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64K views 187 replies 31 participants last post by  bai78 
#1 ·
What's the opinion on Ruger's new rifle? At first, I really didn't care for it, just a first glance, but after some reading up on it, I've changed my mind. I really think that it would be a pretty handy rifle. I've been looking for a .308 bolt action and this might be the one. I like the controlled feed vs. the push feed, and I like that they are using AI mags for this (M1A mags would have been better). I also like the mini sights, and this has the same set-up. I think back-up sights are a must have for any SHTF rifle. I do think Ruger makes one of the best looking laminated stocks out there, but I would like a Hogue or a polymer stock like my Minis have. Accuracy looks pretty good, from the article I read on Arfcom.

What say you?!

RO

P.S. sorry I don't know how to post pics.:unsure:
 
#67 ·
The XS rail is going to be THE option if you plan on mounting a conventional scope on the Ruger. It gives the gun a level of versatility and options not available with the factory rings or the factory scout rail alone. The backup rear sight is a nice feature but probably not really of interest to those who'll be running the Ruger as a short and lightweight counter sniper. The rail over the top of the receiver does add a little height but proper rings should make that a moot point.

With that said, I'm going to play with the rifle as more of a true scout for awhile and see how I like it.
 
#65 ·
The sights and muzzle-break look real original :rolleyes:

I have to admit this rifle is kind of cool. They definitely got the mag and bottom metal right. I'll start taking the M77 seriously as tactical rifle when they remove the integral scope bases.

I cringe at the thought of putting a Mark4 or Nightforce in Ruger rings.
 
#70 ·
I got to shoot at some distant targets in the desert with mine. No paper, just rocks and some steel targets. I was only using the irons and all targets were 12" or bigger, but once I figured out the dope they were all easy to hit. The max I was shooting was about 400 yards. Yes I missed quite a bit, but when everything was right I hit almost every time.

The gentleman from Ruger was using the extended XS rail and a traditionally mounted scope.
 
#71 ·
Just a side note I thought of but dont think I ever posted, tech-sight's new mini-14 rear sight should fit the scout. I'm going to be ordering one with the adjustable aperatures when I finally get one of these, I love that rear sight on my mini.

So anyway...
The jury seems to be leaning towards this being a very practical (almost always better than tactical) little rifle that is much more capable of "real world" long range accuracy than Ruger haters would care to admitt.
 
#73 ·
Tokarev,

I am very interested in the Adj Scout scope. Where did you pick it up? Once you have used it a while, a review would be nice. How are you liking it so far? Does this have to be mounted further back to allow for the extra magnification?

I believe that this is the scope that one of the Gunsite instructors was using on his rifle.

I would like to get one of those for my rifle. I have a fixed power right now that is at Leupold right now for repair. I am interested in up grading sometime in the future when funds allow.

Thanks for any information you can give.
 
#74 ·
The scout scope is available through Leupold's custom shop. I ordered mine with the German #4 reticle but they have many others avaiable.

I can move the scope out so that the ocular end is beyond the ejection port but then I cannot get proper eye relief for anything above the lowest setting. The scope is longer than I had been expecting but I don't think the additional length is going to be a problem in any significant manner.

I like the scope so far but have yet to take it to the range. The wind's been howling here for the last few days. If we ever get a brake, I'll get the gun on paper.
 
#77 ·
The wind did settle down towards evening so I grabbed my rifle and went out to fire a few rounds before dark. I didn't have much time but I got a good working zero on the Leupold scope and will hopefully have the chance to get it dialed in perfectly next weekend.

During my initial sight-in I fired three rounds touching at about 40 yards. Then I fired three rounds into 2" prone off my elbows at 100 yards.

The scope is better than the previously used M8 Leupold. It's fairly bright and the field of view is better. The German #4 reticle is easy to pick up but the central crosshairs might be a little thick for precision target work.
 
#78 ·
Tokarev,
You should be getting a commission from Ruger. Thanks again for all the updates, you've pretty much sold me on this one. Ordering one (Lord willing) on the 1st. I'll see if the mini-14 sight fits as well and maybe try out a pistol scope too. I figure if I don't like it I can always have it mounted on one of my pistol caliber leverguns.
 
#80 ·
I have been looking to pick up a good .308 bolt action rifle and was leaning towards a stainless Marlin XL7. The Gunsite Scout rifle has a bunch of features I find desireable. Like Iron sights, a rail, detachable box magazine, mid weight barrel, and laminate stocks. Sooo it looks like I'll be spending a wee bit more than I intended too...Thanks to Gunsite and Ruger...J/K

If I can find the Gunsite Scout locally for a decent price, Which I know will be more than I want to spend...I'll probably add to the cost and mount a Leupold 2x7 IER compact on it and see how I like the forward scope mount. In for a penny in for a pound?
 
#82 ·
Hey Ray,

I know a few guys have bought them from Bud's Gunshop for a decent price. I think you will be happy with the iron sights until you can afford a scope. I have been shooting my irons quite a bit and am pretty happy with them. I can hit anything around the 12" size out to 300 yards with no problems.

This is a great rifle and a joy to shoot.
 
