What are you going to do with the Ruger/Gunsite Scout?
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fireside44
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Actually, that would well describe a great rifle in my opinion. Utility from a single weapon doesn't seem popular among most gun owners these days though with so many different offerings out there. The days of meat rifles are over I guess.
Myself, I'd rather maintain and feed one weapon that more or less does what I want it to do than to have five specialized ones that are useful for only a single task apiece. My wallet demands it!
Sam1911
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Oddly, it IS popular, in theory. Almost every new shooter (and some not-so-new) say they want one rifle to "do-it-all." Plinking, long-range targets, deer hunting, a coyote here or there, home defense, and "SHTF." (At least I didn't mention any flippin' ZOMBIES! ... oh, and zombies!"
)But very few of us are really as limited as such requirements would suggest. Or as limited as our grandfathers and great grandfathers were, who certainly DID have one "do-it-all" rifle -- if they could afford anything more than the family shotgun, that is.
These days guns require a relatively lesser percentage of our discretionary income, which for almost every one of us is a far bigger proportion of our income (or credit ... ha, ha...
). What self-respecting "gun guy" (or gal) doesn't have a .22 rifle in the cabinet, along with the old reliable deer rifle (lever or bolt)? And these days it seems like EVERY shooter owns at least one AK or AR because, you know, we just SHOULD, and maybe we shoot some competitions, and someday we might have to fend off a mob, and most of them can now be had for somewhere between a few hours' and a few days' pay, so it isn't a real hard purchase to justify. Heck, many of us have spent more on a TV!And then there are the cool old milsurps like grandpop carried in the war. Maybe a precision long-range bolt gun, and on, and on.
And then there's Ruger's new Scout rifle. It does nothing that other rifles don't do. It isn't terribly more flexible than other models. It isn't lighter than the lightest, isn't more accurate than the average, isn't more powerful, isn't even the most "middle-of-the-road!"
There is no reason someone needs to spend $800 on a "meat rifle" when the world is full of both new and used lever guns, Rem 760 pumps, bolt actions of every variety -- all of which are just as capable of "doing it all." And, in fact, which DID "do it all" for tens of thousands of shooters/hunters for most of the last century.
Is Ruger marketing this especially to the new hunter who REALLY only is going to have this one rifle? Naah, I don't think so. IMHO, what Ruger is doing is selling the "OFFICIAL" do-it-all rifle for the gun nut of long standing who remembers Cooper and the ideas he endorsed. And now, finally, those of us who have longed to see his dream come true (well, sort of...) can buy the "do-it-all" Scout, and give it a place of honor ... next to our Rem. 700, Marlin 336, Win 94 and M70, Ruger 77 (why not?) and all those other rifles that didn't "do-it-all" with quite so much pedigree ... or at least, fanfare.
Nothing wrong with that.
Sheepdog1968
Member
A couple of thoughts -
I went nearly 20 years with only four firearms (money limitations). Had this rifle been around back then, I would have likely purchased it becuase of its flexiblity.
If Ruger doesn't do it, I am sure someone else will make synthetic stocks for it.
I totally understand Ruger wanting to stick to a price point. I can see where if they have good sales numbers, they could either introduce an upgraded model with the extra features we all talk about (sort of like a Moss 500 vs 590). Or, they could simple make the aftemarket parts so you can buy them and keep the price point set.
At some point I'd really like to see some writers do some head to head comparisons between this and the Styer Scout. I've really got a short list of what I want anymore and I'm not as price senstive as I was in my youth. I just wonder which of the two performs better, feels better, without price being a factor (pusedo Savage Scouts have been easy to make/obtain for a long time if money is a concern).
When I travel to visit folks, I don't bring a lot of firearms (combination of space limitations and the wife). Typically, it's one pistol and one long arm. More often than not, I bring along my Marlin 336 lever action in 30-30 that I had shortened to a 16.5" barrel, ghost rings put on, and a forward mounted Leupold Scout scope. I bring that rifle because it's light, handy, and can more or less do everything just fine. Oh, and I like it very much. A scout rifle such as what Ruger has made fits the bill for what I would carry.
Jeff Cooper really liked ghost ring sights and he wrote about them a lot to extol their virtues. Ghost rings took a really long time to catch on with the public and become readily available. I think the scout rifle is no different.
Many of us are married. Our wives input often plays a factor in how much we can purchase in terms of firearms. The common question often asked is "how is this one different than x, y, z that you already own." I can really see where being able to purchase one rifle rather than 3 or 4 others can help with domestic bliss.
All just my two cents. I hope the rifle does really really well right away. That would be the best thing. Other manufacturers may take note and then make Scout rifles so that we would have many options to choose from in terms of features.
