Sure is a great looking rifle, Gary! I can't wait to see it once you get it configured the way you want it.

I had never even heard of this rifle, now all of a sudden I feel like I need one!

Very nice Gary. I have been looking into getting a new bolt-action rifle for a while now and i want .308 because i already own a FAL in that calibur. I have narrowed it down to the Ruger Gunsite Scout and the Remington Model 700. Did you consider the Remmy's and why did you choose the scout over the Remmy tactical's, etc.?

Thanks for the review on the rifle!

SP - I wanted one as soon as I read about it, but resisted as long as I could. I traded my NIB Sig P220 SAO Elite Compact with Night Sights and $114 for the rifle. My view of survivalism is maturing, and this rifle definitely fits in.

KS - I've owned around ten different 700's over the years, and one Model 7. The 700's included: ADL wood stock, ADL synthetic stock, a couple of BDL's, PSS (Police Model), and a Sendero in 300 Win Mag. The 700 is a push-feed rifle, and I do NOT like that feed method. I'm old fashioned, and like the "Mauser Claw". I would take a Ruger 77 action (GSR), Kimber 84, Mauser 98 or Winchester 70 (Pre-64 / Classic) over ANY push-feed system. Additionally, the other features I prefer on the GSR include: longer iron sight radius, better iron sights, detachable 10rd magazine, flash suppressor, and scout scope mount.

Awesome! Thanks Gary. I forgot to mention that my main reason for wanting this rifle is for hunting...I currently only own assault rifles and a Ruger 10/22 so I want something I can legally take hunting.

Thanks again for the review and the response. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

KS - you can probably hunt with the FAL if you only have a 5rd magazine with you. At least that is the case in the states I'm familiar with.

Gary, looks like the 2.5x is in for the win. You are talking some weight difference by the time it is all weighed in.

I keep trying to in this thread but it keeps becoming a long string of random thoughts about the roll this rifle would play for me.

I was thinking that I would like to have a Mini-30 (also was considering an AK) and a Reminton 700SPS at some point. The more I look at this rifle the more I think that I could use in the place of those 2 rifles. Granted I may still consider buying an AK down the road at some point just to have something to kick up a lot of dust.

So now im thinking rifle line up could be. already own ones with *...
1) SA M1A *
2) Ruger GSR
3) Marlin 1894 in .357
4) KelTec Sub2000 .40cal* ...thinking about a 9mm rifle maybe.
5) Ruger 10/22 *

These are just rifles to connect dots between hunting, defense, SHTF, and plinking fun. I would like to get these roles suitably covered first and hopefully buy whatever else when i can. So I'm just thinking out loud right now but I wonder if the GSR could cover the roles of a Mini-30 and 700. Maybe the GSR could fill the hole just enougn to save me some hassle and money. I don't think I would miss the semi-auto and extra mag capacity and would already prefer to not add any extra round to my lineup. If I fill I'm missing anything I guess I could probably see reason to get an AK or or even a better bolt rifle when the funds allow.

Arch covered most of my opinions in his review so I'm thinking this maybe the list. Until.. You know...

But now I'm really interested in what kind of accuracy this rifle is capable of. I'm sure its fine for it's design purposes but if it's better than fine then I'll be really excited about this one. If was to get ammo my M1A doesn't like then maybe I can still have something I can shove it in.

Got my attentionon this on again... Thanks for the review Arch.

It was on the cover of American Rifleman May edition. According to their tests, the rifle shot .85" to 1.8" groups at 100 yards. Obviously, the ammo used made a difference.

Cool... Thanks!

Looking like a good choice.

Yeah, I think its a good choice. I will most likely pick one up this Summer.

Lazi - regarding your list of rifles and thoughts...

M1A = increased firepower and ammo compatibility with the GSR. This could fill in for the AK you mentioned.

AK = Redundant item? The M1A and GSR can do everything an AK can except high-volume CQB type work. However, if you want "high capacity CQB" ability then an AK is hard to beat. The more I shoot my AK's the more I prefer them to my AR's. I do have concerns about the availability of 7.62x39mm ammo after combloc imports stop. Therefore consider a 5.56x45mm variant.

Pistol Caliber Carbine Notes:

1) I typically do not endorse pistol caliber carbines, because you can have full power rifle cartridges in the same size package.
2) I only endorse pistol caliber carbines when a "companion handgun" is involved.

Marlin 94 (357Mag) = If you have a 357Mag handgun this could be the companion carbine I would select. Overall, however, this rifle would be bested by the GSR (similar size with greater accuracy, reliability/durability, power, and firepower) and/or AK (greater reliability, power, and firepower).

KelTec Sub2k Notes:

1) Again, I don't like pistol caliber carbines, but understand the companion role.
2) The KelTec is handy because it folds in half and can be stuck in a backpack thereby fulfilling a "discrete purpose". However, folding stock AK's are just barely larger and more reliable, powerful, and have higher magazine capacity.

KelTec Sub2000 (40SW) = If you have a Glock 22 or 23 this is the companion carbine for it.

KelTec Sub2000 (9mm) = If you have a Glock 17 or 19 this is the companion carbine for it.

Ruger 10/22 = Must have. A quality 22LR rifle is a mandatory item, and the Ruger is as good of a choice as there is. I have a couple, and my wife's Bug-Out Gun is a 10/22.

Regarding the GSR's accuracy:

I've read 50+ pages of internet reporting on the rifle's accuracy. Excluding one poster (who took off the flash suppressor and monkeyed with the barrel) everyone is getting 1" or better at 100 yards. Obviously the quality of ammunition and iron vs scout vs traditional scope makes a difference here, but several handloaders are getting MUCH better than 1". In my opinion, the 1MOA issue is overrated and doesn't take "field condition shooting" into account. Just because a 15 pound bench rest gun will shoot 1/2MOA doesn't mean that its worth a crap for those of us that actually FIELD our weapons. The GSR's light weight, good balance, and short length combined with the 1MOA (off a bench) ability means that you'll have a 7 pound (or 7.5 pound with a Leupold 2.5x Scout Scope) 7.62x51mm (308Win) rifle capable of dropping a man dead in his tracks at 300+ yards from a decent field position. I cannot ask for more from a "survivalist inspired" firearm.

Accuracy Side Notes: From what I've read...

1) Since the GSR has a fairly heavy barrel (it steps down in front of the scout mount, but is still "medium weight" all the way out to the muzzle) - the rifle doesn't start "stringing" shots when the barrel heats up. Since a prudent survivalist isn't going to be running through 30 round strings this might not be an issue. However, preparedness is about covering all of the bases so knowing the rifle will stay on POA after being "used heavily" is a good thing.

2) The GSR barrel rifling is 1 in 10" which means it will favor heavier bullets (1/11 favors 150gr or lighter).

Hunting Side Notes:

1) 308Win is capable of killing anything I'd care to hunt especially considering the 1/10 twist means I can use 180gr bullets.
2) The data I've read shows the little 16.5" barrel yielding 2500fps with 168gr bullets. This is good ballistic performance.
3) 1MOA with the right ammo. Means 300yd ability. I question the ethics of hunting beyond 400yds anyway.
4) Light and short = easier to hump around all day.
5) Quality back up sights, two scope mounting options (it comes with traditional rings and the scout mount).
6) Durable stock.

What's not to like? Its an ideal hunting rifle IMHO!

Hey Gary, do you know if you can get 5 round mags for the Ruger scout?