When Blake Hiatt sent in his This Is My Rifle photo, he got plenty of questions about the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle he posed with. So in response to some of those, here are his impressions of the gun.
By Blake Hiatt
WW1 saw the introduction of the machine gun, the 1911 pistol and the venerable 1903 Springfield. The 1903 Springfield, developed to be used by front line troops, had an overall length of 44″ (about 68″ with bayonet). It was hardly an ideal weapon for trench warfare, no matter how hard hitting the 30-06 cartridge may be. Imagine going “over the top” and jumping into a German trench toting a rifle that’s around 5.5′ long. Unwieldy for hand-to-hand combat, to say the least. On top that, the Springfield only held 5 rounds, which were loaded via a stripper clip.
Fast forward a hundred years and imagine if those doughboys had the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle in those trenches with them. With a 10 round detachable box magazine and 39″ overall length (49″ if you slap on a modern 10″ bayonet, about 60″ with a WW1 version) you have to think the boys ‘over there’ in the trenches of The War to End All Wars would have much preferred a rifle like the Ruger Scout over that 1903 Springfield. Of course, the civilian market would have been a lot poorer without all of those Springfields that were made available to the general public after hostilities were concluded.
Why compare the WW1 Springfield versus the Ruger Gunsite Scout? For all practical purposes, the Ruger’s Scout Rifle is a modern interpretation of 100 year old assault rifle. Ruger’s Scout rifle has a tried-and-true bolt action featuring a Mauser style claw extractor coupled with a sturdy no-nonsense bolt. The Scout’s bolt is smooth, but more important, feels substantial when cycled. (The extractor on the gun is something else. I was shooting standing up, cycled the bolt and the ejected cartridge landed on a table 5′ away.)
The 10-round magazine feeds reliably and is easy to load. I’ve run roughly 100 rounds through the Scout with zero failures to feed. The polymer magazines, oddly enough, seem a bit sturdier than the steel magazine. The steel magazine works, but that’s about as much credit as I can give the original factory magazine. The polymer magazines, with the dust caps for storing when loaded, are far superior to factory original. Yet, both magazines are offered through Ruger.
Both magazines pictured are 10 rounders. I don’t know why the polymer magazine has a lower profile than the steel magazine.
The iron sights on the rifle are well set up and easy to use — good enough for me to ring an 18″x24″ steel target at 200 yards. I have read other reviews of the Gunsite Scout that talked about the excellent out of the box accuracy. I can attest to the truth of those reviews.
Another thing the Gunsite Scout has going for it is what I call the “coolness” factor. The rifle, with the 10 round box magazine, picatinny rail, flash suppressor and laminated stock, just looks tough. While I have no intention of putting optics on the Gunsite Scout, the addition of the rail does make it much easier to mount a scope. But while I won’t use it, I’ll leave the rail there simply because I think the gun looks better with it there.
 
Another nifty option with the Gunsite Scout is the additional 1/2 spacers, which can be used to adjust the length of pull.
 
Ruger has done a great job creating a gun that shoots well, is easy to move, accurate and reliable. The Scout is easily the favorite rifle living in my safe.
That’s a cool rifle. Very nice. The Nazgul is pleased.
Purchased a LH model for my 12 year old. He is righty with left eye dominate. Took spacers out and fits him like a glove. Short action kick has not bothered him at all. Great deer rifle. Can mount scope either on rail or in regular location with scope mounts provided. My son and his cousins had no problem killing pumpkins at 100 yards with the weapon, and it had the coolness factor. We shoot it only with provided peep sight. Optics at some later date. Price $800+tax. Liked so much I traded in my savage scout the other day and bought myself one in RH. Nice to have the same mags for both guns. Highly recommend.
I’m a fan of the old Springfield but the Ruger Scout reminds me more of the Lee-Enfield SMLE concept.
The No. 5 jungle carbine. Modernized.
It would be really awesome if someone made modern detachable magazines and accessories for the SMLE. I don’t think you can use clips if you have a scope in place, for instance.
PROMAG MAKES A MAG FOR THE SMLE I HAVE ONE AND LOVE IT
Great, short-but-sweet write up of a beautiful lookin’ rifle. Thanks!
Dangit, TTAG… guess what I just added to my rifle wishlist…
I am a huge fan of most Ruger products. The American was my first (as in owned) bolt-action and I cannot believe the value. Ready to move up in class, tho…
I have wanted one of these for some time. That is one nice modern bolt-action.
Ruger is adding two new models this year with slightly longer 18″ barrels. Anyone know why? Does .308 behave better with the longer length?
I’m a lefty and appreciate their willingness to offer this in a LH version.
I’m almost ready to bite on this with my Tax return.
(Looks over shoulder to ensure wife is not in room)
“Does .308 behave better with the longer length?”
Yes. BTW, the 16″ barrel was Boston T. Party’s only complaint about the Scout.
