Hi Gang,
I just returned last night from the NRA Whittington Center - I was there to attend the Gunsite Reunion. Col Cooper was there, with a prototype Steyr .376 rifle in Scout configuration. There was a limited amount of ammo on hand, and anyone who was interested was able to fire a shot. We were able to handle the rifle extensively the entire weekend. Here are my observations, based on firing one round, and observing about 15-20 other people fire one round each. The ammo was a 270 grain bullet at 2600 fps.
The rifle is the same weight as a Steyr Scout, 7 pounds. This particular rifle was finished in an experimental Advantage camouflage pattern that was very attractive. The barrel was a little heavier in profile than the normal .308 barrel, and surprisingly thin. It was fluted, just like the .308's. The receiver was marked Steyr Dragoon. I don't know if this is how the production rifles will be marked. The rifle had all the standard Steyr Scout features, including the Leupold forward mounted scope, integral bipod, Ching sling and reserve magazine in the butt. The magazine holds 4 rounds in the larger caliber.
When it was my turn to fire, I fired resting my elbows on the available table and shot at a metal target 200 yards away. The recoil was there, but not severe or unmanageable in any way. I hit the 7 inch center of the target. Immediately after the shot, I operated the bolt while the rifle was still on my shoulder, just like I was trained. So the recoil did not distract me from my normal follow through. The recoil was certainly heavier the my .308 Scout (big surprise) but I had no problem. I would have fired it more if ammo were available.
I watched about 15 people fire the rifle, ranging all over the spectrum from small statured women to heavy framed men. Some shot it standing and some from the table. The majority shot at the 100 yard target, the others at the 200 yard one. On some people there was significant muzzle rise, on others it was only moderate. This had much to do with the shooter's technique, as we ranged from pretty inexperienced to very experienced. Almost to a person, people commented that the recoil was more manageable than expected. One problem that popped up is the reserve magazine in the butt would occassionally fall out. There didn't seem to be any correlation between the size of the shooter, or the shooting postion or how tightly/loosely the rifle was held. This has also been known to happen with the .308 as well, and there is a factory fix available for those who experience it.
My impression was very favorable. My understanding is that there are 2 power levels in this cartridge, Jeff was criticizing the lighter one. I feel there is a solid niche for a good medium rifle. This is basically a factory Super Scout, a medium caliber rifle in Scout config, that is suitable for game 1000# and up. Jeff's Super Scout is a ZKK601 in .350 Rem mag, loaded long. After he shot his lion with it, he christened it the Lion Scout. That is the niche the Steyr Dragoon will fit. Quite honestly, I expect this rifle to be a success. I also expect other makers to start chambering rifles in this caliber.
I have been surprised at my favorable impression of this rifle. Will it replace my Win M70 in .416?....no it won't. I don't need one, but I will buy one.
You can find more info on the Steyr Scout webpage at
http://207.181.246.106/johns/project.htm
The gentleman who maintains this page was at the Reunion, and has new pictures and observations. In a few days, John should have the webpage updated with this new info.
Doug.
P.S. It uses standard .375 bullets, the '.376' designation is a marketing ploy to differentiate the product, nada mas.
[This message has been edited by Doug in PHX (edited October 18, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Doug in PHX (edited October 18, 1999).]
