Is the ruger scout worth it?

I don't think it is worth it, being that there are still FR-8s out there for about a third of the price. I built my own Scout using one of those for around $400, and I like it better than a Ruger.

Skillet said:

before I start I would like to make a small intro to myself. I recently joined the US Air Force, and have been a gun nut for a while, but being young, (19yrs old) most of the guns i shot before were my father's. I recently purchased my first lever action (wanting a model 94 since i was a fetus) and I am on the lookout for a good hunting rifle, (i don't have one of those for my own yet) specifically one that can take down an elk, maybe at long distances (I live in NM). I was in the gun shop the other day, and I noticed a Ruger Scout LH .308. It looked like an awesome rifle, with a pad on the stock that was like 55 inches long and it handled very well because of how small and light it is. But, It was 1000 bucks! I just want to know if it is worth it. It had a very short barrel and I didn't know if that would sacrifice accuracy. Maybe I should just stick to my original plan (savage 110LH in 30-06), but any input on THR would be appreciated, it would be nice to learn from all you old timers

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The short barrel won't affect accuracy, but will cost a small bit in power due to velocity loss over a longer barrel, not enough that it should ever matter to any animal hunted with it though.

If you have need of the special features of the GSR the price is fair, and the rifle a dandy. For a hunting rifle though I'd look at the new Ruger Guide Gun. It has a similar stock, standard floor plate instead of the box mag, a 20" barrel, great iron sights and looks like a great hunting rig to me. Unforfunately I think the only LH version is chambered in .375 Ruger. Certainly a great hunting round, but maybe a bit much for your needs.

Here's a link to a review by Gunblast:

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-375GG.htm

Jackal said:

I'd have a very hard time spending $1000 for a M77 with a box mag.....

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and open sights, forward scope rail, user adjustable length of pull.

For Fathers' Day 2011, my wife gave me MY CHOICE of the Ruger 1911 pistol, or the recently-announced left-handed Gunsite Rifle.

I opted for the GSR, which I didn't actually get until Christmas of that year.

NO REGRETS! My rifle arrived with a very smooth action, and a trigger sufficiently light and crisp that I've never even thought of removing the stock to work on it (almost unheard-of, for me).

Medical events have prevented much shooting with it, but the limited experience I have indicates a very satisfactory level of accuracy.

I have a number of other "service-type" rifles, but nothing that comes close to filling the niche occupied by the GSR.

Is it worth it?

YES.

I don't think it is worth it, being that there are still FR-8s out there for about a third of the price. I built my own Scout using one of those for around $400, and I like it better than a Ruger.

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Have you owned a Ruger? If so, fair enough. Otherwise, the FR-8 is a fine platform to create a scout rifle with, and there is always some pride and satisfaction from creating something of your own. But there are some legitimate differences between the two that might lead some to think the Ruger is worth the extra $$$. Such as magazine capacity (not to mention detachable mags). Or greater flexibility in the ammo choices (since many caution against using commercial .308 in the FR-8). I really don't think the two are very comparable, and it certainly isn't the case that the FR-8 is "better." I have the GSR, and I also have an M44 in a scout configuration (at closer to $300 invested, than the $400 you spent on your FR-8). And while I like it a lot, it would never really occur to me to compare it to, or say that I like it "better" than the GSR. Now if you've owned a GSR, and there was some things that turned you off about the experience, then share them so that the OP can better determine if the GSR is for him. Frankly, I think there have only been two substantive responses to his questions. One has been to allay his concerns about accuracy, and the other has been to question whether this is the best gun for elk at long ranges. And the latter may be a relevant concern. But if the GSR is not up to that task, I somehow doubt that the FR-8 is somehow better suited to it.

This rifle seems to bring alot of passion out of people. Love it or hate it, it's a handy bolt action thats accurate as well in typical hunting ranges scoped or with the iron sights. I paid $800 for mine and couldn't be happier. As for those who can't justify when there are other rifles available, some of us don't want a project or something used that might possibly be screwed up somehow. I wanted new and Rugers customer service sold me.

