Gunsite Scout in .308 or .223?

For just plinking around id go with the .223, its cheaper, kicks less, and will provide plenty of fun.

The only strike I have against the .223 GSR is you are stuck with one magazine type. A humongous 10 round magazine that should hold 20 or more rounds of .223, but it can't because the outer shell is based off the .308 steel magazine.

On the other hand, the .308 GSR has many size choices of magazines. Of course, .308 in a fairly small bolt gun is something you will likely shoot a lot less than .223 in a similar sized bolt gun. Due to recoil and ammo cost, of course.

You might also consider the Mossberg MVP in 5.56mm. I took a good look at a number of rifles before making the purchase a month or so ago. Gotten to really like the little rifle.
http://www.mossberg.com/category/series/mvp-series/

You can get a 'scout' configuration if you like, and magazines are not an issue as they take the same ones as ARs.
Some of the 5.56mm barrels are factory threaded with the standard 1/2 x 28.
They have 'Gunsite' models also, some even come with scopes.

I would pick the 308 especially in a bolt gun ,
you can shoot 7.62 surplus to save money on ammo, or learn to reload for it .
the 308 just allows you more options if you
change your mind down the road, I have 308 bolt rifles and my 223 I prefer semi auto in that caliber

I got the GSR in 308 with the synthetic stock. Light in weight and with the muzzle break, light in recoil. I liked it so much I purchased one for my son.

For your intended purpose, a 223 makes more sense to me.

The CZ 527 in 223 or 762x39 could suit this purpose as well, especially if you like blued steel and walnut.

But, the GSR in 223 could be fun. Personally, Im not a fan of their mags. Too big and clunky for what they are. If I had to get the GSR, Id go 308..mostly because I like long-range plinking, and the 308 is just better at that.

If CZ makes a lefty 527, I'd go that route.

Crowcifier666 said:

If CZ makes a lefty 527, I'd go that route.

Click to expand...

With the single-set trigger and beautiful wood and bluing...what could make for a finer 223 plinker? And yes, they make it in lefty

ETA: Their magazines are wonderful imho. Very nicely made, and I've never personally had an issue nor have I heard of any.

American model without iron sights:


Lux with iron sights:

I thought about the gunsite but stayed with the Savage and Remington.
I can swap the barrels and bolt heads(in savage) between seasons and shoot a number of calibers with them if I want.
With sights like the hog hunter one will need to use a witness mark to come back to zero if one is to swap barrels between seasons.
Same thing with the Remington 700 or any other rifle with quick barrel swap option for that matter.
I stayed with these platforms due to the unparalleled aftermarket support for anything I want.
PTI has now bottom metal for AR magazines for the 700 although I already had a couple converted. Now it just got easier.

Also do you reload?
If so the 308 will allow you to shoot 223 bullets using the accelerator sabot.

Same thing with inserts for 30 carbine, whisper and even 7.62x39. I use a stubbed action for easy swap but
one could stick to simple choices for plinking and budget shooting.

not sure if it is worthy to you but something to think about.

Versatility is what the .308 has going for it. There are varmint loads for the .308 but no elk loads for the .223. Since you aren't planning to hunt with the rifle, that likely does not matter, but the reason the .308 is iconic for scout rifles is that you can do so many different things with it.

If you want low recoil for range fun, the .308 is a good choice if you handload--not otherwise. You can make the full power .308 scout into an intermediate rifle simply by substituting lightly loaded cartridges.

For plinking, the 223rem is the way to go. Even if you're wanting to reach out to moderate ranges, the 223rem is cheaper to shoot - meaning more practice, and is more abused by the wind - meaning BETTER practice without requiring as long of range.

I'm not a proponent of firearms without function, but if your only function really is range shooting, the .223rem version makes the most sense.

Burn out the barrel on the 223rem version practicing, the money you'll save on ammo or reloading components along the way will more than pay for a larger caliber if you ever decide to start hunting.

As noted before, i hate the big chunk of iron Ruger calls a .223 mag. The 308 has various capacity polymere magazines available but the only one for 223 is a steel box with a plastic insert at a cost of about $75. I did not fall off the tomato truck and that is no bargain. A relatively flush fitting 5 round poly mag priced at $25 would be perfect.

.308, lest the Col. begrudge you in the afterlife.

stoky said:

.308, lest the Col. begrudge you in the afterlife.

Click to expand...

Chairman Jeff doesn't have time to begrudge anyone or anything these days.

Ever since the Gunsite Scout in .223 was announced, he's been turning over in his grave at more than 50,000 RPM.