Steyr Scout in 308

Bill Daniel · Nov 26, 2000

Anyone own a Steyr Scout in 308? Why? Is it worth the money? Would you buy it again? Why not?
I own several shot guns for clay target shooting and upland bird hunting,several pistols for target shooting and defense, but only one rifle, a Ruger 10/22. I am getting the itch to buy a centerfire rifle for hunting and target shooting and for some reason keep thinking about a Steyr Scout. I have neither held one or fired one and am searching for experienced opinions.
Thanks,
Bill Daniel

lunde · Nov 26, 2000

Try the Steyr SBS Tactical or ProHunter

I looked into the various Steyr Scout rifles, and after checking out their SBS Tactical and SBS ProHunter lines, decided to go with them instead. I suggest that you do the same. The action in the Scout, Tactical, and ProHunter series are the same. It's called SBS (Safe Bolt System). I bought my Steyr SBS ProHunter Mountain (20-inch barrel) for $600, and my Steyr SBS Tactical HB (26-inch heavy barrel) for $740. Both were new-in-box, and both were in .308. Both are also excellent, and came with light and crisp triggers (feels like 3-4 pounds) from the factory.

The differences between the ProHunter and Tactical series (ignoring the difference in barrel length and weight) are:

The ProHunter stock is a very dark grey, but the Tactical stock is black. The stock has the same shape.

The bolt handles are different.

The Tactical bolt is blackened, but the ProHunter one is shiney. The difference in the trigger's finish is also comparable.

The receiver has either "Tactical HB" or "ProHunter Mountain" engraved on it.

They are the same as follows:

The finish is the same. Matte.

Both use 4-round detachable magazines. Some "Tactical" literature say they use 5-rounds, but that's false.

Considering the price of the Steyr SBS Tactical or ProHunter compared with the Scout series, you're better off buying a Tactical or ProHunter.

Speedy · Nov 26, 2000

Bill

Yes I have a Styer Scout and yes I would buy one again. I hope to buy another before too long.

To understand, you need to handle one. Put it to your shoulder and sight it. Buying a rifle, to me, is very similar to buying a shotgun. It has to fit properly and "feel" like it is an extension of yourself. Either it "does it" for you or it doesn't. If it "does", it generally REALLY will. You can sense that "feeling". I know, I'm getting very Zen about this.

The Styer Scout was a great curiousity to me and was tempted to get one without holding one but couldn't bring myself to do it. I finally found one in a gun store near me and it was love at first feel.

Mine fits me well and shoots great. I can't keep up with my buddy's SR-25 for rate-of-fire, but my first round hits are a lot more frequent than his.

As to being worth the price. You can buy "standard" rifles a lot cheaper, you can buy scout rifles cheaper. But you'll only need to buy one of these for the rest of your life. My .02

RobCon · Nov 27, 2000

Bill, we have 2 in our house and would buy them again. The Scout is very fast, light, and has a terrific stock. The forward optic is very useful for snap shooting and one can mount a scope in the conventional position for longer ranges. I use a 1.5-6x Kahles for hunting. The bipod is neat, but a bit fragile. The accuracy has been stellar on both of our rifles. My daughter used her Scout in Africa last summer with great success. She was 18 at the time. Four rounds, three nice animals.
The other gun I own and would buy again in this price range is the Robar QR2. You can view it at http://www.robarguns.com. This rifle is phenomenal.

ctdonath · Nov 27, 2000

I have one, and certainly would buy it again. It's just "right". Short, accurate, lightweight, hard-hitting, fast-mounting, etc. - it's good. One may find special-purpose uses where something else may prove better, but those are by definition special-purpose cases, and this is a general-purpose gun that does most jobs very well; few people would really need something else. If not for nonsensical laws persuading me to keep other long guns (either because only special guns permitted for certain uses, or because what I've got is almost irreplaceable due to "bans"), I'd quite possibly sell everything _but_ the Steyr Scout and one handgun.

Some people do, through sound reasoning, turn down the SS and choose other rifles. Most, however, find the SS an excellent choice. Be aware that most detractors of the SS have never actually used one, and the few reasonable detractors are highly experienced shooters who respect the SS but have long settled on something else they are comfortable with.

Buy one.

Dave Finfrock · Nov 28, 2000

I have a SS. I like it quite well and would definately buy another. I would gravitate to the one with the new bolt knob, but that's minor thing.

Aside: my SS wouldn't have any trouble keeping up with my old SR25--mainly because the Knight abortion never worked correctly.