When you drop below about 18″ on a .308 cartridge, you start giving up some velocity due to the amount of powder left unburned when the bullet exits the muzzle.
20″ to 22″ barrels burn up all the powder on a .308, depending on the speed of your powder. 18″ is a nice compromise between handy and giving up velocity.
There was a magazine review recently in, I believe, RIFLE magazine. They tested the 16″ barrel against a full size. Velocity loss was only around 100 fps. Not much really.
Dom is correct. The difference is roughly 100 FPS. And under 600 yards it is my understanding that the 100 FPS is not a factor to be too concerned about. We have very few shots over 100 yards for whitetail. However, I am sure ruger was trying to please more of the market. The survivalist part.
Actually, the designer of the Scout wanted it as a 16-incher because that length proved handy on a previous Ruger rifle; it had nothing to do with survivalists, according to an American Rifleman story on the Scout from a few years ago.
I was not talking about the shorter barrel. I meant the marketing of the new longer barrels. For folks needing the extra 100 FPS to kill zombies.
Thanks for the brief history lecture that was unnecessary.
The only reason for the extended barrel is for exporting to countries like Canada and Australia where the 16″ is illegal.
That’s funny. I live in Canada and have the 16″. Not illegal.
Talk about what you know, buds
Nice review.
Thank you.
makes me wish the CZ527 carbine was chambered in anything other than .223 and 7.62×39.
Agreed. I love the looks and craftsmanship of the CZ527 carbine, but I want one in a better big game cartridge.
You can get it chambered in 6.8 SPC II through their custom shop or a gunsmith, but IMHO it should be a standard factory chambering.
Jeff Cooper was no dummy.
For a lot less, you can scare yourself up an Ishapore Enfield in .308 and build a scout out of it. Would meet all of Jeff Cooper’s requirements.
If it took FAL or AR10 magazines I’d buy one. Not that I have any of either but I like having mags that work in multiple guns.
Good point Jesse. They allegedly tried using M14 magazines in the design. it did not work. Now we pay big bucks for their magazines. Typical
damn it, my next rifle contest just went from M1A vs FNAR to a 3 way fight between those and the Ruger Scout.
You cant have more fun than an M1A, though your wallet will be FAR more miserable (in todays ammo climate). Sigh
Two semis and a bolt? I know that nutnfancy loves the FNAR.
I found a used (but hardly, muzzle is still at ‘0’ with muzzle gauge) Ruger Frontier Scout (their gen 1 gun) with scope on gunbroker for less than 500 bucks. Light, handy and with the scout scope (a Burris) it is a dream to shoot. I free floated the stock (1 hour of careful sanding the barrel channel). Whether I use it on whitetails or the Chinese hordes coming over the hills, the .308 is a sure bet for manageable knock down power. So I second the post’s recommendation. Everyone needs a Scout rifle, and by doing so you pay homage to Cooper.
Nice write-up. “Because I like it” is my favorite reason for owning a particular gun.
That being said…
Is it more accurate or handier than a 16″ bbl AR-10? I have seen DPMS (who snobs like to run-down) do ~ 1 moa, and AR ergos are AR ergos.
Does that AR10 weigh 7lbs flat?
My scale isn’t that accurate but I think it is about 9.
These days, rifles are so accurate out of the box it depends more on the shooter than the equipment.
There’s your answer. 7lbs vs 9lbs, all day in the field, is huge.
TTACr,
You know the old adage, “Beware the man who shoots one gun, for he probably shoots it very well” applies to any firearm, bolt action, AR style, etc.
I shoot my Gunsite Scout a lot, because I really favor the iron sights and general feel of the rifle. An AR pattern rifle would be a safe queen at my house, more than likely.
Whereas you probably shoot your AR a lot, are used to it, and you pretty much know where every round is going.
Most people tend to shoot the rifle they’re comfortable with very well. If we were to swap rifles, we’d probably both be lost for a bit and we’d probably never really be comfortable, because it isn’t “our” rifle.
Well said
Yup. But alot can still be said for a harem of safe queens to ogle, fondle, and grope.
Another plus is the threaded barrel – add a can to it.
“Fast forward a hundred years and imagine if those doughboys had the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle in those trenches with them.” Still, my preference for up close and personal is a M-1 Garand (with bayonet). Relatively compact, and it is hard to argue with the value of a steel buttplate on a 9-lb rifle for horizontal or vertical buttstrokes when you are within knife fighting range.
I have a gsr it’s the first gun id purchased in aug. of last year. i had been readin about em but was pretty much set on a mini 14, till i held @ the store. i really love it and im glad i got a bolt action over a semi in .308 because i take more care with my buck a round shots. now if i read this article right… can i find a modern bayo muzzle device n throw one on there for sh*ts? sure would look mean as hell. anyone interested in one alot of info can be found at scout-rifle*org
You might be able to find one of those AR-15 clamp-on bayonet mounts that used to be made. I believe they came with various diameters. One of those sizes might fit the GSR barrel. Then it’s just a matter of whether the M-16 bayonet ring would fit the Ruger flash hider.
