The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: Whit Spurzon on February 01, 2011, 11:54:37 PM
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The minute I found out about the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle I wanted one. Reading the reviews and seeing the video here pretty much sealed the deal and I ordered one. Today it arrived! :D
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/scout.jpg)
I LIKE IT!!!
It has a confidence inspiring heft to it. So many new guns with synthetic stocks and parts lack that. The Ruger Gunsite Scout feels like it is up to hard use in tough conditions. There is also an underlying level of refinement to that ruggedness that is also pleasing to the eye.
Both the trigger and the sights were better than I expected. I believe both will contribute favorably to its accuracy potential. The bolt is easily run quickly and I expect it will get better with use.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/308fmjhrndy165041008.jpg)
I ran a variety of ammo through the action from the magazine. The 173 gr cast Lyman 311041 bullet loads would engrave slightly upon feeding while all others including the smaller 120 grain Lyman 311008 cast bullet cycled beautifully.
My goal is to develop a variety of loads to take advantage of this versatile cartridge. Everything from subsonic cast bullet Grouse Getter loads on up to big critter thumpers that I've done with my 30-30 Leverguns. It's nice to be able to harvest Grouse with your rifle and still have something left to eat. The reduced report doesn't put every critter for miles on high alert either. With rimfire like recoil it makes for an excellent round to introduce new shooters to centerfire rifles.
Ruger is marketing this rifle as "The one rifle to have if you could only have one." I intend to test that in the coming weeks and months on targets, long range steel and critters from Grouse to Elk. We'll see how it plays out - but I'm not betting against it...
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Outstanding!
Hope you enjoy it, and I'm sure there are a good many folks (along with myself) on here that anxiously await a detailed shooting report.
Good shooting!
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Nice!
Mine should be here any day now.
I've got 500 rounds loaded up and ready to go.
Biker
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I soooooo much envy you!
Richard
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A visit to the range is high on my priority list. I have a number of loads to test on paper and over the chronograph. I'm hoping a few of those will show promise and the "work" ;) of dialing them in can begin in earnest. Once I have it sighted in I'll take it on a couple of long walks to get an impression of its field-ability. My expectations are high.
I ordered a couple of 5 round magazines from Ruger mainly because I prefer the aesthetic of the shorter magazine. I've not found the pocket sized 10 round magazine to be a detriment to its portability or handiness though. 10 rounds of 308 can cure a lot of ills and its spec makes sense in a ready to go - out of the box - 'do all' rifle.
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nice
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Iz ya thunkin about a scope or optics?
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Iz ya thunkin about a scope or optics?
For now my plans are to test the iron sights. I will probably use a traditionally mounted scope for final load development but in the field I really prefer iron sights.
I scouted a Marlin 336 a while back.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/336scout3030.jpg)
It worked well, especially on paper
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/336170ghrndy33varget100yardtarget.jpg)
100 yards, 170 gr Hornady over a Max Charge of Varget.
So far my 50 year old eyes are good enough to avoid needing glass so I choose the lighter weight option on rifles I pack in the field.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/gsr.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/gsrclose.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/gsrraven.jpg)
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Till the storms stop I'm gonna have to put this "must buy" on the back burner. But it is on my list.
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Very Nice Whit, and thank you for the report and pics.
It seems like a very all purpose rifle.
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Second trip to the range with my GSR and I must say, I like it even better. ;D
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/rangetesting.jpg)
This time I took it to the big range as I was confident that I'd be on paper. I have not made any adjustments to the sights and this rifle is pretty much zero'd at 50 meters with most loads I put through it.
Jacketed bullet loads:
165 grain Hornady SP Interlock over Varget (two grains below max). Varget has been a good powder for me but I didn't expect it to do as well in this short barreled rifle. Book for this powder at MAX estimates 2773 fps out of a 24" barrel. I'm over 2400 fps with 2 grains left to go. This load is also proving to be very accurate.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/50yards165varget.jpg)
50 meters, iron sights, three shots, ~ 1/2" c-t-c
The same bullet with IMR 3031 did ok but averaged about 50 fps slower with a load a bit closer to the published Max.
150 grain FMJ, pulled surplus bullets with IMR 3031, 1.5 grains below published max approached 2600 fps and showed very promising accuracy.
