Ruger Scout...the good, bad and the ugly

So far the setup is CRAZY accurate. First time I put the Cantilevered mount and scope together then threw it on the picatinny rail - 3 shots, 4 inches off at 200 yrds. Yes - 4 inches WITHOUT a boresight or anything. The American Defense stuff is milled to REALLY precise specs. 1 round of adjustments and I am zero'd in at 200 yrds - all day. Crazy nice. Solid as heck, bumped it a few times - its WAY MORE solid than regular scope mounts.

I am a new American Defence Mount fan. VERY happy with my setup.

Any problems with holding zero? Nice looking set up.
 
That is a slick solution, and I assume that the mount is quick-release? That would allow you to switch back and forth between this scope and a scout scope, also mounted in QR rings. It's pretty high, but your cheekpad probably takes care of that issue.

But if this is your permanent set-up for this gun, I must ask: why get the scout rifle in the first place? Any compact bolt action would fill the bill. This seems a bit like buying knee-high rubber boots, and then punching holes in them to keep your feet cool. Just buy the sandals in the first place!:)

The mount is quick release, about 5 seconds to put on or take off.

I wanted the Ruger for (1) the backup ghost ring sights, (2) 10 round magazine, (3) short STAINLESS barrel, (4) the included DURABLE laminate stock and (4) the way it is balanced when I hold it. I have other 'pretty' guns, my Ruger is the tractor. I would grab it over other rifles if I could only carry one.

For ME - this setup so far makes me very happy right now.
 
Meh, doesn't seem heavy to me, but then I don't have a problem with a rifle weighing anything - it's balanced for my preferences.

Each to his (*or her) own.

A 9lb scout rifle?

Rifle.......................................... 7lbs
Scope........................................12.7 Oz
cantilever mount.........................8 Oz
Sling.........................................4 Oz
Buttstock Shell Holder and Pouch..4-6 Oz
 
its WAY MORE solid than regular scope mounts

A Scope mounted on a single axis point with over 70% of it's axial weight cantilevered from that single point? An you are suggesting that it is more solid than that of the traditional dual (cradled) support system with two separate fixed mounting points....nope, basic grade 10 physics will suggest that your system is inherently weak and prone to flexibility issues over time.

But, as you wrote earlier, to each their own. If you are happy, then who am I to suggest that you need to change your system. I just won't recommend that it is the best system to someone else for their similar applications.

I have a 308 Weatherby Carbine. It does not weigh in anywhere near the dry weight of the Ruger. The scope is mounted traditionally and I can pop off 5 shots without an issue. To each their own, I suppose. :D
 
I have been carrying mine in the bush for the bear hunt. That means walking in to bait and to hunt. I don't find it heavy at all.

I only use the 5 round mag and it is as quiet as an internal mag.

The bolt has smoothed out a lot and I only have about 100 rounds down it.

It seems to love the 165 gr Nosler Custom Trophy grade Accubonds. I don't normally use commercial ammo but got a great deal from a fellow CGN'r.

My other carry guns include: Rem 870 Express 20 ga slug, IMI Timberwolf .357 mag, Win 94 30/30, Marlin 45/70.
 
...the way it is balanced when I hold it...

This was a big deal for me. I really like the balance of this rifle. I tried a lot of other rifles that were lighter, but the balance always seemed weird. So far I'm more comfortable with a heavier gun with a balance I like.
 
I went back to my favorite little gun shop and took a look at the scout again. This time another gent was behind the counter and we both looked at the mag issue...I was, as was he, surprised by the movement and rattle of the magazine in the well. Even though we tried to pull it out, twist it and other stuff like that it held secure but I'm not quite sure how as it sounded like a cow bell just handling it. Besides that, it felt great and the weight was fine for me and the open sights were nice. All that being said...I still walked out empty handed. Those who mentioned the action being rough are bang on...it was but as long as you don't baby it, it's definitely not a deal breaker as you know it's going to smooth out the more you shoot it. I have some stuff on order so I'm back there next week...we'll see what happens.

Interesting comments for this thread...makes for compelling reading. Cheers!
 
...the movement and rattle of the magazine in the well...

That is definitely one thing I am unhappy with. I'm hoping to pick up a 5 round polymer mag within a couple weeks.

Those who mentioned the action being rough are bang on...it was but as long as you don't baby it, it's definitely not a deal breaker as you know it's going to smooth out the more you shoot it.

Mine has smoothed out considerably after 60-80 rounds.
 
That is definitely one thing I am unhappy with. I'm hoping to pick up a 5 round polymer mag within a couple weeks.



Mine has smoothed out considerably after 60-80 rounds.

Thanks for the info...that is a very quick. I was originally thinking at least 3 digits for things to smooth out.
 
Thanks for the info...that is a very quick. I was originally thinking at least 3 digits for things to smooth out.

It could probably get better still. I'm not expert. This is my first centre fire rifle, so I've also been working the bolt a lot just to get familiar with the feel of the rifle.
 
A 9lb scout rifle?

Rifle.......................................... 7lbs
Scope........................................12.7 Oz
cantilever mount.........................8 Oz
Sling.........................................4 Oz
Buttstock Shell Holder and Pouch..4-6 Oz

He already said to quit #####ing like a girl about the weight and start working out. Geez...maybe you need a rimfire version.

COHO's post inspired me to begin weight training, I'm hoping to build enough core strength to carry a 20lb .50BMG into the mountains with me. Type IIb muscle fibers are all about the endurance. :rolleyes:
Heavier the rifle and caliber...the more of a man you are. Off to KFC for a wicked stix boxmeal.

In all seriousness the Ruger is heavy as f@ck for a scout rifle. Apparently the weight parameters weren't even discussed by these folks on the drawing board, and it shows me they clearly went for the profit without a care in the world about adhering to the colonels guidelines.

Single stack mag..WTF?
As a couple of others have already stated, a decent shooting Enfield #5 does everything better except the forward mount.
Not dumping on the Ruger, they are good rifles in general.
 
Sun_and_Steel_77's comment is a good one- I agree with her when she asks 'single stack mag-wtf'. I agree with her that they could of at least double stacked a magazine.

She's also correct when saying they could have put more thought into weight. It would be interesting to hear what ALL Ruger's reasoning was when they designed the rifle.
 
i own one. kills things good. i killed a black bear at 250 yards last weekend. one shot to the heart. accurate, sturdy, great rifle. i bought it because it is short and is easily stored in a truck.

the drop is greater than other 308s with a 22 inch barrel but if you know your rifle it isnt a problem.

id recommend that no one buys on so theres less out there and makes me look more cool
 
Sun_and_Steel_77's comment is a good one- I agree with her when she asks 'single stack mag-wtf'. I agree with her that they could of at least double stacked a magazine.

She's also correct when saying they could have put more thought into weight. It would be interesting to hear what ALL Ruger's reasoning was when they designed the rifle.

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