I don’t see the point of this rifle. I’ve followed the evolution of the Scout rifle since Col. Cooper’s original Gun Digest article back in about 1983, and once owned a Steyr Scout. Cooper’s idea was for “one rifle” for hunting and defense. I suppose this rifle would be good for someone who imagines himself roaming the hills living off the land while simultaneously fighting off marauders and highwaymen. But most people today have, ya know, regular jobs, go big game hunting two weeks a year, and get most of their food from the grocery store.
The Ruger Scout does nothing in the hunting field that can’t be done with a less expensive, more conventional bolt gun without a useless flash suppressor, giant rail and extended detachable magazine.
The Ruger Scout is vastly inferior to a semiauto carbine for any kind of realistic self defense. No one can rob or rape you from 200 yards. If you need to fight in present-day America, it’ll be up close where a harder kicking, manually operated rifle is utterly eclipsed by a light-recoiling, fast-shooting semiauto like an M4gery or AK clone. Just as a test, take that Scout to any local three-gun match and see how fast you get smoked by guys running AR variants.
These guns are made for guys who spend way more time on the range or the internet than in the field. I think most buyers want them so some of that Old School Cooper Cool rubs off on them. Good on Ruger for making money filling an imaginary need, though!
It’s a Walter Mitty gun. And so is the AR-15 (unless you’re shooting 3-Gun). Nothing wrong with that.
My Cabela’s has one, but they’re asking an outrageous $900-some dollars for it. I’ll find it elsewhere I’m sure for a more realistic $800 or so. And I will buy it. Because it’s cool.
Fair enough. I can live with the idea of guns as toys, but I’m pretty practical about guns/tools. I don’t own an AR15, either, since I don’t compete anymore and have no plans to be in an infantry engagement.
Funny… that’s what the French said.
paid $800 for the LH new 2012. 1 month ago paid $850 new for a RH version. Both blued and with shorter barrel. I do not need the extra 100 FPS. The new stainless version with 20 inch barrel was for sale for $925
I think the concept of a very handy bolt gun with good sights, a shorter-than-normal barrel (most bolt guns have 22 to 24″ barrels) and a detachable mag would make for a very handy rifle. Put up a rifle with a short, handy barrel, good sights and light weight in a round like 7mm08 and it would be just about as close to perfect a “one rifle to do everything” as one could get.
The one thing a bolt gun has over all semi-autos is reliability. Period, full stop, thanks for playing. The second thing a bolt gun has is the ability to put more deliberate rounds onto a distant target in a given time than a semi-auto. At 300 yards and out, a bolt gun is faster than a semi-auto. Most people sitting at home don’t need that, but if you’re living in the west and blessed with coyotes like people in the southeast are blessed with nutria and cockroaches, a rifle that allows you to snap-shoot coyotes is a pretty handy thing.
BTW, in this day and age of scarce and expensive ammo… a bolt gun allows you to reload your brass many more times than a semi-auto.
Any manually operated gun has the potential to be short-stroked under heavy stress. It’s happened with pump shotguns. If bolt guns were actually used for defense, I expect it would happen with those, too. Semiautos don’t get scared; people do.
“I think the concept of a very handy bolt gun with good sights, a shorter-than-normal barrel (most bolt guns have 22 to 24″ barrels) and a detachable mag would make for a very handy rifle.”
Well, sure, though I fail to see the point of a detachable mag for hunting. But compared to, say, a Remington Model 7, the Ruger Scout is made *less* handy by the addition of the deeper magazine, the pointless rail, and arguably the flash hider. Nothing at all wrong with a short and light .308 or 7mm-08, but the Ruger Scout just adds appendages useless for hunting in an attempt to make a fighting gun out of a sporting gun. What they ended up with is a gun that excels at neither mission.
I don’t understand why anyone would want “one gun” if it does a less than stellar job at anything, or has a bunch of pointless “features.” No one is really going to be roaming the world with a rifle on their shoulder for months at a time, and anyone who can afford to buy and shoot a Ruger Scout can afford a plainer bolt gun for hunting and an AR (if they really think they’ll need to fight with a rifle). Why settle for a Leatherman when you can have a toolbox?
Because not everyone can afford a toolbox. Duh.
