Ruger Scout in 5.56

[DMW1116]

I’m in the market for a 5.56 bolt action and looked at one of these in a local gun shop. It met my criteria for such a rifle: left handed action, at least 10 round magazine, iron sights. It’s a bit in the expensive side though and I’d really like if it would take AR magazines. Does anyone have one? How accurate are they? Are extra magazines available? Are there any competitive options? A lot of rifles hit 2 of the 3 desired features.

It looked like the rear sight had to be removed to mount a scope in the conventional location. Is that the case or did I not look closely enough?

 

[springfield30-06]

I’m in the market for a 5.56 bolt action and looked at one of these in a local gun shop.

It’s a bit in the expensive side though and I’d really like if it would take AR magazines. Are extra magazines available?

It looked like the rear sight had to be removed to mount a scope in the conventional location. Is that the case or did I not look closely enough?

I have the .308 Win version of the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle. I know that the ones chambered in .223/5.56 do NOT accept the AR-15 magazines, they use AICS style magazines. Since I don't have one in that caliber, I do not know the availability of the magazines for .223/5.56.

If you wish to mount a conventional scope on the rifle, the rear sight will need to be removed. The rifle would have been shipped with scope rings from the factory.

There is an aftermarket rail system that would allow you to mount a conventional scope and still have ghost ring iron sights made by XS Sight Systems. You would need to remove the factory rear sight to mount the rail, but the ghost ring sight is integrated with the XS rail system. I have not made this modification myself as I opted to go with a long eye relief scout scope mounted on the factory rail with quick detach scope rings and kept the factory rear sight in place.

The Ruger American rifle and Mossberg MVP in 5.56mm do take the AR-15 style magazines. The availability of these rifles may be limited in the current firearms climate though...

Are you looking for a magazine fed and/or scout style rifle? Or are you looking for a 5.56mm bolt action in general?

 

[NassauBob]

Single stack accuracy International 3rnd 5rnd 10rnd available
Same demensions as .308 with adjusted follower rear sight off for low mount xs rail with rear sight used by some less costly options available that do take AR mags mossberg mvp , patrol & savage has a scout style as well

 

[ECVMatt]

Nodal Spud is making iron sights for the Ruger AR in 5.56:

http://nodakspud.com

They are scheduled to be released soon. That might be an option.

 

[Skeptic13]

I think you do have to remove the sight to mount a scope traditionally but it was designed for a long eye relief scope. I have one on my savage scout rifle and it works really well. I have a mossberg mvp in .223 that I really like. It takes AR magazines and shoots really well. It does not however come with iron sights. I mounted a picatinny rail with a scope.

 

[DMW1116]

Those sights do look interesting. I’m not sure I like the scout style scopes having never tried one. I’ll have to think about it a bit. Unfortunately the competitive options are largely unavailable right now, so I’ll likely wait until I can handle at least one other.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I have the Ruger GSR in .308 with a Hi-Lux 2-7x32 Long Eye Relief scope. It’s a dream to shoot — and an absolute tack driver! The LER scope is much easier and faster to acquire than a “traditional” scope. It looks a little different with the forward position, but if you can give one a try, I think you’ll be convinced!

I have mine mounted on a quick release mount, so if anything ever happens to the optic, I can use the iron sights (which are quite excellent.)

 

[DMW1116]

Is the scope useful all the way up to 7x? I like the idea of having iron sights as a backup or even a primary sighting system. The sights on the one I handled seemed good, as best I can tell without shooting it.

 

[Navy87Guy]

Is the scope useful all the way up to 7x? I like the idea of having iron sights as a backup or even a primary sighting system. The sights on the one I handled seemed good, as best I can tell without shooting it.

Absolutely...and the sight picture is as good - if not better - than my “traditional” mountings with a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 scopes.

 

[chicharrones]

Is the scope useful all the way up to 7x? I like the idea of having iron sights as a backup or even a primary sighting system. The sights on the one I handled seemed good, as best I can tell without shooting it.

The factory Ruger Scout sights are surprisingly good for a "ghost" ring set up. It's better than the XS ghost ring set of sights in my opinion. The Ruger rear sight is less "ghosty", which helps on a gun that isn't really a close range shooter.

Plus, you can use the Ruger front sight wings to help more precisely center that front sight in the rear aperture. Much like any US military aperture sight ever made. Can't do that with the XS version.

Of course, I still added a dab of bright paint to the top of the Ruger front sight blade to help me see it on a dark target.

 

[DMW1116]

True the opening is a little bigger than what I’m used to, but it’s also further forward so when in place it balances out.

 

[chicharrones]

True the opening is a little bigger than what I’m used to, but it’s also further forward so when in place it balances out.

