Colonel Jeff Cooper wanted a general-purpose rifle that could be used for hunting and self-defense. In essence, this was a short, fast-handling rifle chambered in something powerful enough to kill a living target up to 1,000 pounds.
Several rifle makers have introduced scout rifle variants—some closely following Cooper’s vision, others only touching on the characteristics. Here are a few of the best.
Marlin Model 1895SBL
This lever-action rifle is not a traditional scout rifle per se, but it’s built to chamber the big-bore .45-70 Government cartridge in a short and compact rifle with a scope mounted far forward. The large-loop lever means you can easily operate the action even while wearing gloves. The rifle sports a 6+1 capacity, an 18.5-inch barrel, XS ghost ring sights and a scout scope mount. (marlinfirearms.com; 800-544-8892)
- CALIBER: .45-70 Government
- BARREL: 18.5 inches
- OA LENGTH: 37 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Laminated hardwood
- SIGHTS: Front post, XS ghost ring rear
- ACTION: Lever
- FINISH: Matte stainless
- CAPACITY: 6+1
- MSRP: $1,013
Mossberg MVP Scout
The 7.62mm MVP Scout features a unique drop-push bolt design that is compatible with both M1A- and AR-10-style magazines. Mossberg also offers this rifle as part of a combo package (shown) that includes a Vortex 2-7x32mm scope with extended eye relief. Features include a fiber-optic front sight, a ghost-ring rear sight and a long Picatinny rail that allows numerous scope-mounting options. The 16.25-inch barrel has a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. (mossberg.com; 203-230-5300)
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 16.25 inches
- OA LENGTH: 37.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 8.25 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Synthetic
- SIGHTS: Fiber-optic front, ghost ring rear
- ACTION: Bolt
- FINISH: Matte blue
- CAPACITY: 10+1
- MSRP: $962
Ruger Gunsite Scout
Ruger’s Gunsite Scout rifles use a Mauser-type action mated to a cold-hammer-forged barrel that is free-floated for enhanced accuracy. It feeds from a 10-round detachable box magazine made from steel. Several models are available with various stocks and accessories. Model #6830 (shown) comes with a 16.1-inch barrel, a black synthetic stock and a unique muzzle brake. The length of pull can easily be adjusted with spacers. (ruger.com)
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 16.1 inches
- OA LENGTH: 37-38.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.5 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Synthetic
- SIGHTS: Front blade, adjustable rear
- ACTION: Bolt
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 10+1
- MSRP: $1,140
Savage Model 11 Scout
Savage Arms took its short-action Model 11 and created a scout rifle with a detachable box magazine, a stock adjustable for length of pull and cheekweld, iron sights, a forward-mounted optics rail and a flash suppressor. The Model 11 Scout also includes Savage’s renowned Accu-Trigger and Accu-Stock system for consistent accuracy. (savagearms.com; 800-370-0708)
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 18 inches
- OA LENGTH: 40.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 7.8 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Synthetic
- SIGHTS: Adjustable
- ACTION: Bolt
- FINISH: Matte black, FDE
- CAPACITY: 10+1MSRP: $794
Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad
While it doesn’t fit Jeff Cooper’s definition of a scout rifle to a T, the semi-automatic M1A Scout Squad definitely takes some cues from the traditional scout rifle with its short 18-inch barrel and forward-mounted scope rail. Think of it as a combat rifle redesigned for fast handling in confined environments. It comes with all of the classic M1A features, including a Garand-style action, a detachable mag, a front blade sight and an aperture rear sight. (springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 18 inches
- OA LENGTH: 40.33 inches
- WEIGHT: 8.8 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Synthetic or walnut
- SIGHTS: Front post, aperture rear
- ACTION: Semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black, FDE, Mossy Oak
- CAPACITY: 10+1
- MSRP: $1,761
Steyr Scout
The Steyr Scout is Cooper’s idea of what a scout rifle should be: compact, lightweight and able to reach out to targets with a heavy projectile. At only 6.6 pounds, it is very lightweight. Features include a built-in bipod, an adjustable length of pull, spare magazine storage in the stock and flip-up backup sights. Several variants are avaliable, and the newest version has a camo finish. (steyrarms.com; 205-417-8644)
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 18.8 inches
- OA LENGTH: 38.6 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.6 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Synthetic
- SIGHTS: Flip-up front and rear
- ACTION: Bolt
- FINISH: Black, grey, green, MUD, camo
- CAPACITY: 5+1
- MSRP: $1,699
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