I have been a mechanic for almost 40 years so I have plenty of tools. When I go hunting though, a multi tool is far easier to get in my pocket or on my belt than a pair of pliers and a couple screw drivers and a saw and pocket knife. The multi tools make it convenient to carry. The scout rifle has a place in the market or they wouldn’t be selling it. I have 2 AR platform rifles, an H-Bar and a flat top, in PA semi autos aren’t allowed for hunting, not even a 10-22 for squirrel or rabbits. So, a good bolt gun that is quick handling and more oomph that 5.56 is a very attractive to me. An earlier post stated something to the effect of shooting something you like and are comfortable with. If it is easy to shoot, then it is easy to use to teach others to shoot as well. The world doesn’t revolve around semi autos. I have been on the range and seen many guys waste quite a bit of ammo with AR/M1 etc. It is what you are comfortable with and shoot well that matters, I know a gentleman who has been a .44Mag fan since the 70s. He goes to the local range and they have an 18 inch steel plate at 300 yards. He is usually good for 5 hits out of 6 shots at 300 yards with iron sights on a Super Blackhawk in .44Mag. Better than most of the guys shooting bolts or autos. This argument has been going on as long as there have been semi autos, my only point is, neither does you a whole lot of good if you don’t hit what you are aiming at.
Like Tom says….
+ …I’m in Canada. AR are restricted and can only be used on a range. All mag. fed semi auto rifles ( except rim fire) have a 5 rounds capacity limit….. So this type of rifle makes more sense, for our limitations. This rifle is available left handed, which I am. No fancy flash hider for us but we get 18 inch barrel and stainless to boot…. I like mine just fine.
They should have designed it to accept M14/M1A Magazines.
Why doesn’t anyone come out with a .300 Win Mag version of this? I’d really like a ten round detachable magazine on a bolt gun without having to pay Accuracy International prices.
@ Blake
Very true, I doubt I could shoot an moa with the fanciest of bolt guns and a rest.
While nobody would argue that a bolt is more durable (no dust worry) and reliable as well as accurate (especially at longer distances) and handle more powerful calibers than a semiauto, I thought a semi would have faster target reacquisition though maybe the key phrase you used was deliberate rounds. I know they dusted of many old warhorse m14’s to be used as designated marksman rifles (DMR’s) and I know they are superior for suppression. I think maybe the superiority would come at a greater range (600 or 800 and beyond) where the deliberate shot would be more effective due to the accuracy of the bolt.
I aint no expert by a longshot (pun intended).
This issue was tested when the Garand was adopted by the US Army. Under 100 yards, the Garand owned the “shots on target vs. time” metric very handily over the 1903.
At 200 yards, the Garand barely owned the issue.
At 300 yards, the 1903 won. At longer distances, from what I see in competitive matches, bolt guns still win.
The results of the initial tests back in the 30’s are written up in Hatcher’s Book of the Garand.
BTW, you can see this difference persist to this day. There are matches in Norway where the civilian competitors are using Sauer ST-200 rifles (bolt, cock-on-close) vs. members of their military, who are using H&K G-3’s. The bolt guns get off more rounds on target in less time than the G-3’s.
The nut of the point is this: People who claim that a semi-auto is “faster” usually think so because they haven’t been learned how to operate a bolt gun competently. Hint: If you’re taking your right thumb and forefinger off the bolt knob to operate the trigger, you’re doin’ it wrong.
Well, actually for suppression fire, you want a machine gun. But clearly for longer ranges, a “rifle caliber” rifle is better than an intermediate caliber, though for most soldiers, the additional range is pointless because of insufficient skill or ability. Mostly I think this all demonstrates the tunnel vision of a non-military shooter who has only his personally owned rifle. However, the army is more progressive than civilians and optical sighting systems of various kinds are now widely issued, which has reportedly helped to increase hit probability at all ranges.
I have trouble believing, as other suggest, that any bolt action is faster than any semi-automatic. While it may be true for some users (who I assume also utilize magazine cutoffs to prevent wasting ammunition, it should be instructive that most armies do not widely issue bolt action rifles. Of course, it is also widely believed that the average soldier is poorly trained and equipped compared with the average civilian shooter.
Bolt Action Rifles: Because less moving parts, means less things to get broken.
While the theory holds true, it doesn’t follow that any particular bolt action actually has fewer moving parts than a self-loading rifle, like an M-14 for instance. I personally don’t think it makes a difference, other factors being more important. What matters is if the thing is designed and manufactured to be rugged and reliable. By no means is something that is made to high tolerances or with a good finish going to be more reliable; usually it’s just the opposite. However, I suppose there were arguments just like this being made when the army switched from the single-shot .45-70 Government to the .30 Government bolt-action, not to mention the drop in stopping power, which had already been made when they stopped using the .50-70.
**** No one can rob or rape you from 200 yards. If you need to fight in present-day America, it’ll be up close where a harder kicking, manually operated rifle is utterly eclipsed by a light-recoiling, fast-shooting semiauto like an M4gery or AK clone. Just as a test, take that Scout to any local three-gun match and see how fast you get smoked by guys running AR variants.*****
I get it. And you could very well be right. But if I was trying to prevent being robbed, or prevent my womenfolk from being raped from inside 200 yards, I’d say a dependable 20 gauge pump shotgun would do the trick every bit as well as a semiauto of any stripe. If you’re having to defend and feed yourself, as in dropping deer or bigger game, I am not sure a M4 or AK is going to serve as well as this gun.