I went nearly 20 years with only four firearms (money limitations). Had this rifle been around back then, I would have likely purchased it becuase of its flexiblity.
If Ruger doesn't do it, I am sure someone else will make synthetic stocks for it.
I totally understand Ruger wanting to stick to a price point. I can see where if they have good sales numbers, they could either introduce an upgraded model with the extra features we all talk about (sort of like a Moss 500 vs 590). Or, they could simple make the aftemarket parts so you can buy them and keep the price point set.
At some point I'd really like to see some writers do some head to head comparisons between this and the Styer Scout. I've really got a short list of what I want anymore and I'm not as price senstive as I was in my youth. I just wonder which of the two performs better, feels better, without price being a factor (pusedo Savage Scouts have been easy to make/obtain for a long time if money is a concern).
When I travel to visit folks, I don't bring a lot of firearms (combination of space limitations and the wife). Typically, it's one pistol and one long arm. More often than not, I bring along my Marlin 336 lever action in 30-30 that I had shortened to a 16.5" barrel, ghost rings put on, and a forward mounted Leupold Scout scope. I bring that rifle because it's light, handy, and can more or less do everything just fine. Oh, and I like it very much. A scout rifle such as what Ruger has made fits the bill for what I would carry.
Jeff Cooper really liked ghost ring sights and he wrote about them a lot to extol their virtues. Ghost rings took a really long time to catch on with the public and become readily available. I think the scout rifle is no different.
Many of us are married. Our wives input often plays a factor in how much we can purchase in terms of firearms. The common question often asked is "how is this one different than x, y, z that you already own." I can really see where being able to purchase one rifle rather than 3 or 4 others can help with domestic bliss.
All just my two cents. I hope the rifle does really really well right away. That would be the best thing. Other manufacturers may take note and then make Scout rifles so that we would have many options to choose from in terms of features.
Andrew Wyatt
Member
Even without a detachable magazine, not having to load under a scope is huge.
Also, you'll notice that those videos cover engagements from under 25 yards to over 400. if i have to shoot at something under 25 yards, i'm not going to have time to go home, get in my safe, and get a shotgun or whatever.
the ruger scout is exactly what i was aiming for when i had my LTR built. the only problem is the bolt handle is on the wrong side.
fireside44
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Theory and practice are two different things no doubt. I think "scout" rifles aren't that popular because they are a compromise of sorts and every person has different areas they are willing to compromise than others, therefore, everyone's version of "utility" becomes based on their own perceived or real needs.
Myself, I'd rather a heavier barrel and a bit more weight. Others might prefer a lighter rifle. Some guys would like the maximum handiness of the short barrel, while others would rather sacrifice some handiness for a little ballistic edge. Some might want the increased capacity, others might take poorly to the magazine protruding so far.
I think if I created a "your dream utility rifle" thread we would see a huge variation in what people would list as their desired attributes of their weapon of choice. I think this is why "scout" rifles generally aren't that popular and a reason why I think this Ruger model will fare rather poorly sales wise, as it seems to have some poor "compromises" unsuitable towards what most people would desire in a utility weapon.
Sure, for some, it will be the perfect rifle, but for the vast majority of others looking for an off the shelf utility or scout weapon I think it kind of comes up short in it's overall compromises, with the short barrel, big mag, and other questionably useful extras that drive the cost up. Neat looking little gun though.
I enjoy reading and responding to your commentary, good stuff.
JustsayMo
Member
Sam1911 and Sheepdog1968, excellent posts guys!
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Andrew Wyatt
Member
the peep on the ruger is large and has a thin border, from what i understand.
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chicharrones
needs more ammo
Thank you, Dobe. I can't wait to see what you think of it after a trip to the range.
Post the outcome in your own thread so it won't get lost in the clutter here.
Post the outcome in your own thread so it won't get lost in the clutter here.
Sure.
So far, I like the looks and the feel. I researched a lot of threads from a lot of different forums before I bought. Most of the negatives I read about are:
So far, I like the looks and the feel. I researched a lot of threads from a lot of different forums before I bought. Most of the negatives I read about are:
- Don't like the flash suppressor - I do like it, because the barrel is threaded, and will adapt easily to a sound suppressor. Also, it does protect the crown.
- The mag can't be topped off - Most people saying this are not thinking about their AR, AK or FAL, etc. Since you have a detachable mag., it is just as easy, if not easier to swap out mags.
- Ruger should have adopted the M-14 or FAL mags. - Ruger would have had to widen the magazine area in order to accept those mags. This would have added to the overall weight, and reduced the handiness of the rifle. Also, because of the out-of-spec M-14 and FAL mags on the market, Ruger does not wish to have added warranty work stemming from bad mags.
