A man’s vision about a rifle!

The Man: Jeff Cooper – Gunsite Academy Founder

The Rifle: The Scout Rifle

His vision: A rifle in the hunting field as well as one to be used in a military scouting situation.

‘Jeff Cooper defied a scout rifle as a bolt-action carbine chambered for the .308 Win., no longer than 39 inches, no heavier than 7.7 pounds and outfitted with a low power extended eye relief scope. It also had to have back up ghost rings sights, be capable of two MOA or better accuracy and have a Ching, CW, or similarly styled shooting sling.’ Richard Mann Richard Mann’s Remington Custom Shop M7 Scout.

It was assembled by the Remington Arms Company Custom Shop to Richard’s specifications as follow:

Model 7, Chromoly action. In house tapered Recoil lug. Larger rear tang screw. Douglas Barrels Inc. #3 Remington contoured air gauged 1-10 twist Chromoly barrel. Threaded muzzle w/thread cap installed. Fluted barrel. Plated Magazine Box. Polished follower. Model 7 aluminum hinged floor plate (Remington). Manners Composite Stocks Elite EH-8 stock. Painted in house, custom camo 4 color. 4 flush cup sling attachment points installed. Fully bedded using Marine-tex and 1/2” aluminum pillars. Recoil pad. Custom in house made picaitiny scout scope rail. XS Sights front and rear sights. Timney Triggers trigger. M-16 extractor. Dual ejectors. Fluted bolt. Timed for Primary extraction bolt handle. Triple taper pinned bolt handle. PTG Speed Lock Aluminum firing pin. Aluminum bolt shroud. It will put five shots into about an inch with most loads, is less than a meter in long, and weighs less than 7.5 pounds with a Burris Optics Company 2-7X Scout Scope, Galco Gunleather RilfeMann Sling (attached in the three-point configuration) and with a magazine full of ammunition.

One of the most important rifles on The Scout Rifle Safari in Africa – Gunsite Scout #2.

On safari in Africa

The first Scout Rifle Safari to Africa was orchestrated by the developer of the Scout Rifle himself, Jeff Cooper and took place in 1998. The second Scout Rifle Safari to Africa took place in 2017 at Fort Richmond. It was an event that will be remembered not only for its historical value but also for the fun, fellowship and adventure shared by all the participants.

After the successful completion of his vision – the Steyr Scout Rifle – Jeff Cooper started planning a safari to Africa. It happened in 1998 and Cooper used it to validate the concept of the Scout Rifle. Cooper’s safari had more participants than he envisioned. “Now our 1998 trekfest is mounting up for departure. We have far too many people aboard, but I could not find it in my heart to turn anybody down.” Jeff Cooper

History was made during June 2017 when the second Scout Rifle Safari to Africa took place at Fort Richmond Safaris. It was the brainchild of the author of the book, The Scout Rifle Study, Richard Mann. As with Cooper’s safari, the hunters used new ammunition – Hornady Precision Hunter ammo. It was a great opportunity to test various Scout Rifles in Africa as well as the new ammunition. Shooting Gallery host Michael Bane was one of the participants and filmed portions of the adventure for his show on the Outdoor Channel. And as in 1998, there were also more participants than orginally planned.

Ten hunters took part in The Scout Rifle Safari and the following Scout Rifles were used:

Original Gunsite Scout Rifle #2 used by James Jeansonne. Read more about James’ safari here: Father and Son on The Scout Rifle Safari.
Remington Arms Company Custom Shop M7 Scout used by Richard Mann.
Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle used by James Jeansonne Jnr., Bill and Carrie Mazelin and Michael Bane. Listen to Michael Bane’s video podcast: Bane’s masterpiece of a Scout Rifle on Down Range TV and read more about Bill and Carrie Mazelin’s safari here: Husband and wife on the Scout Rifle Safari.
Brockman Packer Scout used by Nick Rukavina. Read more about Nick’s safari here: The Scout Rifle Safari-Day 10, 2nd Group of Hunters.
Steyr Arms, Inc. Scout Rifle used by John Carter and Robert Parker.