Excellent video. I think it's really cool that the scout concept is still getting so much love after all these years. If you think about it the weapon design really does make for the ultimate brush gun. It's the kind of thing that's perfect for hunters who want a versatile weapon they can take with them into the bush and walk around for miles and miles comfortably. It goes without saying that the forward-mounted optics are excellent for not only hunting but potentially a self-defense scenario; it's like the dual-sport of firearms. The reliability of bolt action high caliber rifles, and the maneuverability of smaller carbine-like styles so popular in the age of polymer laced urban warfare. The scout really is a rugged hunting and survival weapon.
I think the Springfield is the choice if the idea of the scout included self defense but I understand that it's a bit pricey as is the Steyr so I'm glad to see that Savage and Mossberg got into the scout concept so most can afford one.
I like my semi-automatic .308 Springfield M1A. It cost me $1,550 and took 4 months after ordering it, but I will have it my whole life so it was worth it.
@@chadhaire1711 okay I'll definitely look into that thanks I never knew that about Springfield armory but I will definitely check it out before I make a purchase cuz it's not a cheap gun to buy.
Read Col. Cooper’s specs for a Scout Rifle. The Styer meets them all from weight, length, caliber, sling, bipod etc..The rest are compact and fairly handy but they are not what Jeff would call conforming to spec Scouts. The specs were worked out over many years by an amazing group of riflemen and gunsmiths. But as Jeff said, many things are only made to be sold.
Solid, trueful, and accurate. The scout guidelines were laid out by Cooper. He meant them for solid reasons. Weight and function being being made number one considerations.
Still liking my 40 + year old Marlin 30AA .30-30 w/ 3x 9 Scope with iron sight scope mount..lightweight, easy to maneuver, light recoil, excellent brush and defense rifle. these newer scout rifles are intriguing .... Happy Shooting.
I have the Ruger GSR in 5.56, easily my favorite rifle to use. Found a new one at 600 and thought it was a good deal. Now I'm looking at a .308 M1A rifle.
Well as a Firearms and Survival Instructor I've handled most of those arms but the Springfield Armory M1A is my favorite. I've used the Scout rifle but the shorter one you've shown (being fired)was actually the SOCOM16 ....which is my hands down most favorite rifle, ever. I use 130gr American Eagle/Federal Varmint & Predator rounds for CQB training which is the same ammo the USN SEALS have fielded. I've also employed 150gr Speer GD soft points and of course the 149gr XM80 ball rounds. Magazines are available from 5 to 100 round and various stock options including a Multicam stock available from Multicam. With this said the M1A scout and most "scout" rifles in general are way outside the "Scout" parameters set forth by Col. Cooper. But for the versatility of my SOCOM16 and the ability of to employ from Tactical/Combat situations to Survival applications I prefer the Military proven M1A design.
@@jonathanseagull.4551 I wanted one for a LOOOONG time and was able to sell a sad story of "a young man's hopes and dreams" to my wife. She's bought it a few times :)
I bought a left hand Ruger Gunsite Scout several years ago.. I put on a bipod and sling and it's been amazing. I also have the Mossberg. It's a good gun also. Both are .308 and they very accurate and a lot of fun.
Wish I had picked up one of the Mossbergs a couple years back when you get them for around the $500 range. If you can find one, their $800ish! Rugers are super nice.
Back in my younger days (1968 -1971) as an Australian, now 71, I found nothing better than a 303/243 converted Lee Enfield convered 303. Some are still available but rare.
Be glad to do a video on scout optics. I would recommend something along a 1-4 or 2-6 power for a scout optic. Something that can be used at close to intermediate range. We'll put together a list.👍
Odd to include a M1A variant. "Scout rifles" are almost universally held to be manual-action. The very definition of one includes low field maintenance and high reliability.
I really appreciate that the products in this add are bridging the gap between design and function the muzzle brakes to the synthetic stocks to the black colors to the military leaning designs. Excellent add and excellent rifles.
Nothing I hate more than affordable guns being extremely ugly, when you don't need expensive materials or manufacturing to make a decent looking gun shape. I want to buy a handgun as my first gun soon, and it's annoying how many of the affordable and reliable models are an irredeemable eyesore for no apparent reason. It's like some manufacturers try to make their affordable guns as fugly as possible to sell higher end guns or something.
