Ruger Scout in 308? 16 vs 18?

[usr1987]

is this worth getting? I am considering for being fun it seems. Any opinions?

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6822.html

[CessnaDriver]

I thought so. I got one early on and used it to learn how to shoot out to medium ranges. It was my first bolt action.

[Dirtlaw]

I'm pleased with mine.

[200Apples]

Light, handy, durable, accurate, carry-all-day controlled-round-feed .308 with a terrific ghost ring iron sight system and detachable box magazine for less than a grand?

YES.


IMG_0128.jpg


This blued (black) M77 Gunsite Scout was sold as a wood laminate-stocked 16.5" rifle. The muzzle-to-breech face measures 17.25" (because we also have the 3/4" threaded section at the muzzle).

I purchased from Ruger their composite stock and before I put the scope on the gun (I shoot it both through the ghost ring irons sights or throught the 2.5 X 28 Leupold FX II Scout scope) it weighs less than 7 lbs.

This is definately "one rifle to have if you can have only one rifle".

[splithoof]

I've spent some time with three of the Ruger GSR's in successful hunting, school, range, and other field-type uses, and think that for the price they are generally very good. They are certainly robust, and accuracy for what they are has been IME outstanding with proper ammunition.
There is much to learn about "Scout Rifles" and all the conceptual avenues that go along with that, but that's for another thread. Suffice to say it runs deep.
If you elect to procure one, I will say this:
Ditch the flash hider or muzzle break and use the factory supplied thread protector.
Fit the rifle with an optic of your choice, using QD rings.
Do not remove the excellent iron sights. Practice with those also.
Get a proper sling and learn how to use it.
Use either steel or plastic five round magazines.
Run it hard. Cycle the bolt like a man. Don't baby it. It's a tool.
Get some proper instruction in rifle use.

[usr1987]

In the past I posted about the R700 and found this and came to realize I kind of like the eye relief being further is more for me. How far can I shoot with best ammo, 500-1000m ok?

[CessnaDriver]

In the past I posted about the R700 and found this and came to realize I kind of like the eye relief being further is more for me. How far can I shoot with best ammo, 500-1000m ok?

I personally moved to 6.5 Creedmoor for beyond 450 Yds.

[splithoof]

In the past I posted about the R700 and found this and came to realize I kind of like the eye relief being further is more for me. How far can I shoot with best ammo, 500-1000m ok?

Are you asking about distance shooting from a bench, or actual field shooting positions such as standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone? What is your actual field shooting experience using rifles?

[DueceMcGurk]

Timely post. I am looking at the RUGER AMERICAN RANCH RIFLE in 300 BLK as a plinker. Appears to be very cost effective and a good non-lever entry rifle. The 300 BLK is a very versatile cartridge. Already have the components to reload.

[1859sharps]

In the past I posted about the R700 and found this and came to realize I kind of like the eye relief being further is more for me. How far can I shoot with best ammo, 500-1000m ok?

In addition to splithoof's questions, keep in mind that Scout Rifles and scout like rifles (if they even half way try to be what Cooper envisioned) are not intended for long range PRS style shooting. Which is a specialty application. Scout Rifles and scout like rifles are general purpose. If they have any bias in their design and application, it is to hunting and self defense.

Cooper subscribed to "if you can get closer, get closer" style of hunting. He wasn't impressed (based on his writings *) with how far a hunter could take a shot, he was impressed with how close you were able to get before taking the shot. As such, this factored in to the design.

The 3 primary purposes behind the the forward mounted scope are

1. allow both eyes to be open while moving through the field with rifle at the ready, and being able to take the shot that way as well.

2. facilitate the snap shot

3. facilitate a shoot one, load one while keeping the magazine full in reserve.

Having said that, with modern variable powered extended eye relief scout scopes you should have no problem building skills to hit a reasonable target in the 500 yard range.

If you mount a more traditional scope you would be limited only by the limitations of the 16 to 19 inch barrel depending on what version of the rifle you have, the magnification of the scope to see your target and the chosen ammunition, and of course your developed skill to date.

* I have never read anything to date by Cooper that set any arbitrary distance as too far to take a shot when hunting. Rather he discussed a mindset and personal ethos.

[200Apples]

Your entire post is excellent as always, Sharps. Thanks.

* I have never read anything to date by Cooper that set any arbitrary distance as too far to take a shot when hunting. Rather he discussed a mindset and personal ethos.

When Cooper did throw a distance figure out there as his personal limit, it was +/- 300 meters. I have seen this figure appear more than once in the many, many missives collected in Cooper's Commentaries and Gargantuan Gunsite Gossip.

[splithoof]

Your entire post is excellent as always, Sharps. Thanks.




When Cooper did throw a distance figure out there as his personal limit, it was +/- 300 meters. I have seen this figure appear more than once in the many, many missives collected in Cooper's Commentaries and Gargantuan Gunsite Gossip.

A number of years ago while on a visit to the Sconce, Janelle was explaining to the group of us how Jeff Cooper enjoyed the stalk and getting close to game. He was a very ethical hunter, and insisted on good solid hits that brought game down quickly, and was not in favor of wounding, or missing animals for the sake of long shots.
I personally have taken most all of my game animals inside of 250 yards, but practice field shooting positions with my GSR's out to 300. For many folks, it is challenging enough to place bullets within an 8" circle at 300 yards from a bench; learning to do that consistently from field positions, under time pressure, takes practice.

[usr1987]

Are you asking about distance shooting from a bench, or actual field shooting positions such as standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone? What is your actual field shooting experience using rifles?

Just average shooting with the option for better in case I need to. Could I reach 500m if I get proficient?

[200Apples]

Of course you could. And with the Ruger Scout. Beyond 600 (roughly), however, you might think of a rifle better configured for those distances. .308 will do it, yes, but 6.5 Creedmore is sometimes favored to 1000 yards.

Either way, 500+ is doable but outside the concept of a general purpose rifle like the a scout. Then we get into another realm where different barrel lengths favor different burn rate propellants. Buy this time you might think to learn to handload, although there is a good selection of match ammo sold over the counter.

[CessnaDriver]

Little kool-ade for ya.......

https://rugerscoutrifle.wixsite.com/rugerscoutrifle