Rich Lucibella · Nov 28, 2000

HankB · Nov 28, 2000

A friend of mine bought a Steyr Scout and is happy with it. I've had several opportunities to handle it and shoot it, as well as compare it with some of Steyr's other offerings. I'd estimate that at least $1000 of the Scout's typical selling price is a "premium" to have a rifle Jeff Cooper approves of. The features, performance, and (most importantly) the workmanship simply aren't there to justify the prices they're selling for.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a BAD rifle - in fact, it's pretty good. But it's overpriced and, despite the "all around rifle" tag applied to it, it's too specialized, being more of a light woods rifle than anything else, IMHO. Others, I'm sure, will disagree vehemently, and tell me I don't understand the concept. In fact, I understand it, but after shooting one, I just don't agree.

Note that many people - including Scout fans - get rid of the forward mounted Scout 'scope and mount a more conventional optic, which says something about that part of the Scout concept.

Rich Lucibella · Nov 28, 2000

Hank-
You were doing just find until the part about:

Note that many people - including Scout fans - get rid of the forward mounted Scout 'scope and mount a more conventional optic, which says something about that part of the Scout concept.

Note that many more people are converting other rifles from conventional scopes to a forward mount. Does that say something about that concept? I agree it's a matter of preference....but let's keep the record straight.
Rich

HankB · Nov 28, 2000

Rich, I've seen two Scouts with standard 'scopes. That's a substantial percentage of a small sample. Though I'm sure they're out there, I've never personally seen a non-Scout bolt action rifle with a forward mounted 'scope outside of the A-Square booth at the SCI convention some years ago. (Hated the rifle, by the way.) I suspect most of the IER 'scopes being sold are going on short range brush guns like lever actions of one sort or another. They have a place there.

Another poster in this thread - a Scout fan - likes the Scout scope for snap shooting, but uses a Kahles variable for hunting. Hmmmm . . . and aren't Steyr ads showing Scouts with conventional scopes?

YMMV, but after trying the Scout concept, I still think a conventional 'scope in the conventional location is the best choice for an "all-around" rifle.

HankB

Jaeger · Nov 28, 2000

Here's my .02. I have handled and shot a Styer Scout and it was a fine rifle. If I had 2 grand burning a hole in my pocket I'd buy one. Since I don't and I really wanted a scout I built my own. I used an Enfield Jungle Carbine as the base. I put on a synthetic stock, new barrel (still 303) and an Ashley Scout scope mount. Other than being 1/2 lb. overweight it meets all of Cooper's requirements for a scout rifle. It will shoot moa with a variety of ammo and will shoot sub moa with several loads.

This type of rifle must be used in the field to be appreciated. It's worth does not shine through off the shooting bench. Yesterday was the first day of buck season. I had a shot at a running deer at about 100 yds. I connected with 3 shots (out of 3) in about 4 seconds and took home a very nice buck. Maybe it's because I've been practicing so much with it but making that kind of shot with this rifle felt like second nature. Cooper knows what he's talking about. It is not the rifle I would choose for sniping at 700 yds. I have other tools for that. As a general purpose hunting rifle for ranges out to about 300 yds. , and especially at close range and moving targets the scout type rifle can't be beat.

Rich Lucibella · Nov 28, 2000

Hank-
We'll hafta agree to disagree. RobCon, gunmart and I have all seen more than two conventional bolt action rifles with forward mounts in one class....many more. In fact, I've seen more than that just in Ashley Emerson's personal collection! And I've not met a man alive who spends more time in the field than Ashley....or who knows more about sights and optics.

As for accuracy, I've seen Susan Hildebrand's 3 shot, 1/2" group out of a stock Scout; I've done less than one minute of angle more than a couple of times. I've seen trophy wildebest taken with the Scout and IER scope at 280+ yards, as measured by laser. And I've seen RobCon drop a 3 foot popper, on command, against the clock, at 200 meters, from offhand. I know, because he dusted me in that match!

Member gunmart was present at that time also.

Again, I'm not saying that forward mount scopes are for everyone. But I do take exception to the notion that there are more people that take 'em off their Steyrs, even in the field, than put them on other rifles.

Nor can I agree with the concept that the IER scope is best left to the levers....the most popular calibers simply don't shoot a flat enough cartidge for anything but iron sights....unless you're talking about bench shooting.

Rich

ps: For Jaeger:
Ashley would be real proud of the use that you put his mount to. The Enfield is simply one of the unstoppables!

Erik · Nov 28, 2000

I haven't shot one, but have handled several.

The look and feel may not be what everyone wants, but the apparent pointability... Ah, the pointability seems impressive.

Will I own one someday? Maybe, maybe not. But if I had the money it would be tempting to add it to my case.

