Ruger Frontier Rifle?

[m657]

Never heard of these before, just learned they were made for just a few years, then stopped.

Anyone have good firsthand information on these?

 

[Skalkaho Slim]

With a set of good irons, it'd make about the handiest rifle I could think of.

 

[firecaptain]

Yes, they were made for a couple of years. Several variations. Blue/black laminated stock, some with and some without checkering, gray stainless steel finish. Some with blueing and I believe a brown/black laminated stock. Calibers 243, 308, 338 Fed. and 358. Great little gun. My 358 shoots nice. Can be set up with a scout scope or regular scope mount.

 

[JNewell]

Significant bits of the DNA went off in two directions (Compact, GSR), so depending on what you're looking for, you may find one or the other of those current products attractive.

 

[PaulJ]

For the hunting I do for me it is bar none the most perfect rifle I own. I havent used mine the last couple of years, because my ex bought it for me for our 15th anniversary, and when I carry it it reminds me of her so I leave it in the cabinet. Mine is a blued 300 WSM and it kicks like a mule, but it shoots like a 30-06 from a 22" barrel and it only has a 16". It carries wonderful and I really like the scout scope concept. Someday I will figure out what I need for it and put it up for sale.

 

[Skalkaho Slim]

I havent used mine the last couple of years, because my ex bought it for me for our 15th anniversary, and when I carry it it reminds me of her so I leave it in the cabinet.

Isn't it funny how that works. I've got a handgun I really like except for the fact it was made the year I married my ex wife. Always reminds of that when I look at it (which wouldn't be so bad if I didn't hate her with every fiber of my being), so it generally stays in the safe.

 

[wunbe]

There also was a compact in 6.8 SPC. I have one. Light, low recoil, and lethal -- a perfect deer gun for kids and the ladies. So they dropped it.

wunbe

 

[tt66]

I have a .243 in the Target grey. I have had it for several years. I love the rifle but have never really gotten comfortable with a scout scope. I recently found a Burris 4.5x14x32 Short Mag scope with their Ballistic Plex reticle and I mounted it this past weekend.

I really like this setup so far, and I still have a scout scope setup if I decide to try it again later.

It is just hard to beat the handiness of this rifle.

Tim

 

[Black Frog]

I have several Ruger Frontiers.
I was intrigued by the scout scope idea, so I set one up with a matching grey Leup 2.5x Scout Scope.
While I haven't shot anything with the scout scope yet (other than paper), this rifle is a joy to carry all day.
I like the scout scope setup, I'm constantly snap-shouldering the gun taking aim at stumps and rocks while walking through the woods.
This past fall I finally had the opportunity to take aim at deer through the scout scope.
A group of does came through, and it allowed me to try out the forward scope in a real quick-aim situation. I would have had no problem getting a good shot off if I had an open tag.

The downside of the Frontier is with that 16.5" barrel, she can really bark.

 

[m657]

Q: is there 'all that much difference' between the Frontier and the Scout GSR rifle?

And I haven't been able to actually determine 'why' Ruger discontinued what seemed like such a good idea.....theories/opinions/comments appreciated.

 

[Black Frog]

Me personally, not a huge fan of the Scout GSR.
I think it is god-awful ugly.

I think they made it more 'flexible' in some aspects.
They have adjustable spacers on the stock for different LOP's.
The drop out magazine allows the use of different capacity mags instead of the top-loading internal capacity of the Frontier.
They added a ghost ring and front sight for use without a scope.
The Frontier did come from the factory with a Weaver-style rail that mounted on the forward rib, and now this GSR comes standard with the picatinny rail out front.
...and they added a flash suppressor.
All that stuff may make for a more flexible rig for some, but to me it sure is an ugly baby.

I own several Frontiers, but will not be buying any Scout GSR's. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[m657]

Thanks for that information Black Frog. Can you also make comparison with the RSI Mod 77 as 'similar carbine' design?

I'm having 2nd & 3rd thoughts whether to spend the $ on the GSR given the limited use I have for long guns.

I missed out on the last of the 'good deals' on the Lee Mk 5 Jungle Carbines in 303....they were showing up now & then for around $250. Now the clunkiest old Mk 3 ranges from $195 up in the LGS. The ones I handled yesterday are just pitiful and speckled rusty actions.

 

[tt66]

I like the detachable box mag on the GSR, but other than that, no much else. The Frontier is much handier, feels lighter and more appealing to the eye to me.

 

[Black Frog]

Can you also make comparison with the RSI Mod 77 as 'similar carbine' design?

I happen to think the RSI's are lovely rifles.
I guess it depends on what you're after in a rifle.
Mostly all the M77's are the same bird, just different outer dressings.
Older ones had a tang safety, newer ones have the 3-position safety.
RSI's have a full length wood stock.
77 Compacts have a short LOP and 16.5" barrel.
There's many different variations of the Model 77, different sizes, barrels, weights, etc...

Not many come with opens sights any more, I think the big-bore Africans do but that may be it.
Some older ones had open sights, like I know the older Ruger RS 358 Carbine had open sights.... one that I will own someday. ;)

All have the standard Ruger integral receiver scope mounting, one of the best and most bomb-proof in the industry.

 

[firecaptain]

If someone can tell me how to attach a PDF, I have a Ruger PDF advertisement of the Frontier, its pretty neat.

 

[m657]

firecaptain:

not sure this is the 'right' way, but I've found a couple possibles a few times.

1) post the address link & we can access the document;

2) sometimes I've been able to copy an image onto a photoserver site, and then post that link.

Don't know if it works all the time or if there is a better way.

I'd like to see what you've got.

After having so much fun with my old tang-mount RSI today, I think I've just saved myself considerable $ by sticking with what I've got.

Unless something really good happens along locally and demands I rescue it instead of having to drive to an annoying City..............

 

[firecaptain]

Will see what I can do tonight or tomorrow. Thanks

 

[APEXDUCK]

Here is my Frontier Rifle in 7mm-08

Apexduck

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Great picture and great looking rifle! 8)

 

[onehandgunner]

If that had a hooded front sight and a peep rear sight or just iron sights in general I would be happier than a pig in a mud puddle.

 

[firecaptain]

Figured out how to get it done, enjoy.