Scout Rifle...

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Something that I had wanted to buy for a while; when they first came to my local gun shop they didn't have any in .308; so I passed on it. I found this used Mannlicher Steyr Scout .308 at Bud's Gun Shop online. The original receipt for the gun was in the box; I paid $400 less then the original buyer 2 years ago! Here are some photos; the scope, a Leupold 2X Pistol Scope, has been bore sighted; now to get to the range and finish dialing it in!

scout1.jpg

scout2.jpg

scout3.jpg
 
Turned out good for you! I see you can put a regularly mounted scope on it, That may work out better for you. I have a lever gun I set up with a no magnification red dot. I could hold about 5 in 2" at 50 yards as fast as I could. How will compare? Ivan
 
Ivan - I'll post range results when I can get to the range; but from what I've read 1.2" - 1.5" at 100 yards is expected from Steyr. I hope I can come close!
 
Steyr made good stuff. I remember an early SSG in 308, a customer had. He mentioned it was only getting 3/4" at 200. The factory rep. had it sent back and Steyr rebarreled it. Ansultz bought the equipment, patents and stoke of parts when Steyr lost their lease on the building. Dieter didn't know what he was going to do with all the stuff, I guess the boys figured it out!

I am wondering if the Scout concept is better served with with no power magnification or low power. The lever gun scout/ guide gun seems to thrive with no power, but that is a closer range concept. The 200 yard "Pin Point" accuracy for a recon patrol rifle, seems to be covered by well built M-4 type rifles in Iraq. I remember seeing Steyr Scouts being used in the Balkans a few years ago, and assumed that was due local "procurement". The photo I saw had a conventional scope on it, and was used as a improvised sniper rifle. I don't remember which of the 3 or more side he was on.

What I am betting on is you have a heck of a Mountain Rifle. I remember the early Scouts having pop-up auxillery sights,is that feature still included? And lastly, I would think a 308 round with the 125 polymer tipped bullet a about 3000 fps (or a little slower) would be the perfect round for the concept. Have fun test driving your gun! Ivan
 
You're gonna luv it! The neatest, handiest rifle ever. Be aware that if you're going to reload that these rifles have a very loose headspace, most will accept a factory "no go" guage and some even a "field guage". This is factory deliberate due to some of the Bolt design requirements. Easily handled by neck sizing only. Accuracy with good ammo should easily be between 1-1.5 moa. For a lot of good info on this superb rifle check out "Father Frogs" web pages and do order one of Andy Langlois "Ching Slings" to complete your rig.
 
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I really like the scout rifle concept and would appreciate your posting range results. I am interested in how quick you can obtain a sight picture and how consistently you are able to achieve it. Thanks for posting.
 
shottist said:
...Be aware that if you're going to reload that these rifles have a very loose headspace, most will accept a factory "no go" guage and some even a "field guage". This is factory deliberate due to some of the Bolt design requirements.
Click to expand...

What??? I am not aware of anything like that. Could you explain this a little better? I have always wanted one of those things and might just buy one someday but if it has something odd like this inherent in the design I would be inclined to pass. Appreciate any info you can share. Thanks. :)

OP, congrats on your new rifle. I have had my eye on one of those for years and just haven't spent the money. Hope it works out for you.
 
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Because of the mechanical requirements of the Steyr "double lock/safe system", the Rifles are chambered to the maximum European CIP specifications.This is to ensure free bolt movement with max specification ammo. Most Scouts will accept the standard US "No Go" guage and some will allow bolt closure on a Field Guage and if so should probably be sent back to Steyr for adjustment.This loose headspace has little or no effect on accuracy/precision or safety. These are unique and wonderful rifles. I am on my second of these and have very few "nits to pick" although some do exist, it's close but not quite perfect.
 
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Hmmm... ? I wonder what those "requirements" may be? In any case, thanks for trying to explain further. I have a hard time imagining why that is necessary, but I am sure Steyr can consistently produce rifles with whatever headspace dimension they choose, for whatever reason.

I would hate to buy one of those new and find the bolt closed on a U.S. no-go gage. Would incline me towards keeping ammunition for that rifle separate from my other .308s, which I would consider unhandy. :(
 
Which is exactly what I do and find it no chore since I have developed specific loads for each of my four .308s.
 
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Scout Rifles

Interesting rifle and I like the fold down bipod..

My first .308 "Scout rifle" was a 16" Springfield M1A scout Squad with a QD Leupold fixed 3x fwd scope...
Sorry to say that I didnt have much love for the short barrel M1A and traded it off for a standard length barrel pre ban S.A. M1A.

My second "Scout rifle" was a Navy Arms Ishapore .308 Jungle carbine conversion ...BTW it doesnt know it might be a Scout rifle yet....So Shhhhh !


Are there certain features that make a short barrel bolt action a "Scout Rifle"?
This one has the detachable 10 round box magazine, iron sites, 16" barrel, flash suppressor and a bayonet & mount to boot !
Just needs a fwd scope mount and walaah.....Pre Scout rifle.
 
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weight is a criteria highly desired by Cooper

Engine49guy said:
Interesting rifle and I like the fold down bipod..

My first .308 "Scout rifle" was a 16" Springfield M1A scout Squad with a QD Leupold fixed 3x fwd scope...
Sorry to say that I didnt have much love for the short barrel M1A and traded it off for a standard length barrel pre ban S.A. M1A.

My second "Scout rifle" was a Navy Arms Ishapore .308 Jungle carbine conversion ...BTW it doesnt know it might be a Scout rifle yet....So Shhhhh !


Are there certain features that make a short barrel bolt action a "Scout Rifle"?
This one has the detachable 10 round box magazine, iron sites, 16" barrel, flash suppressor and a bayonet & mount to boot !
Just needs a fwd scope mount and walaah.....Pre Scout rifle.
Click to expand...

They Steyr Scout weighs 6.6 lbs empty without a scope. I always thought if you could get a removable magazine and mount a long eye relief scope on a Spanish FR8 you'd have a Scout Rifle - except for the weight. Of course it almost looks like Ruger did just that:

fr8_1.jpg


Ruger's Scout Rifle looks a lot like my FR8!
 
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