Scope recommendations for Ruger GSR and Springfield M1A Scout Squad

cmdc said:

I want to put scopes on these two scout-type rifles and need recommendations. I would prefer a 1-4x scope for each.

Thanks

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Do you intend to mount the optic in the forward 'scout' position, or over the receiver? That's maybe the first thing that needs to be made clear.

To my knowledge, there is not a 1-4x scope on the market with intermediate eye relief.

That said, the scout scopes that are out there fall into two categories-

Fixed power scopes from 2x to about 2.75x

And variable power scopes from 2-7x to 2,5-8x.

I can't speak to the GSR, as I don't own one, but a 16" .308 rifle should have an effective range of about 400 meters (assuming you're going for the original GSR). As such, one of the variable magnification scout scopes might be what you're looking for. The Leupold custom shop will make you a 2-7 power scout scope, or you can go with a Nikon Force XR 2.5-8x. Both are quality scopes with excellent reviews. The Nikon is technically a handgun scope, but the eye relief is reported to work just fine on scout rifles by people who are getting sub-MOA accuracy with them.

As to the M1a Scout/Squad, I do have one of those, and have ditched the scout rail in favor of an over the receiver mount. The effective range of the S/S is roughly 600 meters, which is well beyond the comfort zone and point of an IER scope. The weight of a loaded S/S is well beyond the intention of the scout rifle. It's a bit of a tank, and not well suited to the quick acquisition snap shooting that the IER scope was intended for.

On that rifle, I'm using a 1.5-6x Weaver scope with an FFP 4a reticle. It has locking target turrets and a red/green illuminated center dot. My only complaint about it is that everything on it is metric, save for the 1/4 MOA adjustments. I'd much prefer if it were 0.1mil.

I own two scout-type rifles: a SOCOM and a Ruger Gunsite. But can't help you. On my SOCOM I added an ARMS #18 mount, and use an EoTech sight over the receiver. For my Ruger Gunsite, I am content with the peep sight, now that I have it zeroed at 100 yards.

That said, I have used the EoTech forward mounted, and it does work, but not nearly as well as mounted over the receiver. At the time that I was looking to mount a scope forward on each rifle, I looked at the following Weaver. Weaver is a good company, a good product and a good price. If I decide to mount a scope forward, this is what I will use:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/67...cout-rifle-scope-4x-28mm-dual-x-reticle-matte

Geno

SWFA site shows Leupold 1.5-4 and 1.5-5 scout scopes.

Here is a dandy little upgrade for the Gunsite, a full-length M1913 picatinny rail. It costs $81:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/43...ount-rail-ruger-gunsight-scout-aluminum-matte

Geno

cmdc said:

Thanks, guys. The Ruger is the 18" bbl stainless model, and since the forward mount may limit the range, and based on your advice, I'll probably mount scopes over the receivers of both.

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In that case, may I recommend a rule of thumb that one should increase the maximum magnification of one's optic by +1x for every 100 meters of effective range of the firearm- for example:

For an effective range of 300 meters, have at least a 3x maximum magnification. For 600 meters, opt for 6x. And so on.

Your 18" GSR should have a practical range of 600 meters. As such, ideal maximum magnification would be around 6x. This will avoid the prospect of having some massive honking piece of glass overburdening a rifle that was designed to be a lightweight, practical field rifle.

I don't own a GSR, but do own a M1A-A1 Bush rifle, and an 18.5in bbl M14S.

After trying on the FWD mounted scopes ( SAI scout mount and M8 ultimak rail), I found that both types just weren't for me.

It adds weight up towards the front end, and destroyed the overall balance that this type of rifle has........for me at least. Limited options for optics as well as NVS.

I went back to the ARMS 18 (older split rail type) receiver mount and haven't looked back since. (Already had one mounted on the M14S).

I messed around with a few different optics, and am evaluating a Leupold VX-1 1-4x20mm scope as of late.

Good points so far:

1. The scope is rather light in weight as well as compact, so it doesn't interfere all that much in the way of additional weight, or overall balance of the rifle.

2. The scope sits rather low in relation to the receiver, and is what my goal was from the outset, as I don't like to use raised combs for cheekweld.

3. Plenty of eye relief.

4. Reasonably priced.

5. Very reliable so far and no issues with using it in rain or snow.

Not so good points:

1. I have had better quality glass on rifles like this before, but not at the same price I paid for this scope. Still, I wish it had a bit more clarity at early morning/late in the evening .

2. 4x is pushing the limits of where my own MER with this rifle is. A 6x might prove to be a tad bit better, but at the cost of more weight. Still looking at another option. ( I might set up the other rifle with a bigger optic with adjustable comb, but haent made up my mind as of yet.)

Note: My goal for this was aimed at ending up with a reliable, "Utility/general purpose", semiautomatic rifle that had to accomplish a wide range of shooting and hunting situations, so this route proved the better way to achieve this in my case.........as compared to the "Scout" concept.

Good luck with your search.

I have a Leupold VXR Patrol 3-9x40mm Firedot on my LRB 14.

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/vx-r-patrol/vx-r-patrol-3-9x40mm-30mm/