Ruger Scout now available w composite stock

[Sheepdog1968]

And it makes weight. Runs about $50 more than the laminated version. Also comes with a muzzle brake. The composite stock is set up to take the third swivel stud. I'm kind of excited. Ed Head's article does a nice job with spec comparisons to the Styer scout.

Your thoughts?

http://www.downrange.tv/blog/the-new-ruger-gunsite-scout-rifle-composite-models/32838/

 

[Bobson]

It's more expensive?? That composite stock better not have a hollow feel to it. Not coincidentally, if it feels good, I think it'll be a hot ticket; even with the higher price tag. I mean, it's just $50. But still, the average composite stock ought to be considered a downgrade from a decent laminate.

Maybe it costs more because of the muzzle brake?

 

[jmr40]

But still, the average composite stock ought to be considered a downgrade from a decent laminate.

That is BS. A decent synthetic stock cost will you $600 for the stock alone. Nothing is cheaper to manufacture than one of the plywood stocks. The cheaper synthetics weigh as much or more than wood. Making a quality synthetic that is truly light and still strong is an expensive proposition.

 

[Downeast]

It does not appear to be more expensive as it is priced at the same MSRP on the Ruger website as the laminate stock; $1,039 & $1,099 for the alloy steel and stainless steel barrels respectively so in theory anyway it should retail for the same.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html

 

[chicharrones]

Wow. The lightweight GSR makes weight.

I guess that leaves only the detachable mag and the lack of a stripper clip guide to still offend Scout purists.

I like this new GSR. If the synthetic stocked stainless version would have been available when I got my GSR, I would have picked it.

 

[chicharrones]

BTW, that muzzle brake looks so much better than that Ruger flash hider. More useful, in my opinion, too.

 

[200Apples]

.
Like Ed Head, I too hope that Ruger will offer the brake and the stock separately, so that we who've already invested +/- $900 on the RGS may continue to use our rifles.

Thanks for the good news!

 

[Gtscotty]

I like it. I had one of the laminate stocked GSR's, but I'm not a huge fan of laminate and it always struck me as heavier than it needed to be. If the synthetic stock is stiff and well made this could become the best of the bunch. Definitely the one I'd look at if I was going to buy a new GSR.

 

[Bobson]

That is BS. A decent synthetic stock cost will you $600 for the stock alone.

BS? Yeah making a "quality synthetic stock that is light and strong" is an expensive thing. Except I didn't say a quality stock. I said the average stock. NOBODY ships their rifles with $600 synthetic stocks already on them; and that was my entire point.

The average synthetic stock that ships on most rifles these days is a piece of crap. Think just about every synthetic offered by Savage, Remington - even Ruger's M77 All-Weather. They look like crap, feel like poorly made toys, and compared to the quality stocks out there, they have very questionable durability. If those things weren't true, aftermarket stock manufacturers wouldn't be in business at all.

 

[ZCORR Jay]

I haven't been able to shoot one yet but just handling one earlier this year felt real nice. The reviews so far have all been pretty good so I'd say this is a good step in making it even better in some peoples eyes. IMO I like the look of the laminated stock better.

 

[Rule3]

I like the break and the overall look. Guess I need to trade my "old" one in now.

Synthetic stocks should be cheap now that gas prices are lower.

 

[200Apples]

The average synthetic stock that ships on most rifles these days is a piece of crap. Think just about every synthetic offered by Savage, Remington - even Ruger's M77 All-Weather. They look like crap, feel like poorly made toys, and compared to the quality stocks out there, they have very questionable durability.

Well, I at least like the brake. Hee!

When I had entertained my own earlier search for .308 brakes this was the style (holes rather than chambers) that I liked. Granted, a chambered brake may be more efficient (and at blasting one's neighboring shooters)...

Either way, the news of this newest GSR is interesting.

 

[Bobson]

I agree it's appealing. I would prefer it with a synthetic over the laminate, due to the weight. I just hope they ship it with a quality piece of plastic, instead of one that feels hollow and cheap. And if not, hey, it won't be long until someone makes an aftermarket stock for it, if they haven't already.

 

[CraigC]

I think it's good that it's an option but I'd prefer a brown laminate or walnut over the black laminate but especially plastic.

That is BS. A decent synthetic stock cost will you $600 for the stock alone.

Really, the average synthetic stock costs $600???

Somehow I doubt that a laminate is cheaper to manufacture than injection molded plastic.

 

[amflyer]

Not to be a nit-pick, but the specs for the original Scout specify 6.6 lbs with sling, swivels, rings and scope. Basically everything but the ammo. The Ruger is still going to be a bit heavy.

