I went to my favorite gun store this morning to trade for a new Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle (GSR hereafter) after a lot of research and consideration.

In addition to my new GSR I currently also own a DSA FAL, DSA FAL Para, and Springfield Armory M1A.

The reasons I wanted the GSR include (since I already had three other 7.62x51mm rifles):

1) I've always been a fan of the Scout concept, but very much disliked the weight and poor balance of the SAI M1A Scout and SAI M1A Socom16 I had a few years ago. In fact, the handling characteristics of those rifles were so bad I only kept them for a few months.

2) The merits of the 7.62x51mm cartridge has been beat to death. I own 22LR, 5.56x45mm, and 7.62x39mm rifles too, but the virtues of the 308Win are alluring.

3) All of the other centerfire rifles I currently own are detachable box magazine feed semi-autos. I wanted to put a quality purpose built bolt action back in my Survival Battery. Since 1984 I've owned a fair share of 308Win rifles including various: HK91's, Springfield SAR8's, FAL's, PTR91's, Springfield Armory M1A's, Century CETME's, Remington 700's, etc. but thought it was time to put a simple and rugged bolt action back into my collection. As with most preparedness minded people, my "survival gear & philosophy" has been a constant state of evolution. Over the past year my focus has been on simplifying and picking up more durable kit. The GSR fits into this idea well, but there will be more on this later.

Before I talk about how the GSR fits into my current survival mindset, I'd like to briefly table-top review the rifle (as if this hasn't been a million times already):

THE GOOD

The fit & finish are very good and quite acceptable for this type of weapon. I would have preferred an all stainless model but as they aren't available I bought the standard matte blue version. The matte finish is very uniform, and completely glare resistant. Again, at least a chrome-lined bore would have been nice.

The trigger is crisp and while it seemed heavy at first I tried it against several other quality rifles (BCM MidLength, Colt 6920, M1A with a tuned trigger, etc) and found the Ruger's trigger is actually LIGHTER. For those who follow Ruger products - this will be a surprise.

The back up sights are quite usable, and give a nice sight picture. I like the design of a ringed rear aperture, and the M14 style winged front sight is fast to pick up.

The section of "scout rail" is actually long enough to use with a variety of optics (SAI I'm looking at you). In addition to the rail, the rifle came with a set of Ruger's traditional (and proprietary) rings. The rings even came with an extra set of screws - this is a very nice touch.

The flash suppressor seems short for a 308, but I've not yet fired the rifle (let alone at night). I've read the threading is 5/8x24 which is the same for other 308 rifles meaning the FS could be replaced with an excellent Phantom, etc.

The stock checkering is sharp and gives good purchase.

The rifle is fairly well balanced (at about the magazine with a loaded mag in place), but will be better balanced when I mount a Scout Scope on it. I like really short LOP so I removed the factory installed 1/2" spacer (these come with three 1/2" spacers for those with long arms).

In spite of being a "modified control feed" bolt, I had to hold the rifle upside down with a round "under the extractor" while shaking it VIGOROUSLY to get the round to drop out of the action. This was a relief as I was concerned it would be more "push-feed" than "CRF".

THE BAD

As previously stated, I would prefer a stainless model or chrome-lined bore on the carbon steel model.

The bolt travel is a little gravely, but has already started to smooth out just from me playing with it today. I suspect the bolt will smooth out nicely over time, and perhaps with a little polishing.

The plastic trigger guard / magazine well housing is ...well...plastic! I would have traded a few ounces for aluminum here.

THE UGLY

The magazine. Everyone complains that Ruger didn't design this around a M14, FAL, or G3 magazine. That doesn't bother me. The PRICE of additional magazines does bother me. More over, the fact that the mag fits very loose in the "mag well" is disconcerting.

Now that I've restated everything everyone else has said about the design and quality of manufacture I'd like to briefly explain the WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW this fits into my preparedness planning.