It doesn't appear this rifle is either bullet weight or powder sensitive with jacketed bullets. Yet another unexpected upside.
Cast bullets:
120 grain Lyman 311008 plain base. Last time out this bullet did not impress. This time it produced the second best groups of the day. I'm driving it a little over 1250 fps with Bullseye powder. Better still this load prints nearly identically to the jacketed bullet loads at 50 yards.
The Lee C309-113 F again showed promise. I'll adjust the charges to try to get it subsonic and try a different powder to push it up over 1600 fps and see how it does.
The 173 grain Lyman 311041 improved this time out too. 5 grains of Bullseye pushes this bullet 903 fps (avg) and it 1" accurate at 50 yards with the iron sights. The POI is between 1-2" lower than POA with the Jacketed Bullet 50 yard zero. I shot this plain based (no gas check) and seated it deeper than the Lyman Manual suggests. OAL = 2.550" At that length it seems to feed a little better.
Another load using Unique drove this bullet (with a gas check) to almost 1400 fps shot close to point of aim of the Jacketed loads at 50 yards but the group size approached 2". The next trip out I think I'll try to drive it faster and see if it improves.
All and all a good trip and the GSR exceeded my expectations. Plenty to build on and tweak. I'm getting more familiar with it and the sights which helps too. I REALLY like that the cast loads and the Jacketed loads print close at 50 yards with the same zero. This will make it much more useful in the field. My plan is to tweak the loads and visit the range once again before taking it out in the woods for some field testing. So far I'm VERY happy.
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I am very excited about this rifle. Trigger is very good, action is smooth, and fit and finish are great. My dealer had two, so I picked the one I wanted. I also ordered some C-Products 5 round mags and they work great. They fit tight, no rattle and feed great with some dummy rounds I made up. No scope yet, I am going to play with the irons for a while.
I have some desert time scheduled for next week so I will post a further report then. I am pretty happy right now though.
I will post some pictures as soon as I get the children to bed.
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nice, but I would prefer a semi auto in that configuration. 8)
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nice, but I would prefer a semi auto in that configuration. 8)
The FNAR if the Mags weren't so darn expensive :-[
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Hi;
Just a question on shooting and cleaning. I was taught not to clean a rifle after you have sighted it in and are about to Qualify or compete with it within the next few days. The reason for this is that after firing and zeroing the weapon in the lands and grooves are "filled" in and your first shot at Qual/competion should be the same as your last shot in zeroing it in.
Other peoples rule of thought does not believe in this.
Have you tried this or not and if you did what was the results?
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Yes, I have done this.
The result was qualifying expert 3 years in a row.
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Some guns are more susceptible than others. I'll typically foul the bore just before I leave for a hunting trip and check zero once I arrive at my destination (if possible).
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My wife saw the Scout rifle on Shooting Gallery and said, "I like that, you ought to get one." Am I a lucky guy or what?
Does anyone have a suggestion for optics? I live in rural Alabama, where shots are typically 100 yards or less, but we do have some large beanfields. I'm leaning toward an EER scope mounted up front. Does anyone have any experience with 1.25X4 or similar scopes?
Thanks,
david
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David,
Being that your shots are close range, 150 yards or less, you may want to look in to a Red Dot for fast sight acquisition.
I realize you didn't ask about red dots, but I just thought I'd throw that out there. I sight my AR in at 200 Yards using a red dot, and find that it's great out to about 250 Yards or so. Any longer than that and I'll start looking at magnification. I'm putting this on my Scout Rifle:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html
Biker
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Biker, Thanks for the suggestion. I have RMR's and reflex sights on my AR's, so red dots may be an option. Cooper's original scout rifle concept included EER scopes (perhaps a quality red dot wasn't available at the time), so I wondered how that might enhance the rifle. Perhaps that type scope would have some advantage.
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David,
I talked with Andy Langlois, at Scoutrifle.org and he reports that the red dots make the Scout Rifle the cat's meow. I too use a red dot on my AR, and have the most time shooting that way. Thus, I'm finding that keeping things the same between my defensive rifle and my practical rifle makes sense.
Biker
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I like it when the postman leaves magazines in my mailbox!