To be fair, my re-issue Jeff Cooper Scout doesn't make weight either. I think the barrel is a heavier contour.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Another write-up with decent perspective:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/brand-new-rifle-ruger/

What I take from the write-ups:

Cheesy factory mag.
Single stack is silly making 10 rounds far too long for a "handy" carbine.
Price seems a couple hundred too high for me - imagine factoring in a quality HIGHLY durable (read: not the cheapest pooh-tube that's been "just fine for me" currently available) scope as this platform would dictate.
Should have side sling attachments as factory - see ridiculously long magazine comment above.


Since one of my greatest disappointments is the mag, I'll point out that I love a staggered, stock-flush, 5 rounder in my M-14 as a "handy" rifle. 10 rounds protrudes barely enough to grab.

As a side question. I am absolutely not a "scout rifle" purist as I see it as a concept or theory (till built to suit) rather than a set of rules but didn't Cooper require an integrated bi-pod?

 

[CraigC]

6.25lbs is pretty light for a rifle you're actually going to shoot. The Steyr Scout was also well over $2000, 20yrs ago. Saving $1500 for half a pound is a good trade, IMHO.

Price seems a couple hundred too high for me - imagine factoring in a quality HIGHLY durable (read: not the cheapest pooh-tube that's been "just fine for me" currently available) scope as this platform would dictate.

Oh my God, it's $130 more than a comparable Hawkeye with NO sights, no detachable magazines, no threaded muzzle and no adjustable LOP!

Cheesy factory mag.

Cheesy? Isn't this the same magazine used in multi-thousand dollar precision rifles?

Single stack is silly making 10 rounds far too long for a "handy" carbine.

Yet people have no problem with the M4's 30rd magazine???

Should have side sling attachments as factory

How much is a swivel stud?

I'll point out that I love a staggered, stock-flush, 5 rounder in my M-14 as a "handy" rifle.

And you do understand the issues with using a staggered M-14 magazine in a bolt action, correct?


As usual, the critics are out in full force.

 

[threoh8]

Cooper mentioned several desireable features, but those really aren't part of the definition. They include an integrated bipod, stripper clip guides, "CW" or Ching Sling, and a magazine cutoff. Even the forward-mounted IER scope is optional.

Jeff Cooper's outline of scout rifle changed over time. What the hard and fast "rules" are depends on how you read his various articles. The original weight of 3kg (6.6 lbs) was raised to 3.5kg, probably because it proved difficult at the time to "make weight". Basically it's a short (<1m), light(<3-3.5kg), fast handling, reasonably powerful/accurate carbine.

As I read it, a scout rifle doesn't even have to be a bolt action .308 - that was just a very convenient way to get the necessary performance in the desireable size and weight.

 

[amflyer]

Actually, the Steyr is around $2500, today's dollars. Buts that is with two magazines, detachable flush-fit swivels, sling, scope rings and Leupold 2.5 IER scope, adjustable trigger in a airline-safe Boyt case.

Not a hater, whatever that is, but I do think that Ruger will eventually address the big magazine sticking out of the bottom of the rifle, especially since they have some pretty good designs for rotary magazines on other rifles.

I want one without the threaded barrel at 20 inches in 350 Magnum, please.

 

[Float Pilot]

I always thought that a Ruger Scout in 338 Federal or 358 Winchester would sell well here in ALASKA.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

And you do understand the issues with using a staggered M-14 magazine in a bolt action, correct?

Someone forgot to tell Mossberg not to use LR-308 mags in the MVP

 

[chicharrones]

Someone forgot to tell Mossberg not to use LR-308 mags in the MVP

The MVP has more belly room than a GSR. The GSR has a slimmer belly and forend, probably due to its M77 lineage.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

The MVP has more belly room than a GSR. The GSR has a slimmer belly and forend, probably due to its M77 lineage.

Oh, I know. Just pointing out that it's not an insurmountable design issue.

 

[CraigC]

Just pointing out that it's not an insurmountable design issue.

I never said it was impossible but a standard rifle action has to be re-designed for it. People are already complaining about the cost. Of course, this is the internet, it's the place for complaints above all else.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

OK so here goes since we're sniping.

Cheesy? Isn't this the same magazine used in multi-thousand dollar precision rifles?

Yup, regardless of whomever else uses it or their relative costs, it gives the impression of a NCSTAR import. The wobbling in the well can be excused as field worthiness but I'm not buying that. While we're on that... One cheesy mag? Pretty lame on Ruger's part.

Yet people have no problem with the M4's 30rd magazine???

The M-14 is not touted as a handy scout rifle and Ruger's 10 rounder aproaches the length of a GI 30 rounder at that.

How much is a swivel stud?

Too much on a rifle pretending at field practicality in the vein of a "Scout Rifle".

And you do understand the issues with using a staggered M-14 magazine in a bolt action, correct?

There is absolutely no issue at all if a corporation such as Ruger chose to address it.

As usual, the critics are out in full force.

Absolutely, as are the apologists and fanboys. It's what happens when a manufacturer shoots for a very specific target and misses.