Regardless of whether people love or hate the concept of the scout rifle, that debate doesn't really address the OP's situation.

Regarding the original post... I would suggest that a 308 fired through an 16.5" or 18" barrel, while sighting your target with the typical low power scout scope, isn't exactly the optimal choice for a long distance elk rifle. Will it work? Maybe. But there are certainly much better choices out there for this use, especially in the $1000 range.

I would consider something like a Tikka T3, and a classic long action hunting cartridge, like a 30-06, in a 22" or 24" barrel. (I scooped up my T3-Lite in 270win when it went on clearance this past winter for $350 at my LGS, and I also took advantage of a rebate from Burris to mount a 3-9x40 Fullfield E1 scope on it for $150.) But, whatever brand you choose, there are plenty of rifles available that would be better than a Ruger GSR for long range elk hunting.

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I agree with ngnrd here. I have handled the rifle and I like it but this would definitely not be my optimal choice for an elk rifle. You have a .308 which is considered by many to be in the lowest acceptable tier for an elk cartridge. Add a short barrel which will rob the cartridge of the marginal kinetic energy it has. My understanding is that elk are often/always hunted at distances greater than 100 yards. A long eye relief scope and the limited selection of them would definitely hinder me on a hunting trip like that. Cooper designed this rifle to be a compromise for survival hunting and self-defense. I think a more specialized rig would do way more good in this situation.

Cooper designed this rifle to be a compromise for survival hunting and self-defense. I think a more specialized rig would do way more good in this situation.

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Exactly right. That said, if one could only have one rifle, the GSR might be the more versatile choice. While it might not be ideal for elk, it could be pressed into service for that. I responsible hunter would probably want pass up the longer range shots, and do some stalking to get closer. But inside 300 yards, I wouldn't hesitate to take a shot with my GSR. Now I do have a 2-7x scope on it, and not just the more common 2.75x many have, and that would make a big difference to whether I would take the shot.

All we can do is just acknowledge the pros and cons, and then make the choice that works best for each of us.

As for:

You have a .308 which is considered by many to be in the lowest acceptable tier for an elk cartridge.

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Not all would agree:

I think it might be wise to divide elk cartridges into three categories as follows:

1. Cartridges primarily intended for shooting deer and black bear (CXP2 class game) at woods ranges that are also adequate for elk at short range (100 yards or less). These cartridges are at the low end of the power scale as elk cartridges, due to their limited down range energy. Their advantage is that most hunters can shoot them more accurately than the more powerful elk cartridges. Included in this group are the .30-30 Winchester, .32 Winchester Special, .35 Remington, .375 Winchester and similar cartridges.

2. Combination CXP2/CXP3 cartridges that are more powerful than strictly necessary for deer size game. These are more powerful than the cartridges in the first category. Most are excellent all-around cartridges and adequate for shooting elk at medium to long range (200 yards or more). Many hunters find the muzzle blast and recoil of these cartridges intimidating, particularly when shooting the heavier weight bullets, but few will admit it. This category includes such stalwarts as the .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, the .270 Magnums, 7x64 Brenneke, .280 Remington, 7mm WSM, 7mm Rem. Magnum, 7mm Weatherby, .308 Marlin Express, .300 Savage, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .303 British and 8x57JS.

3. Ideal elk cartridges. These are good cartridges to consider if you are buying a rifle specifically for elk hunting and don't mind substantial recoil and muzzle blast. Their principle drawback is that most shooters do mind the recoil and muzzle blast, particularly of the magnums, and simply cannot do their best shooting with these cartridges. For long range elk shooting (300 yards) the list is basically limited to cartridges such as the long 7mm Magnums (7mm STW, 7mm RUM), .300 Magnums, 8mm Magnums and .338 Magnums. At short to medium range, the list expands to include medium and big bore cartridges such as the .338 Marlin Express, .338 Federal, .338-06 A-Square, .348 Winchester, .358 Winchester, .35 Whelen, .350 Remington Magnum, 9.3x62mm, 9.3x74R, .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin and .45-70.

