Questions for Ruger GSR owners

[Rule3]

I mounted a Burris 2.75x Scout scope on mine.You can use the Burris handgun scope also. If you look at the specs they are pretty much the same.
A guy I know, took off the rear peep and the rail and installed the Ruger rings so he could mount a regular scope. I bought it as a Scout so left it the way . It looks exactly like the Burris ad.

Scroll left or right

http://www.burrisoptics.com/burrisusa.html


LOP and other dimensions
http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html

 

[Willie Sutton]

"Willie, perhaps he was referring to using high magnification scopes out in the "scout" position?"

Maybe, but that's not a Scout Scope. It's interesting how perverted the terms have become with time. By definition a Scout Scope is a low power intermediate eye relief scope mounted so it can be used with both eyes open, but you knew that already. People pick up bogus "Scout Rifles" put together by people with no background in the subject, using components that we would have laughed out of the Scout Rifle Conferences, and then posit that the concept doesn't work. <sigh>...


To rear backup sights: It's interesting that what was standardized at Gunsite for what I guess you would call the "Standard Scout" configuration (pre-Steyr) was the Ruger Mini-30 folding rear sight with the aperature drilled out, and now Ruger can't be bothered to use it on the so-called "Gunsite Scout Rifle" (which is, as I've repeatedly pointed out, NOT a Scout rifle).

It's just.... baffling. Truly baffling.



Willie

.

 

[fragout]

After trying out both ( fwd mounted long eye relief optics, and optics mounted traditionally over the receiver........ I prefer the latter for the following reasons.

1. Options concerning the variety of optics that can be utilized over the receiver as compared to the limited options in the fwd mount configuration.

2. The Ruger GSR does not have a cartridge clip guide, thus the action doesn't have to be open in order to feed it from cartridge "stripper" clips. A detatchable magazine system is easier and just as fast to reload the rifle regardless ....(For me at least). The same reason as to why I use the ARMS 18 mount on my M14 types in place of the cartridge clip guide.

3. Shooting with both eyes open ( Bindon aiming concept) can be achieved with a wide variety of traditionally mounted optics.....such as the Leupold VX1 1-4x20mm, and Weaver 1-3x20. Same goes for red dot sights such as the Aimpoint M68 and Vortex SPARC.

4. Less weight towards the muzzle end of the rifle.

However....... The Ruger GSR lends itself for either right out of the box.....and with the addition of the XS rail, one could have either optic mounted and still retain iron sights too boot. ( Something along the lines of how Back40 has his set up looks to be the more versatile route to take with such a rifle.)

Other than the GSR and M1A Scout/Socom16, the only other non custom production rifle I can think of right now with this kind of versatility would be a flat top AR10 type rifle such as the Ruger SR762.

Still looking into the synthetic McMillan stock for the GSR.

FWIW...... I don't view the Ruger Gunsight rifle as a "purist" scout rifle either, but am not really interested in it for that role anyways.
Who knows....... My buddy may pass it down to his kids someday (if he buys one), and one of them may prefer fwd mounted optics.

 

[R.W.Dale]

"Mounting a Scout scope is nothing I am interested in, especially with the large loss of field of view."





Uhhh.... :banghead:



They are shot with both eyes open... you can hit airborne clay birds if you do your job. Large loss of field of view? Good grief. Colonel Jeff would roll in his grave.





Willie



.

Scout scopes do not hold the monopoly on both eyes open shooting. You can do it just as well with a traditional optic.

 

[back40]

i've since sold my scout rifle. for that type of rifle/role, i just didn't care for the detachable mag, and didn't find it necessary. i also never ponied up and bought a scout scope to try out, but feel as though i prefer the traditional location. i've handled one with a scout scope mounted, and my initial reaction was that i didn't care for it. that's not to say that i wouldn't have changed my mind.

with the xs rail, i feel you get the best of both worlds. traditional scope mounting location and irons still on the rifle. however, even with a 1-4x and the lowest rings i could get, it still ruins cheek weld for me. i deem good cheek weld rather important to consistent, accurate shooting. this is also why i can't get behind the m1a/m14 platform but that's a different thread.

if given the opportunity, i'd love to spend some real time behind a scout scope. i'm just not prepared to buy one to do so at this point.

