This. The whole 'scout' concept is an interesting one. But it's not 'just' a hunting rifle, and makes compromises as a result. IMO there's no need for the forward mounted scope for most use cases, but that's a key part of the whole 'scout' thing.
Need some opinions: Scout Rifle
- Thread starter armybuck041
- Start date
This. The whole 'scout' concept is an interesting one. But it's not 'just' a hunting rifle, and makes compromises as a result. IMO there's no need for the forward mounted scope for most use cases, but that's a key part of the whole 'scout' thing.
Actually, my Steyr sports an Aimpoint H1 Red Dot.
When the concept was first envisioned, the state of the art was not mature enough that one could rely on electronics although they were considered.
So far, I have been happy with it.
sunraymajor555
Member
- Location
- Hammond, ON
G’day Scotty,
Welcome back to the fold.
I faced the same dilemma a few years back when I embarked down the Scout rifle road.
Given my locale I had limited opportunity to get “hands on” with the scout rifle models on the market, with exception of the Tikka T3 “Arctic”. The rest (Ruger, Savage Scout 11 & 110 and the Mossberg MVP Patrol) were scrutinized through reviews of the product on the internet.
All in price point was a consideration for me, as I was limited on rifle/scope expenditure, but ultimately, at the time, the biggest impact on deciding rested on what was available on the market in my price range, which was the Savage and the Mossberg. I could not find a Ruger, and the Tikka was outside my budget, though I found it to be great piece. I did not even consider the Steyr Scout, which showcased the original concept.
I ended up going with the Savage model 11 Scout, fitted it with a Vortex Scout 2x7x32, and restocked it with a Boyd Spike Camp stock, as I found the model 11 stock clunky compared to the 110.
It shoots very well, handles well, has functioned flawlessly for me, and is with us on every outing on the land, which is pretty much every week. It may not be the best, but I am pleased and have no intention of switching it out, except I am going to be switching out the muzzle brake as it really isn’t needed for its intended purpose as the 308 recoil is manageable without it, and those on the range beside me will appreciate it………
My views, good luck in your selection.
Cheers
Allan
Welcome back to the fold.
I faced the same dilemma a few years back when I embarked down the Scout rifle road.
Given my locale I had limited opportunity to get “hands on” with the scout rifle models on the market, with exception of the Tikka T3 “Arctic”. The rest (Ruger, Savage Scout 11 & 110 and the Mossberg MVP Patrol) were scrutinized through reviews of the product on the internet.
All in price point was a consideration for me, as I was limited on rifle/scope expenditure, but ultimately, at the time, the biggest impact on deciding rested on what was available on the market in my price range, which was the Savage and the Mossberg. I could not find a Ruger, and the Tikka was outside my budget, though I found it to be great piece. I did not even consider the Steyr Scout, which showcased the original concept.
I ended up going with the Savage model 11 Scout, fitted it with a Vortex Scout 2x7x32, and restocked it with a Boyd Spike Camp stock, as I found the model 11 stock clunky compared to the 110.
It shoots very well, handles well, has functioned flawlessly for me, and is with us on every outing on the land, which is pretty much every week. It may not be the best, but I am pleased and have no intention of switching it out, except I am going to be switching out the muzzle brake as it really isn’t needed for its intended purpose as the 308 recoil is manageable without it, and those on the range beside me will appreciate it………
My views, good luck in your selection.
Cheers
Allan
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The Ruger GSR is a great rifle, mildy regret selling mine. I do wish the barrel was 20". I find with under 20" barrels the blast gets obnoxious. The steel 10 round factory mags on the GSR are terrible IMO. Good quality, but HUGE. I used 3 and 5 round polymer mags which were much nicer and didin't ruin the lines and handling of the rifle.
I ended up mounting my scope over the action and fitting a rear sight into the holes left my rail. I think the idea of a compact .308 with BUIS and a low mounted, compact variable scope (I used a 2-7x33 VX2) makes for wonderful all round hunting rifle. I did not like the scout scope at all. Other being able to carry the rifle around the action, Icould not see any benefit over the above set up. Maybe I missing something?
I ended up mounting my scope over the action and fitting a rear sight into the holes left my rail. I think the idea of a compact .308 with BUIS and a low mounted, compact variable scope (I used a 2-7x33 VX2) makes for wonderful all round hunting rifle. I did not like the scout scope at all. Other being able to carry the rifle around the action, Icould not see any benefit over the above set up. Maybe I missing something?