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If you really want a thorough weighting of the pros and cons of various cartridges for hunting elk, "read the whole thing."

If you ever have the opportunity to try one, I recommend highly giving it a go; very nice shooting scout.

My reloads do not work in the Scout Rifle and don't know why. I've switched primers and still have dead strikes about every third round.
Been reloading for 40-years, never had this problem before.
Makes me want to sell my Ruger Scout Rifle. If interested in purchasing this Rifle please contact me.
Thanks
-Mike

My reloads do not work in the Scout Rifle and don't know why. I've switched primers and still have dead strikes about every third round.
Been reloading for 40-years, never had this problem before.
Makes me want to sell my Ruger Scout Rifle. If interested in purchasing this Rifle please contact me.
Thanks
-Mike

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Rather than complain, call Ruger and ask for their advice. There may be a problem with rifle.

I like Ruger 77's but haven't ever paid over $450 for one, the features of the Scout won't likely change that.

I considered the GSR for a long time. It was hard to leave it alone as it feels so nice in the hands. Then, I also considered that it is practically the only left handed bolt rifle with back up iron sights commonly available. So hard to not throw down a thousand bucks for one. But . . . I concluded that an intermediate cartridge semi auto fit my "scout" needs better and I should have a dedicated hunting rifle with a more powerful chambering for my hunting needs.

I think we don't want to admit that we don't need a "scout" rifle as Cooper envisioned. When we have a rifle with us, we have a specific need for it to do; and in the small chance we need it for something else, it's not like a more specialized rifle couldn't cover it.

I think that is the irony of the Scout Rifle. Reality says many of us don't need just one all purpose rifle and the few who, due to economics may have to get by with just one could buy 2 or 3 for the same amount as a single Scout. The closer one gets to the original intent the more individual guns one could buy.

I've had zero issues with mine, I really enjoy shooting it, the accuracy is excellent and it's perfect for hunting in my region.

Who is paying $1000 for a a ruger scout? I paid $900 out the door, taxes and all.

Oh how times change. A little bit ago, I caved-in a bought a Ruger Gunsite Scout. Somehow it grew on me. Specifically, it was the peep sights, and the overall balance. I haven't put a scope on it, and probably won't. Given my change in attitude and affinity toward this rifle since post #25, I may just end up adding a scope in the future. Never say never, I guess.

Geno

I tend to see-saw between (1) thinking its a flawed implementation of a questionable design concept and (2) wanting one really bad.

I also think you can do a lot better for your purposes. 308 can take out an elk, 30/06 is a better choice, 300 winchester is a better choice than that. A longer barrel would suit you better. I doubt accuracy would be much of an issue but terminal performance might be. Elk are pretty large animals particular bull elk if that's what you're after. If I were hunting elk and expected potentially long range shots, I would take my 338win. ruger 77. If I expected a lot of walking and wanted lighter weight but serious knockdown power, it would be my tc encore 300win. Again, that Ruger scout is a very cool rifle imo, and COULD do what you are asking, but its not the best choice or the best price for whaT you want it to do.

Years ago I had issues with my Ruger 77 MKII in .308 Win with NATO-spec ball ammunition (hard primers) and primer ignition.

Replaced the striker (firing pin) spring with a heavier Wolff unit and solved it.
Wolff claims the factory spring is 21 lbs, they sell 24 and 28 lb springs for the same application. My recollection is that I went with the 24 lb spring.


I believe the Ruger Scout is based on the same action design.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Rifles%20%26%20Shotguns/RUGER/77,%20MKI%20%26%20MKII/cID2/mID52/dID226

Geno said:

Oh how times change. A little bit ago, I caved-in a bought a Ruger Gunsite Scout. Somehow it grew on me. Specifically, it was the peep sights, and the overall balance. I haven't put a scope on it, and probably won't. Given my change in attitude and affinity toward this rifle since post #25, I may just end up adding a scope in the future. Never say never, I guess.

Geno

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It's a sweet little adaptable rifle for sure.

