Scout scopes?

[berger]

I am curious as to why the scopes used on some K98s, Mosins, M1s etc are referred to as "scouts"? Where does that term come from?

 

[jjohnwm]

Scout scopes are intermediate-eye-relief scopes designed to be mounted ahead of the action, more or less where the barrel-mounted rear sight usually is. The idea originated (I think) with Jeff Cooper, who drew up a set of specifications for what he called a Scout Rifle, and one of the specs called for this type of low-magnification scope. It lets you reload from the top of the action very easily, and if you can shoot with both eyes open it's a very fast system. I've had a Savage Scout and now own a Steyr version. Very cool guns. I've also found that the long eye relief of these scopes makes them useful for mounting on things like TC Encore rifles and H&R/NEF guns, as it puts them in front of the exposed hammer and allows low scope mounting without interfering with manipulation of the hammer. They take some getting used to, and I'm sure they're not everybody's cup of tea, but they're definitely worth a try.

John

 

[Woodsman]

I have a scout set up on a top eject model 94 .30-30. It was the best way to go if I wanted a scope. It is somewhat quicker in sight acquistion of game.

However, it isn't as bright in low light conditions like at the beginning and end of the day. It has a limited field of view and requires a low magnification scope to be usefull due to it's limited field of view. Scout scope models (IER- Intermediate eye relief) are few and far between. Burris and Leupold have a select offering.
In conclusion, it makes an ok set up for close to moderate ranges.

 

[berger]

Thanks guys!

 

[Winchester-1897]

Here is a pic of my set up on an Israeli 98k. Bushnell LER.