Re: New from Ruger: Gunsite Scout Rifle
Ruger pretty much held to the basics of what a scout rifle is supposed to be: Bolt action, magazine fed, forward mounted optic, iron sight backups, and .308 caliber. They're pushing the limit on the stock and inherent weight though, especially after you add an optic and mount you're now pushing 8 1/2 pounds or more.
A scout is definitely a niche shooter class of rifle but there will still be some that it will fill the needs for. Likely Ruger is going to come out with more varieties of this rifle too, as Ruger always does. I'm sure a lot of ranchers/farmers, outdoor guides, backpackers, etc would like to see it with a synthetic stock and stainless barrel. Hunters down south in the thick brush will appreciate it too. Maybe even a .223 model, although that goes against what the scout rifle was designed to be.
I can't stand that rear sight though. A 5/64 allen wrench to adjust the sight? They really could have done better than that. AR/M14 style or something really would have beat the PITA they used. Hell, an M240 style with the elevation adjustment and a tough but adjustable front sight would have fit the bill too, but maybe I'm asking too much from what is supposed to be a backup sighting system anyhow...
I believe they're close on this one, but not fully there. The street value price better be a whole lot better than that too. I know companies jack up their MSRP so when you buy a $1000 MSRP gun for $695, you feel good about it that you got one heck of a deal. It just better be that way once it hits the streets or they're going to be collecting a lot of dust.