This is further discussion that has already been started in the recent scout rifle threads, but with more emphasis on a carbine that might be a better choice in the particular setting of 21st Century North America.
As the great Jeff Cooper originally proposed, the scout rifle is a good idea in concept, but I remain unconvinced that his original specs for the scout rifle are the best choice for people today, especially someone in the lower 48 states. The original mission of the scout rifle was to serve as a general purpose weapon for a scout, who was probably traveling alone in a remote location. It was not the intent of the scout rifle to be the best weapon for a prolonged fight, nor was it the intent of the scout rifle to be the best hunting rifle. It was intended to serve both roles adequately but not necessarily superbly. It was intended to be a light and short weapon that did not interfere greatly with movement. Its weight needed to be light enough that it did not hamper carrying other needed equipment. It also needed to be a quick handling weapon. The original setting of the scout rifle was Africa. The scout may be patrolling back country. He may encounter large, dangerous game. He may encounter human enemies, who hopefully could be avoided, but might need to be defended against.
But, let us consider what might be needed of a weapon with a similar mission here in the lower 48 states. The setting might be some type of societal collapse, which we will not go into. In any case, the protagonist in our setting is on the move, probably alone, and probably carrying other necessary gear. He is not a murderer, thief, or looter, but rather simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to get to better surroundings, with no intention to do harm to someone unless threatened. He is only lightly supplied, and must be able to carry his supplies on foot. He simply wants to escape and evade his current circumstance as he looks for a better place to be. He may need to defend himself. He may need to hunt game to feed himself. Being in the lower 48, his need to protect himself from large dangerous predators that necessitate a heavy caliber is low, certainly at least if he is east of the Mississippi. It is unlikely but possible he may need to make a long distance shot (say greater than 150 yards).
In the 21st Century Eastern North American scout scenario, do you think Jeff Cooper's Scout is a good choice? If not, what is the best choice?
Would a light carbine in 223 (bolt or semi auto?) be a better choice? In such a scenario would the need for several rapid shots be more probable than in Coopers African-influenced Scout? Would a 22 LR carbine be viable? How about a lever action carbine? Or maybe even a carbine chambered for the same cartridge as your handgun?
As the great Jeff Cooper originally proposed, the scout rifle is a good idea in concept, but I remain unconvinced that his original specs for the scout rifle are the best choice for people today, especially someone in the lower 48 states. The original mission of the scout rifle was to serve as a general purpose weapon for a scout, who was probably traveling alone in a remote location. It was not the intent of the scout rifle to be the best weapon for a prolonged fight, nor was it the intent of the scout rifle to be the best hunting rifle. It was intended to serve both roles adequately but not necessarily superbly. It was intended to be a light and short weapon that did not interfere greatly with movement. Its weight needed to be light enough that it did not hamper carrying other needed equipment. It also needed to be a quick handling weapon. The original setting of the scout rifle was Africa. The scout may be patrolling back country. He may encounter large, dangerous game. He may encounter human enemies, who hopefully could be avoided, but might need to be defended against.
But, let us consider what might be needed of a weapon with a similar mission here in the lower 48 states. The setting might be some type of societal collapse, which we will not go into. In any case, the protagonist in our setting is on the move, probably alone, and probably carrying other necessary gear. He is not a murderer, thief, or looter, but rather simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to get to better surroundings, with no intention to do harm to someone unless threatened. He is only lightly supplied, and must be able to carry his supplies on foot. He simply wants to escape and evade his current circumstance as he looks for a better place to be. He may need to defend himself. He may need to hunt game to feed himself. Being in the lower 48, his need to protect himself from large dangerous predators that necessitate a heavy caliber is low, certainly at least if he is east of the Mississippi. It is unlikely but possible he may need to make a long distance shot (say greater than 150 yards).
In the 21st Century Eastern North American scout scenario, do you think Jeff Cooper's Scout is a good choice? If not, what is the best choice?
Would a light carbine in 223 (bolt or semi auto?) be a better choice? In such a scenario would the need for several rapid shots be more probable than in Coopers African-influenced Scout? Would a 22 LR carbine be viable? How about a lever action carbine? Or maybe even a carbine chambered for the same cartridge as your handgun?