HankB · Nov 28, 2000

Rich,

I agree to disagree. I still maintain that many - perhaps not most, but many - people who have a choice opt for a conventional 'scope, even on a Scout. (Otherwise, why would Scouts feature same in the advertising?)

Time will tell. If my memory holds out, I'll try to remember this exchange in a few years and see if the forward mounted, low power 'scope has come to dominate the game fields and rifle racks. If it does, I guess it will prove me wrong. If it doesn't, well . . . you know the rest.

Best,

HankB

Rich Lucibella · Nov 29, 2000

I'll try to remember this exchange in a few years and see if the forward mounted, low power 'scope has come to dominate the game fields and rifle racks. If it does, I guess it will prove me wrong. If it doesn't, well . . . you know the rest.

Hank,
I must owe you an apology. I wasn't aware that you were making an argument that conventional scopes are more numerous. I had thought you were talking about the dwindling use of the forward mount, based on your experience of Steyr owners dumping them.

As I understand you now, I'd agree...conventional scopes are much more common. Then again, conventionals have been around a *whole* lot longer than IER's. Come to think of it, Beretta probably made the same argument to Glock sometime around 1990. I missed the point then too.

Rich
ps: I carry a 1911

HankB · Nov 29, 2000

Rich,

Maybe I wasn't entirely clear. Yes, the overall use of IER forward mounted 'scopes just HAS to increase; after all, it started at ZERO, and anything up from there is an increase. I think, however, IER 'scopes will remain relatively uncommon on bolt action rifles. Not everyone - not even Scout RIFLE fans - is committed to them.

You're right, conventional 'scopes have been around a whole lot longer. That's why I said I'd wait a few years to see if Scouts or their 'scopes come to dominate the game fields. It's only fair to give a new concept a chance to catch on...it took a couple of years for people to accept Glock's "Combat Tupperware," and look at them now.

But I don't think Scouts will ever become riflery's Glock, and I don't think IER 'scopes will ever dominate. Time will tell.

HankB

P.S. I usually carry a BHP...though I DO like a good 1911.

Jeff, CA · Nov 29, 2000

Okay, I've read those other threads, but I haven't seen a clear explanation of just what it is about the scout that makes it handle so well. Is it just a combination of short length of pull/short overall length/light weight, or is there more to it?

Rich Lucibella · Nov 29, 2000

Jeff-
There is simply something very special about the stock design. It cheeks very quickly and the crosshairs are right there. Certainly the short LOP, balance and shape at the neck add to this. It's hard to say but the "pointability" of the piece is the first thing that most shooters comment about on the rifle. I'd be most interested in seeing Steyr license their stocks for other actions. I think they might outpace the sales of the Scout.
Rich

lunde · Nov 29, 2000

I became intrigued with the Steyr Scout rifle, and it seems that overall length (or lack thereof) and over weight (or lack thereof) are qualities of a Scout rifle. Of the two Steyr SBSs that I own, one is the ProHunter Mountain. It is light, about 7 pounds. The fluted barrel on the Steyr Scout rifles helps to reduce overall weight. The ProHunter Mountain is also short, having a 20-inch barrel. These characteristics makes it easy to shoot. Its grip appears to be the same as the Steyr Scout, although the butt of the stock and the forearm are different. The Steyr Scout's action is SBS, which is identical to my ProHunter Mountain. Given that it was about one-third to one-half the price of the equivalent Steyr Scout rifle, yet has a lot of the same qualities, it's worth considering. See: http://www.gsifirearms.com/product/s-phmtnphmtnmoss-main.html

My Steyr SBS Tactical HB, with a 26-inch heavy barrel, is definitely not a Scout rifle.

RobCon · Nov 29, 2000

The Scout action and the SBS are not quite identical. The Scout action body is aluminum and the bolt lugs engage recesses in the barrel extension. This was done to help make Jeff's weight restrictions. Ditto with the barrel flutes and thin walls. Remember that the Scout stock and the SBS stock are adjustable for length of pull. At 6'2" and 200 and nevermind pounds I shoot with 2 spacers in the stock. My 5'6" daughter has no spacers in hers. Short stocks are not for everyone but Jeff's point is that most factory stocks are much too long. The rifle has to fit YOU and what works for me with my geek-like neck length isn't right for someone else. A final point; I use a variable for most hunting because with my aging eyes, I can see to shoot better.Shotgun moderator Erick has seen me take African game at nearly 300 meters with one shot; I cannot see well enough to do that with 2 1/2 diameters of magnification. Most game in the US is taken at less than 100 and 2.5x works just fine. Rob

Steyr Scout in 308

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