Wow. I can't imagine needing that rifle "as a hiker." Really, you plan on slaughtering deer and packing them around with you?

Looks remarkable like a Mauser with a box magazine (which was done occasionally in WW2).

I agree, the appearance is probably the "wow" on this. Lots of other solid rifles in that caliber for 2/3 the price. Plus, if you want a longer barrel, there's gajillions out there in longer barrels.

I would have preferred the Enfield bolt action to the Mauser action. Looks to be a competitor for the Enfield .303 No5 Mk1 Jungle Carbine but with a slightly shorter barrel (shorter by about 2.5 inches), which would account for the 1oz weight difference. The Enfield has of course vastly superior iron sights and a lug fixture for a bayonet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMt05WZGqY4

I bet the Ruger Gunsite Scout will kick like a mule esp chambered in .338 Federal and would become quite tiring to use after a while, which also probably means you might have to spend the same amount on some decent optics to get the best out of the rifle.

Looks like the Rem 600 but with a box mag.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6PkwO-gE3Vg/TQ...0940_Large_.jpg

I have a 600 with a scout scope and it is very easy to carry as
the scope is forward of the balance point and your hand can
go around the rifle easily. Mine is 308, but for those that
wanted a bigger bore or more power it was offered in 350 mag like
the photo in the link.


A slower powder like w760 is most accurate in mine so far, despite the shorter barrel.

In it's basics, except for the box magazine, I have had this rifle from Ruger for several years - the Compact. Same action, same 16.5" barrel (without the flash hider), .27" at 100yd accuracy. I like the original better for a general purpose rifle. Mine has a 2-7x Luepold on it in the conventional position. I prefer that to the scout mount, but the scout is available if you want it. If you like a longer barrel (or live in Canada) they also make an 18" version.

I find it a great choice for hunting in the brush,as a patrol rifle, in short a super all around rifle. I would like the removable mag, but live well with what I have.

Respectfully,

Jerry

I think it goes against the concept of the scout rifle. My understanding is it is started as an inexpensive carbine; a utilitarian approach. That was what I took away from my readings years ago. I bought a Mexican small-ring Mauser in 7x57, then reduced the barrel to 16.25. I call it my "pocket rifle". It is truly good for anything I would have to take care of here in the lower 48 of the U.S.A. Bottom line: Ignore the Ruger Scout rifle.

YMMV

My $.02

I'm familiar with scout rifles. The addition of the large box magazine and the flash suppressor to this Ruger model is what triggered my Tacti-Cool observation.

The item that triggers the "tacticool" notion for me is the flash suppressor. Now I can imagine that with a short barrel, there is quite a muzzle flash, but is this meaningful in a hunting situation?

I do not mean to start a flame war....

The flash hider may be a result of having a 16.5" barrel on a .308Win -- I'm thinking unburned powder ...

If they want to make it a "Scout Rifle" they should add a scope mount to the barrel for a "Scout Rifle" scope set-up.

I like the caliber, action, removable magazine, size and weight. I don't know about pricing as I never buy new.

David Enoch

Hi all, this is my first post on the forum!

Typically, the tag price you find at a gun dealer is 20% or so less than MSRP, so this would be $700-$800, depending on supply or buyer interest. It could go for 1K (or more)if they are a hot item.