[jkvirginia]

Hiya out there... I have a project idea kicking around and I'm curious for input

I've always been intrigued by the Scout rifle concept as put forth by Jeff Cooper. A handy, light-weight bolt action that can go anywhere, set up with a forward-mounted scope, in a do-anything caliber, is a gun worth having imho.

The trouble being that I don't have the money to drop at one shot on a $2000 Steyr, and Savage has dropped their version. Also, I'm a believer in controlled-round feed rather than the Savage push-feed.

So, I'm thinking... possibly jumping off from a K98 Mauser, rebarreled to .308 caliber, with an 18-20" bbl, synthetic or laminate stock for rough weather, with ghost-ring or express type sights as a backup for a forward-mounted scope. A conversion to detachable magazine-feed would be nice, but not necessary if stripper-clip loading were feasible.

So, opinions? Is it possible, or should I start saving my pennies for that $2000 Steyr scout?

JKV

 

[uglydog]

I would say it is feasible, I thought of doing the same thing with my 98 Mauser until I bought a Scout type scope mount for my Marlin 336. I liked that enough that I bought a Savage Model 10 in 7mm/08 and did the same to it. The base for the 336, rings, and a 1x Bushnell Banner scope cost me less than $100, which added to the $200 the used rifle cost came out to be a little over $300 including tax. The Savage was $200 used and brazing on a base ran $50. A used 2-6x Redfield extended eye relief scope was another $160 with rings. The $450 total cost was well worth it and a nephew thinks it is a great set up, enough that he bought it from me. I would do the same with my new M-10 but it is a stainless synthetic model and I don't think brazing a scope base on is an option.
As for calibers, I would stay towards the longer rounds. I'm not well versed in cartridge conversions, but I've been told that it is not uncommon for gremlins to appear when doing these types of changes. A caliber like 257 Roberts, 25/06, 7x57, 270, 30/06, etc would probably be simpler.

 

[luv2safari]

I have never been a fan of the "scout rifle" concept. The scope simply becomes a sight with a small image, as it is so far forward that any magnification advantage is negated; if you want a scope, use it like a scope, not a sight...semantics, I know, but look at the reality. I like the advantage of seeing a full field at decent magnification. :idea:

The other thing I don't much care for is the addition of weight so far forward with the addition of the scope and mount pushed forward. This isn't as much of a factor with the much shorter scout rifles, however, and may even help to balance the gun somewhat.

I guess I'm old and reactionary, but I like conventional rifles with a bit longer barrels. The scout rifles look like fun, though. :wink:

 

[Guest]

luv2safari,
I understand where you are coming from, I had the same feelings for years. I think much the same as you that the scope becomes a sight rather than a "scope", for that reason I feel 2.5x is the maximum magnification practical and a 1x is better. You have made me realize that I have thought of the scope on a Scout rifle as a form of peep sight rather than as a scope. I pretty much use my Scout guns as if they were wearing open sights and didn't realize it. I came to appreciate the Scout concept after taking up shooting my BB gun without sights and after putting scopes or red dot sights on my pistols. Picking up a target with both eyes open is a snap with the Scout gun and is my preferred style for close range (<100 yards) hunting. I am confident using a Scout type rifle for non-dangerous game such as deer and even black bear but have more confidence in a standard scope mounting for dangerous game and distances over 100 yards. uglydog

 

[Jonny 9mm]

i would just use a k98 thay ayr not all that big and ive put holes in vw motor blocks with it at 100 yd with no scope
oh and you can order scout scope mounts at www.ironelite.com

 

[markIVbigblock]

ruger makes a new variation on the m77 thats for a scout setup u may look at that

Aaron

 

[Guest]

Several months ago, I built a "Scout rifle" from one of my Rem. 700's. This particular rifle has a 20" barrel and synthetic stock, so it fit the size criteria. It is a bit overweight per Jeff Cooper's rules, but I don't care. I installed a B-Square scout mount (picatinny rail)- which is made for the 700. I am using a 2 x 20 handgun scope. I attached a modified shooting sling. That's it... ready to go for very little investment. I must say, after trying this set-up, I love it. It is very easy on the eyes, as one can shoot with both open. I am not a fan of high-magnification scopes, so the 2 x scope does fine for me, out to 150 yds or so, which was the intended maximum range. I like the feel and balance of this set-up. I also very much like the fact that there is nothing (such as the scope) "blocking" the loading/ ejection port.
This rifle has become my favorite. Oh, as to the idea which many seem to have, that having the scope mounted so far forward cuts the field of view severely.... well, that is the purpose of shooting with both eyes open. There is no quicker way to aquire a target - and no squinting required. The rifle mounts and points very naturally, at least for me. If one uses a good handgun (or "scout") scope, with reasonably low magnification (up to about 4 x), field of view is not really adversely affected anyway. My scope has an 18 ft. field of view @ 100 yds - at the correct eye relief (about 13") - which is plenty for any situation. With both eyes open, I have at least a 45 degree field of clear vision - even while sighted on a target. Surely that is enough ?!
In closing, I will say to those doubters... don't knock it until you've tried it. The scout rifle is, certainly, an aquired taste. It is, though, an eminently practical and handy set-up, which is exactly the intended result. If anyone wishes to try the concept, I say "go for it". You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Guest]

P.S. - Sorry, I forgot to mention that, with ALL items included.... my (Rem. 700) scout rifle cost less than $550.00.
Further, I forgot to say that mine is, true to the original concept, chambered for .308. This gives me great options as regards ammo ("practice" ammo is CHEAP).

 

[uglydog]

I placed a pistol scope on a shotgun and after 300 rounds or so, I liked the concept enough to try it on my Marlin 336. I, too, used a pistol scope on both guns and used a mount I got from Cabela's on the 336. After one season, I switched the Marlin back to a regular scope. I found I did not care for the scout concept for "precision" shooting. If hitting the target called for threading the bullet through a narrow openig in the brush, it was difficult to do so. The scout concept was great for fast shots that only had to hit the target but not necessarily an exact spot. As a defensive device I like this piece of equipment but not for hunting.

 

[CaCrusin]

Take a look at the Knoxx Rifle CompStock for your Mauser project. Not only is it non-slip soft rubber covered but it also reduces recoil by more than 50%. If you get a chance, look at the video on the website at www.knoxx.com. You will be glad you did

CaCrusin 8)

 

[huntswithdogs]

Ca Crusin,

Are ya'll making this stock for a TC Encore? Or can ya do anything with the composite factory stocks?

HWD