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Scout Rifles - which to choose

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  • 305RSlc

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    So, I have been getting the .308 bug lately as I don't own one. Recently, I was able to hold and handle a Savage 11 Scout in .308. That thing felt amazing and, being a guy with shorter arms, I loved the shorter length of pull than a traditional bolt gun. In addition, the shorter overall length lends itself to being a very good "woods" gun especially combined with open sights. I have not fired any of these rifles, but do have a Trophy Hunter 111 in .270 and LOVE the accutrigger. Does anyone have any experience with these, especially in comparison to each other, or could offer any advice on items to watch out for?

    I think the biggest driver on these will be price point. The Savage I held was under $500 (barely) whereas the GSS I have not seen for under $700 and likewise with the Mossberg. Ideally, the most gun for the least amount of money would be my pick, but open to hear thoughts from those who have shot each or any one of these.

    Ruger GSS http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
    Savage Scout http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11Scout
    Mossberg http://www.mossberg.com/product/mvp-scout-rifle-27778/
     

    SCTaylor

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    I've a Savage fan for two reasons 1) accutrigger 2) ability to home gunsmith. Savages use a barrel nut that does not require a specialist tool set to change barrels; IE nearly any short action cartridge can bit fit to a Savage short action. Want a .223? No problem swap the barrel & bolt head. .300BO, same thing. .243? Yep.
     

    Stanley13

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    I like the Mossburg MVP because it take AR10 and M1A mags. Plus they have lots of factory choices for the stock style. I have owned the Ruger gun sight scout and loved it. But I feel the Ruger American is prolly the best for the money buy.
     
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    I have a savage mod 10 precision carbine in .308. By far the most accurate out of the box rifle I have ever owned. If I do my part it will shoot less than 1/4" groups at 100y with factory ammo.
     

    SAWMAN

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    1/4" groups at 100yds with factory ammo is pretty phenomenal. Do you want to sell that gun ?? ---- SAWMAN
     

    305RSlc

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    I've a Savage fan for two reasons 1) accutrigger 2) ability to home gunsmith. Savages use a barrel nut that does not require a specialist tool set to change barrels; IE nearly any short action cartridge can bit fit to a Savage short action. Want a .223? No problem swap the barrel & bolt head. .300BO, same thing. .243? Yep.

    This was another reason I was leaning towards Savage. I have my .270 for the game around here, but can swap to a 30-06 barrel if I head out NW. I'm not sure if it'd be as practical on the scout as .308 can handle just about anything I'd encounter.

    +1 gazillion on the accutrigger. I'm hooked on that thing.
     

    SAWMAN

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    "Scout rifle" . . . ?? My definition of a scout rifle is a bolt gun,with a LER or a IER scope,mounted on a fwd pic rail,usually fwd of the chamber.
    If you are talking any 308Win chambered rifle,with short(er) bbl and LOP,there are quite a few offerings out there. For the money,take a look at the Ruger American COMPACT. ---SAWMAN
     

    305RSlc

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    "Scout rifle" . . . ?? My definition of a scout rifle is a bolt gun,with a LER or a IER scope,mounted on a fwd pic rail,usually fwd of the chamber.
    If you are talking any 308Win chambered rifle,with short(er) bbl and LOP,there are quite a few offerings out there. For the money,take a look at the Ruger American COMPACT. ---SAWMAN

    Interesting. I hadn't thought about that one. I've heard nothing but good things about the American. I'll have to check to see if it comes with iron sights.

    Yeah, "scout rifle" has many meanings in this day and age with the numerous offerings on the market. The rifles marketed as "scout" were my first area to search, but I'm realizing, as you pointed out, there are options out there with the features I am looking for that aren't marketed as a "scout" rifle.
     

    wildrider666

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    Older Thread, wondering how those Ruger Gunsight Scout Rifle and Ruger Scouts are doing. I was curious that people don't mention the "controlled round feed/claw extractor" when comparing brands. Is supports Coopers intended usage. Cooper was pushing hard for a manufacture, any mfr: to commercial produce his vision and probably didn't want to kick sand and push any companies away specifying a type action.

    Germans got most of it right in 1935: Germanys-Karabiner-98K-3.jpg
     

    FrommerStop

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    Older Thread, wondering how those Ruger Gunsight Scout Rifle and Ruger Scouts are doing. I was curious that people don't mention the "controlled round feed/claw extractor" when comparing brands. Is supports Coopers intended usage. Cooper was pushing hard for a manufacture, any mfr: to commercial produce his vision and probably didn't want to kick sand and push any companies away specifying a type action.

    Germans got most of it right in 1935: View attachment 98895
    Many people have taken a mauser to essential.y have done the above. The only 2 reasons to do the above mounting position is one can still use stripper clips and the rifle is easier to carry. I may end up putting some tiny red dot in a forward position on military rifles due to my eyesight. Too a scope over the receiver of most military guns requires some work. Attach a small inexpensive primary arms on the rear sight is easier to do. I only use old military bolt guns at the range.
     
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