Jeff Cooper’s “scout rifle” idea is something I just don’t get. I saw an article the other day, here, and it got me thinking about it again and how it still doesn’t make sense.
If you want a .308, why not an AR10, or some other auto loader? A handy bolt gun comes in handy for hunting, no doubt. But for Militia purposes, what good is the “scout rifle” concept? Firepower for one, or a serious lack there of. And a .308 is a true rifle cartridge and is never “fun” to shoot much. But out of a rifle as light as Cooper wanted, it’d be tough to keep shooting accurately for long, before the flinch sets in. Even with an auto loader, follow up shots are still far slower than 5.56mm and .308 ammo is heavy compared to 5.56mm. And then re-supply, magazines, ammo, spare parts… Much easier to get AR15/5.56mm.
The other thing is the barrel length he wanted. Why so short? The original .308 was chambered in a 22″ Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. The M14 had a 22″ barrel. The original AR10 was 20″. Why have the extra blast, and recoil? Why lose velocity?
Cutting barrels down is normal now for hunting rifles, because everybody “needs” a long muffler to take a shot at a deer and they don’t want to add 5 or 6 inches or more to a 22 or 24 inch barrel. But why? One shot isn’t going to blow your hearing and for Militia purposes, a bolt gun must be extremely accurate at long range or it’s a waste, and you should’ve just gotten an auto loader.
The thing about these new Ruger American Gen 2’s from the article is they’re weird. Even the basic models. No flush fit magazine option? In rough country, climbing over down trees, and through brush and up and down steep hillsides, carrying a bolt gun one handed by it’s balance point (the magazine area) makes things easier. A non flush fit magazine makes that impossible. Companies like Ruger, Tikka, Winchester with their XPR and others should’ve made a flush fit standard detachable magazine and optional extended magazines.
Also the barrels are too short, even on the standard models. A 20″ 30-06 isn’t going to work well, muzzle blast, velocity decrease. And since we’re talking about “scout rifles” why aren’t they stainless? Cerakote is better than bluing at rust prevention, but, you can’t Cerakote the bore. That’s a massive vulnerability for a rifle intended for Militia work. Stainless, nitride, chrome, Militia rifle bores need something. For hunting a plain bore is fine, unless perhaps you’re near salt water.
I’m not impressed with either the “scout rifle” concept nor the Ruger Gen. 2. I’ll take a AR15 carbine, chambered in 5.56mm NATO for Militia work. And, a Weatherby Vanguard Outfitter for hunting.
Equip, train, pray and never disarm.
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