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/agazine.jpg)
Now that looks way better-er to me.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/magingsr.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/magloaded.jpg)
Pondering whether to trade the 10 for another five. Still need to find a good carry pouch for them.
It is simpler for me to do "Tac Reloads" with the fives as it easier to manipulate both mags with one hand. There is a video of a Gunsite instructor demonstrating a tac reload with her "weapon" side hand. I'm finding it easier to load with my "reaction" side hand even when the rifle is shouldered.
The shorter mags seem to make it a little easier doing "transition" drills - Rifle (w/2 point sling) to handgun. Probably only useful during a zombie apocalypse after running the rifle dry but hey, might as well test these things in advance...
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Whit,
I have been thinking about this rifle since it was announced and finally got a chance to look at one today. And I was impressed. I'm not a rifle aficionado so I don't readily appreciate all the subtleties and nuances, but this rifle felt like it was made for me when I picked it up. I have talked to sales reps in a couple of gun stores and they tell me these rifles are not lasting long on the shelf. I think Ruger hit a home run with this rifle.
Best of luck with the GSR!
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IMHO, the mags look a little chincy,....Great reviews on the rifle,...but the mags look bargain. For the price, one would expect a baseplate, not folded and lipped over.
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You might try these mag pouches...they get good reviews.
http://www.triadtactical.com/Triad-Tactical-Single-5-Round-AICS-AW-Magazine-Pouch.html
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Thanks for the link EVCMatt. Those look like the best option so far. Not crazy about velcro but at least they're made to fit.
TW: The Mags are not what I would describe as "chincy." Very robust, a bit heavy really and that floor plate is removable. They still cost a ransom... at least they're available...
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According to a post by Sheriff Jim Wilson on Facebook, Ruger is about to announce a left-handed version of the Gunsite Scout rifle. Hey, I'm left-handed!
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Here it is...
(http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/images/6814.jpg)
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Here it is...
(http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/images/6814.jpg)
I don't like it....they put the bolt handle on the wrong side......
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I don't have any video footage of actually shooting the rifle yet. I have carried it in the field and done some cast bullet plinking with it, good fun.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/gsrscoutingtreebetter.jpg)
Being lighter and more compact it carries better than my other bolt guns - 1903A3/Remington 700BDL/ CZ - not quite as well as a levergun but good as far as bolts go. I've carried it in my hands, on a sling and in a Kifaru Gunbearer. I'm liking the safety better than I initially did and have been able to operate it with gloves on. The sights are a little coarse but still capable of good iron sight field precision. At first I didn't really like the soft rubber butt plate cap due to its stickiness on clothing but as I practiced I found it to be less of an issue and it actually helps quite a bit when running the bolt quickly.
I have more loads to test. Varget seems to be the powder that gets the best accuracy and velocity with jacketed bullets. So far with Cast bullets I've had the best luck with Bullseye and Unique at 800 to 1500 fps. I have some 4759 that I'll try with some heavier cast bullets as it has been a good performer in many other rifles/calibers I've tried it in.
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Im looking at one toady I may put it on layaway since we are moving ya now money issue. I have a sps 308 already and few other toys. just out of courosity has any one tried 600 plus yet with it? If so how did you do.
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I made a short video review and posted it on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cie30ewBkGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cie30ewBkGM)
I don't have any video footage of actually shooting the rifle yet. I have carried it in the field and done some cast bullet plinking with it, good fun.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/gsrscoutingtreebetter.jpg)
Being lighter and more compact it carries better than my other bolt guns - 1903A3/Remington 700BDL/ CZ - not quite as well as a levergun but good as far as bolts go. I've carried it in my hands, on a sling and in a Kifaru Gunbearer. I'm liking the safety better than I initially did and have been able to operate it with gloves on. The sights are a little coarse but still capable of good iron sight field precision. At first I didn't really like the soft rubber butt plate cap due to its stickiness on clothing but as I practiced I found it to be less of an issue and it actually helps quite a bit when running the bolt quickly.
I have more loads to test. Varget seems to be the powder that gets the best accuracy and velocity with jacketed bullets. So far with Cast bullets I've had the best luck with Bullseye and Unique at 800 to 1500 fps. I have some 4759 that I'll try with some heavier cast bullets as it has been a good performer in many other rifles/calibers I've tried it in.
