Ruger Gunsite Scout first impressions.

[Art Eatman]

Reading through all this, it looks like the deal is that it's a good, useful rifle--but mis-named.

 

[Wolfeye]

If people are hung up about how long the magazine is, they can try one that's double stacked: http://www.alphaindmfg.com/products.html

I'm not knocking it or recommending it until I try one. Being that I haven't even bought Ruger's scout yet, that might be a while.

 

[natman]

Reading through all this, it looks like the deal is that it's a good, useful rifle--but mis-named.

I agree completely.

It's a question of managing expectations. If Ruger had been honest about it and called it the "Ruger Tactical Carbine" or the "Ruger Truck Gun", then Scout fans could simply decide that it wasn't their cup of tea and let it go.

But when you call a rifle the "Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle", Scout fans have every right to expect it to be a REAL Scout and to meet Jeff Cooper's criteria for one. Which it doesn't.

 

[cqbdriver]

Reading through all this, it looks like the deal is that it's a good, useful rifle--but mis-named.

I agree. I really don’t care what the call it, but does it serve a purpose for me.

I have been looking for a reliable durable utility/general purpose/truck gun that I carry in my truck, on my ATV or on short walk out on my land. I wanted it to be relative light, but it didn’t have to be a feather-weight because I won’t be carrying it for days – more like hours. I can hunt with it, protect myself from predators, and I could use it for self-defense if the need arouse. It isn’t perfect any of these roles, but it does all of them well.

If people are hung up about how long the magazine is, they can try one that's double stacked: http://www.alphaindmfg.com/products.html

I have tried the Alpha mag with the GSR & like it. I did have to modify it to fit in my rifle. I posted about the mod here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=573975

Two interesting things about the Alpha mag:
- You don’t have to load it like the Ruger factory mags (one hand pushing down on the rear of the round already in the mag then pushing down & to the rear with the new round). You can load the Alpha like a high-cap pistol mag (don’t have to push down on the rear of the round already in mag).
-The 10-rd Alpha mag will easy fit 11 rounds with room to spare.

 

[Elmer]

Reading through all this, it looks like the deal is that it's a good, useful rifle--but mis-named.

Not really. It incorporates features of the Cooper vision of a scout rifle. Arguably, it's the closest yet in a mass produced, affordable rifle. I certainly didn't really know the Colonel, but in my brief talks with him, I'm of the opinion he wouldn't be nearly as wound up about Ruger's effort as some of the faithful are. He'd make the comment it didn't meet the spec, suggest improvements, and move on. I think he'd appreciate that at least efforts were being made in the right direction, 30 years later.

Perhaps he'd be less happy about the "Gunsite" moniker, but Cooper hasn't owned Gunsite in a long time. They are free to imprint their brand on products as they see fit. No one complains that an F150 isn't a Ford because it differs from Henry's ideas.

 

[BikerRN]

posted by Art Eatman:

Reading through all this, it looks like the deal is that it's a good, useful rifle--but mis-named.

I agree.
What drew me to the rifle was not the Gunsite moniker, or it's supposed approval of the departed Col. Cooper or his disciples, but rather that it could serve a valid niche I have for a rifle.

BikerRN

 

[chicharrones]

My memory is very short sometimes. I can't remember what people's reaction to Springfield Armory's Scout version of the M1A was when it was released. It doesn't appear to meet Cooper's definition for several reasons.

Was negative reaction suppressed because no one would dare insult the offspring of the All-American M1 and M14? I truly wonder.

 

[shadow9]

I was diverting from a CZ 550 FS for this, but I may hold course. Jeff Coopers "Ideal" scout rifle was that - an Ideal. It was a goal. But, without some SERIOUS engineering, AND expensive materials, you're not getting a reliable (combat worthy- see firing-multi-shots-w/o-stringing), 6lb. weapon in .308. However, all the steps put into this gun DO seem appropriate, even the muzzle-flash-hider .

The stock goes straight back, which is known to throw recoil straighter into the shoulder (if I recall , and the muzzle flash hider can reduce the visibility(change for a brake?). CRF means when you shoot (unlike an M1A), there's no "Brass-flag", and there's guaranteed feed. Albiet a slower-ROF, but in a scout situation, you don't spray-and-pray your own weap.

Also, the mag in the wrong spot - The rifle was designed to be used with a ching-sling, and if you look at the mags design (flat-bottom, sturdy), plus where the balance point is of the rifle (and how a few people have displayed it), it functions as a mid-point "Bipod", in lieu of a pack. At least for aiming purposes...