If people have a hankering for a GSR and the money, they may like it. And they shouldn't worry about the "Scout" or "Gunsite" moniker on it. It is a rifle that can be many things to many people. That's why I just call it a GSR.

The way mine is currently set up, it's not exactly a scout. Maybe if it were called a Handy rifle . . . nah, that wouldn't work. H&R already has that name, plus it wouldn't sound cool enough for the Ruger marketing department.

Even though it outweighs the rimfire rifle below, it feels no heavier when shouldered for firing due to less metal that far out from the shooter. So yeah, it can be short and it feels downright handy.

rodregier said:

Years ago I had issues with my Ruger 77 MKII in .308 Win with NATO-spec ball ammunition (hard primers) and primer ignition.

Replaced the striker (firing pin) spring with a heavier Wolff unit and solved it.
Wolff claims the factory spring is 21 lbs, they sell 24 and 28 lb springs for the same application. My recollection is that I went with the 24 lb spring.

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Maybe Ruger did something to fix that problem. I have had no light strikes in my GSR with 7.62 NATO ammo so far.

rodregier is exactly right, Wolff Spring extra strength is the way to go for lots of rifles.

Insofar as the true purest Scout Rifle is concerned they are a bit light for me but Ruger has done some things that really make it neat:

They made it with shoot all the way through lunch magazine.

In the second generation they put spacers in the stocks so you can fit those of us with no necks all the way to the gorrillas.

They made it with laminated stock.

Installed a flash suppressor.

Improved the iron sights that are much more utilitarian over the ones Bill approved years ago.

The safety system on the MKII is probably the best in the industry.

There is a couple more things I would do to improve it even further. I would thread the end of the bolt knob and install a round phenolic ball about 1" in diameter to make it easier to work in rapid fire. You could also change it to the tapered knobs at your pleasure for about $2.00.

I would change the location of the lower sling stud to the side of the stock about 3" in front of the buttplate to allow the carry of the rifle muzzle down and close to the back so it won't hang on low branches etc. Take a look at Swiss rifles.

Redesign the rear action ring to allow for 1903 Springfield stripper clipes to be used for rapid reloading of the mags.

I have about five rifles set up as wannabee Scouts right now and they all have longer barrels and heavier barrels. I generally recycle target barrels to other rifles and set them back and rechamber them and I can have a very good trigger pull and a easily replaced scope system.

Here is how:

Take a target barrel, cut threads off and set back to new rifling and re-thread. About ten inches in front of action quickly reduce diameter of barrel down to .800" and run that to with 1 1/4" of muzzle. The last 1 1/4" turn it to .752".

Get a Weaver 92A base and drill and tap the barrel starting at the .800" diameter and mount a pistol or a scout scope on it. Base and rings can be had for about $25.00 and doesn't take anything fancy to mount the scope like $55.00 bases etc.

Put 11deg crown on muzzle.



Get black 3/4" chair leg protectors at Lowes (4 pack) and use as muzzle caps.

Go out and shoot up about 5000 rounds and set barrel back again.

If you want to get very exotic take a M16 birdcage flash suppressor and drill it out to just smaller than the theads and turn barrel down and thread 1/2X28 and screw on flash suppressor. The you can buy M16 muzzle caps for the bird cage on ebay for a few cents each and be set.

I suspect you will find you have a 22" barrel that shoots very well indeed.

It's a Ruger. I wouldnt buy one without a thorough examination.

I was looking a GSR in a local store the other day and the flash arrester was mounted crooked as hell on barrel. Didnt surprse m a bit. While Rugers are sometimes a good value, from all their obvious mistakes I have encountered over the years I believe their QC is the most slipshod among the major US manufacturers.

Hummer70 said:

I would change the location of the lower sling stud to the side of the stock about 3" in front of the buttplate to allow the carry of the rifle muzzle down and close to the back so it won't hang on low branches etc. Take a look at Swiss rifles.

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I like that idea. There is a GSR owner that did that very thing over in this thread. Look halfway down for CoyoteGray's posts.

That is a nice rifle you have there Roadkill, I was thinking on getting one of those, how is the accuracy and does it hold twelve rounds or ten?