 

[Willie Sutton]

"Scout scopes do not hold the monopoly on both eyes open shooting."


No, and I never said that they did.

But they are a defining element when describing a rifle as a "Scout Rifle".

A conventionally mounted scope removes a rifle from any possibility of being described as a "Scout". Sort of like removing the mast from a motor-sailor removes the possibility of describing it as a "sailboat".

The Ruger "GSR" should be described as the "Ruger Multipurpose Marketable-to-the-Masses Rifle". It's not a Scout Rifle. It's a rifle with one identifiable Scout Rifle Feature (in the form of a possible scope mounting position). When used with conventionally mounted optics even that one distinctive feature is removed.



"with the xs rail, i feel you get the best of both worlds. traditional scope mounting location and irons still on the rifle. however, even with a 1-4x and the lowest rings i could get, it still ruins cheek weld for me. i deem good cheek weld rather important to consistent, accurate shooting"

A perfect example of not integrating things correctly and then obtaining an undesired result. There's no way to get a scope in that position down where it belongs, and it's as easy as pie to get it where it belongs for correct cheek weld if you use a LOW FIXED POWER INTERMEDIATE EYE RELIEF SCOPE that will by definition have no objective bell, and then mount it correctly in the correct Scout Rifle position. What you had was an awkward lightweight rifle with a protruding box magazine that prevented it from being carried comfortable from point of balance with one hand, set up with an inappropriate scope. That's not a Scout Rifle.

Ruger had such a good chance to build a nice Scout and they totally blew it.


"After trying out both ( fwd mounted long eye relief optics, and optics mounted traditionally over the receiver........ I prefer the latter for the following reasons.1. Options concerning the variety of optics that can be utilized over the receiver as compared to the limited options in the fwd mount configuration"


What you've said is that you don't find that a Scout Rifle suits your needs. That's fair enough. But for the latter point ... there aren't supposed to be any options for optics on a scout rifle, other than the never forseen possibility of using unmagnified electronics sights that we never addressed during the Scout Rifle Conferences. Once you start talking other magnifications, etc., you are no longer discussing Scout Rifles.

A Scout is the absolute opposite of "modular flexibility". It's a tightly integrated system where the sum is greater than the parts, and all parts operate in perfect synergy with each other. Once it's assembled, there is one configuration for use. The only change is the abolity to remove the scope and throw it away and revert to emergency sights if the scope is damaged beyond repair while the rifleman is in the field. There should be no parts to lose, remove, change, or play with.



Willie

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[fragout]

In regards to the Scout rifle concept, I agree with you Willie. One of it's greatest assets is exactly what you have described.

In the end, it will give one a very KISS rifle.

As for how Ruger markets their GSR, I also agree that the rifle is not a true (by definition) scout rifle.

With that being said, the options one has with a rifle such as the GSR really opens up the doors in what a specific individual can do with. The fine examples and pics in this thread alone (Thanks again to all here that contributed by the way) are clear in how versatile this rifle can be. So far, I have seen the GSR configured for iron sight use only, fwd mounted long eye relief scopes and holo sights, Optics mounted over the receiver with the supplied rings, suppressed and non suppressed examples, 16in as well as 18in bbls, stainless steel as well as well as the more traditional matte non SS, right hand as well as left hand bolts, and now an option of utilizing a well built synthetic stock. It also utilizes a magazine that is non propriatery and has a good reputation for reliable feeding via bolt action rifles in anything from 10rd to flush fit 3/4rd mags.
It's versatility in this regard simply allows the end user to configure this rifle to an exact set up of what one truly finds useful for one's own application of said rifle.
In the end, he/she can obtain a KISS system, and achieve it first hand, and for his/her own purpose.
I don't consider myself to be a Ruger fan boy by any means, but am extremely impressed with how said company is running as of late.

In the case of the GSR, Ruger states that if one is to own only one rifle, then this model is a good one for that purpose. In this regard, I would agree with them.
Loosing components is not the fault of the rifle itself, but that of the end user.

In the case of cheek weld, the addition of an adjustable comb would solve the difference in height between iron sights vs optic, and especially for night vision optics which tend to sit higher due to their size.

