The final version of my Ruger GSR?

[chicharrones]

Perhaps. Time will tell.

I tried the Scout version. Neat, but I never really got used to the scope way out there.

I tried it with the open sights, but my vision degraded enough that a ghost ring doesn't let me focus on the front sight precisely enough. I sure liked the weight and handling of the GSR in that set up, though.

Now, I'm going to try an old Simmons 1.5-5x20 scope mounted over the receiver. Not having a rear sight for backup bugged me just enough that I added a traditional barrel mounted sight. Also, the Ruger supplied #4 and #5 scope rings were a tad high, so I bought a #3 to use with the #4.

My GSR is heavier again, but I only feel that when slung on my shoulder. While aiming, the weight is further back than the Scout set up and feels pretty good.

Is the third time the charm?

 

[aubie515]

I personally like the OEM rear BUIS better than your current set up. I feel that the sight radius is too short on your rig.

I like the scout concept and that is why I bought my GSR. I know scout isn't for everyone, but I highly recommend using it the way it was designed.

 

[chicharrones]

I personally like the OEM rear BUIS better than your current set up. I feel that the sight radius is too short on your rig.

That is a valid point.

I did consider the decreased sight radius for some time, but when using the factory Ruger rings the rear sight has to be removed. So, in that configuration it has no rear BUIS.

When compared to some other rifles, the rear sight location on my GSR in this set up isn't too far out of the ordinary.

Below is a scaled overlay of the Mossberg MVP .308 with the Ruger GSR. The Ruger's front sight is further forward, while both MVP sights are further backward.

 

[Steve61]

Have you considered a red dot scope? I picked up a Scout a few weeks ago and decided to try it with an inexpensive TRS-25 red dot first. The nice thing about the red dot is that it only weighs 3.7 ounces - virtually unnoticeable. I've even been able to squeeze some decent 1.5" to 2" sized groups out of it at 100 yards - I'm still working on my loads so I hope to do even better.

I'm not sure if I'll keep it this way for good, as I'd still like to try a true scout scope setup on it someday. In the meantime I like the red dot and I still get to keep the iron sights as a backup. I do wish the TRS-25 came with a finger turnable mount bolt for easier removal, but I just keep the small hex wrench in a stock pouch along with some other items.

 

[chicharrones]

Have you considered a red dot scope? I picked up a Scout a few weeks ago and decided to try it with an inexpensive TRS-25 red dot first.

You know, I have a TRS-25 and never really thought about mounting it on my GSR. I did try it on a .22LR rifle and now have it on my Ruger Single Six 9.5" revolver.

The TRS-25 is a nice little affordable red dot. Let us know how you like it over the long term.

 

[MCgunner]

i'd have a shorter, flush with the stock, magazine if one's available were it mine for better handling in the field. But, I agree on the scout scope thing, kinda weird. I ain't high on Simmons scopes, either, but if it's what you got laying around, give it a whirl. I do much prefer a low power scope. I have a 1.5x4.5 Bushnell that I've had on several rifles which no resides on a 10/22. Only thing I don't like about THAT one is its 22mm objective. It doesn't gather light for squat in at dawn and dusk. Damned neat, rugged little scope, though. I've got a 2x10x40 Weaver I really like on my .308 Rem M7. I never messed with red dots. I don't care much for electronics, but that's just me. If I were to use one, I'd probably like it considering my old eyes.

 

[chicharrones]

i'd have a shorter, flush with the stock, magazine if one's available were it mine for better handling in the field.

Yep, I really should get me a pair of 3-rounders just due to that. But, you know me, I kinda like tak-ti-kewl bolt guns.

 

[chicharrones]

I never messed with red dots. I don't care much for electronics, but that's just me. If I were to use one, I'd probably like it considering my old eyes.

A good red dot is an eye saver for old eyes. My 49 year old peepers love 'em.

 

[chicharrones]

I ain't high on Simmons scopes, either, but if it's what you got laying around, give it a whirl. I do much prefer a low power scope.

It's an older Philippine made slug gun scope. I'm hoping it's still got some life in it and handles the .308 recoil. It has a reticle that might be a bit interesting for rifle use.

 

[Jackal]

It's an older Philippine made slug gun scope. I'm hoping it's still got some life in it and handles the .308 recoil.

Remember, that scope likely has its parallax set at 75 yards. Probably not a big deal, but something to consider. That GSR looks just like a MVP 7.62 now ( I had one). I personally am not a fan of the Williams sights. They work ok, but they feel cheap.