I have three 30-06, one is semi-auto and two .243, one is semi-auto. Over the last two years have easily found ammo for both calibers at multiple stores each month. Our family now have almost 100 rounds for each caliber. One of the 30-06 and one of the .243 are Savage with the improved trigger, both have polymer stocks.
The Springfield M1a is doing an amazing job to keep the platform relevant. AR-10 for the money can give more, maybe a lot more but the truth is the M1a scout is *WAY* better than the sum of its parts. Back to back it feels lighter and just easier to own, shoot, carry, use than the AR-10. As a SHTF weapon to use if you need more power/range than 556 the M1a is up there. And it also doubles as an amazing brush, hunting rifle with limited recoil that can reach out and touch at least somewhat, so practical which isn't common for a "high power rifle" like 308. If you want/need more range you can even get it in 6.5 Creedmoor. It has rails to put an optic on it but IMHO it's way better shooting it with open sights. It just does everything well. Looking at a spec sheet you would never think or believe this it's one of those things where you would never know until you pick it up and shoot it. The same is true for some cars too. Historically there always were those vehicles where you look at the ingredients that seem mediocre: so so engine, ho hum gears, mediocre power/weight, plain jane suspension, tires, brakes many of which might even be out of date etc and say "meh". Then you get behind the wheel and are blown away. The M1A scout is like this and despite its dated design remains as relevant in 2021 as the Garand was in the 30's and the M14 in the 50's on which it is based.
I have both the Gunsite and a SOCOM II. Like them both a lot. For different reasons. That being said the M1A is definitely a repurposed battle rifle. And a great rendition.
It's just about as American as it gets when you get your hands on an M1a. Throw in a 1911 and a cheeseburger and slice of peach pie and you're ready for July 4th
The only problem with the Springfield Scout Squad rifle is that it is almost impossible to buy. They are listed as allocated on Springfield’s website. I have no idea who gets them, U S military?, but you cannot find them.
the mvp is substandard, bolt is loose as a goose and numerous sticking points on closing...had to send back for headspacing since it siezed shut on 7.62x51...it isn't light either..stock plastic feels greasy and cheap....i am going to make it work for me tho...doug
As a U.S. Army recon soldier ....LRSD! ANY SOLDIER behind enemy lines, or any civilians operating in a scout capacity WOULD NEVER want a rifle that is bolt action...well because their job is to operate undected... And if they do get detected they have to fight their way out...No bolt action rifle is fit for combat period! SHOW me a soldier or marine that would prefer a bolt action over an AR in combat...And we will show you a moron!
I cant agree with you more. The video link shows a Springfield M1A scout and the video barely covered that rifle, and there was no dissertation about it at all, unlike the first 3/4 of the video where all we got was a lecture about out dated bolt action plastic rifles. I wish they would have spent the time on the Springfield that they wasted on the ruger and other bolt actions. Youre right, no scout is going to take an archaic bolt action into combat, unless they have no other modern choice. I think the guy that made the video is just making a sales pitch for ruger, and not really focused on a practical scout rifle.
The last time I used my stainless .308 Ruger Scout I got a 3/4 inch group @ 200 meters. I handload and got the mix right. I’ve got a Sako .308 and although a beautiful bit of wood and a nice shooter, if I could only have one rifle? It would definitely be the Ruger Scout. 👍
Well, "Assualt Rifle" is more a political term, frankly. Scout rifle was an idea that Col. Jeff Cooper came up with many years ago as a kind-of "All-Purpose" rifle. Something that could be used for hunting and defense. Cooper had several specific criteria such as barrel length, caliber, etc. that he included in his idea. www.nrablog.com/articles/2017/3/the-scout-rifle-the-one-rifle-to-have-if-you-could-only-have-one
Ruger Gss .308 owner here for 9 years. Forward mounted Burris Scout scope 2.75x. Sighted for 150g rounds and will shoot sub moa with BTHP. Definitely my favorite firearm. Interested in getting one in .223 or the M1A
You'll be better off with an AR10 than the M1A. I have been interested in the Ruger since it came out, but since I own a couple AR10s, one of which has a 16 inch barrel and weighs barely 8 pounds, I have a hard time justifying a bolt gun.
You're 100% correct. You get what you pay for on ARs. I think those with bad experiences probably scraped the bottom of the barrel and got the cheapest parts they could find and slapped one together. You pay for a good AR10 from a reliable manufacturer and you can absolutely get sub MOA performance.