For one interested in a "one rifle" concept, the GSR has a lot going for it because of how versatile it can be, and how easy it can be converted for most types of uses if one looks at it in this light.

While I agree with you in reference to the GSR not being a true (by definition) Scout rifle, I think that they ended up with a rifle with the potential to be more flexible to the masses because of it's versatility.

 

[back40]

^ i agree with the above completely. my decision to sell mine off was purely due to personal preference for my particular use.

when i had the scope mounted, i used a stock pad to raise the comb for proper cheek weld.

although my 1-4x had no objective bell, it is a 30mm tube, so in theory a 1 in tubed 1-4 would have a smaller diameter "objective" and therefor be able to be mounted a hair lower.

 

[fragout]

I found the same to be true after trying 30mm tubes vs 1 inch tubes.

The difference is a small one, but I found it to be an important asset concerning cheek weld.

Here is a relatively low cost general purpose optic that I have found useful on various rifles, to include the M14 types utilizing the ARMS 18 gen 1 split rail mounts.......

http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-Hog-Scope-P51848.aspx

Very durable, lightweight, and compact. In addition, it sits rather low compared to 30mm tubes, and although the hold over reticles are designed with 180gr factory 30-06 loads, I have found that it coincides well with 308 168gr loads such as the SMK, OTM, and TSX.
Point blank shooting with both eyes open out to 500 yards, depending on the shooters ability to estimate range and read wind.
It should make for a decent piece of glass when mounted on a GSR or various 308 chambered AR types as well..... although I believe that a flat top AR has the better potential to utilize 30mm tube optics due to it's design, and depending on the stock one chooses to use.

 

[back40]

good info regarding how the reticle matches up with various .308 loads. thanks.

 

[krupparms]

As a disabled person who is getting older by the day. I must say I really like the GSR. It is just what I need for my AO. I have a box of good Scopes in storage. Until I can get them out, I just put a Barska 3×9×40mm on it for now. I only have the steel mag.s. but they work fine . I really think this will be my main hunter from now on. It's really a great rifle. Happy Holidays

 

[FSJeeper]

Fragout, I looked at the Hog 1x4, 2 things I do not like. The BAS I do not care for and just want a plain simple German 4A that I have the most experience with. And the smallish FOV which I prefer to be around 100' at 1 power.

I love the weight of it and compactness.

I may end up cutting the front portion of the XS Rail off to clear a scope bell giving me many more options over the straight tube. The Swaro might even work with the rail cut.

Main thing is to try to get it low enough not to require a stock change for proper cheek weld.

Still looking.

 

[fragout]

Interesting idea FS. Have you figured out how much rail you will need to remove for your plan to succeed yet?

 

[FSJeeper]

Fragout, 42mm is absolutely the largest objective that will fit cutting the front part of the XS rail off just after the second mounting screw on the front receiver. About 1/2" from the 1st barrel taper. The Swaro will fit then but then it weighs about a pound and a quarter more with the Warne quick detach low rings. PM me if you want a high def pic so you can see what I am talking about better.

Mr. Willie Sutten, nobody said anything about this being a purist Scout Rifle thread. Fragout asked some good questions and our answers may be useful to others not blinded by the Scout rifle fad.

I did not buy my GSR to be used as a Scout rifle and that was clear in my post and also the OP's. There is no doubt the GSR DOES NOT meet Coopers specs for a Scout rifle for several reasons. Myself and 3 others I shoot with DID NOT buy this rifle to be a Scout rifle, we bought ours to be a handy carbine hunting rifle to be used with a conventionally mounted scope with detachable rings and good back up iron sights with controlled round feed. Another benefit for me was that it comes in a left handed format.

Forward mounted scopes have been rightly or wrongly been tagged with the Scout Scope name even if it does not meet the purist definition. Do your research and you'll find true Scout scope advantages are not beneficial advantages over a conventional scope for many hunters.

So when you miss a shot of a lifetime on a trophy game animal due to glare from the sun behind you, or at sunrise or sunset when you loose valuable minutes due to the twilight vision loss of a Scout scope, we will laugh at you and your buddies at the Scout Rifle convention, sigh, when you blame the significant miss on a simultaneous fart at the time of firing instead of the failings of the Scout rifle concept.

