Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle...anybody have one?

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Interesting, but of no use as a Scout. It starts at 4.1kg (9 lbs) out of the gate and would require modification to mount a forward telescope.

The absolute max weight with all accessories for a Scout is 3.5kg (7.7 lbs).

The scale says, w/ sling, Ruger Scout: 7-1/2 lbs., T3x Arctic (C19) 8-3/4 lbs.

Much heaver Bbl. contour.






GR

 
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The one I've used (in .308) was plenty accurate, easy to hunt with and very comfortable to shoot. Had a 700 BDL with a Monte Carlo stock in .308 that beat me up. The GSR was a pussycat. I can't think of a bad thing to say about the GSR, I really liked it.
 
This is complete preference, but as someone who used to be obsessed with the scout concept, I recognized its downfalls. I had the savage scout as well as a custom Mauser scout in 270 I built (I essentially tried to create Jeff Coopers ideal rifle). The mount really limited the optics you could use, and I didn’t love the location of the scope for carry. I sold the rifles off as I much preferred a standard scope mount with backup sights. So the Ruger could be a good option with the intent of using a normal mounting location. Me personally I’d also like a longer barrel for noise. The rifles are nice but with my preferred configuration I could do it cheaper with a Ruger mkII if you still want the Ruger.

But again, this is all preference. The rifle is quality.
 
I wanted a threaded .308 bolt gun with iron sights on it. Not the same criteria as the OP I know. I looked at the Ruger and while a big Ruger fan I didn't care for the weight nor (then at least) the pricey mag for the Scout rifle. I wasn't set on a scout set up nor concerned about the detachable mag so I bought the Savage Hog Hunter and am happy with it.
 
Great posts.:)

That Tikka looks interesting especially in the video but it is heavy. That bolt is slick! I don’t believe I have ever seen one.

Personally, I have been interested in the Scout concept before I even knew there was a “scout concept”. I remember the first time I read about Jeff Cooper’s ideas on a Scout Rifle and thought “Holy Cow! I guess I am not completely nutty. There’s someone else out there.” Haha

A few of you have mentioned the weight forward with a scope. I have read that in online articles as well. Many say the rifle is no longer balanced. I like the way the rifle feels without a scope but none that I have seen in stores have scopes on them so comparisons aren’t practical. I guess I need to evaluate that aspect of the rifle as well.
 
I didn't get the GSR so I could forward mount a scope or embrace the "Scout" concept. I just wanted a light handy 308 rifle for hunting with a removable mag. It meets that need very well. I don't disparage those who do; it wasn't a consideration for me when I purchased the rifle.

That seems to be a consensus on these rifles. People like them but without the forward scope mount.

I had a clerk at a gun store recommend the Mossberg MVP Patrol when I told him I was looking for a GSR. Probably because he had those in stock but not the GSR ;) But he said that I may not like the forward mounted scope. I had a member on here send me a photo of his with his scope mounted over the receiver and he said he like it very much that way.
 
I didn't get the GSR so I could forward mount a scope or embrace the "Scout" concept. I just wanted a light handy 308 rifle for hunting with a removable mag. It meets that need very well. I don't disparage those who do; it wasn't a consideration for me when I purchased the rifle.

I was the same way when I purchased mine. I never gave it one thought about a scout setup. If I wanted to make a fast action bolt rifle out of the GSR in 2019 I would put a 1-8 power with illuminated center dot scope on it over the receiver and call it a day. This allows for one to shoot with both eyes open on 1x but aids in aiming at distance with magnification.

We have much better optics choices now than when the scout concept was being pushed.

Like @dh1633pm i wanted the shorter bolt action with 3-position safety, magazine, threaded, with irons. The GSR made the most sense, the Ruger compact would have been more expensive to put together all that came with the GSR.
 
Do any of you own a Ruger Scout Rifle and what is your opinion of it?

Yes, I have one of the original spec'd 16.5" barreled GSR's, but Ruger's measuring stick was broken in those early years so the barrel is actually 17.25" from breech face to muzzle (not counting any muzzle device).

I've tried it with the rear ghost ring, forward 4x scope, receiver mounted 1-5x scope, receiver mounted 2-7x, forward 2x scope, and it is now back to just wearing the rear ghost ring. I honestly like shooting it more with just the ghost ring, but if I went with an optic again I would likely just put a good red dot on that forward rail and call it done.

Without optics, the laminate stocked GSR feels very good in weight and balance. Not too light, not too heavy, and handles recoil nicely.

With a forward mounted optic, the balance shifts foward, but it's no worse than an AR with a medium profile barrel and rifle stock. I'd imagine the polymer stocked GSR would feed about like that same medium profile barreled AR, but with a lightweight carbine type stock on the end. Who isn't used to that these days?

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Interesting, but of no use as a Scout. It starts at 4.1kg (9 lbs) out of the gate and would require modification to mount a forward telescope.

The absolute max weight with all accessories for a Scout is 3.5kg (7.7 lbs).

The funny thing is that the Tikka is a rifle issued to a group of people that might as well be called scouts. While people with rifles that meet the Scout definition are not Canadian Rangers. :D
 
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