Ruger Scout Rifle

[splithoof]

^^Well said. I do enjoy all the "back & forth" discussion on what a "Scout Rifle" really is, and I fully realize that the GSR from a purist definition does not make the cut. However there is some good historical learning going on here; if it weren't for Ruger and the current owner of Gunsite coming out with the GSR model, I think the history of the true Scout concept would have eventually faded with the passing of those who worked to define the original concept. Being fortunate enough to have toured the Sconce on a few occasions, and to still regularly shoot with a few of those from the early days, it is indeed neat to see some early conceptual examples.
When I took the Scout Rifle class, there were a couple of examples that met the standard, a few of the Steyr configurations, and the rest were GSR's. From what I saw, the guys using the Steyr Scouts made more consistent hits from day-one, but they had also taken other rifle classes there previously, and were highly skilled as were the instructors.
One of the major concepts that I came home with (and have believed for many years) was that personal weapons are just that, personal. If you like it and can run it to good effect, then use it.

 

[ECVMatt]

You might not be sucking wind so hard if your rifle (AND your pack) were lighter.

A pound on your rifle, which spends (or should spend) most of the time in your hands is NOT the same as a pound in your pack.

I think is has more to do with going from Sea Level to Sub-alpine in one day than a couple of pounds. If I ever get to the point where two pounds makes that big if a difference, then it is time to stop hunting. I often have to carry my deer out and even reduced to quarters, it weighs more than a couple of pounds.

I think this has gone too far off topic, sorry OP.

 

[natman]

I think this has gone too far off topic, sorry OP.

I don't see how, the question of weight is certainly pertinent to any discussion of the relative merits of the Ruger GSR. To quote the OP:

Weight is a good issue to raise for hunting. I shall consider this carefully.

 

[scaatylobo]

Have one also !

Owned a GSR for well over a year.

Now see that the LIR scope is not to my liking,and will look at a 2.5 to 9 [ or thereabouts ] for a better long range shooter.

I am very rifle [ and total pack ] weight conscious as age and replaced knees make that a issue.

But as much as I LOVE the Rem.#7,the weight of the GSR is not a huge issue.

As long as I am not planning a real long hike/hunt.

I am looking at the Ruger lightweights,same caliber and might take a shot [ so to speak ] and see if I can "enjoy" the recoil of the lighter rifle.

So far the GRS and I have a love affair !!.

BUT remember that I LOVE military style [ built to take anything ] long guns.

 

[peacebutready]

I personally think one of the Ruger American Compacts in 308 is a better scout rifle than the Scout. I ended up buying 2. One in 308, and one in 223. They are lighter, 2-3" shorter even with the longer 18" barrel and shoot great, around .75 MOA.

How much less robust are they compared to the Scout? Thinking in terms of a truck rifle that may be knocked around a bit.

 

[Panzerschwein]

^ I think you are forgetting firepower.

The RAM only has what, a 4 round detachable mag? The GSR can take 10 rounds mags for much greater firepower in general.

But otherwise I agree. If they released a compact .308 RAM that takes 10 round mags, I'd be all over that like chedder cheese on apple pie!

 

[Drue]

I like the concept but have trouble with the magazines. I like the availability of 10 and 20 shot mags but the fact that the 5 rounders are not flush and interfere with the natural carry is a nuisance. Mauser invented the double stack mag in what 1893? If the GSR had been designed around M14 mags , which come in 5 (flush fit). 10 or 20 rounders it would br great.


Drue

 

[biscuit82]

How does it compare to Mossberg MVP PAT 16THB 762

 

[JustsayMo]

I like mine a lot.



308 is amazingly versatile. I shoot mostly cast bullets, 115-220grains, both super and subsonic velocities. In Jacketed bullets I've had the best luck with bullets around 165 grains driven hard. IMR 3031 seems to get the most velocity accurately. Varget and IMR 4064 are good too but give up about 100 fps in the GSR.

I too like a robust rifle. I've not babied mine and it holds up great. I use the five round magazines - both poly and steel. I like the poly a little better for the weight reduction and they have less sharp edges so they ride comfortably in my trouser cargo pockets. I've had mine since it was introduced. It is a keeper.

 

[chicharrones]

The GSR sure looks natural without a scope or forward rail.

 

[peacebutready]

I like mine a lot.

I too like a robust rifle. I've not babied mine and it holds up great. I use the five round magazines - both poly and steel. I like the poly a little better for the weight reduction and they have less sharp edges so they ride comfortably in my trouser cargo pockets. I've had mine since it was introduced. It is a keeper.

Looks good. The poly mags go for about $30 on sale, even to the 10 rounders.

I prefer an 18" barrel which they have but it's stainless, which doesn't look as good, IMO. I read if you go down to an 18" barrel from more traditional lengths you won't lose much in velocity, but below that and you're looking at losing some.