#84 · (Edited)
ECVMatt,
I've heard a lot of good things about Buds Gunshop. For the most part I go through Boise Gun Company. If they don't have it in stock they can usually get it...Cabelas might have them and probably impact. Davidsons gun genie has them flagged as allocated, so who knows, when davidsons may get them in.

I think the Gunsite Scout is going be a good seller for Ruger. I know they got me sold as soon as I can find one...
 
#87 ·
Just as I was getting ready to leave the house, the Fedex van showed up and the driver handed me a rectangular box. Inside is a brand new Hi-Lux 2-7x32mm LER rifle scope. I didn't realize that Saturday delivery was scheduled.

Anyway, I have the scope set in some Leupold medium rings and will run it side-by-side with my Leupold 1.5-4x28mm scope. Overall length is about the same, as is the weight, etc. Optically both scopes appear about identical as well but I haven't shot with the Hi-Lux yet.

I do like that the Hi-Lux doesn't have the radical change in eye relief when changing magnification. The duplex reticle's stadia lines are thinner than the German #4 so it ought to be a bit better for shooting on paper. In addition,the Hi-Lux has more forgiving eye relief and can be mounted out in front of the ejection port where it needs to be.

Given the cost ($120 from Midway) the Hi-Lux appears to be a real winner. I'll see what happens with both optics on paper.
 
#88 ·
Not meaning to hijack, but I just got my Ruger scout and mounted the Nikon encore EER scope and wanted to share a picture. I was planning on taking it out this weekend, but the weather just would not cooperate. I hope it turns out as well as my Savage has.
Ruger vs. Savage
My apologies for the poor picture quality (cell phone)
 
#90 ·
Recently, I exchanged a few emails with John Wu of Hi-Lux optics. I told him I was interested in trying my Scout with a variety of optics and told him I'd be posting my experiences on several forums. With that in mind, he was kind enough to send my one of his 2-7x32mm scout scopes to try.

I ran the GSR today with irons as well as with the Leupold and the Hi-Lux scout scope. Both scopes are very similar in overall length and size but the Hi-Lux scope feels slightly heavier. Optically, the Chinese scope is bright and clear and compares well with the Leupold. The Hi-Lux has a finer set of crosshairs and is easier to use on paper but I do note that the Leupold's crosshairs seem a little sharper, darker and more defined. Also, the Leupold's adjustments move more freely and the magnification ring turns smoother. Not that the Hi-Lux scope is bad, by any means, but the magnification ring does feel a little draggy.

Both scopes seem right at home on top of the gun and I shot some decent groups using both scopes. But, based on versatility and magnification range, I think I have to give the nod to the Hi-Lux. I like the idea of being able to leave the scope on 2x for shooting close targets and shooting offhand, etc. I also like that I can crank the magnification up to 7x for shooting off the bench or when a stable rest is available. The Leupold's 4x setting is limiting in this regard, in my opinion. Another nice thing about the Hi-Lux is that there's no radical change in eye relief like with the Leupold.

 
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#95 ·
I have the Savage FCM (see my picture above) and based solely on feel, I have to give the advantage to the Savage. I have yet to shoot my Ruger scout, but there are a few things right off the bat I liked better about the savage. They both have positive and negative attributes, and If I ever build a custom scout I can take from both to get exactly what I want.
 
#97 ·
This may get long winded, I do not mean to disparage anyones rifle or favorite manufacturer.

On the Savage I like:
Accutrigger, accustock and recoil pad (the recoil pad on these guns is just awesome!)
The oversize bolt handle, it makes working the bolt with authority easier.
The bolt does operate much smoother than the Ruger.
I also like being able to load/top off the mag with out removing.
Even with the 20" barrel and scoped it weighs slightly less than the Ruger.

What I don't care for:
The sights while they do provide for accurate shooting they do not look rugged. I keep thinking I will break them.
Low magazine capacity.
Magazine changes are for me somewhat difficult for me.
Forward rail, would rather have one like Rugers
I would also like the barrel to be a few inches shorter maybe 18" and threaded


On the Ruger I like:
The compact size, if I was going to be swinging a bolt gun in tight cover (woods) this one would be it.
adjustable length of pull
To me the flash hider just looks cool, and the threaded barrel (I see a suppressor in my future)
Magazine capacity, and they exchange quickly
The front rail seem a lot more study that the one on the Savage
The sights are more durable.

What I don't care for:
The really small bolt handle! I can deal with everything else.

The Savage is an exceptional package, easy to handle and quick to action. It has provided accuracy under 1 inch at 100yards with the Nikon monarch EER scope.

I have not yet shot the Ruger, but have been practicing working the bolt attaining a sight picture and dry firing. The small bolt slows me down slightly when compared to the Savage. From my experience with other Ruger M77 bolt actions I expect accuracy to be excellent.

JMHO
GJW1911
 
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#100 ·
GJW - have you checked out the 10rd conversion from Sharp Shooter? Supply?
Sharp Shooter Supply - The Savage Specialists
Trying to figure out a way to do it on my 10FP's.
I have looked at them before.
Are you talking about the mag conversion or the DBM high capacity magazine?

I would like to convert my Savage to use the same mags as the Ruger for interchangeability, but that 9 round DBM magazine looks like a good answer to my problem though. I wonder how reliable it is?
 
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