rbernie
Contributing Member
Actually, I believe the thread content was pretty consistent in talking about 'scout-style' rifles (and specifically about the pros and cons of forward mounted scopes) rather than 'Scout' rifle, so as to preclude the "Keepers Of The One True Scout Flame" from getting their panties in a wad over the strict and immovable definition of a 'Scout' rifle. That was probably the reason for the word 'variations' in the thread title.what is the point of having a thread about scout rifles if we are not going to be talking about scout rifles ?
I Googled this a while back, and found a decent compilation of the Scout concept as gleaned from Coopers' many writings. To keep "The Keepers Of The One True Scout Flame" happy, a 'Scout' rifle is (as defined by Col. Cooper):
- Weight-sighted and slung: 3 kilograms (6.6 lb). This has been set as the ideal weight but the maximum has been stated as being 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds ).
- Length: 1 meter (39 inches)
- Barrel length: .48 meter (19 inches)
- Sighting system: Forward and low mounted (ahead of the action opening) long eye relief telescope of between 2x and 3x. Reserve iron sights desirable but not necessary.
- Action: Magazine fed bolt action. Detachable box magazine and/or stripper clip charging is desirable but not necessary.
- Sling: Fast loop-up type, i.e. Ching or CW style.
- Caliber: Nominally .308 Winchester (7.62 x 51 mm) or 7 mm - 08 Winchester (7 x 51 mm), with .243 Winchester (6 x 51 mm) being considered for frail individuals or where "military" calibers are proscribed.
- Built-in bipod: Desirable but not mandatory.
- Accuracy: Should be capable of shooting into 2 minutes of angle or less at 200 yards/meters (3 shot groups).
Best I can tell, he DID think the scope necessary - the backup irons were optional.That is interesting that Cooper doesn't consider the scope to be mandatory
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