can be had for them like the 700?

 

[reb]

Try a Kimber Hunter, I know it doesn't have some of the options you are looking for but mine even with a 3.5 x 10 Zeiss is like packing a 22
Handles and balances great.
With a low powered optic might work for you.

 

[Brian46]

Steyr scout

 

[mikeyb]

Sako 85 Black Bear is a great choice. 20" barrel, .308 Win, 40.5" OAL, CRF, open sights, 10-round mag options.

 

[Gatehouse]

Another option I have been toying with is buying the Ruger American Predator with the 18" barrel. For some reason the .308+18" barrel combination only seems to come with the older style rotary mags unlike the 6.5 which you can get the AI style with.

I could then swap out the bottom metal to accept AI 10 rounders and eventually upgrade the stock as well. I'd still be without iron sights in this scenario though and I don't believe the American Action is the same as the Gunsite Scouts.

Ruger American is a push feed.

If you want to hunt with a GSR this year you will need to go to the used market.

 

[soldier506]

Mossburg MVP scout is a nice little package