The Forever Rifle: rOm's Scout Rifle

[rOmiLaYu]

If you've been following me for any length of time, you'll know that traveling in retirement is something that myself and the wife are interested in doing. We spend about a month out of each year in the RV currently, seeing these United States of America and being armed in those states often comes with some caveats. I've been doing it now for seven years and I've decided to winnow down the collection. I'm not taking it with me on the road and I really don't need 11 AR's. So I've been playing the "if I could only have one" game for the past year or so and I've decided on Colonel Cooper's model, the Scout Rifle.

I went with a Ruger American in .308. This will be the third or fourth scout build I have done. And the first one to incorporate magazines. (edit to add, the prior statement is untrue. I forgot I had a Ruger GSR at one point.) The others, while fun, were never really "needed" as I currently live in the free state of Georgia and there was nothing they did better than my big, black, scary rifles. As I move into states less freindly and free, my needs will change and a scout rifle should be 50 state friendly. This will be the rifle that someone will have to figure out what to do with when I die. I plan on selling or passing down all the rest. Look for some sales over the next ten or so years. Details to come as the work progresses but it's currently with cmshoot who is doing some work on it for me. Here's what she looked like when I dropped her off.

 

[buellbrewer]

in for build

 

[ReservoirDawg10]

Well - whatcha having done to it? What's the vision of the finished project?

 

[alexs2006]

I love my Ruger GEN II 309Blk

 

[alexs2006]

Did a bolt polish, bolt handle, converted to AICS mags, MDT field stock, and a trigger spring kit.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

Well - whatcha having done to it? What's the vision of the finished project?

Shortening the barrel to 16.25", installing a scout rail (pictured), and then finding a forever optic and deciding about the stock/chasis set up.

The barrel is already short at roughly 18" but I want it as compact as possible. And with the Mystic X hanging off the front, it's only going to be longer.

I currently have an optic that "will do" to put on it but it's not one I want to keep on it. Also the scout rail from Skinner comes with a built in peep site and AR front site post. So the plan is, get the irons sighted in and then play with the scope I have until I have the scratch to get the one I want. (Currently spending WAY too much money on radio gear...I've become a bit of a nerd lately).

Then the plan is to find a pelican case that's compact and cut out the foam for the rifle and a few spare AICS mags. Also looked for a padlock that keys up to my Jeep key so that when the rifle leaves the RV/house, it can be secured in the Jeep.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

I love my Ruger GEN II 309Blk

I went with a Gen 1. I didn't like those fluted barrel spirals. I know, I know....

 

[Gixxer]

What are your thought on Ian's take on the Scout Rifle Concept? Made a lot of sense to me.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

What are your thought on Ian's take on the Scout Rifle Concept? Made a lot of sense to me.

Just looking at the headings of the video as I do not currently have 16 minutes to devote to our Dear Lord and Shooter, Gun Jesus, I would say that he is simply mirroring Cooper's tenants. Under 7.5 pounds, able to engage near and far targets, BUIS, magazine fed, and with a bipod, if possible. Also, additional rounds on board.

A Steyr Scout is a grail rifle for me. I want one badly, even if I do find the forend/bipod a bit corny. I also want more than 5 rounds.

 

[alexs2006]

I went with a Gen 1. I didn't like those fluted barrel spirals. I know, I know....

I get it. Nothing wrong with that!