Ruger Gunsite Scout owners

[Hotshot10]

I'm interested in knowing some impressions of this rifle, in terms of how it handles, how it shoots, and how it holds up.

I've read a lot on the concept, from Jeff Cooper's original article to a dozen threads debating semantics (what "scouts" do) and the usefulness of the concept. I'm not interested in that, per se, but rather in the impressions of those who own them.

Before anyone asks if I know how to use the search function, I did run a search. Nothing specifically geared toward this appeared.

 

[aubie515]

I like mine...it's light weight with a useful 16" barrel that's already threaded and ready for a suppressor. Uses AI/AI clone mags, which I already had since I have another rifle that uses AI mags, so I can share mags with more than one rifle.

GSR has iron sights as well, so there isn't anything I truly dislike about the GSR. I just wished it was offered in a synthetic stock, since I like them better than wood/laminate stocks.

I have a Leupold 2.5x EER optic on mine and I'll be using it this hunting season for deer and bear.

 

[Hotshot10]

I have a Leupold 2.5x EER optic on mine

How well did you adjust to using one of those? Are you shooting with both eyes open, or with one closed?

 

[Centurion75]

I have one. I purchased it a few weeks back after looking for one for weeks. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite rifles. So far I have only used it at my clubs 50 yard range but 3 shot groups with the iron sights are small. Really small. My next trip will be to my clubs hundred yard range.

The trigger is outstanding for a production gun.

The rifle is small and handy. I think it is about the length of my mini-14. I haven't even messed around with the included stock spacers yet. The way it was setup from the store with 1 of 3 inserts installed fits me perfect.

The rion sights are awesome. The ability to mount either a forwad optic or a scope in the traditional (over the receiver) spot is very appealing to me because with quick release scope rings I will be able to swap optics very easy.

I will try and put up some pictures later today.

 

[Hotshot10]

NeuseRvrRat, eighty percent of content on the "threads/reviews/etc." are by people who have never owned one discussing the concept. I'm not concerned with that. What I'm interested in is the reports of people who own them and have shot them a fair amount.

 

[jungle]

Having used cobbled together Scouts based on a Remington Seven and 700 for years I have found the Ruger interesting. The largely Mauser derived action is tough and simple, the whole rifle is geared to hard use.

Took it out of the box, used a little locktite on the rail and rear sight screws, mounted a Leupold scout scope in Leupold rings and headed to the range.

Crisp trigger, nice balance and handiness. I was able to shoot around an inch at 100 yards with good ammo and it seemed to shoot a variety of ammo well.
Overall it makes a pleasing package that meets most of the types criteria.

It is a little heavier than ideal, but I like that and much of that weight is in the barrel-the barrel itself seems quite smooth and showed almost no evidence of fouling. Hammer forging has proven to be a good way to make a tough and accurate barrel. Not a huge fan of laminate stocks, but in this application it works well, durable with good grippy checkering and the ability to adjust length. Many seem to underestimate the cost of a really good synthetic stock, the plastic many makers use just won't cut it.

The mags are high quality, but a polymer mag would be cheaper and lighterand they are now available.
Don't care much for the length of the ten round mag.

Handy, durable and suitable for most of what I use a rifle for, I think you will be pleased if this meets your concept of utility.

If you like the Scout concept this is the best choice available at a reasonable price.

 

[SammyIamToday]

I wish I could add more, but I haven't fired mine yet (tomorrow will be the first time). Had for a few weeks now, so shameful. I have the lefty version.

I'm still trying to decide on what optic to put on mine. I have dry fired with snap caps and am impressed with the trigger and handling. For a handy do everything rifle, it seems to fit the bill.

Going to break it in with irons tomorrow, I'll try to add more impressions then.

The one downside so far is I don't care for the magazine it shipped with. Looking at Ruger polymer and AI metal replacements.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

 

[swiftak]

I love mine. Bought a 5 round mag so I can deer hunt with it. Can't use a 10 rounder in NH.

 

[TimboKhan]

Allrighty. Problem solved. Off Topic has been deleted, responses to off topic have been deleted. Further off topic discussion or complaints about off topic discussion, and I am closing this.

Now then, I DO have a Ruger Scout. I like it a whole bunch, and it is now my main hunting rifle. I bought it a few months ago for a hog trip I took in April, and it worked just fine on that trip. What I like about it practically is that it's short, easy to carry and it functions just like it should. Accuracy is plenty good for hunting.

Less practically, I really like the options. I like that I can change length of pull (though I didn't), and I like that I can mount a scope/red dot either traditionally or in the scout format. I really like that it has iron sights. Honestly, it's the flexibility of the rifle that I like so much, combined with the practical nature of the caliber. For hunting and a GP rifle, I don't know that I could really ask for much that I would like more.

 

[aubie515]

I shoot a lot with both eyes open, but it wouldn't be an issue if you shot with just one eye open as well. It all boils down to personal preference.