:'( When I click on the youtube link, I get the message that it is a private video! I don't know the password! Nuts....
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I have been looking for a 10 round .308 bolt action off and on for years. I even seriously considered an Ishapore to fill that slot, but had heard that mags (and more) were an issue with them. Now that Ruger has come out with this, I think it solves the whole dilemma nicely. Thanks for the postings y'all. Now to save the money up...
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I finally got my GSR, Leupold 2.75 EER scope, Ruger plastic & metal magazines. Here are a few words that I use to describe it:
- Light
Solid
Instinctive
Slick
Crisp
Smooth
Quick
Accurate
Any time you find all those words together describing a rifle, you are probably in pretty good shape.
I LOVE my GSR!
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Any comment (subjective, of course) on felt recoil impression?
TIA
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Any comment (subjective, of course) on felt recoil impression?
TIA
The recoil pad on the GSR is excellent. No one I've let shoot it has commented on the recoil and to be honest, I've never noticed it even after a long range session off the bench. Definitely less than my 12 gauge, maybe comparable to a 20 gauge?
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Update: Now that I've owned and used the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle for almost fourteen months I'll share my impressions based on that experience.
I love the rifle. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool levergun enthusiast, I hunt with them, shoot them in competition and never met one I didn't want to own but since the arrival of The Ruger GSR they've NOT been getting a lot of attention. It has even sidetracked an EBR project (300 Blackout) I have been working on but not completed yet... The GSR is just that much fun.
The GSR is more accurate than I expected with a WIDE variety of ammunition. Jacketed bullets, cast bullets, supersonic, subsonic, heavy, light.... it doesn't seem to matter. WONDERFULLY versatile cartridge in a very adaptable rifle. I've run more than fifty different bullet/powder combinations through the GSR and these are a few of my favorites so far.
165 grain Hornady JHP over IMR 3031. Averages 2573 fps over the chronograph and will shoot sub MOA groups with regularity. W748 is showing great promise too
220 grain Lyman 311284 over enough W231 to get it going a little over 900 fps. This will be the load I use when I get a suppressor. It is very accurate and hard hitting at surprising distances.
115 grain Lyman 311008 over enough W231 to get it going around 1,000 fps. This is also a VERY accurate load that I use for plinking and taking small game (Grouse).
190 grain Lyman 311334 over enough SR4759 to speed it along at 1900 fps. Probably the most accurate load I have for this rifle. It is my primary practice and long range gong load.[/li][/list]
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/IMG_2554.jpg)
Six different loads
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/IMG_2542.jpg)
The variety of cast bullets I've successfully run through the GSR
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/IMG_2557.jpg)
If I ever use this rifle in competition this is probably the load I would choose to use. Lyman 311334
The new polymer magazines are excellent. I have three and will by buying more.
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/004.jpg)
The adjustable length of pull and the sticky butt pad make it easy to run the bolt Video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqsyFxm-3ms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqsyFxm-3ms)
The 311008 load is great for small game, especially if you want something left for the dinner table.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/mg2266.jpg)
It is a very accurate plinker too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_sGkLMPotw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_sGkLMPotw)
The only negative I've found with this rifle is that there are a number of folks who will feel the need to tell you how come this rifle doesn't meet Col. Cooper's definition of a "scout rifle." I like it regardless of whether or not it pedantically adheres to that definition.
Next path on my GSR saga - a suppressor!
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Very nice Whit, thanks for the porn and the report! 8)
Well done!!
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Whit,
I see 0 buckshot in the picture of lead loads you have used. Have you used it?
Years ago I read about a load for using it in a 30'06, but I'm not sure of the details any longer. I don't remember what powder was use and all I recall is that the buckshot was just pressed into the cartridge with your fingers.
Can you update any of this?
Thanks and take care.
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Awesome long term review Whit...Thank you very much for your efforts. A true testament to what is becoming one of Ruger's great/soon to be classic firearms.
