Ruger GSR .223/5.56

[Jason_W]

If they wanted to rechamber the scout rifle platform, why not go big or go home?

http://www.45raptor.com/45RAPTOR/

I like Ruger products, especially their revolvers and I salivate over some of their rifles. They're a rugged product at a mid range price (ignoring the mixed reviews on the American rifle, of course). I'm sure that the Ruger Scout beats the MVP Patrol in terms of durability, reliability, and fit and finish, but the bottom line is that the world doesn't need yet another 5.56 platform. If there is a market that's the definition of hypersaturated, that's it.

I'm likely in the minority in my thinking, but I'm amazing bored by the majority of "new" products released by gun manufacturers in recent years. It seems like it's all ARs and polymer auto pistols, which are cool and all, but come on, how many different AR variants and plastic 9mm pistols do we need?

That said, ultimately the homogeny of the gun market is on us, the gun buying public. We buy boring, so they're going to make boring. We lament the introduction of something as "meh" as a Ruger Scout in 5.56, but we react to the introduction of every new cartridge or new firearm design with a sort of rage typically reserved for when our mothers are insulted (hyperbole intended).

Now, with that in mind, someone make me a 10mm auto carbine and accompanying pistol with magazine commonality.

 

[rodinal220]

This could be a good option for folks who live in non-gun friendly areas that ban or restrict magazine capacity and MSRs.

 

[Manny]

I think they may have been better served building the baby GSR off of their new American Rifle platform than the M77.

 

[chazwood]

After buying a tikka in 223 that has a magazine with a insert. I'll never buy another rifle that doesn't have a proper fitting magazine. It just doesn't work.

 

[nipprdog]

Ruger proprietary magazines... Not well at all is my guess.

Agreed. I like Ruger, but its a sad day when they get out done by Mossberg. (MVP) I'm sure the Ruger is better built, but at least Mossberg had the sense to use AR mags.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I actually really like this new gun from Ruger.

For those of us with normal GSR, this would serve as an excellent trainer in a cheaper to shoot, lower recoiling caliber. I could also see this being used as a police sharpshooter's rifle when overpenetration is a concern. I think Ruger also was wise to keep the gun in the .308 sized action, not only does it facilitate muscle memory across the different GSR weapon systems, the increased weight vs. the .308 version will probably make this thing a pleasure to shoot especially since .223/5.56x45mm NATO has such little recoil to begin with. I think this will allow the shooter to put rounds on target faster than they ever could with the .308 version, a huge benefit.

So lets see what it has going for it:
-Much less recoil than the standard GSR, allows faster more accurate follow up shots
-Just as effective against game or two legged threats with the new generations of 77 grain OTM rounds, out to 600 meters or better
-Able to shoot much less expensive ammunition versus the normal GSR

Couple that with the distinct muscle memory advantages of the full-sized rifle platform, I think Ruger hit one out of the ballpark with this new .223 GSR.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I just got a new CZ 527 Carbine in .223 a couple weeks ago and it is 1:9 twist

Well ain't that just great:banghead:. I wonder if they'd rebarrel mine for free as a warranty claim?

 

[200Apples]

.
Uhhh...

For those of us with normal GSR...

*raises hand*

...this would serve as an excellent trainer in a cheaper to shoot, lower recoiling caliber. I could also see this being used as a police sharpshooter's rifle when overpenetration is a concern. I think Ruger also was wise to keep the gun in the .308 sized action, not only does it facilitate muscle memory across the different GSR weapon systems, the increased weight vs. the .308 version will probably make this thing a pleasure to shoot especially since .223/5.56x45mm NATO has such little recoil to begin with. I think this will allow the shooter to put rounds on target faster than they ever could with the .308 version, a huge benefit.

So lets see what it has going for it:
-Much less recoil than the standard GSR, allows faster more accurate follow up shots
-Just as effective against game or two legged threats with the new generations of 77 grain OTM rounds, out to 600 meters or better
-Able to shoot much less expensive ammunition versus the normal GSR

SOLD!

Great post, Cooldill. Now I want one!

Unberreebibble.

 

[scaatylobo]

Mossberg MVP

I have a MVP [ 5.56 ],and a RSR in 7.62 X 51.

I see NO reason to match the RSR with one that does NOT use M-4 mags [ as does the MVP ].

Ruger is behind the '8' ball ,I do believe.

But since I already have a CZ in X39,I would not get that Ruger either.

 

[Panzerschwein]

.
Uhhh...



*raises hand*




SOLD!

Great post, Cooldill. Now I want one!

Unberreebibble.

Do I detect some sarcasm here, or is it just me?

What is "unberreebibble" to you?

 

[splithoof]

That above comment about 77 grain bullets out to 600 meters or better in comparison gave me the laugh for the day that I really needed.
As for police marksmen using it, that was funny also. The AR platform (of which I do not own a single example of) is easily just as accurate, and has superior firepower in all regards.
I like the GSR in .308; I have successfully used two for hunting, predator control, and as a general all-around rifle in ranch work, and have fired several thousand rounds through both examples. In .223 it might be a fun companion to the bigger one, but to my mind the magazine issue needs to be changed.

 

[Jackal]

Pass. Mossbergs MVP uses AR mags and is a good deal less expensive.

 

[VVelox]

Blarg. No one can seem to get a good intermediate cartridge bolt action right.