I read some people bad mouthing the scout concept and that's their choice. I can tell you having owned many firearms that I'm very happy with my Ruger GSR purchase.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Allrighty. Problem solved. Off Topic has been deleted, responses to off topic have been deleted. Further off topic discussion or complaints about off topic discussion, and I am closing this.

Now then, I DO have a Ruger Scout. I like it a whole bunch, and it is now my main hunting rifle. I bought it a few months ago for a hog trip I took in April, and it worked just fine on that trip. What I like about it practically is that it's short, easy to carry and it functions just like it should. Accuracy is plenty good for hunting.

Less practically, I really like the options. I like that I can change length of pull (though I didn't), and I like that I can mount a scope/red dot either traditionally or in the scout format. I really like that it has iron sights. Honestly, it's the flexibility of the rifle that I like so much, combined with the practical nature of the caliber. For hunting and a GP rifle, I don't know that I could really ask for much that I would like more.

How is the accuracy with such a short barrel for the caliber? What is the use of a flash hider on such a rifle? Brush use seems like it would suit this rifle, but so does a Marlin 30-30. Why would anyone WANT to buy this when there are others to fill the niche?

 

[splithoof]

I have put about 1,500+ rounds through one, and really like it a whole lot. At 100 yards, it shoots the same hole 3X, using 168 match bullets and H4895. I prefer Alpha mags, they hold ten rounds and are much shorter than the steel factory version. I installed a Leupold 1.5-5 EIR Scout scope with the new Fire Dot reticle, and it really helps in low-light shooting. The 30mm main tube has lots of adjustment, and the Leupold QDR low rings allow me the use of irons if the scope goes south (doubtful). The rifle easily throws empty cases several feet, and cycles very smoothly. The trigger is excellent out of the box. Once you start to use the GSR in field situations, you won't go back. Getting in and out of vehicles is really easy too. The only regret I have is not buying the other four on the rack at the time.

 

[seeker_two]

How does the action on a GSR compare to the Ruger American rifle?

 

[langloisandy]

Hotshot,

Great rifle! I snagged one a while back and LOVE it. I have owned, built and shot MANY MANY MANY Scouts over the years (and I run the Scout Rifle forum www.scoutrifle.org ) so I sorta have a basis of knowledge on the subject.

While not truly a "scout" per Jeff's definition, it is close enough, it works and gives the shooter a fast shooting rifle in a decent caliber that handles well.

I just intro'd a two point sling for the Ruger/Scout/Rifles yesterday, modeling it is my Ruger, http://www.scoutrifle.org/index.php?topic=2119.0 .

I have used a few optics and stick with the Leupold, but I REALLY like the Aimpoint T1/H1/R1 series on the Scout.

My two cents....

Andy

 

[meanmrmustard]

How does the action on a GSR compare to the Ruger American rifle?

Smoother. Both are nice, but the GSR was more so.

 

[seeker_two]

I wondered....with the cost of both, it seems one could get an American, cut & crown the barrel, and install a scout mount for far cheaper than the GSR.....and still have a lightweight, general-purpose rifle close to the Scout concept.....

 

[TexAg]

The American is not a controlled round feed like the GSR.

 

[Hotshot10]

Thanks, all, for the feedback. From what you've all said, it seems like a pretty solid rifle.

 

[TimboKhan]

What is the use of a flash hider on such a rifle?

Uh... To hide flash, dude.

I have shot it out to 300 yards at my range, and it was right around MOA, which is honestly about what I expect from any new rifle these days.

30-30 is a wonderful old cartridge, and I own a model 94 chambered in that, but the .308 is a better cartridge in virtually every way, so thats one reason. Second reason is that none of the current options are as versatile as teh scout, which is really meant to be both a hunting and defense rifle. Thridly, don't forget that the scout LoP can be easily changed in minutes, so you can make the rifle fit you!

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

gonna take a lot more than that to hide the flash from a 16" .308 barrel

 

[Art Eatman]

I shot some 20 rounds through a friend's Scout. Overall, good rifle. My only gripe was the hang-down mag, which has been resolved via the five-round mags.

I see it as, among other things, a heckuva good truck gun for a rancher. Good general purpose rifle.

 

[Unistat]

I like mine...it's light weight with a useful 16" barrel that's already threaded and ready for a suppressor. Uses AI/AI clone mags, which I already had since I have another rifle that uses AI mags, so I can share mags with more than one rifle...

This is the first time I've heard this. I always heard that Ruger had to develop a new mag that was proprietary (as usual for them.) Good to know.

 

[splithoof]

Be careful when ordering new mags; there was some issue between the differences between Alpha, AI, and Accurate (factory mfg) for the GSR. I use the Alpha mags, and believe the quality to be 100%, although I recall they were slightly modified from some of their other offerings. Too bad that they don't interchange with HS Precision, oh well. Now that Ruger produces a non-metal version it may all be moot, as likely those will be very reliable and cost a lot less.