It's been 15 years since I've done any reading on this but if I'm not mistaken, 7lbs or less is top weight to be called scout. Yes there is weight specs.
Nearly every army in the world has adopted semi-auto rifles and not bolt guns. Are they all wrong? If self defense is in play I want a semi-auto, not a bolt action. I own bolt guns. They have their uses, but not for self defense.
As the name implies, the rifle is intended for scout work. A scout is a light reconnaissance unit which uses stealth and knowledge of environment to find and identify enemy units. Most scouts generally try to avoid direct action. Scouts use stealth and mobility to keep initiative because they typically lack the firepower and the numbers to engage in real combat. If used in a martial capacity, the scout rifle would be used with guerrilla warfare tactics to engage point targets with accurate aimed rifle fire from concealed positions. This rifle isn't intended for actual combat use. For combat or defense, yes, a semi-auto would be better. But as the saying goes, beware of the man with one rifle, he probably knows how to use it. The versatility of the Scout Rifle was intended to make it a do-all rifle, so the fundamentally sound rifleman, by Cooper's standards, could have one rifle and use it for everything, including defense in a pinch. I wouldn't underestimate the ability of a skilled user with a combat bolt action in a serious caliber, like .308 Win.
@@ClayBlasdel44 Cooper envisioned this as a concept. The scout rifle is based off the work of Col Jeff Cooper. I believe he goes into great detail on the concept of the scout rifle in "The Art of the Rifle." And the Taliban used old British Enfield bolt guns to great effect at the beginning of the GWOT, so while I would agree a bolt gun isn't perfect for any role in a modern infantry, I would also caution not to underestimate the capabilities of a skilled rifleman with such a rifle.
Yes, a handful of part time soldiers in Alaska/Yukon. But no armies. It was Cooper's dream but not a very practical dream. I think the market for these rifles is the man who envisions himself as a scout furtively sneeking into enemy territory. When I was a young kid I thought I was a rootin-tootin cowboy and wore a Fanner 50 sixshooter rig. But then I grew up. Some dreams die harder than others. But by all mean, buy whatever gun that makes your dreams come true.
"Scout" rifles have been around for a minute or two...they're called "lever actions." They are also available in just about every caliber that's been made (although, I'm still waiting for some "Tactical-berry" to platform one in .50BMG...That should be fun to watch).
In the 70's in a squad in the Australian Army Infantry, the scout 1and scout 2 carry the lightest individual firearm usually an M16 rifle, the rifleman used SLR Fabrique Nacional 7.62, a more heavier and hard to maitain rifle because it rust easily.
I disliked this, because the M1A scout by Springfield armory is the photo on the video link, in reality, that rifle got the least amount of time in the video. I felt like it was click bait, then when i watched the video there was barely anything on the Springfield rifle, instead, i got a long dissertation on bolt action plastic rifles.
Cooper’s guidelines are not being followed unless Iron sights, and stripper clip guides, forward mounted scope ( in front of receiver) and 6 lb weight limits, detachable mag. are adhered to. Some are close, some not even close to his designs.
The Canadian mounted police chose Tikka T3x Arctic as their service rifle after extensive tests. If that does not justify a place on this list, I do not know what does.
I have had my Ruger Gunsite Scout (.308) for 8 yrs. now. I have purchased a couple of extra magazines (5 and 10 round) and a XS Long Rail with ghost ring for it. I would highly recommend the XS long rail if you want to use a standard hunting scope instead of forward mount optics. It's made specifically for the Ruger and with the ghost ring built in, it definitely adds flexibility to the rifle. I use mine primarily for deer hunting and it's definitely accurate and dependable.
@@cwr8618 I'm hitting 12" gongs at 300 yards, with iron sights, with mine. I can barely see the target at that range. I think a scope would really get you in there.
The average shooter could easily engage targets at 300 yards with a decent optic. And with minimal practicen reach out well beyond that. While longer barrels and other features in "precision" rifles do have some impact on long range accuracy, range is mostly limited by the type of ammo and it's ballistic capabilities more so than the rifle.
@@cwr8618 I really cannot say. Since I use mine primarily for deer hunting, I sight it in 2" high @100 yds. I consistently get 1 -2 inch groups at that distance with a 3x9 scope, and get 2 -3 inch groups with the ghost ring. I have killed one deer over 150 yds. using that rifle. But 99% of the time, my shots have been less than 100 yds. so I really never thought about range. If I want long range, I will use my 22-250 (but not for deer hunting).