I don’t know the right answer, but I think this gun could be as good as any one-gun you could buy to serve a variety of purposes, which is the point I think.
This isn’t directed at any particular person, but this is for all the nay sayers about the Ruger gsr. I own one and today I went to the range and sighted it in, red field conventional scope, 150 grain Winchester power point ammo, nothing fancy or expensive just functional and as stated definitely not match grade ammo. Using a rest I shot 3 3 shot groups and ALL of the groups made one ragged hole roughly the size of a quarter. My rifle is the synthetic stock version with free floated barrel. Rifle,scope,and three mags I have $1000 invested and feel it’s money well spent. Thanks for reading this and good luck with your shooting.
While I agree that a semi-automatic carbine is superior for self defense, I respectfully disagree with the assertion that this rifle has no practical use. It’s a great hunting gun for heavy cover situations. It would make a very good hog gun. And as others have stated, it’s light and handy.
If I were going to war, any so-called Scout Rifle would be way down on my list of choices to take, assuming that I had a choice. But I still think the idea is pretty good. Ironically, I believe the execution for once is better than the idea. It is conceivably possible for one to have an all-round rifle because I suspect that most who go hunting in the fall only have one rifle to begin with. A rifle for target shooting quickly becomes specialized, as do handguns, and cease to have many other practical applications. In any event, most rifle shooters do not have a lot of different scenario’s for which they need different rifles.
Still, the basic concept is arguable. All it is, after all, is one person’s idea of desirable features. All of them have both good points as well as shortcomings and they’ve been argued about ever since there were gunwriters and metallic cartridges. Cooper complimented the 1894 Winchester carbine as one of the inspirations. Yet the Model 1894 and the other lever actions at the time were made in both longer barrels and shorter barrels. It’s nice to have a choice, though, isn’t it.
One point of argument is the weight. One writer something like 50 so years ago believed a heavier barrel was better for accuracy and snap shooting. Yet the same writer didn’t like heavy barreled revolvers. He had his reasons and we all have our own.
Careful that’s a New Jersey Assault Rifle.
luckily i live in ny we have sensible gun laws here. uggh too much sarcasm gonna be sick.
I bought a new one at a recent gun show. It’s mounted with a Leuopold 2.5 x 28mm Scout scope (Gunmetal grey finish) and Warne QD rings. Can’t wait to shoot it for the first time this weekend!
Cheers,
Tom
Lancaster, PA
When I get one, I’d like to replace that clunky flash hider, but I’ve heard it’s a bear to remove.
I understand the newer versions have the flash arrester squared around the muzzle to make removal easier.
Very cool!
I have always liked this rifle very much, but have yet to pull the trigger on one. When the Mossberg MVP comes out in .308, though, it’s going to be a hard decision between the two. I really, really (really) like the benchrest-style laminate stock on the MVP. …and it will take AR-10 mags…
Is there a plan for that MVP in .308 or is that just wishful thinking?
Because I very much wish for the same thing.
This is not a review, it is an opinion unless you concider the reported 9MOA accuracy as a data point.
I have two of the Ruger polymer magazines. The springs are junk. This is my pickup and tractor rifle. It is always loaded and always within reach. I do not trust the Ruger polymer mags anymore. They only feed the first round reliably. This is after being fully loaded for less than two months.
I don’t keep my magazines fully loaded. 9 rounds maximum for when storing. I read somewhere that carrying 1911 magazines fully loaded tended to weaken springs over time. I carried that thought over to my Ruger magazines. So far, no problems and this is after owning the rifle for a couple of months.
YMMV
Over the last 2 years I attended 3 rifle class’s in Lakeland,Fl. by Randy Cain. The
first class used AK with iron sights, second class used fn scar 17 with 1×5 scope
and third class used ruger scout rifle with iron sights. I sold all those semi-autos
and sticking with scout rifle; it is super reliable and I shot 5″ groups at 200 yds.
Using a chest pouch carring 4 10rd ruger plastic mags it is easy to carry and use.
Great gun, trigger was very good out of the box, had to remove some wood on left
side of barrel, took off scope base and the bolt got smooth after apx 1500 rds.
Any rifle that required me to spend twice as much on ammunition as on the cost of the rifle, just to make the bolt operate smoothly, is not gonna be on my wish list. Ever.
