Versatility is the word that best describes the Scout Rifle. This was the main purpose behind Gunsite academy founder, Jeff Cooper’s idea… a rifle in the hunting field as well as one to be used in a military scouting situation.
A strict criteria was established which included specifications on the following:
- the rifle’s length
- the rifle’s weight
- the sighting arrangement
- the accuracy and
- the accessories.
What is a Scout Rifle?
‘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
Remington Arms Company Custom Shop M7 Scout used by Richard Mann during The Scout Rifle Safari. The first animal taken with this Scout Rifle, a fine Springbok at about 230 yards.
‘I relied on them for 30 days in Africa and they never let me down.’ Richard Mann Remington Arms Company Custom Shop M7 Scout and Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X ammo. Knife built by Len Waldron after his first safari as well as my first safari with Fort Richmond Safaris.
Bill Mazelin with his Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle checking his zero on the range at Fort Richmond Safaris.
One of the most important rifles of The Scout Rifle Safari – an original Gunsite Scout no.2.
Jim Jeansonne and his original Gunsite Scout Rifle #2.
Geoffrey Wayland of Fort Richmond Safaris with the Steyr Arms, Inc. Scout Rifle connecting 8 inch MGM Targets steel plates as far as 350 yards.
Nick Rukavina and Professional Hunter Leon du Plessis holding the Brockman Packer Scout that Nick used on safari. Nick shot the eight inch steel at 350 yards with the Brockman Packer Scout.
Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle and Black Wildebeest.
James Jeansonne with his original Gunsite Scout Rifle #2. Michael Bane with his Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle. James Jeansonne with his Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle. Listen to Michael Bane’s video podcast: Bane’s masterpiece of a Scout Rifle on Down Range TV.
Scout Rifles in Africa!
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