CZ - bad sights, small proprietary magazine, non-threaded barrel

Ruger - poor magazine choice

Mossberg - bad sights

 

[kwg020]

I just checked Rugers web site and I'm seeing the GSR in .223/5.56. It does not mention what magazine it uses and it is listed only in a 16" barrel. kwg
http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/specSheets/6824.html

 

[HOOfan_1]

Blarg. No one can seem to get a good intermediate cartridge bolt action right.

CZ - bad sights, small proprietary magazine, non-threaded barrel

How has CZ gotten it wrong?

Most rifles have proprietary magazines...pretty much all pistols have proprietary magazines, no one whines about that.

Most people seem to think CZ rifles have excellent sights...but since most people also put a scope on them...who cares?

The CZs are designed as hunting rifles...why would they need to take AR style mags? Most people who buy them don't need a threaded muzzle either.

Better sights and a threaded muzzle only add to the cost for features that people buying the CZ rifles don't need.

 

[eldon519]

You'd have to put a whole lot of ammo through it before the economics made sense to keep it as a trainer for your .308 GSR. You'd be much better off spending that $1000 on .308 ammo and just practicing with your existing gun.

For the size, weight, and money, you could just get an AR-15 and magazines.

 

[armoredman]

CZ - bad sights, small proprietary magazine, non-threaded barrel

Interesting you think so. I love irons, and I did put a non factory adjustable rear on my CZ 572. I also replaced the stock with one completely new and unusual.
The magazine is simply because it was designed as a European hunting rifle, never anything different. CZ wouldn't have even conceived the idea of making them work with AR or AK mags - there would have been no reason, and 99% of civilians would never have access to those in Europe. No market, no makee.
CZ rifles are imported with non threaded barrels...oddly enough, I really don't see a whole lot of American or other wise made bolt action rifles not specifically made for police/military work with threaded barrels.
Well, MOST CZ rifles have non threaded barrels...

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-750-sniper-308-win-10-rd-detach-mag/

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-550-ma...-composite-stock-camo-detachable-ai-magazine/

 

[200Apples]

Cooldill

Do I detect some sarcasm here, or is it just me?

What is "unberreebibble" to you?

It is unberreebibble to me that I'd be saying, "I want a rifle in .223", cause I've never felt the need for one. It's .30 cal (short, or long) or .22 for me.

Sincerely, you made an excellent point in your post, that's all.

Then so does eldon519, with: "You'd be much better off spending that $1000 on .308 ammo and just practicing with your existing gun."

Either way, it's all good.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Ruger MSRPs are notoriously much higher than their street price

These will hit the stores closer to $750-$850 not $1000

 

[jeepguy]

I agree the .308 GSR should take m14 mags. The .223/5.56 GSR should at least use mini 14 mags I hate the mags for my .308 GSR. I would have liked to have seen this rifle in 7.62x.39 with mini 30 mags. CZ should make a scout rifle that takes the 7.62x.39 in stripper clips & holds 10 rounds.

 

[praharin]

Ruger MSRPs are notoriously much higher than their street price

These will hit the stores closer to $750-$850 not $1000

The .308 version seems to be going for around $900 or more when I've seen it. Also, when released many were going for MORE than MSRP, and I suspect the 223 variant will do the same.

In regard to magazines, if the standard AICS 223 mags fit, that would be a lighter, and slightly cheaper option. As for other mags, they require special receivers and/or bolts. Check the MVP if you'd like to know more.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I agree the .308 GSR should take m14 mags. The .223/5.56 GSR should at least use mini 14 mags I hate the mags for my .308 GSR. I would have liked to have seen this rifle in 7.62x.39 with mini 30 mags. CZ should make a scout rifle that takes the 7.62x.39 in stripper clips & holds 10 rounds.

Amen me brooduh!

I still think Ruger did good with this .223 GSR though. I like it!

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/05/09/mossberg-mvp-varmint-rifle-with-5-56mm-ar-15-magazine/ mossberg 223 accepts ar-15 mags

 

[eldon519]

I just went with $1000 as a guestimate. I'd bet it will sell for less, but I'd also imagine one would want to buy a couple spare mags. Afterall, if you aren't gonna have spare mags, detachable mags on a bolt action are a liability, not a benefit. It is just one more thing to get lost. Additionally, if you were to try to set it up duplicate to another rifle, that would mean buying a second optic. Someone could easily get into $1500 trying to set it up identical to another rifle.

The cheapest price I can find Wolf .308 for is $0.39/round. Cheapest price I know of for Wolf .223 is actually $0.224/round. If I'm doing my algebra right, it works out to be a wash if you shot 6000 rounds out of either based on the $1000 package mark(6000 rounds of Wolf .308 is about equal in cost to 6000 rounds of Wolf .223 + rifle). Granted, you would have the value of the spare rifle in your favor which you could in theory sell. Point being though, I wouldn't expect to do it and come out saving money for training purposes unless you are a really high volume shooter. I'd also argue money spent actually practicing with the gun you want to be proficient with would be better than money spent practicing with a similar but somewhat different rifle.

Just a thought. You can do whatever you want. I talk myself into things like this all the time because I want to justify what I want, but I know in the back of my head it doesn't make sense. Like how my motorcycle theoretically saves me money vs driving my car hahaha.

 

[armoredman]

jeepguy, I've tried, but I can't get interest. If the bolt action rifles like the Ruger and the Mossberg sell well, perhaps CZ will look into some changes. I'd love to see a ten round detachable mag rifle from CZ-USA in, say 308, with irons. I wouldn't mind getting a ten round magazine for my 527, either - might stick a bit out of the back stock spare mag carrier, though!