Scout Rifle
 

(Moved this topic from the precision rifle thread)
I've been considering a Ruger Scout rifle, primary use is for boar. where I hunt there is some manzanita brush that is brutal to the finish of nicer rifles. Also, the longest range shot on the ranch is around 250-300 yrds due to hills and ravines and trees.

The Ruger is pretty light at 7lbs, has iron sights on a 16" barrel and a ten rnd magazine. I've also considered the savage scout. I've looked at the steyr scout but for the money of the steyr I could get other nicer rifles.

What are your experienced opinions regarding scout rifles in general? My own experience with rifles/hunting is new. I don't want to get something that doesn't serve a purpose. My hunting rifle now is a sako 270 finnbear with a 3x9. I like the sako a lot and hate to see it take the abuse that it does when i fight my way through the manzanita.

Thanks in advance for your opinions
JW

Your reference to 'nice rifles' is relative, though I do know you are referring mainly to wood finish. There are plenty of fine firearms with fully composite stocks and robust finishes on barrel/action.

My primary hunting piece is a bare bones Win Model 70 (originally plain jane synthetic with a stainless barrel) bedded in an HS Precision stock. Accuracy is a moot point as it's a magnum with no break, but even without the little bit of extra work it has always functioned exactly as it is supposed too...dropping anything I come across.

If you are worried about wood finishes, spend the six hundred bucks and get something that you can abuse (whether that be a scout model or a similarly weighted/priced dedicated hunting bolt action).....you won't be sorry.

I read a recent article in the American Rifleman about the Ruger "Gunsite" Scout Rifle. For a brush gun, it sounded like an interesting rifle. I was considering one just for the heck of it.

What about the guide model lever action in .45-70? Stainless with a brushbuster bullet....

magnum accuracy
 

"Accuracy is a moot point as it's a magnum with no break"

Why is that?


MVP

First I can't believe I misspelled brake. Second, I'm a pussy for recoil on my 7mil. Third, up until last year (when I switched to Accubonds) I was sending Fail Safes downrange and they opened up another three quarters of an inch.

The marlin sbl guide gun with an oversized lever ring has been catching my eye too. Same kind of purpose (as the scout) in a great round. same price range too. I was looking at the ruger in .308 more because of the potential versatility of the round and hopefully better range and accuracy than the guide. I don't know anyone with a scout rifle and I'm trying to see if there is a reason for that... I love the idea of a 45-70 guide gun though..

I have been interested in the scout configuration for some time. Change the scope on my Mauser and I'd have one.
I am impressed with the new Ruger set up..I'm thinking...thinking.......thinking.. For the afore mentioned hunting, one can purchase a nice Mauser, put it in the ATI ( Steyr type stock, and put and scout type (long relief) scope on it, and you'd be on. Can easily up grade trigger also. I've a Timney on mine. easy enough.

Had this built years ago during the early 90s. Took a 1891 Mosin Nagant, had the barrel shorted to 17.5" and ported. It had a Bushnell Phantom 3x LER scope mounted on the barrel but it finally gave up the ghost when shooting 1000rds one afternoon. Only had $40 into the gun at the time. Later a can of Krylon and a NCStar red dot. Still only have $80 in the gun.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/P1280011.JPG

CD

And here I am complaining about accuracy at 100yds with a 7mm Rem Mag, 3x9 and 160gr lead. I suck.

That rifle...
 

...Beauty of the Breast....

Right now its shooting 3-4 MOA at 100yds but the red dot has a 8 MOA dot so that may have something to do with it. Might take off my 2x20 pistol scope off my Contender and place it on the MN.

CD

Diver- A mosin with a 17 !/2 inch barrel!?!? You could probably roast a hot dog on the muzzle blast. Talk about a flame thrower!

Scout Rifle?
 

According to Gun Tests Magazine, Jeff Cooper's Scout rifle concept was a light .308 Win. bolt-action design. Gun Tests put Ruger's new Gunsite Scout Rifle against the Steyr Jeff Cooper Scout .308 Winchester. The Gun Test Grade for the Steyr was A While the grade for the Ruger was B- Also the price of the Ruger was listed at $995 while the Steyr was a lot higher at $2975. You can read the article in the May 2011 issue of Gun Tests vol.xxiii, No.5...You can order a subscription by calling toll free 800-829-9084 or order online at www.gun-test.com & click" contact us" Gun Tests does not accept any advertisements so all of there evaluations are impartial and usually spot-on correct. regard's, tom kelly