The full-length picatanny rail has some advantage, where you can put a scope anywhere, red-dot anywhere, or even a scope AND red-dot. It's versatile.
The threads/muzzle brake - yes, they're "odd", but the threading also what most high-end suppressors work with. Suppressor+Bolt-action=Quiet. The only drawback I've read is this gun is 7lbs stock, and roughly 8.8-9.8 fully decked. That 10lbs loaded-out is getting heavy for a "Scout-rifle", but it's still less than an M1A decked.
"It's $750 out the door, $995 MSRP". My thought? Wait a bit...remember guys, it came out 3 months ago. It's brand-spankin'-new. Plus, it being designed with Gunsite assistance, having a Gunsite logo (and name), and AICS mags, it's gonna be pricy. How else is Ruger gonna pay off all the ads they've done for this thing?

Oh - last note, saw WAAYYY Back in this thread on Bolts - there was a post about Ruger bolts being loose. Agreed...but so do Rem700s. My Turkish M38, Swedish 96, AND the CZ's I've all played with had minimal bolt-play, if none at all. Also, all liquid smooth (CZ's need a steady and accurate feed when they're new - something working with an M-N bolt teaches you WELL ). An advantage to a "looser-fitting bolt" is a faster rack, and as long as the edges don't hang, in theory more play and clearance to work with for reliable feeding (see AK vs AR). Just a thought.
Anyways. This said "First Thoughts", so I figured I'd drop them. Cheers!

 

[USBP379]

So now that I've got my Scout, I need to dedicated scout scope to go with it. I've played with my GSR with a traditional variable power scope as well as with a Leupold M8 2x pistol scope mounted.

I am really liking the EER scope. It's fast to the shoulder and quick on target. I also like that it keeps the receiver area clear and allows unlimited clearance for the bolt handle. No need to worry about mounting the scope too low to clear or getting a finger caught while wearing heavy gloves, etc. On the down side, the 2x magnification is limiting and probably not the best choice for exploiting the overall usefulness of this rifle or the .308 cartridge.

So what options do we have? I know Leupold and Burris both make a scout scope but these are 2.5x and 2.75x respectively. Swarovski makes a 1-6x EE scope with illumination but that particular scope runs nearly $2,000. Surely there's something with similar features in a more affordable package.

 

[JustsayMo]

When I first saw this rifle I really didn't care that it did not pedantically adhere to what was scribed on the tablets brought down from the mountain by Saint Jeff. I recognized it could serve a useful purpose for me.

I dislike synthetic stocks as they never seem to balance right. They are lighter and very weather resistant but wood stocked rifles have endured and served reliably for centuries now. I'm more concerned about the weight around my midsection that I am a few ounces (within reason) on my rifle where they may actually be useful... I would have purchased the Savage Scout years ago if not for the plastic stock.

For a number of weeks now I've been taking my GSR to the range and into the field testing it. The OP's and Code Red's observations track pretty close to mine. It does not carry in the hand as well as a levergun, but does anything? I'm getting used to the detachable magazine thing - good pouches are a MUST for that to be useful.

It does single load over the top of a dry magazine easily so feeding from cartridge loops on the belt is easy. Using your "reaction / support hand thumb one can single feed over the magazine - useful when loading a subsonic round to take small game rather than hitting them with a full power JSP load and looking for something left to eat...

My main attractions to the GSR is that it is chambered in the VERY versatile 308, it has IRON sights as a stock feature, virtually any sighting system can be mounted on the rifle by me - no gunsmith or special tools required. Versatile cartridge + versatile rifle = handy gun in my book.

Full power Jacketed Soft Points and lightweight cast bullets driven super and subsonic shoot well in this rifle.


chicharonnes wrote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by LemmyCaution View Post
...reactions bordering on religious zealotry.
And that is the most amazing thing to me.

I can only imagine the jerks I'd run into at the range that would feel obligated to tell me that a Ruger Scout is not a Scout. And I would have to tell them that I don't care.

That pretty much sums it up for me too.

The buzz this rifle has generated amazes me. No it doesn't take 20 round mags and yes it is a bolt action. For some that is a good thing. I for one like choices and I'm betting everyone here is capable of picking rifles that suit their own needs better than I could for them.

I'd guess in the not too distant future accessories for this rifle will be available to address specific shooter needs and concerns. For me it came pretty darn close. That's why I bought it.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Albiet a slower-ROF, but in a scout situation, you don't spray-and-pray your own weap.

The weapon in question is not a fighting rifle. Period.

As for not needing the ability to generate a lot of firepower abruptly when working as a dismounted scout, I'm always amazed at how many people buy into Cooper's lack of thought on this matter like it's the word of God. As a scout out in front of everyone else you don't need to put a lot of lead downrange in a compressed time frame . . . except when you do. When you do need that firepower it's usually because things didn't go perfectly for you and the enemy had a better day than you did (which can never happen in manly, chest slapping militia fantasies, I know) and your life now depends on your ability to at least briefly convince them they would prefer to be anywhere else on earth rather than in the immediate vicinity of you.