If you think the Ruger opening is big, wait until you try an XS . . . it's fargin' yuge in comparison.

 

[DMW1116]

I had briefly considered XS for my 336, but I don’t hunt with it so I plan on going with a smaller aperture sight with inserts. Those XS look like you could drop a penny through them.

 

[DMW1116]

I’m used to the 1/16” opening on my Tech Sights on a Marlin 60. I have it hanging off the back of the dovetail and use it almost like a monocle. Is site-bite a thing with a 22?

 

[JCooperfan1911]

I have the Ruger GSR in .308 with a Hi-Lux 2-7x32 Long Eye Relief scope. It’s a dream to shoot — and an absolute tack driver! The LER scope is much easier and faster to acquire than a “traditional” scope. It looks a little different with the forward position, but if you can give one a try, I think you’ll be convinced!

I have mine mounted on a quick release mount, so if anything ever happens to the optic, I can use the iron sights (which are quite excellent.)

View attachment 989533

How heavy is that rifle? Does it handle well?

 

[Navy87Guy]

How heavy is that rifle? Does it handle well?

I’ve never weighed it, but by spec the rifle and scope come out at 7.1 lbs. Add some for the rings, sling, and 5-rd magazine and I’d say you’re right at 8 lbs.

It’s probably my favorite rifle to shoot...feels more like a .223 than a .308!

 

[Spug]

I've got the Gunsite Scout .308 in left-handed configuration with a Leupold FX-II scout scope. People like to hate on scout rifles, but I'm quite fond of mine. It's a little heavy with the laminate stock for extended hikes, I guess, but I haven't taken mine on any lengthy outings yet. I like how easy it is to remove the bolt, and the three-position safety. Haven't shot it in low-light conditions but the flash suppressor is a nice option to have.

I don't think Mossberg makes a scout-style rifle with a left-handed bolt action.

I've thought it would be nice to have the same rifle in .223, especially for loading powder-puff loads and/or for use with a suppressor. The latter option is not currently an option for me, unfortunately. I've got a mild fascination with the .22 Hornet, but have never heard of a left handed gun in that caliber, so a downloaded .223 might sort of fit the bill, in my imagination anyway.

 

[chicharrones]

How heavy is that rifle? Does it handle well?

I’ve never weighed it, but by spec the rifle and scope come out at 7.1 lbs. Add some for the rings, sling, and 5-rd magazine and I’d say you’re right at 8 lbs.

Sounds about right. My laminate stock version (.308 w/ 17.25" barrel) as outfitted in the pics below with a full 5-round steel magazine weighs:
Top = 7 lbs. 11 oz.
Middle = 8 lbs. 7 oz.
Bottom = 8 lbs. 13 oz.

Remove the loaded 5 round steel mag and the weight drops by 9 ounces.

View attachment 989597

 

[Navy87Guy]

@chicharrones - I use polymer magazines, and with 5 rds they weigh in at 6 oz.

 

[DMW1116]

Were I to get this rifle I’d be very tempted to leave it with just the iron sights. With some practice I think I’d be good to 200 yards for hunting or target shooting. I have to say for about 60% the price the American Ranch and some aftermarket iron sights looks very appealing too.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I also have an American Ranch in 7.62x39...it is also a tack driver. I haven’t done the mods to put iron sights on it. Mine is equipped with a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 scope.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Nodal Spud is making iron sights for the Ruger AR in 5.56:

http://nodakspud.com

They are scheduled to be released soon. That might be an option.

Nice!!!!

If they do those for the 7.62x39 or fit the x39... I might need to get one

OP, my brother had the Mossberg that took AR mags. It was a solid shooter. Mossberg bolt guns don't feel super quality, but they shoot great!

 

[Navy87Guy]

Nice!!!!

If they do those for the 7.62x39 or fit the x39... I might need to get one

OP, my brother had the Mossberg that took AR mags. It was a solid shooter. Mossberg bolt guns don't feel super quality, but they shoot great!

From the website:
“Only this caliber is offered at this time because of the barrel taper at the front. The other calibers have a different barrel profile.

The version for the 5/8x24 threaded models will come late winter/early spring”

Since the 7.62x39 has a threaded barrel, we may be in luck!

 

[dh1633pm]

I have the GSR in 308. I went polymer versus laminate due to weight concerns. I went with the MVP for .223 bolt. I replaced the bottom plastic with metal parts. I am happy with it after the changes. I was so happy with the GSR that I purchased one for my son when he got home from Afghanistan. He likes his as well.

 

[herrwalther]

Unfortunately Mossberg doesn't make the MVP in left hand version. That would fit all your requirements perfectly as it uses AR mags.