Liked the Ruger, tried a friends. Shot well. Then had chance to try before buying a Steyr Jeff Cooper package. Traded a few old safe queens and haven’t looked back. Fast on target, great trigger, built in mag carrier for second one, even a ten rounder if you can find one…still looking. If you can find one and afford the ante, it is a definate keeper…
Interesting read. I have had some trouble with the Ruger plastic magazines; and prefer the Alpha ten round version. The Alpha is shorter than the stock Accurate Mag version that the rifle ships with, and is smoother. As far as optics go, I had a Leupold 2.5×28, but found a Leupold VXR Scout 1.5-5 w/FireDot reticle and 30mm tube much better. It is a bigger scope, but for my eyes works best. I also use Leupold quick release rings. A good sling is the Galco Safari Ching Sling; after some break-in it works really well. I like the flash hider as a means for muzzle protection while going in and out of vehicles, etc.
I use this rifle for hunting; it is 100% reliable. The five round magazine for me works best. For social purposes my choice is a semi-auto in .308, but the trade-off is the extra weight; For my mind, the GSR would make a good hiker’s rifle.
There were bad plastic ruger magazines. Weak springs? Ebay is full of these mags. Good and bad. Ruger customer service is quick to replace should you have a bad one. They are very good about it.
I agree on most everything you stated.. based on your comments i elected this one as my choice of Birthday/Fathers day gift this year…. Yes my wife LOVES ME lol.. Thanks,, its perfect hiking gun and also hunting weapon.. I believe most will benefit from proper barrel break in.. I may be lucky, but doing so reduced the posted extreme moa from 2 down to 7/16 so far.. and still getting better.. to date.. 225 rounds down range and am completely satisfied that no matter what.. anything within 600 yards,,, will be owned. Not had the opportunity to go out to 800+ yet,, but that is coming up.. I do not target shoot,, do not chrono, do not adhere to most rules and guidelines on this or that except when reloading.. Some things just should not be overlooked.. I shoot mostly prone or sitting… no bench, no rest, no bags.. yet have attached bipod. Opted for the 5 rounders to eliminate snags, pivot points, etc.. do not need more than 1 if proficient. Thanks…. Voodoo USMC 0317
Sounds like you’re doin’ it right, Marine.
Oh and yes it shoots 7.62 NATO or .308 Confirmed by Ruger.
Have several Rugers,, my favorite being an all weather stainless M77 in 7mm mag,, until now. The Gunsite Scout,, simply put,, is the best gun you’ll ever buy. Out of the box, iron sights, blowing up targets all weekend. Flawless performance… incredible looks,, and yes,,,flat out cool.. Love it.
Today I ordered a scout this is my first order with my new license I’ve been looking at many different rifles on internet this is the most beautiful gun. Like a pretty woman
can’t wait
I got a black steel Ruger GSR after shooting my son-in-law’s GSR…..love @ 1st shoot. Mounted a Burris LER 32mm 2-7x on mine in the forward scout mount. The bolt smoothed out in the first 50 rounds & rifle shoots 1-1.5 moa with 150gr steel cased Wolf ammo. I enjoy the rifle because it’s easy to carry, quick to get on target, plus you can customize the magazine (3,5, or 10rds) to the task at hand. As far as the flash suppressor goes, quit whining and get over it……., remove it, or just look at it as a free muzzle protector. If you don’t take the rifle seriously (or shoot/buy one) because of that….it’s your loss. I’m not saying the GSR is the “end all” of rifles but it has fast become the first one I grab when going out the door for a little rifle time or a stroll in the woods & hay fields.
I bought the Australian version around 12 months ago, it’s a good reliable piece of kit. I use mine to hunt wild pigs in close country where it’s common to have 150-200kg of angry pig charge you. The rifle has never let me down not once, I can assure you otherwise I would not be here writing this. PS works like a dream on big crocs too.
I have used my scout rifle for hunting this year. I set it up with Redfield 2-7×32 glass. Sight it in at about 175 yrds, which gave me a good hunting accuracy to about 250 yrds w/o any holdover. The lower power scope worked well in wooded areas as well as in the intermidiate open field. I took it pig hunting. The set up proved to be very light and practical to move thru the woods. Can get easily strapped on your back up when hiking up to your hinting local. I found it to be much more comfortable and practical to carry and move around than my Rem 700 with similar glass set up. Its s good all around rifle, but keep in mind that this is not long range shooter. For practical (hunting) purposes to about 300 yrd range, it is the ideal rifle. Currently, I am replacing my glass with 2-12×33….still have the advantage of low power at distances within 100 yrds, and the higher power for longer shot if needed. The accuracy is a matter of taste. I am using Buffalo Bore supercharged 308, 150 gr bullet pushing at 2900 fps! With this set up, I got a compact hunting package, flat shooter with a punch of 300 mag (about). With this set up, I’d feel confident to go after bigger game than wild bore.
