Ruger "Frontier" Scout

[Cosmoline]

This came up in another thread. Looks very promising.
6 3/4 lbs, 16 1/2" barrel. Short action. Scout mount style. Sweeeet.

My guess is these are going to fly off the shelves next year:

STURM, RUGER INTRODUCES NEW RUGER® M77® MARK II FRONTIER RIFLE
November 11, 2004

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), the nation’s largest firearms manufacturer, is proud to introduce the Ruger® M77® Mark II Frontier Rifle, a compact rifle designed to accept a front-mounted scope.

“We are very excited about the Ruger M77 Mark II Frontier Rifle and the features its compact design offers,” said Sturm, Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. “The ability to mount a scope out front on the barrel rib allows the shooter to keep both eyes open, providing a wider field of view and instant target acquisition, which is a great advantage in tracking moving game. The front-mounted scope also provides long eye relief, which is important in rifles chambered for powerful magnum cartridges.”

The lightweight Ruger M77 Mark II Frontier Rifle combines compact portability with popular calibers and a front-mounted scope base to produce a versatile and practical rifle that will always be at hand when needed. This new rifle features a blued steel action and a 16 1/2” precision hammer-forged barrel bedded in a stable grey laminate stock. It is available in 7mm 08 Rem., .243 Win., .308 Win., and .300 WSM. Also included with the Ruger M77 Mark II Frontier Rifle are sling swivel adapters, patented Ruger scope rings, and a Weaver-style scope base adapter for easy mounting of today’s advanced optics.

“The shorter, lightweight stock and short medium-weight hammer-forged barrel make this a perfect combination for the outdoorsman who wants a rifle that carries lightly, shoulders easily and targets quickly,” added Sanetti. “It’s also easy to load, even with gloves on, because the scope is mounted out front, away from the magazine area. The scope base mounted on the barrel rib is cut for Ruger scope rings and minimizes stress on the scope tube.”


http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/News-11-11-2004E.html

 

[goon]

It constantly amazes me...
They take a good idea, make a good gun, and LEAVE THE SIGHTS OFF ! :banghead:

Why would anyone buy a rifle that didn't have sights. Whether I scope it or not, I rely on the sights as a backup. I won't buy a gun that doesn't have them.

 

[Northwest Cajun]

Can I get an AMEN!!
If Ruger is going for a "scout" rifle, It needs back up sights. It could use a little longer barrel IMO. 18"-20" would be better.

Cajun

 

[buzz meeks]

Goon- I happen to agree with you about the sight issue. I like iron sights. It's one reason I'm really fond of the CZ550 Lux and Fullstock versions. They have quality sights. But I think the market is doing the talking here. Most shooters I know don't care if their rifle has sights and it shows in the gunshops. Precious few new rifles around here have sights and a lot of the old rifles have their sights removed. These days I think people expect their scope will work always. Still, it's a shame to have to buy a rifle like that and then spend another hundred bucks to add a peep and post.

Now the sixteen inch barrel. That is Ruger's real mistake.

 

[Dave R]

I agree. Pretty close, but it still misses the mark on those two important issues.

 

[Marshall]

I can see it being a fast gun with the use of a dot scope instead. I would want to see it in real life to make a final judgment but, I can see merits.

 

[cracked butt]

I would almost consider buying one if the scope was mounted in the right place and the barrel was 6" longer. The stock looks nice though,

 

[Okiecruffler]

Okay, far be it from me to downplay the scout (Lord knows I've put together enough of them), but when I think about tracking moving game, I'm thinking auto, pump, or lever. Slap a scout mount on my old Marlin .444 and a 2X scope and I'm a bad man. Still I can see it being a big seller.

 

[Kjay]

The Fontier is a short lightweight rifle useful for quick shots at "closer" range. Why does it need a longer barrel or fixed sights? Most bolt rifles sold today appear to lack iron sights. This one seems to have missed Cooper's definition but then what other American production gun comes closer? Hey, even the Steyr Scout gets bad mouthed. Ruger didn't call it a "scout." I'll be taking a close look at the Frontier when it's available.