 

[chicharrones]

Remember, that scope likely has its parallax set at 75 yards. Probably not a big deal, but something to consider.

Yessir! True enough.

That GSR looks just like a MVP 7.62 now ( I had one).

Yep, a Ruger MVP . . . in .308 no less.

I personally am not a fan of the Williams sights. They work ok, but they feel cheap.

Is that what the Mossie has?

I installed a Marble Arms #30 base (0.875" dia.) with a semi-buckhorn blade on my GSR. It locks for windage and has a little button on the left for quick elevation changes. It's not military rugged, but it's all steel.

I did have to file the nose of the base to come back to the step in the barrel profile. A little cold blue brought it back to near factory Marble's color.

 

[tulsamal]

I like my GSR a lot. I put a third swivel on it and a Ching sling. I've never liked that Ruger muzzle device so I pulled it and put a Battle Comp on. I bought one each of all the poly magazines. They are certainly much more compact and I like the way they look. For my normal "keep in the rifle," I prefer the five rounder. But for deer hunting, I'll switch to the three round, makes it nice to carry one handed. Especially since I did go with a Scout scope. I bought the Burris version and I'm reasonably happy at this point. Used some QD mounts so I could pull it quickly if wanted.

I've heard some people complain about the triggers but mine is perfectly fine for a hunting rifle. I like the stainless and the laminate stock.

Gregg

 

[chicharrones]

I like my GSR a lot.

I've heard some people complain about the triggers but mine is perfectly fine for a hunting rifle. I like the stainless and the laminate stock.

Gregg

I like my GSR's trigger, too. It's probably 5 lbs, but when it breaks it breaks nicely.

 

[41 Mag]

Aaawww why did I have to look at your rifle.....:banghead:

I have had one of the little Ruger Compact's in .308 since they came out with them, and it is probably my most used field gun. It comes in at 6.5# with the Burris 1.5x6 Electro Dot on it and will hold 4 in the mag and one in the tube for a great little hoggin gun.

I think my oldest grandson already has dibs on it when he can sneak it away from me. He has used it quite a bit himself, starting with reduced loads and his first hog at two weeks before his 4th birthday. He likes it for all the same reasons I do and told me recently I should probably start looking for another one.

I like the looks of yours, even with the longer mag, and in fact I have looked them over a time or two but only enough to think silently "one day". Of course if I find another of the Compact's, I might just do the mag mod for it so I can have the added capacity if I want it. Never know when the Zombies might some a stalking.

 

[chicharrones]

I bet that Ruger Compact is easy to carry being only 6.5 lbs.

The GSR is more portly starting out at 7 lbs. without scope or ammo. It has a heavier barrel profile and its stock is a tad longer, let alone being laminated. But it you don't overdo the GSR with big glass and a bipod it doesn't feel too bad at all!

One nice thing about the GSR is the weight is adjustable depending on your full mag capacity. 3 rounds, 5 rounds, or 10 rounds. You might consider it recoil reducing ballast.

 

[Palehorseman]

I have been a fan of the scout concept for sometime. Here are a couple milsurps that went the scout route.

http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/early.html#

 

[jmr40]

I can live with that a lot better than with a forward mounted scope. I find that any scope with 1X or 1.5X on the bottom end is faster than irons or dots. Much more accurate too. And like you, I find the gun just balances better. The only reason Cooper wanted a forward mounted scope was to be able to load with stripper clips. Not needed with a detachable magazine.

I wouldn't have spent the money for the rear sight. In my lifetime I've never found a situation where irons were better than "quality glass". I've also seen more iron sights fail than "quality" optics.

The rear peep could be zeroed then removed. The Ruger scope mounts come off in seconds with the screwdriver on a multi-tool that is always near by and the peep could go back on. All this could be done in less than a minute if irons were wanted. You could go back to the scope in the same amount of time and in my experience will still be zeroed.

 

[chicharrones]

I have been a fan of the scout concept for sometime. Here are a couple milsurps that went the scout route.

http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/early.html#

You put a lot of thought and effort into those rifles.

 

[chicharrones]

The rear peep could be zeroed then removed. The Ruger scope mounts come off in seconds with the screwdriver on a multi-tool that is always near by and the peep could go back on. All this could be done in less than a minute if irons were wanted. You could go back to the scope in the same amount of time and in my experience will still be zeroed.

I thought much about that, too. Since the rear peep doesn't have a retainer for its attachment screw, I figure I'd lose it while fumbling with it. I mean, if I can drop a small screw in my garage or home, and have a hard time finding it, I know it would be much harder to find elsewhere.