Ruger/Gunsite Scout Rifle - gunwriters' review

I really, really doubt that "combat" was ever part of the concept. To begin with, the last thing a scout would ever want would be a firefight, as that defeats his entire purpose. Certainly, Cooper never brought that into any of the discussions...
 
Originally posted by Art Eatmen:
I really, really doubt that "combat" was ever part of the concept. To begin with, the last thing a scout would ever want would be a firefight, as that defeats his entire purpose. Certainly, Cooper never brought that into any of the discussions...
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He was talking about a rifle, not about tactics. Getting vs. not getting into a firefight is a tactic, and entirely situationally dependent.

Just for the sake of argument, a scout might in fact try to start a highly thought out fight for some yet unforeseen reason.

:p
 
One of the gun shops here says he will have them in February for $719.95. Not too bad at all considering plain Ruger Hawkeyes are going for about $699 in other gun shops.

Here's the link to Ed's Gun shop:

http://www.edsgunshop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3908

One other thing I found interesting on his post was that it looks like Winchester is bringing back the regular (non custom) Model 94. I just hope they are not making them in Japan.
 
I think you are going to have to wait on the detailed specs. The gun writers only had an introduction. Nobody has had the chance to tear it apart and such. Ruger's suggested price is $995. Street price should be around $800-$900. No so cheap, Pico.
 
Like bottom rung said we didn't have time or equipment for a complete evaluation. I have read on other gun forums that people are getting quotes from their dealers in the high $700s to mid-upper $800 range.
 
That's a matter of perception, and how you use the word tactical. I don't see anything "tactical" about any gun, but that could just be me.


Rob3, thanks for that link. It'll be getting bookmarked for bargaining later :)
 
Someone posted that it was good to see "behind the curtain" on a new-gun introduction. Well, they sure are fun.

Next week (Friday and Sunday) you can see a half-hour show about a new-gun introduction at Gunsite (not the Ruger Scout Rifle -- that comes two weeks later). It was the Colt event there, and we show what the gun writers do at such an event.

Gun Talk Television runs on Versus. Fridays at 10:00am Eastern and Sundays at 8:00am Eastern.

Two weeks after that, we have the show which is all about the Scout Rifle -- also shot at Gunsite. We just sent that show to the network Thursday of this week. It's pretty hot, if I do say so myself.

The Scout Rifle is a concept I was very cool about. After spending time with it, I like it a lot. That surprised me.

Now, if only it were available in a left-hand bolt!
 
Gun Talk Television runs on Versus. Fridays at 10:00am Eastern and Sundays at 8:00am Eastern.
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What the heck is "Versus?" I thought all the gun shows were on the Outdoor Network? That's where I get them all on my Dish anyway. Is that network even available on Dish Network? Sounds like some good shows to watch but how do I get them?

Gregg
 
>>What the heck is "Versus?" I thought all the gun shows were on the Outdoor Network? That's where I get them all on my Dish anyway. Is that network even available on Dish Network? Sounds like some good shows to watch but how do I get them?
<<

Versus is a sports channel (think ESPN type) which carries the Tour de France (bicycles, you know).

I also has a bunch of outdoor shows -- hunting and fishing. A couple of years ago, we got them to take our show Guns & Gear. That was the first "gun" show they had run. Now they also run "Three Gun Nation" and our new show, "Gun Talk Television."

Versus is in twice as many households as the Outdoor Channel -- about 78 million.
 
Gun Talk on the Versus channel devoted the entire show this week to the Ruger Gunsite Scout. Unfortunately, I don't think the show will air again. It's normally aired on Fridays @ 10 AM and Sundays @ 8 AM. I usually DVR it.

After seeing the show, I like the rifle even more. Officially on my wish list.

I can't believe I don't get the Outdoor channel. I have a top-tier cable package from Cablevision here on Long Island, and I'd still have to buy the sports package to get it. Like I really want to watch all NHL hockey games, men's indoor volleyball and the Scottish Caber-Toss Channel.
 
I like the look of the rifle. They have I think gone for the mil spec look at the expense of building a great rifle.

The fault with the frontier was muzzle blast. Why not increase the barrel length to 20 inches and leave off the muzzle device sourced off an 'assault rifle'.

I would have also preferred a staggered stock that would have been shorter and easier to use when shooting prone.

Long mags and muzzle devices just upset bureaucrats who know no different.

I am concerned at the 'sniper rifle' craze turning into assault rifle type probs for bolt gun owners- many of whom live in countries like Australia where we do not have a second amendment.
 
Ruger is exporting to Australia, a 20" version w/o the flash suppressor.
I read this on another forum from an Aussie. I have no other proof.
 
I'm noticing a trend here - a trend that is awfully un-American - a trend that limits my freedom of choice.
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I don't see it that way. Just because a maker designs their product to maximize sale of their accessories, I don't see that as un-American. You have complete freedom of choice, buy, or don't buy what they offer.

A company not offering every concievable accessory option on their products hardly limits our freedom of choice, at least as I see it.

And for all those who are bemoaning the fact that it isn't a semi auto, there is a fairly large market where semi autos are not allowed. In this, I think Ruger did a smart thing. The magazine would have been better for us had it been a common double stack type, but the one they chose is better for Ruger.

Before we get too far into griping about what the rifle isn't, remember what it is, a marketable product that will appeal to some people and not others.
 
My first impression from just glancing at the photos, it that it was inspired by the original Enfield #5 Jungle Carbine, or the recent (Australian) AIA "JC" in 7.62x39, imported in small numbers to the US.

Enfields hold ten rounds and many owners have never encountered the fabled 'wandering zero', used by the post WW2 British to justify the transition to a semi-auto rifle. The tiny aperture sights on my pair do pretty well at 100 yards (as well as the Service Grade Garand with my very modest skill).

In order to avoid beating up an original, collectible rifle, wouldn't a nice, handy imitation Enfield #5 also fulfill the role of this new Ruger up to 100 yards or so?
Apparently, rifles need to be new to have serious credibility, or it mostly the capability to attach high-tech gadgets which earns respect?
 
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Just another marketing exercise...

Old Col Cooper was good at marketing. He knew what his readers want to read and he gave it to them. He is still selling stuff from the grave! (so is Elmer Keith, Jack OConner, Gen Hatch, Col. Whelan, Bill Jordan, Skeeter...)

But honestly I have never bought into his idea of forward mounted scope, bolt action, scout rifle. Other than a forward mounted pistol scope what does the Col's Scout rifle have that the Enfield Jungle Carbine from WWII didn't? The Jungle Carbine was a great rifle put that was 70 years ago.

Patrolling a combat zone in 2011 there are much better rifles to carry. Maybe you have hear of the new fad, self loading rifles? I hear it is catching on. All the cool countries are getting them.


My deer rifle is an old Savage 110 in 308, with a 18" barrel and a detachable magazine. It has a Redfield 3X9X40 scope mounted in the standard position. A Harris bi-pod is attached and quick detach swivels mount an old leather sling. What advantage in the real world is does a SCOUT RIFLE have over my old deer rifle?:cool:
 
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