Perfect action for the Scout rifle

B

Blue Duck357

New member
O.K. I don't have one, have never held one,and will never buy one of the STEYR scouts. But all this talk about them has me thinking that the action is really the main problem on Jeff's dream rifle. Steyr built the thing so sure they've got to use thier own action for it, but what would you say is really the "best" action for this project?

My thoughts are a short action Mauser model 98 (big surprise) or the Enfield action. The Mauser is stronger, but the Enfield action is so quick, smooth, and already has a detachable mag. Does anyone know off hand which off these two actions weigh the least or have other suggestions?

Thanks for any input, Blue Duck
 
Can't answer you, but when I decided on an action for my project rifle it was a Mauser '98. Ended up being a large ring, which is probably too heavy to make weight, but I'm not complaining.

For me, stripper clip loading was nice, as was the perk of being able to tell people that all of my rifles are "antiques" (only other centerfire rifles I own are M1s). There's something to be said for a robust military action though -- it's conforting to know that the receiver on your general purpose rifle was designed to stand up to much greater abuse than you ever plan on dishing out.

Besides, no-one ever criticizes your Mauser '98 for its weak extractor now, do they? ;)

Actually, I can give something of an answer:

Click here for a link to some Enfield testamonials.

And here are some Mauser stories.

Finally, This page lists the Mauser large ring at 45 oz, the small ring at 43 oz, and the Enfield at 49 oz.

Looks like I made a good choice after all. ;)
 
Mauser 93 & 95 2lbs 10oz.
(94 & 96 the same I think)
Mauser 98 (standard large ring) 45oz.
Enfield 49oz.
1917 Enfield 58oz.
(1914 Enfield same)
I have a 98 that I'm going to build into a sorta scout (in 30-06). The only problem with the Enfield is the way the stock attaches.

Weights from 'Bolt Action Rifles' by: Frank de Haas
 
Another question for those who have experience building their own...

What's the best way to mount a peep sight on a Mauser -- who makes the best sight? Same for Enfield?

I ask because that's the next step for me -- the receiver is tapped for a normally mounted scope, so I ought to be able to mount a sight easily; the barrel is a Remington, and it's got the standard holes for a fromt sight already drilled.
 
Enfield!!!!

I built mine off of an old, burnt out, sporterized Jungle Carbine. Reasons:
The action is very fast and smooth. It is battle proven and can stand up to harsh conditions and environments. You can use either 5 or 10 round detatchable magazines. It has some of the best iron sights I've ever used on any rifle. Uses stripper clips.
I sent mine to Ashley Outdoors where their gunsmith, Bo Wallace, built me my rifle. He screwed on a "new" 2 groove barrel (Springfield Sporters, $20) cut it to 19", crowned it and installed one of their scout mounts and a new front sight. I have a Ram Line stock on it with a Pachmayer Decelerator recoil pad. The Leupold scout scope is mounted using Warne QD rings. A Galco 3 point Ching Sling and a Galco 5 round butt cuff finishes off the package. (the 3rd sling swivel attaches to the lanyard loop just forward of the mag well with no mods)
The rifle weighs in at 8lbs, so it does not make weight. It is very fast! It will group under 1" at 100 with several loads. (.303 British)
I shot a 9 point buck with it this year. It was about 100 yds away and was runnung full tilt. 3 shots, 3 good hits in about 4 seconds. That type of shooting is what the scout is all about!
You will be able to see my rifle at http://www.303british.com within about a week.
I own several mausers and like them very much but the Enfield, in my opinion, makes the optimum "psuedoscout".
 
I think a very nice Scout could be built on the action that comes with the Compact Model 70 Winchester, but it would need to be reworked by a good gunsmith in order to become a very fine rifle.
The main advantage is that it offers the positive feed and most of the advantages of the 98 Mauser but is much lighter.
The receiver could easily (?) be modified for stripper clip feeding, as there is enough room there for the feed lugs that used to be on the Pre-War Modle 70. They are just left out ont the current models. The magazine only holds 4 rounds, so you would need new bottom metal if you wanted to use standard 5-round clips.
Actually, I would like to see a scout built around this action more than I would the Steyer. One of the Steyer's flaws (?) or complaints (from some on this board) was that of a stiff bolt lift on its 60 degree cocking motion. There would be no trouble like that on the Model 70 action.
Of course, there is the problem of sight mounts and a synthetic stock. but that is all solvable no doubt.
The rifle comes with a light barrel (18"?) that may or not be usable. I cannot vouch for its accuracy potential: it might have to be rebarreled and "blue printed".
 
I agree with Herodotus, the Win 70 Classic action is a very good starting point for a Scout. Due to the limitations of the Compact (4 rd mag) I'd just go with the Featherweight and trim the barrel back before you recrown (I consider the precision recrown on this make very beneficial). I would use the Mauser 98 as my second choice.

Fellow member MadDog once mentioned he cuts the barrel back in progressive lengths until an accuracy sweetspot is found-- I've taken his advice and look for more of a natural balance point not being overly concerned with an exact barrel length.

Brockman used to perform the stripper clip mod and can probably set you up with sights as well...

The action will break in and be smooth as butter in no time. And as long as the chamber is cut square, the rifle should be accurate enough for Scout purposes.

Can we still search? Try MadDog, LURCR rifle, .308 Winchester stainless classic, Scout rifle...
 
Personally, if I'd have to use a bolt action, I'd get a Blaser R-93.
Expensive, but one got almost all the features one wants.
Lightning-fast action, common calibres like .308 or .300 Win Mag.
They're precise as hell, and there are scope mounts, as well as of
course, decent muzzle brakes and mounts for silencers.

They're just a bit expensive, but then, you get what you pay for.
 
Keep in mind that the scout rifle need not be limited to manual actions. Bolt actions are primarily used only because they are most likely to make length/weight limits.
 
Can any commercial semi-auto actions make weight on a scout? I think the Scout concept becomes a lot more valid when applied to a semi-auto.

Later,
Chris
 
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