Definitely a do it all rifle.

 

[JustsayMo]

I read if you go down to an 18" barrel from more traditional lengths you won't lose much in velocity, but below that and you're looking at losing some.

In my own experience that is generally true. I can get more velocity but the reality is the most accurate load in my 22" barreled 308 rifle is a 165 gr JSP going just over 2600 fps.

The most accurate load in my 16" GSR using a 165 grain JSP averages 2575 fps.

That 2600 fps seem to be a sweet spot for some (most?) 308 rifles with the 165ish bullets. Even commercial Match ammo gets around that in my longer barreled rifle (but not the GSR).

A majority of what I shoot in my GSR is subsonic. The Lyman 311284 drops 220 grains with my alloy and is very accurate in my 30 caliber rifles at both super and subsonic velocities. The subsonic loadings are great fun (and quieter) on steel targets without damaging them.

Another load that I shoot a LOT of is the Lyman 311008 (115gr) bullet pushed to 925ish fps. It is a great bunny/Grouse/vermin buster and an even better way to introduce young or new shooters to centerfire rifles. The recoil and report is rimfire like and even buying the lead the cost is less than a dime a shot.

In this state it is legal to take Grouse with your rifle during Deer season. If you want something to eat afterward it is best NOT to shoot them with your Deer load.

 

[tulsamal]

Timely post. Just this morning I was thinking about how much I like my GSR and that I should start carrying it around the property for general utility. But I didn't want to go full power .308 for a skunk or other sized vermin. So I was thinking about some of the light for caliber jacketed bullets and what powder might work. I've done a lot of things with hardcast lead bullets... but only in handguns. Think the only rifle I've put lead through is the 45/70. Any advice on which mold to buy, where to buy it, etc? You didn't mention what powder you were using? I have some lead stashed away. Sure wish I had a lot more... you buying local or is there an internet spot you want to mention?

Really great rifle. Maybe a person has to actually own one for a few months and spend some time actually handling it and carrying it in the woods before they can really appreciate it. Five seconds behind a gun store counter probably isn't enough!

Gregg

 

[JustsayMo]

A VERY good cast bullet in all of my 30 caliber rifles is the Lee C309-113F, aka the "Lee Soup Can." It's about $20 with handles at MidwayUSA. I shoot it both with and without the gas check. I pan lube and use the Lee .309" push through sizer with all the cast bullets I run through my GSR.

At subsonic velocities it will print very near the your full power Jacketed hunting loads zero out to 50ish yards which makes it very handy for taking small game while out hunting Deer/Bear/Elk (assuming doing so is legal in your state).

At Supersonic velocities it makes a great varmint round but the rifle's Zero will not typically correlate with other loads. At 100 yards it I'm generally about 8" higher than my JSP load zero. I do use Gas Checks when running these supersonic.

Mighty cheap to shoot too...



I've had very good luck with all of these cast bullets in my GSR. It doesn't seem finicky at all. Most used is probably the Lyman 311008, mostly plinking and trigger time but handy for vermin and small game too.

Next most used is probably the 311284 220 grain. Beyond 100 yards I run it supersonic and it does well knocking over the 200 yard fullsized Rams and makes a satisfying ringing clank on steel targets without abusing them.

For longer range paper and steel matches/shoots I REALLY like the 311334. I've only had it out as far as 400 yards and I'm sure it is capable well beyond. I generally push it over 2,000 fps with SR4759 or IMR4198. WAY fun and this bullet shoots VERY well in my 30-06's too. Might be THE most accurate cast bullet in 30 caliber bolt guns I've used.


Lyman 311334

The versatility of the 308 in the GSR package is tough to beat. I might prefer an internal, stripper clip feed (like a 1903 A3) over a magazine but being able to load an eleven (yes the magazine that is issued with the GSR will hold eleven) round magazine in the bottom and run the carbine course at the range is kind of nice too. About my only other beef would be the sights. Again the 1903 A3 style with the thinner front blade and more easily adjustable rear sight would be ideal in my opinion. Still, I haven't found better.

 

[rodinal220]

I really like my GSR .The only negative is the cheesy 10 round factory mag. If you like the 10 round concept, but want/need better mags get the Alpha Type 2 Magazine. The GSR makes a lot of sense for those living in areas not MSR friendly.

http://www.alphaindmfg.com/

http://gunsumerreports.com/review_alpha_industries_type-2_10-shot_magazine_p1.php

 

[chicharrones]

I prefer an 18" barrel which they have but it's stainless, which doesn't look as good, IMO. I read if you go down to an 18" barrel from more traditional lengths you won't lose much in velocity, but below that and you're looking at losing some.

Here's the weird thing about Ruger's specs regarding the 16.5" and 18" barreled GSRs. Both are about 3/4" longer in reality than on paper. So, 17.25" and 18.75" respectively.

Believe it or not.