JMHO but I would go for a traditional rifle with a low power scope. I’ve never had a scope fail in the field. Wife’s rifle is a Rem 700 in 308 and a 4X scope. It works great. I’ve used it on bear and moose. I don’t see the need for or advantage of a scout. I maybe old but not liking the looks either. Best of luck.
That's my biggest hang-up with a "true" Scout rifle. The forward-mounted scope is trash and extremely limiting for "general purpose" usage. And the insistence on iron sights, specifically an aperture sight, is also pretty limiting since I don't like shooting with them and they are not as fast as express sights in my experience.
I got an off-the-shelf short-barreled rifle in .308, bolt action, 16.5" threaded barrel, magazine-fed, synthetic stock, rail-mounted LPVO optic with an RDS backup and feel as though I lose nothing going this route:
I'm waiting on two box mags, one to use and the other to disassemble and see if I can 3d print a 5-round version. Also have a sling as a shooting aid, and thinking of adding a bird-cage style flash suppressor so I don't flash blind myself taking shots on game at dusk.
Lucky Gunner did a good job talking about the Scout concept, and is basically doing exactly what todbartell suggests above:
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Coopers idea for a forward mounted scope was a decent concept for it's time. The idea was so that you could have lots of visibility, it was fast and you could reload with stripper clips. Plus you had magnification to use at longer ranges but not too much magnification as to hinder close engagements.
Now we have LPVO with illuminated red dots and it's easy to find a rifle that uses detachable magazines. A 1-6 or 1-8 illuminated LPVO is far more versatile and far faster than a forward mounted 2.5 scout scope
Now we have LPVO with illuminated red dots and it's easy to find a rifle that uses detachable magazines. A 1-6 or 1-8 illuminated LPVO is far more versatile and far faster than a forward mounted 2.5 scout scope
TargetAcquired
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
Far more versatile in certain environments or for you maybe but i think you might be painting with too broad a brush. I only shoot with irons and don't enjoy glass, the prospect of long eye relief with mild magnification is a big part of attracting me to this platform. Lpvo is neat but it's not dynamic and I'm just not as comfortable that close to the glass, there are some great long relief scopes out there today that really make this compelling. Having a hard look at that Steyr.
You should get a Ruger Scout rifle with plastic stock, top it up with Burris scout scope 2-7x32mm and Leupold QRW rings.
Voila, you have a modern jungle carbine, do it all bolt action rifle with backup iron sights and 10 rounds detachable magazine. You may add a Ching sling with 3rd swivel if you plan to shot off hand a lots.
I have many rifles with very expensive scope and no, scout scope is not trash if you are getting a good one. It has its place especially in 200 meters range, you just simply can't go with wrong it.
It basically points and shots, no need for any adjustments from 100 to 200 meters with 308 win.
Voila, you have a modern jungle carbine, do it all bolt action rifle with backup iron sights and 10 rounds detachable magazine. You may add a Ching sling with 3rd swivel if you plan to shot off hand a lots.
I have many rifles with very expensive scope and no, scout scope is not trash if you are getting a good one. It has its place especially in 200 meters range, you just simply can't go with wrong it.
It basically points and shots, no need for any adjustments from 100 to 200 meters with 308 win.
no idea what a No.5 is worth these days but I would think using an already sporterized No.4 would be the way to go should you choose this route.I’ve long been enamoured with the concept but I have never followed through with a build. I do love this rifle on the Scout Rifle forum though:
I have PH sporterized No.4 that would be a good candidate. I wonder how much it would cost to have sight mounts installed similar to his.
First thing to do if you are interested in a Scout Rifle.
This is good advice... but in reality, don't get too hung up on the platform or cartridge, anything from 6.5mm to .308 cal, and a solid bolt action that is comfortable for you, get it cut back to 19" or 20"... scope it as suggested or for a little less money, a 2-7 Leypold and don't bother with iron sights... you have pretty much all Eastern Canada hunting covered. Some caliber options; 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5X55 or .260 Rem, 7X57 or 7-08 or .280, .308 or .30/06... some of these are tougher to find ammo for, but a quick online search and a credit card will have as much as you need at your door in short order.
