Rifle Scopes Compact scope for Ruger Scout rifle

[memilanuk]

So... I've had a Ruger Scout rifle for a while. Never really got around to putting a proper 'scout' scope on it; didn't really like the available options. The factory ring mount locations are way too short for me, so earlier this year I put an XS rail on top of it. Basically its a pic rail that runs all the way from the scout rail screw holes up front, to the rear sight screws holes in the back, with an optional ghost ring.

There isn't any real 'mission' for this rifle, beyond general-purpose 'truck' gun, maybe backup hunting rifle. Max range... probably 3-400, maybe a little more if the occasion is just right. Having back-up iron sights tickles my fancy, but now I want to put some glass on it. Nothing crazy expensive; it's just not that serious of an endeavour. Part of me is thinking some sort of LPVO, but I'm also leaning towards something like the Sig Tango MSR 2-12x44 - a compact scope, with a simple enough reticle for general use, but enough features to check all the boxes. Once I get into that 'realm' of scope, though... there are literally hundreds of options. If anyone has something they've used that you really like, I'm all ears.

 

[Millron]

Might run into issues hitting the ocular on something like the Sig scope referenced above. The bolt handle on the M77's swing high, unless you mount the scope really way up there. Stick with a 1" tube scope with a smaller ocular lense, and it will also help clear the rear sight........... Think Swarovski Z3 3-9, Leupold Vx3, 2-7, 3.5-10, etc. The larger tube scopes just don't work all that well on the old rugers, especially if you plan on keeping the rear iron sights. The scout rail will let you mount the scope where you need it to be. For what your describing the 1" tube should be more than sufficient. The now discontinued Leupold VXR "patrol" models worked pretty well. They were 30mm tube but retained a smaller ocular lense, so those seemed to work fairly well as well.

 

[MikeMiller]

Monte just spit balling here. Have you tried a 1-6? I don’t have a scout rifle but I run the Vortex Viper 1-6 pretty far forward on several rifles for same purpose you are talking about. It’s a ton of scope for the money

 

[memilanuk]

@Millron good point about bolt handle clearance. And as 'cool' as something like that Sig looks on the computer screen, I would like to keep this setup more on the light/compact side. Not obsessing over ounces, but still...

@MikeMiller hey man been a while.
Not sure if I really need the scope mounted too far forward with the new rail running as long as it does, but I certainly have the room if necessary. I've been looking at some of the 'budget' LPVO scopes... just not sure I'm in love with all the horse-shoe / BDC reticles for this use case.

 

[Norcal911]

I have the same rail and have not had problem with the bolt handle hitting my Athlon Cronus 1-6. It's been an excellent general purpose rifle set up. Doesn't do anything really well, but can do almost anything reasonable that you ask of it. That being said, as my eyes get old, I'm probably going to go for something more like 2-10ish power. I'm with you, I don't hate the scout rifle concept at all, but I wasn't loving the optics choices I had with that much eye relief so I put that long rail on there and went with a more traditional glass location.

 

[memilanuk]

@Norcal911 what did you do as far as rings / scope height? Seems like most LPVOs are intended to be in some sort of cantilever AR mount, which would probably put it too high for a decent cheek weld.

I could stick one of my old stock packs on there to raise the head position... but that would kind of screw up the notion of using the irons in a pinch. Though by the time I take the scope off, taking the stock pack off isn't that much more...

 

[Cutout]

@Norcal911 what did you do as far as rings / scope height? Seems like most LPVOs are intended to be in some sort of cantilever AR mount, which would probably put it too high for a decent cheek weld.

I could stick one of my old stock packs on there to raise the head position... but that would kind of screw up the notion of using the irons in a pinch. Though by the time I take the scope off, taking the stock pack off isn't that much more...

Most LPVOs are used in cantilever AR mounts because most LPVOs are used on ARs. There's no reason you can't use rings on a different platform, like you could with any other scope.

 

[memilanuk]

That's pretty much what I'm currently working through... sorted through a bunch of 'old' 30mm rings I had on hand to find one that sat just high enough to clear the ghost ring, but low enough to still keep my face on the stock. Not exactly a natural / instinctive position, though. Might have to go with the stock pad after all.

 

[264win]

Sounds like you are on the right track.
Modern lvpo optics are definitely a step up from scout types.
For a moderate budget, I like swfa, trijicon and bushnell elite.

 

[memilanuk]

I got a chance to put hands on / eyes through a few at the local Sportsman's. Picked up a Sig Tango MSR 1-6x for $300; figured if I end up not liking it for this gun I can always move it to the 16" AR

 

[TicTacTex]

Here’s my hunting rifle.
XS Sights rail and a U.S. Optics TS-12x.

 

[memilanuk]

Nice looking little rig there

Looks like the scope is riding a little less than 1/4" higher than mine right now (guesstimating off the space between the rear bell and the ghost ring).

 

[Br1ck]

I have a Delta 1-10 on mine, it's a handy little setup

 

[Norcal911]

I went ADM 1316. Actually did a ton of measuring and research to get it just high enough to clear my irons but still be QD. Not sure why but I wanted to have my irons available with little effort. It worked out, but like I said, my eyes are getting old and I'm thinking a bit more magnification would probably be best, for me anyway. Good luck, its a handy little rifle. I love mine.

 

[FuhQ]

So... I've had a Ruger Scout rifle for a while. Never really got around to putting a proper 'scout' scope on it; didn't really like the available options. The factory ring mount locations are way too short for me, so earlier this year I put an XS rail on top of it. Basically its a pic rail that runs all the way from the scout rail screw holes up front, to the rear sight screws holes in the back, with an optional ghost ring.

There isn't any real 'mission' for this rifle, beyond general-purpose 'truck' gun, maybe backup hunting rifle. Max range... probably 3-400, maybe a little more if the occasion is just right. Having back-up iron sights tickles my fancy, but now I want to put some glass on it. Nothing crazy expensive; it's just not that serious of an endeavour. Part of me is thinking some sort of LPVO, but I'm also leaning towards something like the Sig Tango MSR 2-12x44 - a compact scope, with a simple enough reticle for general use, but enough features to check all the boxes. Once I get into that 'realm' of scope, though... there are literally hundreds of options. If anyone has something they've used that you really like, I'm all ears.

I run a Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 with the Griffin M10S Mil reticle (not a BDC). It uses standard MIL stadia and is Christmas tree style, but SFP. 34mm tube, so it’s strong and robust. Glass is exceptional for the price. Works awesome on close range and scout rifles.

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DetailsThis Primary Arms rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics have built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment.The Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 Rifle Scope takes...

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[memilanuk]

like I said, my eyes are getting old and I'm thinking a bit more magnification would probably be best

I hear ya! Honestly the more I play with the setup, the more I feel like I'd probably be a bit happier with something like the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32... if the turrets were capped or just a smidge smaller. Guess I'll keep an eye out