.308 scout rifle build?

[arbronco]

I have a Stevens 200 (savage) that I was thinking about making into a scout type rifle. What are some suggestions for scopes, sights, length of rifle, etc….? Overall setup? Good Idea or bad idea?
Thanks!

[MikeBjerum]

Three items come to mind:

1.  Iron sights in case optics go south;
2.  18" or 20" (I'm thinking 18" would get give good compromise on powder burn vs. handling) barrel for easy handling;
3.  Detachable magazine for quick reloads.

[arbronco]

Do you think it is worth the work and money? I am thinking I could use savage parts to build this but unsure if everything would work together. Does any body have any information on the savage stevenson parts?

[MikeBjerum]

I'm a guy that put a 350 ci, dual quad and powerglide in a Series 1 Chevy LUV; and a 302 ci (stroked 4" Chev. small block), and turbo 350 in a 76 Chevy Vega.  I narrowed rearends, I built subframes and rollcages, I shortened drive shafts, I built headers, I custom built controls and linkages, and I shoehorned things into places most mechanics didn't realize existed. So answers to questions about being worth the work and money are subject to in interpretation 

[Magoo541]

If you're going to buid to Col. Cooper's definition IIRC its  1 meter or less, 3 kg or less, can make hits on human size target out to 450 meters, has a sling, iron sights and optics.

I'd build it if it were me but like Mike said, it depends on your skills, abilities, drive and determination.  I'd go with an 18" barrel, maybe even 16" (works on the Ruger), plastic stock, ghost ring/peep sights, 1-4X scope with long eyerelief, good sling, and a threaded barrel for flash hider/suppressor.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

You could probably buy one like the Ruger for less than what it will cost to build one unless you can do the work your self, and probably get a wider selection of magazine capacities.

If those are not issues for you I' say do it.

[arbronco]

Thanks for the input! I'm going to work out a cost list. Check the cost of the ruger vs this build....

[MrFynn]

I've got the Ruger Scout, and just for a weigh-in, consider it fantastic at what it does.  I've not tried to get an MOA reading as I've only piped 50 rounds or so through, but I will as soon as I can get my hands on the Leupold variable scout scope (I'm still assembling my full platform).  Probably end up with the Ching sling as well.  Picked up my second accumag last week (man they are expensive), but will round it out with several of the new polymer mags. 

Also, tried an Eotech on it for a few down range...worked great, but I've only got one, and it belongs to my AR.

Good luck whichever way you go!

-Fynn

[hicksdp]

I went with the GSR and a Leupold 2.75 EER scope.  I have two metal mags, but I much prefer the 5 & 10 round plastic mags.  They fit better, insert easier, and are less noisy.

I'm all for building you own, but why not buy a GSR to go with the one you build?  You can't have too many guns!
Good luck!