Ruger Scout Rifle

http://www.downrange.tv/blog/the-rebirth-of-colonel-coopers-scout-rifle-video/7918/
“Since one must take care with one's speech it is appropriate that we address the issue of just what a "scout rifle" really is.

"By the definition of the Scout Rifle Conferences held under the auspices of Jeff Cooper the scout rifle has been defined as a general purpose rifle suitable for taking targets of up to 400 kg (880 pounds) at ranges to the limit of the shooters visibility (nominally 300 meters) that meets the following criteria:


"Weight-sighted and slung: 3 kilograms (6.6 lb). This has been set as the ideal weight but the maximum has been stated as being 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds ).


"Length: 1 meter (39 inches)
Nominal barrel length: .48 meter (19 inches)
Sighting system: Typically a forward and low mounted (ahead of the action opening) long eye relief telescope of between 2x and 3x. Reserve iron sights desirable but not necessary. Iron sights of the ghost ring type, without a scope, also qualify, as does a low powered conventional position scope.
Action: Magazine fed bolt action. Detachable box magazine and/or stripper clip charging is desirable but not necessary.
Sling: Fast loop-up type, i.e. Ching or CW style.
Caliber: Nominally .308 Winchester (7.62 x 51 mm). Calibers such as 7 mm - 08 Remington (7 x 51 mm) or .243 Winchester (6 x 51 mm) being considered for frail individuals or where "military" calibers are proscribed.
Built-in bipod: Desirable but not mandatory.
Accuracy: Should be capable of shooting into 2 minutes of angle or less (4") at 200 yards/meters (3 shot groups).


"Rifles that do not meet all of these specifications are technically not "scout rifles." Thus rifles of this general design in calibers other than those stated above are not true scout rifles but actually "pseudo-scouts." However, even though Steyr Mannlicher (and now Savage) are making production rifles of this general type (as well as some wild variations) they are under no legal obligation not to call their deviations "scouts" as a marketing tool. Thus, the Steyr .376 Scout also known as (and probably better referred to as the ".376 Dragoon" although the factory dislikes the term) nor the .223 variation are true scout rifles. For that matter neither are the custom made scout-like rifles made up in .30-06, .375 H&H, or what ever caliber. However, there are many parts of the scout design that can be handily used on non-scout rifles.” - via John Schaeffer

Ruger is introducing their version of Jeff Cooper’s scout rifle concept. It looks like a nice carry gun and it gets close to Cooper’s concept but it falls short in a couple of areas. I’m a little disappointed that so many of the people involved in the design of the Ruger don’t seem to be aware of the elements of the scout rifle as articulated by Jeff Cooper. (Actually, I think they are aware but are bowing to marketing pressure in their re-design.)

First, there is no middle sling mount for the CW or original Ching sling. The CW was one of the required elements of the scout concept as it allowed for a very quick and stable shooting sling. In the Ruger introductory video, I didn’t see anybody using the supplied Ching Safari slings for stability.
Second, there is no bipod. While not necessary to the concept, Cooper felt a disappearing bipod was very desirable. Note that no bipod is preferable to something like the Harris that increases the bulk of the rifle and is exposed to catch on things.
I don’t mind the detachable magazine but one of the advantages of the forward mount scope was that it allowed for comfortable carry of the rifle at it’s balance point. A magazine that extends very far below the stock eliminates that. A fixed magazine that can be fed by stripper clips would be almost as handy but wouldn’t sell extra Ruger manufactured detachable magazines.

While a flash suppressor is appreciated in a 16 ½ inch barrel .308 (muzzle blast on those things will like to give you a nosebleed), I would prefer a couple of extra inches in barrel length. As the barrels get shorter you give up more and more velocity. I really like the 20 inch barrel on my old Ruger Ultralight. Note that cutting the barrel back to 16 inches does not turn the .308 into a spitwad.
It looks like the Ruger scout is going to be much more affordable than the Steyr which was the first mass production scout. However, I have real concerns over Ruger’s current quality control. I like Ruger designs and the majority of my rifles are Rugers but they’re older models. I also had some real problems dealing with Ruger customer service (albeit some years ago) both as a consumer and a retailer. Maybe they’ve improved in both areas but I don’t know that I’m willing to test it with my money. In the last few years I’ve purchased several Ruger single-action revolvers and had minor to moderate problems with all of them. However, I purchased them knowing I’d likely have issues and I was prepared to deal with them myself rather than rely on Ruger.
I like the scout rifle concept and have toyed with getting one since Cooper first started espousing the idea several decades ago. The Steyr was overpriced and had way too many mechanical problems for my taste. The Savage was good but the Savage action isn’t the most durable or reliable. If Ruger tightens up their QC, despite its shortcomings I think the new Ruger scout could be a fine field rifle.