 

[goon]

Kjay - I will agree that the barrel length is OK. A couple more inches wouldn't hurt (maybe out to 18") but it would do just fine as it is. It needs fixed sights for a backup. I would probably mount a low power scope on it as was intended, but I wouldn't fully trust it. I generally prefer weaver rings because you can get them off with a coin or with the screwdriver on a leatherman. Millets are OK too but you have to keep an allen wrench with you. Then if something goes wrong with the scope you just yank it off and you still have the sights. Your hunt isn't ruined because of it.
Guess I am just a little old school. I learned to use the irons first and I still trust them. They are generally more durable than anything else and they are unaffected by most anything that the weather can throw at you. Just keep the snow off them and there ain't a whole lot that can go wrong with them.
Any way you look at, I feel that a rifle needs to have them. It is one of the deciding factors when I buy a gun. The only rifles that may get a pass on this are the extreme accuracy or extreme long range guns. (I don't own either yet, but a CZ-550 Varmint is on my wish list.)

 

[Kjay]

Goon - I undertand about liking iron sights. I too grew up with them and prefer them - if available. For the Frontier, I'd stick a Leupold 2.5x EER scope on and not fret to much. I'd like to see Ruger chamber the Frontier in .223. Don't know why they didn't.

 

[Cosmoline]

You're right--no iron sights at all! I missed that. It's a shame, since there are already nice receiver sights that fit that rail made for the Ruger No.1 They could have put a flip-up sight on the back and a standard bead sight out front.

Maybe it will be offered as an alternate version, as with most Rugers.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Here's hoping. The writer misses the point of the scout-type rifle - it is a Homeland Defense Rifle that also might be good for hunting.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Well said 7.62FullMetalJacket. But I'd say that concept is more than a little lost on Ruger.

Does anyone know if a good ghost ring exists for the ruger action that could be added later?

 

[BlkHawk73]

You all can say what you want, I'm planning on getting one. Had planned on the compact but like this better. Have absolutely no need for it; just like the look. That and it's a Ruger.

 

[Jaeger]

I'll definitely be taking a closer look when these hit the shops. Sights are a must but that is something that is easily remidied. (although I agree they should be stock) An 18"-20" barrel would definitely suit me better. I don't know....... a good set of iron sights and a stripper clip guide and I think I could be very happy!

 

[Badger Arms]

Where the heck are the sights? If they'd done any research, they would have come up with an overwhelming desire to see sights on this puppy. Somebody at Ruger is fornicating the proverbial canine.

 

[mamba]

So with the two points of contention being; 1. no sights- as asked before, can these be added later? (how much trouble?) 2. barrel length - why are you down on this length? Seems to be a lot quicker and easier to pack which would be in line with the purpose of the rifle. This isn't a match target piece.

 

[seeker_two]

I like the short barrel, but that rifle is just SCREAMING for some Williams or Tru-Glo fiber-optic sights.....

Looks like someone didn't read ART OF THE RIFLE in its entiretly...

 

[Risasi]

Kjay


Goon - I undertand about liking iron sights. I too grew up with them and prefer them - if available. For the Frontier, I'd stick a Leupold 2.5x EER scope on and not fret to much. I'd like to see Ruger chamber the Frontier in .223. Don't know why they didn't.

Kjay,

Why wouldn't you just use the Mini-14? I can find them all day long around here (Neb.) for $350 -$400 used. Retail $550. www.ultimak.com Has a great rail system for around $120.

Of course it's not bolt action. As for accuracy being a concern, chop the barrel on the Mini. Bed it. That pretty much gets it down to 2" MOA.

This just seems like YASR (Yet Another Sexy Rifle).

 

[Skofnung]

This could be the answer to my Scout problem...

If they make it with an 18" barrel that does not suck like the barrel of a Mini-14, I may consider buying it and putting aftermarket sights on it. 16" is too short for a .308 IMO. Too much !!!BLAST!!! and it's a waste of velocity.

I still have reservations about buying Ruger products, but there is nothing else out there quite like this setup, with a Mauser type action and all... If it turns out to hold under 2" @ 100 yards out of the box, I may swallow my pride and get one.

 

[cracked butt]

I may be in the minority here, but I'm not impressed with horses that are designed by commitee.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

After some thought, I'll pass. In this day and age, a "movement to contact" bolt action does not have much appeal.

 

[WYO]

7.62, I'm with you. The market certainly will decide, but to me it looks like the proverbial answer to a non-existent problem.

 

[Kjay]

Risasi - I suppose a Mini14 would do. I hadn't seen the Ultimak rail before - thanks.. I like the .223 and noticed the Ruger's Compact 77 came in such. As the Frontier seems to be the Compact with a No.1 rib attached seems an easy thing for Ruger to have done (or do). I'd hope for better accuacy with the bolt than the Mini might afford.


seeker_two - I noticed in my copy of ART OF THE RIFLE there is a "scout" pictured. It too is without iron sights. Does look like a longer barrel though.