This gun is too heavy. The flash hider is stupid. Needs a longer barrel with no flash hider. This gun was designed to look different in order to appeal to the tacticool crowd. It isn’t a true scout rifle at all. Anybody familiar with Jeff Cooper’s actual specifications for a scout rifle would laugh at this thing in comparison.Overweight, overpriced, other reviews show a 1.5-3″ MOA gun. Unacceptable for a modern bolt gun. Many have issues with the bolt locking up, as there is no anti seize mechanism on this rifle like the Mauser 98 had to keep that from happening. The list goes on with this rifle. This is a handsome gun but dig deeper and you will find it’s beauty is only skin deep.
I recieved this rifle for my birthday/fathers day this past summer. So far, after thorough barrel break in, i have settled on 155 lapua. Achieving 7/16 moa @ 100 yards without trying hard. It is short enough to throw over back and take off thru all but impassible brush, yet sturdy enough to ride around in truck with me without worry. This has become my favorite even over AR10’s. More accurate than most have posted, no flaws, (except one magazine issue which Ruger immediately replaced) I prefer the shorter 5 round mags for easier carrying and use.. the 10 creates pivot points. I have no issues hitting 6 in target open sights @ 200 yards but failing eyesight required me to put optics on it.. So far, Harris bipod, Leupold 4X12 tac scope, soon will replace flash with compensator,, should be even more fun to shoot.. Oh and to date,, 5 for 5 in 4 inch target @ 600 yards.. Not bad for a short gun.. Will update after next shoot.. going out to 800 and 1k just to see.. Will be using 165 gr Lapua max load for these shots.. Have fun and keep shooting. Semper Fi Molan Labe. Voodoo USMC 0317
What break-in method did you use? And, what length barrel do you have?
I’ve been shooting my Ruger scout rifle for the past 2 months. She sat around collecting dust for a while until I got to her. She is a International version (20″ barrel). I like that. It’s not in any form a target rifle and has no application other than under 300 yard hunting and ‘personal protection.’ It fits its intended purpose, scout rifle, perfectly.
What I am starting to wonder about is why I thought I needed a scout rifle in the first place.
But overall, I am keeping her and I am happy with her.
Don’t get me wrong this is a great gun but, if you really want to impress me make it with a lee-enfield action instead of a mauser type. Can you imagine that, a “mad minute” capable scout rife in .308! That gun would be epic…
I have the short version. All the crying and moaning amazes me, I looked at the specs, picked it up, looked at all the accesories available and decided it would work just fine.. I have a Mossberg MVP patrol in .223 ordered and suspect I will enjoy it a lot while the naysayers continue to complain about caliber, weight, color and whatever else you can imagine. With all the great choices available, how hard is it to find something that fits? Well, keeps the forums energized at least.
I bought my Ruger Scout around Thanksgiving 2012 and I am very satisfied with it. Some think the Scout doesn’t have enough accuracy because of the short barrel. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve been consistently hitting a torso-sized steel plate at 300 yards with iron sights. Some think that a bolt-action rifle just doesn’t have any place in a semi-automatic world. I think a bolt-action rifle is the perfect hunting or survival weapon. I don’t think you could get a failure to feed, or eject, if you tried.
What should I get,the stainless barrel,or the blued barrel?
BTW…any recommendations on price,or where to find one that won’t brake the bank?
Try Impact Guns out of Utah.
Sorry,talking about the GSR!
Wow, I reviewed the gun early this year and the thread still gets comments.
Anyway, I’ve had my polymer magazines loaded since I bought them and have not had a magazine fail yet. The ten round magazines allow me to burn through ammunition and a rather expensive rate.
I still love the gun.
Although, I’m now lusting after an M1A Scout Squad.
Stopped by Cabela’s in Billings, MT, today – they had recently received a version with stainless 16.5″ barrel and one-piece wooden stock, not laminate, nice! – didn’t know it existed, still not shown on manufacturer’s web site – exactly what I wanted, bought it.
I own one and it is the best (read: most versatile) .308 rifle I have. The iron sights are damn usable and with a 3-9x scope it is about as all-around as a rifle can be. Mount a long eye relief 1-4x scope on the forward rail and it’s even more versatile in varying conditions.
I have had mine for a couple years now and am still loving it in fact so dose everyone else in the family so i am looking into picking up another to keep their grubby hands off mine lol.I really can not think of any down side to this rifle i added the XS rail system and can switch it up from a hunting setup to a tacticool zombie killer configuration in no time at all…that would be going from a Leupold 3x9x40 to an Eotech 517 .
I bought a Canadian version (19″ barrel) SS a while back and put lots of different rounds through it. It was not a consistent shooter. Groups were all over the place. Mine had a Leupold scout scope in the scout position. The rifle was also very heavy. I had to use the 10 round magazine at all time. Top loading was very difficult. I tried to buy the smaller polymer mags, but wait time in Canada was 12+ months. So I sold it (made $150 on it, but lost on the scope — so broke even). I bought a Tikka T3 Battue Lite. 20″ barrel, has EXCELLENT backup iron sights for close encounters. Had a muzzleloader scope on it first (1-4 magnification) but changed it for a Zeiss Terra 2-7x32mm scope. It is the most accurate .308 I have used to date. It is much lighter than the scout. Comes with a 3 round magazine but you can get 5 rounder ones. Well made. I am glad I changed my .308 😉
I am truly grateful to the holder of this site who has shared this enormous paragraph at at this place.
