Ruger Gunsite Scout thoughts?

[dyeager535]

Morning!

Does anyone own the 18" version?

To be honest I've been looking hard at the Savage Weather Warrior and Tikka T3 in .308 for a multi-purpose rifle (Elk and non-competitive target shooting to at least 500yds) but the RGS is appealing.

The only downsides compared to the two above for the RGS is cost, barrel length, plus the fact that I can find no accuracy/velocity reviews with the 18" barrel. All were for the initial 16.5" barrel.

Some of the magazine reviews I read showed less than stellar accuracy at 100yds (up to 2.5", again with 16.5" barrel) and that would not translate well at 300, let alone 500+. But others I've read, on here, point to better accuracy. Handloading is preferred in my case. I understand this rifle may not be designed for .5" at 100yds, but is it reliably capable of doing so?

Second batch of questions: Can the picatinny rail be removed easily? Can an aftermarket (non-Ruger) synthetic stock be fitted? I understand the trigger assembly is a bit of a problem there.

I understand why it costs what it does, so it's not real competitive with the Savage or Tikka in that regard. But the magazine options are better with the Ruger, rifle overall length is about the same, unless the flash hider is removed from the Ruger.

 

[rangerbob]

My GSR is at least as accurate as my #1A in 308. The rail is easily removed,but leaves holes to fill with plug screws. I've not seen any replacement stocks for the GSR. You might need to look at the Savage Hog Hunter in 308 with its 20" barrel and green stock. It comes with sights and is priced right. Bob!

 

[dyeager535]

Weather Warrior pretty much meets my requirements...Stainless, fairly handy, light, synthetic stock, detachable magazine, extremely accurate according to most reports/articles on it.

The Ruger comes pretty close, although barrel is giving up 4" to the Savage, accuracy/velocity appears to be an unknown with the 18" barrel at this point, and price is a bit higher.

I don't have a problem paying for a good gun, but my criteria pretty much eliminate most offerings out there, specifically the detachable magazine. I hunt with a No4 Mk1 Lee-Enfield right now, I guess I've been spoiled by the magazine.

 

[Backlighting]

I've only handled the Scout & love it. I'd love to see Ruger do a "takedown" version.

 

[transalp1961]

You may want to consider a Ruger Compact or UltraLight. I have a compact that I picked up several months ago on GB for $425. Looks like it was not shot at all. Upgraded to a Jard trigger for $60 (no other mods have been done). The very first load resulted in the group shown in the second picture. This thing is a shooter! I also have a Ruger Hawkeye UltraLight in 204 Ruger that is a tad more accurate.

 

[mattsbox99]

If you want to take the rail off and replace the stock why not just get an American?