Can we get back to an otherwise useful post?

 

[FSJeeper]

Sorry for my rambling.

 

[fragout]

FS.

PM enroute in ref to your HD pics.

 

[FSJeeper]

Will do.

Here is the best option so far which for FOV I choose over the next equivalant Leopold.

Looking at dangerous game Weaver and Nikon, but they are heavy enough to make me go back to the much better swaro 1.5 x 6.

Weaver V3. 8.5 oz and great FOV. With different rings could come down another 1/8th inch before hitting the rear XS sight. Still, because the stock is totally spot on with irons, I am going to have to add something to the buttstock for better cheek weld regardless of what scope I choose.

Pretty much getting to the end of the line and moving to working on a stock heightening solution.

 

[FSJeeper]

Remembered I had an old 3x9x 33 Zeiss Diavari in perfect shape in the cabinet. This would work good as I could bring it down some more with different rings and still clear the rear sight. Would at least have to bevel the front part of the rail for scope bell to not hit, possibly have to cut it.

It has too much power for what I will use this rifle fo but they used to make a 1.5 x 6 in this sizee and I know Swaro did. I would have to buy used as neither make the model anymore.

If I can find one, this may be what I go with.

 

[FSJeeper]

Here it is:

 

[fragout]

Thanks for the detailed pics FS. ( My buddy and I are both lefties as well, so it really brings what we are both looking at to light....so to speak.)

Maybe XS will produce a rear sight aperture that folds down out of the way while an optic is being utilized?

Excellent ideas non the less.

Keep me posted on your progress, and feel free to pm me in regards to this.

Question....

Where did you find the magazine shown in your pics, and are you utilizing all of the stocks spacers for your own LOP, or have you removed any?
Reason I ask is because my buddy has a very short LOP, and after this thread, my wife is also interested in a GSR. ( We both hunt hogs yr around, and it's nice to adjust various stocks for use with cold weather clothing, and revert back during the summer.)

I "split" the difference on my M14S by replacing the M14's flip up but plate with that of an M1 Garand.
My Ruger SR762 uses the typical 6 position M4 style stock, so plenty of room to position said stock for any kind of clothing and/or other equipment such as ruck straps as an example.

 

[jungle]

I like this rifle very much and don't get concerned about the precise definition of the type. It is an extremely handy and versatile piece with lots of overall utility, and the Ruger action has a lot of merit as a durable and tough model of a direct Mauser derived example of the breed. It also has a much wider choice of optics than a "true" Scout, giving the user options of irons, forward mount, conventional mount or dot all of which can be changed out quickly.

 

[FSJeeper]

Question....

Where did you find the magazine shown in your pics, and are you utilizing all of the stocks spacers for your own LOP, or have you removed any?
Reason I ask is because my buddy has a very short LOP, and after this thread, my wife is also interested in a GSR. ( We both hunt hogs yr around, and it's nice to adjust various stocks for use with cold weather clothing, and revert back during the summer.)

Got the 3 round mag from Midway and it is the poly one made by Ruger. I also bought 5's and 10's. IMO, better than the stock AI steel ones. The prices have come down to sane levels now and they are around $30 each.

I use all of the spacers for a 15" LOP.

I hunt hogs all year also and that is the main purpose for the GSR plus deer during the season. I bought the XS Rail so I can swap from a conventional scope to night vision and still have good back up iron sights.

 

[fragout]

Here is how my wife's hog/deer slayer is set up now.... (Arms 18 full rail mount)
Note: This isn't her's but is set up just like the rifle pictured, and too include the SAI painted stock and HG.

 

[fragout]

The below product is what she uses on her rifle, and should work just as well for the GSR...

http://www.beartooth-products.com/shop/comb-raising-kits/-comb-raising-kit-advantage-max-4.html

 

[Flyboy73]

I was looking at a Gunsite scout and wasn't sure what i was going to mount on it. Red dot, rear mounted scope, or Scout scope. I actually was leaning away from the scout scout. Gunshop owner, showed me his wifes ruger scout , with a leupold 2x scout scope and I really liked it with the scout scope. Put a Ruger and leupold scout scope on layaway.

Brion