I’ve owned the Ruger Scout for 2 years now, I’ve got the 18 inches stainless version. I’ve only shot it at the range, sans scope ( can’t decide how I want it set up) . I’ve got a Ching sling on it.
Many owners have complained about bolt binding. I never experienced any binding. As a matter of fact, mine works quite smoothly and can cycle rounds at a surprising pace. Boy can it eject with authority! ( I have “dry cycled” the bolt over 200 times before going to the range)
Took me a while to be consistently precise with it at 100 yards. To remedy this, I’ve had a gunsmith thin the front blade. I do wish that Ruger would offer a smaller aperture sight.
***I’ve improved my aim by including the edges of the front blades ( metal blades that protect the front sight) in my sight picture. Makes aiming a bit more complicated, but ensures a centered shot.
I will be taking it deer hunting next season. Hunting, here, is a brush proposition. Shots are made inside of 200 meters. It’ll be my first deer hunt.
Ok, hope ya’ll don’t mind my 2 cents. Long ago, I bought the last guns in a department store that was to discontinue selling guns. I got 3 Ishapore 2a1’s with long barrels, an Ishapore 2a1 “jungle carbine” & an L1A1, all in .308 for a very good price. That was 18 years ago. I still have all but 1 of the long Ishapores that I gave away for a gift. I was 19 when I bought them & lived way out in the woods. Let’s just say, LOTS of rounds have been put threw them. I am a machinist & amateur gunsmith. Also in the safes, a 16″ AR10, SKS, modified Mosin, Saiga 12ga’s & few various other guns. A few years back, I put a synthetic stock, floated the barrel & added the XS Sight Systems scout mount along with a Leupold pistol scope to the shorty Enfield. In short, I love that little gun, until dusk in the stand, & the small lens on the scope goes dark. Can’t find a big lens, scout relief scope, so I end up lugging the Mosin to the stand. Also, adding the scope mount deleted my rear sight, so I can’t even go to irons. I love my AR, L1 & SK too, but you never know when you’ll run into a LEO that might think you’re checking a ‘grow site’. I bought an 1895 Marlin 45/70 for my truck gun, ’cause I like having the iron sights, before this gun came out. This will most likely be my next rifle (plus the XS extended rail) because it fits everything I’ve learned over the years.
Bottom line. I’d carry my Ishapore Scout if I could get parts for it (go on, try to find a firing pin or the tool to get it out. I had to make the tool) & put irons back on it. To me, this Ruger is just a modern iteration of what I’ve tried to build. Parts are available, it’s got a warranty, mags aren’t like finding hen’s teeth & I wouldn’t be afraid of it coming apart if the round was a little hot. I’ll take mine in a 20″ because all of my shorties are LOUD. I feel like I have a well stocked “toolbox”, but I always seem to gravitate towards my old scout. Thanks for letting me speak my piece.
P.S. Forgot to say, before you complain about weight, go hump a mortar plate for the Corps for a few years. Everything’s light after that.
But I don’t *want* to hump a mortar plate…
I have a Ruger GunSite Scout in L.H. .308 and have had it for about a year or a little more ( I guess that would speak for what caliber it is by default) but I like it very much and need to shoot it more and have only shot it one time because I now live in town and hate having to go to a dang range to shoot anything. I really wanted that rifle and when I saw it in the shop in left-hand I just had to have it no matter what. The only problem was I didn’t have two dimes to rub together at the time but I had it in my safe within two hrs. or so. I went home and got two guns and traded for it but I can hardly bear to think about what I traded for it and will never tell but I did bring home what wanted and I really wanted that Ruger G.S. Scout. I love Ruger rifles, or almost all of them, don’t care for the Mini-14’s but Ruger Revolvers are at the top-of -the -heap as far as Im concerned but I recently bought a used Mk III 22/45 that is giving me fitts. This is a nice web-site and I would liketo join-up. Later..M-1
One guy asked this question, but we didn’t answer him. Does the stainless version offer much regarding rust protection? I know it does, to a point. But the barrel of the blued version is some kind of alloy deal, so it might have rust protection and longevity benefits of its own. Educate me. And thanks.
welcome, the Ruger scout has a place as any semi auto or bolt action.
In some countries semi auto require special licence-as is in Australia- hard to get and harder to keep.
I have shot a Ruger scout, good balance when using a .308. a little heavy, yes but you get the subject target. No point using a lot of ammo when not needed. As well disturb other game near by.
we all have opinions, thankyou.
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