A military -- or even "militia" -- scout will always be better served by something like an M4 with an ACOG than a bolt gun with a low power long eye relief scope.

As a handy gun for the truck back in the real world, Ruger looks like they have a bolt gun that will compete well with lever guns. But for that it's "combat" capabilities are irrelevant.

 

[Coal Dragger]

I find myself without a .308 literally for the first time in my adult life, as I traded off my old Steyr SSG69 in on a Cooper M57 .22LR (I have a fetish for really nice accurate .22's). Yet I have a lot of components and ammo in .308 as well as supporting reloading equipment, and I used to own a Steyr Scout. This Ruger might have to be acquired at some point despite it's shortcomings, while I would like 3" more barrel length I guess I can forgive it since it is threaded and will make putting a can on easier. It is legal to hunt big game in SD with a suppressor, so it could be useful. Would also make one hell of a pig rifle for feral hogs with a can on it when I go down to Texas.

 

[rc109a]

I think that it looks pretty neat. Like every rifle there will be those who like it and other who will hate it (or just dislike it). To each their own. Now a days we can call it what ever we like if we are the ones making the thing. It is still a neat concept...no matter what you call it

 

[alukban]

"Keep talking, I'm reloading..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbPbO8_J5cg

 

[shadow9]

Horse - I stand well corrected. Gunshop Scout reporting in for duty - I assume from your knowledge and forum-name/handle you were/are a scout at some point?

 

[berrywood]

Which Alpha mags are you using? Type 1 or 2?

 

[cqbdriver]

I am using Type 1 Alpha mag. According to their website, Type 2 mags are for rifles that can accept longer bullets. The Type 1 & 2 are the same except for a spacer in the Type 1.

 

[berrywood]

Does anyone know if the Ruger Scout can handle the longer bullets and the type 2 mag?

 

[cqbdriver]

I don't know for sure, but it looks like it may work. The rifle feed ramp has a cutout in the center that is forward of the front of the magazine.

ETA: A guy on another forum (he may be member here too) called Alpha Industries. They are supposely modifying their mags to work in the GSR. If you plan to order, you may want to call them & let them know it is for a GSR.

 

[Monster Zero]

I agree. I really don’t care what the call it, but does it serve a purpose for me.

I have been looking for a reliable durable utility/general purpose/truck gun that I carry in my truck, on my ATV or on short walk out on my land. I wanted it to be relative light, but it didn’t have to be a feather-weight because I won’t be carrying it for days – more like hours. I can hunt with it, protect myself from predators, and I could use it for self-defense if the need arouse. It isn’t perfect any of these roles, but it does all of them well.



I have tried the Alpha mag with the GSR & like it. I did have to modify it to fit in my rifle. I posted about the mod here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=573975

Two interesting things about the Alpha mag:
- You don’t have to load it like the Ruger factory mags (one hand pushing down on the rear of the round already in the mag then pushing down & to the rear with the new round). You can load the Alpha like a high-cap pistol mag (don’t have to push down on the rear of the round already in mag).
-The 10-rd Alpha mag will easy fit 11 rounds with room to spare.

What kind of EER sight is that?

 

[cqbdriver]

It is an Aimpoint H-1.

I still looking at the various scopes for the GSR trying decide what I like (plus lack of money). I may stay with the Aimpoint. Where I plan to use the rifle, you usually can't see past 100 yds.

 

[dprice3844444]

guys,check out the hi lux leatherwood 2x7x32.in the shotgun news article recently,it compared equally with the others at a way lower price.try natchez shooters supply for discounts or amazon.com. i was looking at the extra magazines,but 50-60 per pop is rediculus.has anybody noticed yet,not one of the gun writers who have been hyping this rifle has ever done a 100 yard accuracy test on this rifle?i have looked,don't want to spend over 1k and find out it's a lemon in the accuracy dept.

http://hi-luxoptics.com/

 

[Code Red]

Update to my earlier review.

I passed on the forward mounted scope and conventionally mounted a Leupold ?x7. Yesterday it put the first three cold bore shots into 5/8" at 100 yards. Another 5 or so groups were consistent with that size, but moved about 3/4" lower as the barrel warmed up.

168gr Fed. GMM.

Also shot a Rem 700 SPS tactical, same ammo, same range, same everything with a fixed power 10X scope. The Remington "tactical" rifle topped out at 9/16 inch with much better visibility of the target on the 10X scope.

For 1/16" difference at 100 yards, this rifle is as accurate as I am. If I miss something it will be my fault. What more can you ask from a rifle?