Cooper mearly promoted the scout rifle and added some good specs. My first introduction to a Scout Rifle was the K98 with the forward mounted 4x scope.
Very similar. Almost identical in fact. Beretta made the BM59 off the original M1 Garand and chambered it in 7.62 NATO instead of the 30-06. Springfield developed the M14 in the same way. The Beretta is a great rifle if you can find one.
@@stanislavt6376 Springfield Armory M1A rifles are cast crap, nothing but problems. On match ranges they are called "national trash" for a reason. You want an M1A get one made by Bula with forged parts.
Caliber is the bore diameter. The 7.62mm is high power, not high caliber. The bore diameter of the 7.62mm is only eight hundredth of an inch larger than a .22 caliber bore.
Wish I had picked up one of the Mossbergs a couple years ago....now they're hard to find and if you do, you pay twice what they were going for just a couple years back.
I'd love to get a 110 scout, but I can't find the right setup in 30-06. I have an old Savage Edge in 30-06 and I'm considering having it turned into a scout rifle as it's fairly light weight and a good straight shooter.
Never thought about one of these. I like the look and the light weight. Looks like a good SHTF weapon. I have a ton of rifles now but 90% military. Mostly heavy. I like the 7.62 rounds.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV, Jesus Christ is the only way.......
The mossburg seems great that it take the ar mag. But, I think the Styer is probably the most practical for a scout. Integrated bi-pod and spare mag, sign me up. Put a little scope on there and keep it in the truck.
If I remember correctly, the scout rifle in concept has fewer moving parts, with the assumption that you'd be out of touch with anyone who could make major repairs for an extended period of time. Hence the majority of the guns in that category being bolt action.
Semi autos are not permitted for hunting in many places. The typical .223 AR is underpowered for game larger than medium whitetail sized stuff. An AR is more snag-prone in dense brush. An AR is a great fighting rifle, but a lousy hunting rifle. A Scout can be a great hunting rifle, and still be a decent fighting gun. Just depends on your priorities.
What you are saying is that all of the production Scout Rifles are good. There are only 5 in production. The truth is that the Styr Scout is the only production Scout Rifle the late Colonel personally approved of before he died. To the credit of the other makers, the Savage 10FCM was the only other Scout in production and the Late Colonel blew it off as a cheap copy. Only after his students at Gunsite held their own with the Savage did the Late Colonel give it a nod of tolerance. If one wishes to be "Faithful" To the late Colonel but simply will not fork up the $1800.00 for the Styr, then the Ruger is the next best compromise. It was designed with input from Gunsite but even here, Ed Head, the Gunsite instructor who provided the input to Ruger did admit that he compromised the late Colonels standards in order to make it more marketable. Richard Mann, author of the book" The Scout Rifle Study" wrote that the Mossberg was one of the most rugged and probably the best bang for the buck. The M-1A "Squad Scout" Is not a Scout Rifle. One writer who personally presented it to the Late Colonel as "The Scout Rifle he was brining to his class" Incurred the scoff of the late Colonel boldly proclaiming "THAT IS NOT A SCOUT RIFLE!" And loaned him a Scout prototype Named "Sweetheart" For the class. The M-1A is properly referred to as a "Squad Scout" A Scout derivative. A Battle rifle configured as a Scout. This opens up a whole new area where the Squad Scout should have its own book written.
Jeff cooper was wrong about everything......that nonsense about 45 acp being a 90% man stopper, the 7.62x39 being a poor fighting cartridge, the double action being a solution to a non exist problem, the hiring of that phony Chuck Taylor at his school, and this dumb scout rifle that is no better than an SKS.
@@chadhaire1711 And yet, those who use his fundamentals win gunfights. The post Cooper squirt gunners have only fewer bad guys hit, more innocents shot, and property damage through the roof. The .22 caliber poodle shooter has yet to win any major ground battles
"Scout Rifle"......LOL AKA, reinventing the wheel. .308/7.62mm? Choice of barrels, as short as 13 inches? Check Built in bipod? Check Under 9 pounds? Check Fixed or collapsible stock? Check Even a built in carry handle? Check See "FN-FAL" or "SA-58"