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I've used it in all my 30 caliber (30-30, 308,30-06) and 32 (H&R) firearms. Inexpensive and useful for plinking and garden pests. Here's some video of the buckshot being used in the GSR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYuz8j3ra3g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYuz8j3ra3g)
I use a very small amount of Bullseye usually. W231 and Red Dot have worked well for me too.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/buckshotbulleye10.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/buckshotbulleye6a.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/buckshotbulleye10.jpg)
Works good in 32 H&R too
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/mg2444.jpg)
Whit,
I see 0 buckshot in the picture of lead loads you have used. Have you used it?
Years ago I read about a load for using it in a 30'06, but I'm not sure of the details any longer. I don't remember what powder was use and all I recall is that the buckshot was just pressed into the cartridge with your fingers.
Can you update any of this?
Thanks and take care.
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Thanks, Whit.
I got into researching this and found a handful of links about it.
Started a new thread to preserve this one
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=19384.new#new
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How old is that can of bullseye powder. That type of can hasn't been used in along time?
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How old is that can of bullseye powder. That type of can hasn't been used in along time?
Remember the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi"? Whit is the consumate "Ammo Reloading Specialist" equivalent..... ;)...
No ammo secrets for you!!!!! ::)
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How old is that can of bullseye powder. That type of can hasn't been used in along time?
70's at least. Might be late sixties. It goes a long way a few grains at a time... and its not one of the powders I use bunches of.
I wish Unique would last that long around here but it tends to vaporize (literally) about as fast as I run it through the powder measure.
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I bought a RGS today at a San Antonio Gun Show - busiest I've ever see btw - any updates on optics? I shot it twice when I got home, I'm always amazed how well I do with a ghost ring set-up, but I see some magnification in my future.....60 next birthday :-[
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Just won an auction for a left-handed Gunsite Scout. The seller is in my town, so I'm picking it up tomorrow.
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Just won an auction for a left-handed Gunsite Scout. The seller is in my town, so I'm picking it up tomorrow.
Grats, BAC... I'd not mind winning it's right handed twin at all. Very nice.
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Another update: I'm still enjoying the Ruger GSR. I did several scouting trips with it. My hunting season was interrupted by matters outside my control so I didn't get to test it on anything big and furry this year. I decided to give the Grouse a pass as I've not been seeing the numbers I would like - probably due to our long wet Spring weather. Still it was fun to pack the GSR around.
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/yonderosa001-1.jpg)
I also tested it on some longer range steel (400 yards). In the near future I'm hoping to test it on the 600 yard steel and shoot a silhouette match with it. Like Ruger says, if you can only have one rifle... This is the one. It sure does a lot well.
Here is a little compilation video, some parts I've posted before are included, plus some long range steel teasers later in the clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDD3zFixb2g&feature=plcp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDD3zFixb2g&feature=plcp)
I haven't been able to keep up with the reloading, this rifle has a voracious appetite. A remedy appeared unexpectedly in the form of a Ruger 77/22 - inexpensive bolt action reps with a very similar manual of arms and feel of the GSR.
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/022.jpg)
I added the NECG rear peep sight. It did require a taller front (.530").
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/NECGPeep.jpg)
I've taken it out a few times checking the trail cameras.
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam477.jpg)
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam048-Copy.jpg)
I'm hoping to have the GSR with me when I come across this guy though.
The one thing I like better about the 77/22 is I end up shooting a lot more. Pine cones, knots ... tend to invite the front bead and a lead deposit. Great fun.
(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/009-3.jpg)
These shoot very well and like the box says, quietly.
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Why do people delete their photobucket pictures?
But I really wanted to ask if anyone has tried these AICS Short Action 308 magazines from Alpha Industries
http://www.alphaindmfg.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50 (http://www.alphaindmfg.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50)
Thanks!
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Sometimes it's not a matter of "delete" but of reorganizing or going to another service. I have a few things on Photobucket, but the majority of my pictures were on Picasa. Then when Google took over Picasa and ruined it, I moved everything to Smugmug. For posts on here that wanted to preserve for the ages (vain me), I did go back in to several threads and update the links.
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Potato, potato. Next time I will add the /rhetorical tag.
Perhaps you could delete (or reorganize) the Photobucket links as to not clutter up Bane's pretty boards with massive "image no longer available" placeholders.