The Scout
The Savage Scout chambered in .308 Win and outfitted with a forward-mounted, Weaver 4X Scout scope as well as a receiver sight, is more-or-less the classic Jeff Cooper “general purpose rifle”—a short, handy, multi-purpose rifle capable of fulfilling the functions of a tactical, survival and hunting firearm.
It fits Cooper’s original standard of measuring less than one meter in length but exceeds Cooper’s weight limit of 6.6 pounds with scope and magazine by almost 2 pounds, most of the extra weight being in a very stiff, heavy, 16.5-inch barrel and muzzlebrake.
The only design elements I question is the factory 10-round magazine is not interchangeable with a standard 7.62 PMAG (ouch!) and the Scout’s large, exposed, magazine release paddle is the embodiment of Murphy’s Law waiting to happen.
The Scout proved to be exceedingly accurate and mild to shoot delivering 0.9- to 1.2-inch 3-shot groups at 100 yards with Federal American Eagle 130-grain HP, Federal Fusion 150 SP, Federal Power Shok 150 solid copper HP and Federal Gold Medal 185 Berger HP match. Of the four loads, Fusion was the most consistently accurate.
The bolt-action Scout is available in .223, .308 (tested), .338 Fed and .450 Bushmaster with a detachable magazine of 10+1 capacity. Barrel length is 16.5 inches, overall length maxes out at 38.5 inches and a weight of 7.72 pounds. A rear aperture receiver sight, front blade and cantilevered Picatinny rail are factory supplied all for $815.
With Savage’s new AccuFit system, what once required the skill of an expensive custom stock maker to accomplish is now affordably within reach of every shooter whether his or her game is tactical, target or hunting. That’s quite an accomplishment.
Savage Arms
(800) 370-0708
https://gunsmagazine.com/company/savage-arms/
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