Toying with the idea of getting one ( I wonder which brand) I would like to ask if anyone here has used one for hunting out to 300 yds or so even though everything I've shot has been under 100 and last year's buck was 25 feet away. Pros and cons and a scope recommendation, thanx.
Scout Rifle for hunting.
- Thread starter savagefan
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I like the Scout style rifles, by the whay, a Scout rifle with the scope removed and ghost ring installed is still a Scout rifle. Whether one likes the forward mounted scope or not does not diminish the concept of a light, short, general purpose rifle. On a hard kicker, the forward mounted scope is a real advantage. I use an old Leupold 2X EER in Talley QD mounts, and I am able to hit well out to 300 and farther. Pop can sized targets at 300 from prone aren't real safe.
I have a couple of them built on Rem 600's. Have used them with the Scout Scope and the peep sight, out to 250-275 or so. Light, easy to carry, fast to use. What's not to like? - dan
I have a scout set up on a Winchester 94 in .30-30 and only because I have to if I want to use a scope.
The only thing I notice in a scout-mounted scope setup is a restricted field of view because the scope is further away. This means only using a low power scope or your field of view would be even smaller on any higher power settings.
It is "ok" as a solution because I love the rifle and this makes it more user friendly than using irons. Would I go out and choose this type of solution over a regular rear mounted scope? No way! And as far as I can see with the vast majority of people out there, I'm not alone in these thoughts. Sales of "scout" rifles aren't exactly setting the woods on fire with their popularity.
If you want a fast shooting set up for close and personal game, go for the holosight type technology mounted in the regular fashion at the rear over the action. This sighting system is even being mounted on shotguns for trap and duck & goose hunting.
However, there's nothing wrong with a rear set up using a variable wide angle low power scope at 1.5X and powering up to 4X to 5X for longer distances.
The only thing I notice in a scout-mounted scope setup is a restricted field of view because the scope is further away. This means only using a low power scope or your field of view would be even smaller on any higher power settings.
It is "ok" as a solution because I love the rifle and this makes it more user friendly than using irons. Would I go out and choose this type of solution over a regular rear mounted scope? No way! And as far as I can see with the vast majority of people out there, I'm not alone in these thoughts. Sales of "scout" rifles aren't exactly setting the woods on fire with their popularity.
If you want a fast shooting set up for close and personal game, go for the holosight type technology mounted in the regular fashion at the rear over the action. This sighting system is even being mounted on shotguns for trap and duck & goose hunting.
However, there's nothing wrong with a rear set up using a variable wide angle low power scope at 1.5X and powering up to 4X to 5X for longer distances.
I see a couple possible advantages to the forward scope mount; first being a shooter who always shoots with both eyes open, field of view should not be an issue and target aquisition could be better/quicker. I understand shooting scopes with both eyes open may not be common, but it just feels natural to me and I am sure it improves my shooting in the field (depth perception) and target aquisition. Second, I have always found that a scoped rifle is not as 'handy' to carry at your side, as the scope kind of gets in the way. Also allows for a receiver mounted peep sight as back-up. Those are my thoughts, I have never owned or shot a scout rifle, but the thought has crossed my mind.
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
My M1 Garand is at least scoped like a scout rifle, although it is too heavy to meet "real" scout rifle specs. It works great and I use it for everything. Moose at 300 yards would be dead meat.
The original idea for the Scout was a general purpose rife for the common man. Too bad the common man dosen't carry several thou in his trucker wallet.
nice concept - way overpriced.
Yeah yeah Before anyone says it - "you get what you pay for"
In this case you overpay a lot for what you get.
nice concept - way overpriced.
Yeah yeah Before anyone says it - "you get what you pay for"
In this case you overpay a lot for what you get.
The Steyr Scout may cost thousands but your "Scout" doesn't have to. Coopers original versions were built on common bolt actions. Ruger and Savage have both made versions. Or make your own.
The whole idea of a short, light, handy rifle in a commonly available calibre with a long eye relief, low power scope and backup ghost ring iron sights was/is not "silly". It gives you a carry-friendly firearm in a calibre that will handle all 4 legged game in NA other than the big bears.
If it's not your cup of tea thats fine too.
The whole idea of a short, light, handy rifle in a commonly available calibre with a long eye relief, low power scope and backup ghost ring iron sights was/is not "silly". It gives you a carry-friendly firearm in a calibre that will handle all 4 legged game in NA other than the big bears.
If it's not your cup of tea thats fine too.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Actually he gave full credit to the Winchester and Marlin lever action carbines, the Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine, and the LE #5 Jungle Carbine.
Now if only we could get that with a 16 1/2" barrel, I would be HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY
juanvaldez
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sudbury, Ontario
Ruger frontier if you can find one. I have one in 358 win, does the job to 300
Another reason for the forward mounted scope on coopers scout rifle is to clear the ejection and feeding path of the rifle for using stripper clips. Another benefit of the scout style mounting is it could potentially prevent or aid in the clearing of malfunctions.
The Savage Scout is a fantastic gun for the money. Accutrigger, bedding-block stock, good sights...gotta love it.
Having said that, when I found a great deal on the Steyr Scout I scooped it up. Very lightweight and compact, amazing out-of-the-box trigger, very accurate, good sights that fold down into a protected position, and full length rail that allows mounting a long-eye-relief or regular scope interchangeably. Two scopes in return-to-zero QD mounts are good hunt insurance. Removeable box mags, with an easy optional switch to 10-rounders if desired. Built-in bipod. I do love this gun.
The Ruger Frontier is nice, but it needs sights.
John
Having said that, when I found a great deal on the Steyr Scout I scooped it up. Very lightweight and compact, amazing out-of-the-box trigger, very accurate, good sights that fold down into a protected position, and full length rail that allows mounting a long-eye-relief or regular scope interchangeably. Two scopes in return-to-zero QD mounts are good hunt insurance. Removeable box mags, with an easy optional switch to 10-rounders if desired. Built-in bipod. I do love this gun.
The Ruger Frontier is nice, but it needs sights.
John