WHEN would I use this over my AK, AR, FAL, or M1A? Well, our plan is to BUG IN until our house becomes untenable. The box magazine feed semi's will be used to defend the homestead against hordes of looters, zombies (the popular thing right now), whatever. We already live in a rural woodland area so if we had to BUG OUT I'd strongly consider the advantages of having a rugged, accurate (assuming the hype is verified at the range), and potent bolt gun.

WHERE would I use this? If we have to bug-out our route will take us through various agricultural (open) areas and woodland (timber forested) areas. This mixed terrain lends itself to the power of a 308 and accuracy of a bolt gun. As much as I love my FAL's - they are "combat accurate" and not "match accurate". I don't expect the 16" GSR to be "match grade", but from the reports I've heard (as well as the ease of mounting a scope to one) - they will outperform my FALs.

WHY would I chose a slow to reload bolt gun over a "battle proven" semi auto??? Well, I've been doing this survivalist thing for 27 years and the days of idolizing Red Dawn scenarios are long over for me. My goal is to keep my head down and avoid contact. This reduces the need for a semi-auto, and increases the need for a heavier caliber / more accurate rifle. The exact "purpose" for the scout design. Also, as anyone who has been to a "combat style" class or competition can attest - you'll be surprised how quickly you'll run through ammo in a semi-auto when the stress is on. A bolt gun causes you to slow down. This ammo conservation obviously is hugely beneficial to the already overloaded survivalist.

HOW does this fit into my overall planning? The GSR will be an option. If it proves itself at the range, then it will be integrated into my planning as a long-term / TEOTWAWKI weapon option. Depending on the calamity that befalls us, this might be the weapon I choose. Additionally, as my mindset shifts further away from a "run and gun" and more toward a "frontiersman" ideology the simple, reliable, durable bolt gun starts to look more appealing.

Obligatory pics:

The handgun, hat, and knife are just "props" to make the picture more interesting.



Onto my questions….

A) I'm interested in mounting a very high quality "scout type" scope on this rifle. I stuck my LaRue mounted Trijicon TR21 on it, and the eye relief is about 6" too short. Does anyone know of a mounting system that would make using a Trijicon 1.25x4 or 1x4 feasible? Has anyone seen a GSR with a Trijicon on it?

B) As a tie-on question for "A" above - does anyone have a XS full rail on their GSR? I don't like the idea of adding weight, but this is an option.

C) Last optic question: has anyone used a Leupold 2.5 IER Scout on a GSR? Do you have any other scout scope experience that would be pertinent here?

D) Where is the best place to buy extra magazines, and what can I expect to pay for them?

Congratulations for your new baby. It's a very Nice Looking rifle and i bet it's practical too. The mag is ugly but you can't always have everything like you would want to.

Nice score! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks - I'm pretty excited about this rifle. I've been wanting to add a "simple but purpose built" survival bolt action to my collection for quite some time. This Ruger comes as close as possible to fulfilling my requirements.

Hopefully Ruger will release a stainless steel version and perhaps an 18" barrel option. Other that that - this rifle is infectious. I was up till 2am playing with it, and the more I handle it / examine it the more I like it!

Thanks for the review. I've been hearing good things abt this rifle.

Architect are you sure the metal parts are blued? Didn't find info, matte black was only thing I found. If it's parkerized it should hold up just about anything. I trust your expertise though. Just asking.

t1m0,

The finish looks similar to Springfield Armory's phosphate conversion (parkerization), but is more smooth and more uniform. This is why I've ruled out 'black oxide' (like a Remington 870 Express). Its the same finish (no surprise) that Ruger uses on their 10/22 barrels now.

Some parts are clearly blued (small bolt components), and the bolt is obviously bare stainless steel.

Regarding the metal finish and/or material in general....

My role for this rifle is the proverbial "if you can only take one rifle when TEOTWAWKI". As such, it could be subjected to years of neglect if the world does truly end.

Therefore, a chrome-lined-bore or stainless barrel would be a welcome "product improvement".

