[TraderJack]

I bought the Ruger Scout when they first came out, and I've been shooting it with open sights ever since because I do enjoy open sights, but primarily because -
1.) I cannot find a scope that suits the rifle's appearance and function, -
2.) I cannot find a scope that suits my eye, and -
3.) I cannot find a scope that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

I would appreciate some assistance...

I've looked at the Leupold FX-II Scout IER 2.5x28mm,
the Weaver Classic K-Series Scout Rifle Scope 4x 28mm,
and even the TRUGLO Triton Red Dot Sight Red, Green and Blue...


Anybody have any personal experience I can draw upon?
Maybe just an old favorite?
Thanks...
TJ

[JTJ]

I set up a Mini 30 as a scout and used a pistol scope. Worked very well in 2.5X and kept the weight down. There are quite a few good pistol scopes out there so there is plenty of choice. Several companies make ler scopes specific to the scout format. Here are just a few.
http://swfa.com/Burris-Scout-Scopes-C60.aspx
http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-4x28-VX-II-Scout-Scope-P50858.aspx
http://swfa.com/Weaver-2x28-Classic-Handgun-Scope-P2859.aspx
http://swfa.com/Weaver-25-8x28-Classic-Handgun-Scope-P2857.aspx

[TraderJack]

Thanks for the input JTJ...
Yes, I have looked at those scopes... and several other pistol scopes.
I think I've had 'scope overload' for a couple of years now!

I think my biggest concern is aesthetics. I've tried fitting several to the rifle and as of yet, none of them 'look right' to my eye. I like the magnification of the Leupold FX II Scout, but I don't like the way the scope looks on the rifle. (- I know... picky, picky,picky... )

But I keep getting the feeling like I'm putting fancy wheels and low profile tires on a F-150 work truck... They just don't look right...

I've even considered painting the scope with a camo pattern to try and match the rifle's stock, but I just can't find what I see in 'my mind's eye', if you know what I mean?

I guess of all the scopes I've tried the Burris AR-332 Prism Sight suits my eye the best.
Do you have any experience with this model?
Thanks,
TJ

[JTJ]

That looks interesting but the mount is for an AR which places it up higher than necessary. Can that scope or similar be found in a lower mount. One of the advantages of the scout is the low scope mount. I would also look for quick release rings.

[TraderJack]

Yep... now you're starting to see my problem... I just can't find what I want...

[JonM]

Originally Posted by TraderJack

Yep... now you're starting to see my problem... I just can't find what I want...

thats the problem with the scout rifle concept. there just arent any good optics that have such a long eye relief and work well for long range shooting past 100ish yards or so.

it tries to cobble a pistol scope into a screwy kind of precision optic role. thats why the idea has never gone much past a few gun rags promoting it and the occasional gun maker trying it out on the market. so far the ruger scout has done sorta ok selling but the buyers tend to end up just using regular scopes in a traditional role anyway.

i dont know of any scope with a very long eye relief that works well for rifle use. dangerous game hunters all use 1-4x scopes in normal scope positions usually with QD mounts of some sort. the scout scope just doesnt work well for rifle shooting.

[JTJ]

The scope and similar types are not LER. Eye relief is running about 3.5". Finding a lit reticle in a magnified pistol/LER scope is tough. NC Star makes one for $40 and you get what you pay for in this case although I slapped one on my Mini just to try out and it held up for at least a couple hundred rounds. I was looking at the Burris 2.75X scout scope when I sold the Mini.

[TraderJack]

Thanks for your input guys...
We have another gun show coming up on the 18-19-20th... I think I'll take the Scout and see if a Vendor can come up with a solution. My poor little mind is melting...
All the best,
TJ

[JTJ]

Actually it surprised me how well the scout did work. I had no problem from a rest at 100 yards and it is very fast offhand. The weight is more forward and it seems to steady it up some. It was easier for me to hit a target off hand with the scout. It would work out well for short range work and probably accurate enough for reasonably longer shots from a rest which would be the norm anyway. It would have worked out well for the way I hunted. I will probably set up my Mini 14 the same way and am wondering if I can set up my BLR as a scout. I know the take down model can be.

[TraderJack]

Yep... The Burris 2.75X scout scope was on the original list JTJ...
I dunno, I may have to go that way???

And, I really would like to stay away from the 'illuminated dot' scopes. They're fine on ARs but the Scout needs something that works well at 400 yds...

Like I said, I've looked at 1743 scopes...
- Can you say 'scope overload'?

Many thanks guys...