Savage 11 scout build

Kirby64

Kirby64

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Northern AB
Hello everyone,

I am looking for some input on my current project. I have changed up my hunting style and have decided to do a "scout" type rifle. I have purchased a savage 11 scout and will be putting a Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x 32 on it. Looking for a Rhodesian sling or "Ching sling" as the rifle accommodates this type of sling with 3 sling attachment points. Now, my question is about the rings. The Model 11 scout has a built in adjustable cheek riser. I was planning on buying some super high rings and raising my cheek weld accordingly. Reason for this is if I am beating some thick bush, I want access to my iron sites. I should be able to look under my rings to use the sites. I figure adjusting the cheek weld is a lot easier than any quick detach rings or anything that involves moving the scope around. What do you guys think about this? Any suggestions, experiences or comments? Thanks for the input.
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If you're intended task for the rifle is thick bush, why not just run the irons. The switch back and forth thing seems like neither the scope or the irons will be optimal.
 
cdn shooter said:
If you're intended task for the rifle is thick bush, why not just run the irons. The switch back and forth thing seems like neither the scope or the irons will be optimal.
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I will not always be in thick bush though. The forest can change pretty quickly over a short distance. Why do you say neither would be optimal? Thanks for the input.
 
I hunt more or less exclusively with a scout rifle (Ruger), The visibility changes from 10ft to 300y quite regularly. I use a VX-3 2.5-8 scope mounted traditionally over the receiver.

I have never felt at a disadvantage with this scope on 2.5x that I would have otherwise benefited from using irons. A low mounted optic has less margin for aiming error than a high mounted one IMO. I love shooting with the factory irons and carry the rifle setup that way during the off season. The 2-7 scout scopes have a horrendous FOV when at high magnification, so keep that in mind.

If you do want to setup the rifle with both irons and scope, I would recommend some quality detach low rings QRW for example and take off the scope as required.
 
GMC403 said:
I hunt more or less exclusively with a scout rifle (Ruger), The visibility changes from 10ft to 300y quite regularly. I use a VX-3 2.5-8 scope mounted traditionally over the receiver.

I have never felt at a disadvantage with this scope on 2.5x that I would have otherwise benefited from using irons. A low mounted optic has less margin for aiming error than a high mounted one IMO. I love shooting with the factory irons and carry the rifle setup that way during the off season. The 2-7 scout scopes have a horrendous FOV when at high magnification, so keep that in mind.

If you do want to setup the rifle with both irons and scope, I would recommend some quality detach low rings QRW for example and take off the scope as required.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I am somewhat new to optics on rifles. If I used the quick detach rings and removed the scope as required, would I have to re-zero it every time?
 
I use Warne QD rings with Weaver bases on a Savage 11 Hog Hunter. It's never more than a click out and most times it's zero.
 
PEKS said:
Leupold QRW Rings near zero if not right on.
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I use Warne QD rings with Weaver bases on a Savage 11 Hog Hunter. It's never more than a click out and most times it's zero.
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Good advice guys, I think I will have to check these out. So, the idea of high rings and looking under them for irons isn't very practical in everyones opinion?
 
Are you not going to have to lower the cheek riser to get a good sight picture with the irons if you have it raised for scope use? I think the low power variable in the traditional position with QD rings is by far the best option. I think you will find you never need the irons unless the scope dies.
 
Not a fan of the Scout scope positioning short of a red-dot.

I'd go with a traditional position scope and a good 1-6x. Should cover everything you need.

With today's optics I see no advantage for the Scout position.
 
Savage is close with this model, but what would be nice is if the rear peep attached to a picatinny rail and the front sight was also mounted on a rail and easily removable. That way you could run a 1-6X type scope in the rear position on quick release rings and carry the front and rear sight "just in case"
Ideally there would be a purpose designed cavity inside the pistol grip of the stock to store the sights and torx/allen keys until needed.
While I'm dreaming.......I'd also prefer the rear sight to be click adjustable for windage and elevation and more rugged.
16" barrel wouldn't bother me either...... :)
 
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I'm not understanding the idea of running a scout scope AND being able to use the irons. Crank it down to 2X in the bush, and use it like you would irons. Crank it up to 7X if you emerge into an opening and need to shoot a couple hundred. Mounting it as low as possible to the centreline of the muzzle will increase your accuracy, and as has been noted, you'd have to adjust your cheek riser to use the irons. Irons on a scout scope are really only a backup if your scope gets damaged.(really the same as any rifle running optics and irons)
 
If you have not already, you need to read Cooper's "The Art of the Rifle", then you need to go to http://scoutriflestudy.com/ and read it as it is released (up to Chapter 6 now). One of the first things to understand is that simply putting a forward mounted optic on a rifle doesn't make it a scout rifle as there are a bunch of other elements that contribute to the whole. Going to http://scoutrifle.org also and taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge held there by the (tongue in cheek) "Shadowy Scout Rifle Elite", as so designated by Richard Mann, is also a great idea if you want to get a real feel for what is out there, what is legit and what isn't (and more importantly, why).

The scout concept is viable as a general purpose rifle, it is not designed nor intended to be the best at everything but as an "always there" solution. I need access to enough land that I can set up a rifle walk range like Mann demonstrates on his YT channel - at that point I can forego tropical vacations and consider myself to truly have made it...
 
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