"Scout" rifle

[txgunsuscg]

So technically, 2 of the 3 options are pseudo-Scout, but I'm operating in an urban environment so I don't technically need a gun that is "powerful enough to kill any living target of reasonable size" per the good Colonel. Any thoughts welcome

 

[Jonny V]

Closest thing I have to your options is a Marlin GBL in 45/70. Look at it this way, you could always use the really hot bear loads for car-stopping duty!

 

[gunnutery]

Each option would work well, but I chose the mini14 route.

 

[Canazes9]

http://www.steyrarms.com/products/hunting-rifles/scout/

 

[Loosedhorse]

Scout rifle? Cooper would have frowned on a weight beyond 3kg, and absolutely shuddered at .223.

Closest option is your .30-30.

If you want an "urban rifle" rather than a Scout, just get an AR-15; no shame in that. But don't call a .223 a Scout.

Here's an idea: CZ 7.62x39. You'd have to shift the scope mounts.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

What u need to do is to decide what u need, want it for. This is key for determining what you want. All are good rifles in your list. Mine is a mixture of hunting and social plinking. I fell I love with lever actions so I've started there. My other hunting rifle is a 30-06 bolt action with normal 4x scope. At some point I want a light weight 308 Scout that will likely replace the 30-06 and have about equal time in the field as the lever action. Yes, I have taken the lever action to a 4 day rifle class as its often what I take with me when I travel. Having said that, if there was a bump in the night at where I live, I'd grab a mini-14 before grabbing the lever action.

 

[Don357]

I have a M48 Yugo Mauser with a 4X32 NcStar LER/pistol scope, on a 'scout' mount that replaces the rear sight. Works fine!

 

[AuthorityDenied]

Mosin M44

 

[billymarr]

Depending on what the situtation is.
I being a former U.S. Army Cav scout and did it for 10+ years. In combat too.
I would go with the MINI 14 my preference would be the MINI 30 though.
He is why a scout ( in my situation ) maintains visual contac and if spotted does not become desicively engaged but falls back and reports and calls for back up.
Now a .223 is good for carring more ammo but penetration wise it is minimal on soft skin targets or in homes. The 7.62X39 is better for penetration. The ammo is not much heavier.
Before we get into accuraccy at distance remember not to get in a shoot out you cant win. Scoot out and report.
As for carring in brush for hunting out to 150m the 7.62X39 wins again. For any thing out to 500 both are the wrong choice. Remember comapact and sturdy does not allways equal good for long range.
Now I have been known to stash a long range gun at a fall back position then you can take your time and pick them off. That is a situation that is winnable with the right back up.
So you need to dicide what is the most likely situation you will find youre self in and plan around that and then look at any other scenarios you may find youre self in. You may fine two different weapons are needed. As with anything one tool does not allways fit all situations.

 

[Art Eatman]

The utility of any sort of Scout rifle depends pretty much on the planned use. Hard to offer any useful advice or suggestions without knowing that...

 

[Kendal Black]

I voted for the .30-30 because it has been a good option in an all-around light rifle for 116 years. Fixing it up in scout rifle trim will not hurt its utility, any may help in some circumstances.

 

[Rexster]

I cannot speak one way or the other regarding the Amega mount, but for "urban" use, the Mini-14 is already my choice for a utility carbine. One of mine has a Sage International SCAR stock, with a rail that allows forward mounting of an optic. The Aimpoint Micro is certainly a good optic; I have a T-1 that was mounted on another rifle, and it may end up on the Mini with the SCAR stock.

There is certainly nothing wrong with a Marlin lever rifle in this role. I own lever rifles other than Marlins.

I did not vote for the Mini, as it was coupled with Amega in the poll, and I have no personal experience with Amega rails, nor do I know anyone using an Amega product.

 

[txgunsuscg]

To explain a bit more of what I intend the scout type for... I am looking for something for 25 - 200 yards. I live in a fairly urban environment, and I view myself as competent enough with a pistol to handle anything within 25 yards (although I already violate the Colonel's orders by carrying a 9mm, but whatever).

I considered a Mauser or Mosin, but to add the scout mount requires removing the back up sights. From experience, I always want a pair of back ups because when (not if) my optics fail, I still need to aim. XS does make a ghost ring sight that can be added to a Mauser, but it requires drilling and tapping, and I'm looking for something I can do in my garage....

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Just go with the Ruger or Savage Scout, in .308. Standard, worldwide cartridge, capable of long range shooting if necessary, superior pentration to the other rounds, and the rifles more closely fit the "everything" capability. Plus, they are almost shooter ready as-is.

 

[langloisandy]

"other"

I voted other, have you looked at the Ruger Scout or the Savage?

