[Kain]

Double post, sorry...

[Kain]

Ok, so I've got the itch for a rifle.

I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to rifles, but I feel that something chambered in .308 will suit my needs nicely (all purpose shooter suitable for both hunting and defense when needed) I'd like a Bolt action with a relatively large capacity, preferably external magazine rather than internal. I doubt I'll need any thing with an effective range much past 100 yards. Also, not a huge fan of the "sport rifle" platform. So, no ARs or AKs

I've been looking at the Ruger Scout rifle for some time now and I like it a lot. The only thing I don't particularly like is the fact it is not currently available with a wood stock. It's also back ordered. I've also been looking at the "new" M1A from Springfield. It's available, but nearly twice the price of the Ruger and a Semi auto vs the bolt action of the Scout.

I guess my real question is: Should I wait for the Scout or pay the extra and get the Springfield now? Or maybe something else would be better.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[trip286]

Both are great choices, but it sounds like the scout is what you really want, so why get something else? Just our in your order and wait is that's what you really want.

It's something I've learned in my short time on this earth, don't compromise yourself.

[fireguy]

It looks like the Ruger is ~$750 without the long eye relief scope. That's some serious change. I've been looking at the Howa/Hogue Ranchland compact rifle, to have one that's easier to carry than my heavy barreled Axiom. Howa now has kits to swap out the box mag to a detachable magazine. The mags are kind of pricey, but I wouldn't need but one extra for my purposes, not like an AR where a bag full is the norm.

The Ranchland with the Hogue stock is around $500, base, rings, and scope add to that. The mag conversion is $150 with an extra mag. Something I'm wanting to put together.

It sounds like you prefer a wood stock, there is a walnut stock option as well.

[nfafan]

JMHO, but if it is a mag-fed semi-auto - get it now.

The closer we get to Obama's almost-shoo-in reelection, the greater the risk such guns will A) skyrocket in price again, B) liklely be banned as he will then have no political risk in an ExOrder.

[fireguy]

Originally Posted by nfafan

JMHO, but if it is a mag-fed semi-auto - get it now.

The closer we get to Obama's almost-shoo-in reelection, the greater the risk such guns will A) skyrocket in price again, B) liklely be banned as he will then have no political risk in an ExOrder.

The gun in question is a bolt action. If the current administration has another 4 years all bets are off for the future of firearms ownership. Just when Canada is getting it's act together we may head the other way.

[JTJ]

I looked at a Ruger Scout yesterday at a local gun shop. It had a laminated wood stock in a grey/black finish. Very nice handling little rifle. It came with rings for an over the action scope as well as the front rail. The Ruger rings do not fit the front rail. The iron sights looked pretty good. I believe it had a 10 round mag. Price was exorbitant.

[TLuker]

There are a lot of different rifles that would be great for what're looking for. There are also many calibers that might be better if you don't plan on shooting over 100yrds? A nice lever action in .357, .44 mag, and 30-30 would be a great general purpose hunting and defense rifle. The mini 14 and mini 30 are based on the same action as the M1A, cost less, and come in calibers that are much more affordable to shoot. A .357 or .44 Ruger M77 would probably make a good gun for your needs as well, but I'm not sure about magazine options other than it comes with a detachable rotary magazine.

I'm not against a .308 by any means. It's one of my favorite rounds. I'm just not sure its the best caliber for what you're looking for? It just seems like over kill for the range your wanting to shoot. If you plan on shooting further on occasion or just want the capability to do so then that's cool, but then I'm not sure how effective the Ruger scout would be because of the limited scope options due to the forward rail? It would likely do 200 yards with no problem but so will a 30-30, .223, and 7.62 x 39.

The scout is still a neat gun and if that's what you really want then go for it. You can always trade latter if you decide to try something else. Or even better, just keep it and add to the collection. The same goes for the M1A.

Just my ,02

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by Kain

Ok, so I've got the itch for a rifle.

I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to rifles, but I feel that something chambered in .308 will suit my needs nicely (all purpose shooter suitable for both hunting and defense when needed) I'd like a Bolt action with a relatively large capacity, preferably external magazine rather than internal. I doubt I'll need any thing with an effective range much past 100 yards. Also, not a huge fan of the "sport rifle" platform. So, no ARs or AKs

I've been looking at the Ruger Scout rifle for some time now and I like it a lot. The only thing I don't particularly like is the fact it is not currently available with a wood stock. It's also back ordered. I've also been looking at the "new" M1A from Springfield. It's available, but nearly twice the price of the Ruger and a Semi auto vs the bolt action of the Scout.

I guess my real question is: Should I wait for the Scout or pay the extra and get the Springfield now? Or maybe something else would be better.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

That spells .308 AR w/ a red dot to the T. Anything else would be a compromise.

I had the funniest little movie playing in my head of a guy "defending" himself at 100yrds and in w/ a bolt gun.

However, of the 2 you mentioned I'd say 16" M1A w/ a RDS or 1-4x.