Arch,
Good idea on the GSR. The other day I picked one up and held it for a second and third time-----anyone that knows me well knows that means I am impressed to the point that I start thinking about something serious.

Like your observations I have to wonder about the use of plastic for key parts, at least for a longevity standpoint. I know that Ruger makes good products but I am not sure on this.

On the magazine situation, why could Ruger not make it work with a FAL mag. Ok, that is a wish since I have FAL mags LOL. I have nor done much reading on the GSR but the magazine kinda has a AI look to it---has you looked at that option?

On optics, I think that the GSR was designed with the idea of a 2.5x optic or Aimpoint/Eotech out front AND then a more traditional optic mounted further rear. Why else would Ruger send the rings instead of using a full XS rail?

Let us know on the accuracy. I am looking forward to the evolution of your GSR.

Jeff,

After complaining about the plastic trigger guard (zytel polymer according to Ruger) I started thinking about the trigger guard on my favorite handgun....a Glock. The Glock trigger guard would be subjected to more abuse than the GSR's, because the GSR's mag sticks way past the guard and therefore protects it. However, this is all probably a moot arguement, because history has demonstrated that good polymer is a good weapon material (pains me to admit this).

At first I was upset that the rifle wasn't made to work with FAL or M1A mags, because they are still fairly cheap. Why not a G3 mag, because they're about $2 each? However, Ruger has repeatedly stated that the Mauser claw did not work reliably with an "alternate side feeding magazine" (ie a staggered column mag like the FAL, G3, M14).

You are correct. The mag is a AI based design, but contrary to popular internet conjecture - they are made in the U.S. by Accurate Magazines (not Accuracy International).

The cost (internet price of about $50) is STEEP, but for this type of rifle you only need three. My rifle was $719.99 plus tax so if you have to spend $100 on a couple of spare mags then the total is $819.99 + tax.

I only suggest a couple of spare magazines, because this rifle isn't designed for combat. Its designed for survivalists (and hunters). As such, 11 rounds on board with a couple of 10 round reloads will be sufficient as long as you do your part to be mature and avoid hazardous situations.

One of the added APPEALS of this gun was the LACK of concern with having a dozen mags in my Bug Out Gear. This rifle will be feed from a couple of spare mags, but the balance of my survival ammo will be vacuum sealed loose ammo (probably 31 rounds per vacuum seal bag). FAL mags are heavy. M1A mags are HEAVIER! As such, the weight not spent on mags = more ammo.

Additionally, the GSR is a 7 pound rifle. My FAL is 9.5 pounds. That's another 2.5 pounds of food or ammo.

I really want to find a way to mount my Trijicon 1-4x30 Accupoint on it. However, the eye relief is too long (rifle / not scope). I'm thinking about turning my LaRue mount around backwards (so it cantilevers over the action) to see if this will work.

It will be a while before I can range the rifle. Starting Wednesday I'll be on medical rest / surgical rehab. However, I'll keep this thread alive because this rifle has real potential!

Here is the scope I want to use on the GSR (Trijicon TR24G in a LaRue SPR mount)....



The problems with this:

1) EYE RELIEF! The eye relief is way off. This could be remedied by dismounting the optic from the mount, and spinning the mount around backwards (cantilever TOWARD the shooter) and then remounting the scope. However, this solution doesn't fix Problem No. 2:

2) HEIGHT! The LaRue mount positions the TR24G way too high above the bore axis, and also requires a "chin weld" instead of a "cheek weld".

I'm going to look at LaRue's other mounting options for the Accupoints.

Great information! If I'm ever going to buy a gun I'll ask you first.

Sumo will probably know what's the finish on Finnish assault rifles (matte black) that finish is really strong. I never saw rust on them.

Gary, I'm gonna show my ignorance here, but couldn't you just use the included Ruger rings or just mount the rings to the rail directly on the rifle? I know that would remove your quick disconnect feature, but it would get the scope down lower? Which is more important scope height or quick removal? And you just said it is gonna be a slow burn rifle.