Andy

 

[451 Detonics]

Guess how I voted...lol
The scope is on QD rings for fast iron sight access...

 

[txgunsuscg]

I did consider the Ruger, Savage, and Steyr. The Steyr was eliminated almost immediately, mostly for its insane price, but also for its total lack of iron sights. The Savage's sights look pretty flimsy on their site, but I have no first hand experience. Of the three, I was most impressed by the Ruger. However, I currently see no need for a .308 in my environment, and I am not very handy with a bolt gun. My LGS has a 336 for under $300 I believe, so the only thing I would have to add is the irons and the rail (the sight is going to cost the same no matter what gun I put it on). They also have an 1894 for $500, and I already own the Mini-14....

 

[Fred Fuller]

Personally I don't see the utility in forward mounting a scope on a Marlin lever gun. You can mount a low powered or low range variable in the usual place on the receiver and be just as well off in my limited experience. I tried it on a .45-70 because everyone said it was the thing to do, but I'm just as happy with my 336 in .30-30 with the scope mounted on the receiver, and it cost less out the door. I've also made up a couple of pseudo Scouts on Mauser actions (one of them is a Steyr, so there) in .308, so I've at least played around with the concept a bit. Of course, YMMV...

lpl

 

[txgunsuscg]

When I say Steyr, I don't refer to all Steyrs, just specifically to the Scout model, which, without any back up sights, is almost $1k more than the Ruger or the Savage.... At least the Ruger or Savage you can shoot right out of the box without a dot or scope...

I researched Samco last night, and they do have some barreled actions that could be turned into a fun sporter or scout....

The CZ does look tempting. I carry their pistols, and I would love to see what their rifles are like...

Detonics, is that a 45-70?

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Since the OP follow up doesn't seem to indicate an interest in hunting and its more of for an urban environment, I'd opt for a semiauto. I'd likely go with either a mini-14 or mini-30 at that point.

 

[Choco]

When I say Steyr, I don't refer to all Steyrs, just specifically to the Scout model, which, without any back up sights, is almost $1k more than the Ruger or the Savage.... At least the Ruger or Savage you can shoot right out of the box without a dot or scope..

The Steyr Scout has folding iron sights:

Front sight


Rear sight


Or at least used to. It's true it's overpriced, especially for the American buyer. Much better rifle than the other two. (I owned one in .376 Steyr)

I was excited when the Ruger when it came out. The "Gunsite" bullshyte bugged me (I don't like to pay extra for silly -and fake- branding), but I've been a Ruger fan for years, so as I would have to have one imported specially for myself, I ask an American gunsmith friend of mine to make a review.

This is what he wrote:

-Overpriced semi-proprietary single stack mag that can't take strippers or be topped off with scope in place, defeating part of the "Scout" concept.
-Muzzle brake is garbage.
-Trigger is soggy.
-Sights were either crappy and hard to align.
-Whole rifle feels cheap and shoddy.

Conclusion: A Savage is half the price and better.

Just my two cents.

Regards

 

[txgunsuscg]

I apologize, then, Steyr makes no mention of the sights on their website and don't show them in any of the pictures. The Savage is cheaper than the Ruger, but not by half, more like by $50 to $100...

 

[336A]

I would go with the basic 336 rifle with the scope mounted in the conventional way. The .30 WCF will do a lot better than most folks realize. I laugh when folks sit idly by claiming that it ain't good for anything much beyond 100yd, or that it is only good for deer Someone forgot to tell this Moose that http://www.hornady.com/team-hornady/scrapbook/first-moose-jessica-swanson

During the great ammo dry up all of the .223, .270 Win, 308 Win, and 30-06 ammo was pretty much void on the store shelves, such was not the case for the .30-30. Prices are cheaper for the .30-30 also which is another plus.

 

[scramasax]

I agree about the 336. It is faster than most can manipulate a boltgun. Also you might think about a BLR. The reason I would is box magazine loaded, and the takedown option.

Saying that I have vested myself in two Marlin carbines one .357 and one .41 also rifles and pistols to match. Also 30-30 336 shortened to 16''. All are wearing XS gold line front an ghostring rear sights. The 336 also has a 1-4 scope.

The other good caliber in 336 is the .35 REM. There are some very interesting loads you can find in manuals.

Cheers,

ts

 

[Ranger30-06]

For a scout rifle, I would prefer something short, light, and powerful with a decent amount of rounds.

I voted for the .44 Marlin, but my #1 choice would be the Ruger Scout Rifle with a red dot sight. It would give me .308 power in a light, short package with pretty nice magazine capacity. Without a scope in the way, I don't think a lot of people know how fast you can cycle a bolt action.