Tikka answer to Ruger Scout

[PegLeg45]

MVP is close but I think a 16.25 barrel is too short for a .308.

My best friend (who is a long-range competitor....he works and shoots with John Whidden, of Camp Perry fame) cut the barrel down to 16.5" on a Remington 700 just to see what it would do and the accuracy was still there out to nearly 600 yards. Of course he used hand loaded ammo to maximize powder burn for barrel length.

[Hazcat]

I see a few MVP Predator models with an 18.5 barrel, but see none with fixed sights.

http://www.mossberg.com/rifle-calibers/762mm-nato-308-win


Googled for replacement barrels for the 16.5 in. MVP Patrol, but found none.

Also when you get the 18.5 you lose the threaded barrel.  As I said, close, but no cigar.

[Solus]

Also when you get the 18.5 you lose the threaded barrel.  As I said, close, but no cigar.

There is no front sight on a Predator barrel.

I expect getting it threaded would not be a major task?

[Hazcat]

My best friend (who is a long-range competitor....he works and shoots with John Whidden, of Camp Perry fame) cut the barrel down to 16.5" on a Remington 700 just to see what it would do and the accuracy was still there out to nearly 600 yards. Of course he used hand loaded ammo to maximize powder burn for barrel length.

Yeah, from what (very little) I know it seems an 18" in .308 is about as short as you want to go to still get the most out of the (standard) round.

There is no front sight on a Predator barrel.

I expect getting it threaded would not be a major task?

It seems only the patrol has sights and as far as threading I suppose it would not be too big a deal, but why not have it from the get go?

To get even more picky I think the rail is too far to the rear.  Scout scopes are normally forward of the action more.  I don't think of the gun I would like as a 'sniper' so a nice 3 or 4 fixed scope well forward of the action, iron sights, top load capability (stripper clips if detachable magazine fed), bolt action.

I know "picky, picky!"

[tombogan03884]

On the subject of shorter barrels in .308.
In the American Rifleman article in Ruger's .308 AR they were talking about consistent hits at 1000 yards with a 16 inch barrel.

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

Yeah, from what (very little) I know it seems an 18" in .308 is about as short as you want to go to still get the most out of the (standard) round.

It seems only the patrol has sights and as far as threading I suppose it would not be too big a deal, but why not have it from the get go?

To get even more picky I think the rail is too far to the rear.  Scout scopes are normally forward of the action more.  I don't think of the gun I would like as a 'sniper' so a nice 3 or 4 fixed scope well forward of the action, iron sights, top load capability (stripper clips if detachable magazine fed), bolt action.

I know "picky, picky!"

Nothing wrong with picky.  If you are gonna spend your money, you should be sure you get what you want. 

If you can find what you want, out of the box, at the price that works, great. 

But if not, you have two choices:   Wait till someone puts in a box, or:  see if there is a reasonable way to make what is in one of those boxes into what you want.

The 16.5" barrel might not be an issue.  I would have had it as a concern too, but posts here indicate it may not be.

[brushmore]

I see a few MVP Predator models with an 18.5 barrel, but see none with fixed sights.

In general I am disappointed that so few bolt actions come with iron sights.  I plan on mounting a scope but still want to have the good old iron sights as a backup.

[alfsauve]

The problem with Mossberg's MVP series is the funky way the bolt strips the rounds from the magazine.  They didn't want to have to redesign the upper/frame to accommodate the AR15 magazines so they created this little drop down thingy.  They call it the "drop push" bolt.  A number of forums have reported difficulties.  It may not prove to be any problem at all long term, but I decided just to stay away from it.

[Hazcat]

The problem with Mossberg's MVP series is the funky way the bolt strips the rounds from the magazine.  They didn't want to have to redesign the upper/frame to accommodate the AR15 magazines so they created this little drop down thingy.  They call it the "drop push" bolt. A number of forums have reported difficulties.  It may not prove to be any problem at all long term, but I decided just to stay away from it.

Yep, noticed that. too.  I'd rather not be a test subject for an unnecessary modification of an integral part.

[fatbaldguy]

The accuracy of the Ruger Scout is good to 600 yds.  That's the longest range I've had access to.  I have a Leupold 1-4x20 mounted in the traditional manner. A shooter (not me) put 10 rnds in a pie plate at 600 in 27and a bit seconds.  He did use my rifle though, and three spotter shots.  My biggest issue with the 16 and a bit inch barrel is noise.  Damn a .308 is REALLY loud out of that short barrel.  I know I'll have the same issue from the Ruger SR762.  You won't have to remind me.