- The Ruger Scout will not carry well one handed. - With the scout scope in place, the balance point seems to be just in front of the mag. Place your hand there, with the back of the hand against the mag. It works out well in my home, but will feel better about this after a few hours in the field.
- The barrel is too short, too much vel loss - I'm not really sure about this. I like the compact size, but will evaluate this later after field carry and use. So far I've read and have seen videos from Gun Site where they claim only a 25 fps loss per inch starting from a 22 inch barrel. If so, I can live with that.
- The stock should be synthetic, in order to keep the weight within Scout specs. I like the laminated stock for the this type rifle better than a standard wood stock and many of the composite stocks. I would prefer to judge this on an individual basis. In order to keep the street price below $900, expensive synthetic stocks were not an option - makes sense.
- This isn't the way the Colonel would have done it. - If the scout concept is to survive, it will have to evolve in the same manner the AR and other platforms did. It's that simple.
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I Have 3 scout rifles and a mini 14 with a scout scopes.
A Savage bolt 308, a Browning Lever action 308 and a Rossi lever in 454 Casull, also have a Scout scope on my Mini 14, all Leupolds.
For long range shooting I use a Remington 700 or my new AR-15 in 30 AR.
I use them for hunting in tree stands in heavy brush or when you have shot range shots.
From the bench I can do 1 to 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with all of them.
I killed deer with them from 50 to 100 yards but have a hell of a time looking thru it right before dark, they are best to use in the morning or daytime hunts.
Shooting off hand and plinking they are a lot of fun and they are the rifles I shoot during the summer.
In all they are great rifles if you happen to see a wild hog or a coyote and need to do a quick accurate shot.
If you live in the country it maybe the rifle you need to have with you all the time fto fend two leg snakes.
A Savage bolt 308, a Browning Lever action 308 and a Rossi lever in 454 Casull, also have a Scout scope on my Mini 14, all Leupolds.
For long range shooting I use a Remington 700 or my new AR-15 in 30 AR.
I use them for hunting in tree stands in heavy brush or when you have shot range shots.
From the bench I can do 1 to 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with all of them.
I killed deer with them from 50 to 100 yards but have a hell of a time looking thru it right before dark, they are best to use in the morning or daytime hunts.
Shooting off hand and plinking they are a lot of fun and they are the rifles I shoot during the summer.
In all they are great rifles if you happen to see a wild hog or a coyote and need to do a quick accurate shot.
If you live in the country it maybe the rifle you need to have with you all the time fto fend two leg snakes.
Sheepdog1968
Member
Where did you find it in stock? Good for you!Hey, I just bought one. It is sitting between my .243 deer rifle and my FAL Zombie gun. Now, if I could just afford that Noveske, I'd be set.
Sheepdog1968
Member
Good point. Looks like it might be in between the two. On a mini-14, I just had the rear hole in the sight drilled out till it was a ghost ring. Part of the point I was trying to make re ghost rings was that they were unpopular for a long time but little by little, they are becomming more common. I think the Scout concept is similar to this. It just needs more time to become popular. A rifle with this price point may have more people to opt to purchase it and experience a Scout rifle whereas the Styer scout was on the pricey end. I don't let cost dictate everything but having a lower price point for a scout rifle has got to help.
ECVMatt
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I just bought mine and I am very impressed. This is not some cobbled together Franken-rifle.
I was very impressed with the overall fit and finish on the rifle. All of the components go together well. I did not have a trigger pull gauge, but the trigger on the one I bought had zero creep and seemed to let off about 3lbs. I normally put Timney triggers in all my m-77's, but this one will remain stock. I really like the iron sights and this is the main reason I bought the rifle. I plan I sticking to irons for a while. They have a clean sight picture and line up perfect with the stock. Over all I am extremely pleased with this rifle. I hope to get out and shoot it this weekend. I will report further when I actually get to put some rounds down the tube...
I was very impressed with the overall fit and finish on the rifle. All of the components go together well. I did not have a trigger pull gauge, but the trigger on the one I bought had zero creep and seemed to let off about 3lbs. I normally put Timney triggers in all my m-77's, but this one will remain stock. I really like the iron sights and this is the main reason I bought the rifle. I plan I sticking to irons for a while. They have a clean sight picture and line up perfect with the stock. Over all I am extremely pleased with this rifle. I hope to get out and shoot it this weekend. I will report further when I actually get to put some rounds down the tube...
You are a man on a mission. Actually, I plan to hunt this next year with my Scout, and if I happen to see a Zombie, I'll make sure I have the appropriate tags.
The real question would have been, if I never had purchased the Scout, would I pick up the .243 or the FAL, if I were to go deer hunting during a Zombie invasion? Get the point?
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