Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Any love for the Steyr Scout?

I have wanted one of these for 5 years now, but damn if I can’t find one in town in all that time. They just don’t seem to come up for sale and none of the gun shops stock them. I guess they would rather stock a bunch of cheap $300-$600 since they sell to the crowd around here much quicker. It is funny though, the ones I find for sale online are often in Alabama, which is where Steyr USA is located. If I ever start traveling again theough that area i will definitely stop in some local shops hoping to find one

I never owned one but I did get to handle on a few years back. A bit hard getting used to the look but it had a damn good feel when shouldered. I guess I'd buy one if one showed up and I happened to have the cash on hand.
Paul B.

Cool rifles but ugly and priced about 250%-300% over what they should have been.

Everyone has opinions of their own, myself included. But if I could choose any of them for free, I would take the Ruger over the Steyr , and the one that I believe is not as slick but just as accurate and so far just as reliable with FAR less expensive magazines is the Mossberg. In believe Ruger fouled up with their large single stack mag for big money as opposed to Mossberg using Mag-Pul and M14 mags.

But at the end of the day I wanted a "scout" myself and I made one on a 98 Mauser in 30-06 that I have come to like more then the others. True, it holds "only" 5 rounds in the non-detachable mag, but so far it's held 4 more than I have needed for every animal I have killed with it.

The Steyr is worth every penny.

i handled a few Steyr Scouts a few years back and I really liked the weight and balance of them. The thing that turned me off was all of the plastic on a rifle of that price.

Agreed. One of the best purchases I've made.

I wish I had one in .308......for woods hunting.

If I remember correctly, I read once that the Steyr rifles were the only ones that would actually hold up and not break for the entire scout rifle course.

J.C. sold a lot of people on a concept that was proven over time to not be a great choice. For a hunter or a soldier.


YMMV


mike r

A mate of mine had one and I handled it, wasn't even interested in shooting it when he offered...he seemed to like it.

I got to shoot one once, and loved it. I foolishly passed on the only one I've seen in a gun store rack.

It works for me in 308. Be Well, RZ.

Thinking I've seen the Steyr Scout in 7-08, which I thought interesting. Also quite a few on GB in 6.5CM.

Less recoil than the 308, but the ranges considered for the use of a scout would seem to not have any other advantage with a 6.5.

I think about this after searching the country & buying a scarce Ruger scout in 6.5.

Id rather try a CLII SX w 20"

I've had one for a number of years now. I say I love the back half of the rifle, not crazy about the front half.

I'm not sure buying a Pro Hunter or other Steyr model and putting a traditional low power scope or Aimpoint on it wouldn't be a better choice. It would certainly be a cheaper choice. Then you wouldn't be paying a lot of extra money for features I never use.

Yup, kinda what I was thinkin

I have one in 308 and also have the heavy barrel Scout Tactical also 308. Both are great guns. I first bought one (Scout) back in 2005 or so, a Jeff Cooper model. Sold it a few years later and regretted it as soon as I shipped it. Couldn't find a replacement for a couple of years so I bought the Tactical. It's a tack driver but because of the weight, is relegated to bench work. I was finally able to find another Scout. I haven't been able to find a factory load that it likes (I didn't try too hard) but shoots my reloads very well, 150 grain Barnes TSX or TTSX over Varget. 0.050 off the lands. The integrated bipod is of use to me only to prop the rifle up when I set it down. I don't shoot it in the Scout configuration, installed a 2.5-10 compact scope on it. It's by far the fastest on target hunting rifle I own, well, the Marlin 45-70 is just as fast but I don't like putting that on target very much. I put the 10 round conversion on it and bought 2 10 round mags. I like this set up. One thing I really like about all Steyr rifles is your OAL is not limited by the magazine. There is plenty of room to load VLDs if you want to. With the Barnes it doesn't matter, but with Bergers it does. Another thing to consider is the barrel heats up quickly on the Scout in the warmer months. For hunting its no worry but on the bench in the summer its pretty much shoot 3 or 4 and let it cool down. Maybe overkill but that is something I do with all of my rifles. That's a good reason to bring your pistol with you so you have something to do while you're waiting for the barrel to cool. I may be weird but I like the look of the Scout. I know one thing, if the SHTF that's the rifle I'm going to grab .

I have the Scout in .308 caliber Jeff Cooper edition, as well as the Boy Scout in .223 REM. Both are excellent.

I would like to get a 223 scout version. I have a 308 and a prohunter in 376. Would also buy a dragoon in 376 and sell the prohunter. Be
Well, RZ.

Explain.

We have a lot of low power, true 1x variable to whatever scopes now that make the forward mounted LER scope kind of obsolete from a glass perspective. I've always said IMO the best part of the forward mounted scope was your ability to wrap your hand around the receiver and carry it that way. But even with my large hands, the Steyr is on the far end of doable because of it's girth. I can do it with gloves on, but I can see why some couldn't.

I'd really like to try it with an Aimpoint, but I can't see spending that much money for something that would see so little use.

And yes, I'd like one in .223, despite having almost no use (job) for it, but I'd only buy one if it came along at a give away price.

And besides, the scout rifle idea is a failure, I've said it many times. The people who buy the most guns, like the people on this forum, they don't want a "one gun for all jobs" rifle , they want at least one different gun for every conceivable job, even ones they will never ever do!

If I could only carry one rifle, it would be the one I would grab.

Mine has never failed to do what I asked of it. I don't see the failure fo the gun. Just people who don't learn how to use it. Be Well, RZ.

If I chose to go with a scout setup, I would just build one. Accuracy is important, but less so for long distance with a Scout rifle. Idea is fast handling shots inside 200 yds. Not that you couldn’t stretch it further, but a shorter range use is the concept. Aimpoint sights or EER scopes at 1.5X-2.5X with 20mm-30mm Objective lens is also the concept.

Building from the ground up would provide exact fit and finish desired. Buying Defiance, Terminus or Lone Peak SA with 3” magazine capability, which are Remington 700 SA footprints making stocks, barrels, triggers and bottom metal readily available at reasonable cost. Barrels would be drilled for scout rail mounts and setup would be no more than 20” barrel, 18” may be more preferable. 308 Win is typical concept, but 6.5mm CM, 7mm-08 Rem, 338 Federal and 358 Win would be fine. Could put together for about $2,400 (scope not included). Nothing against Steyr scout rifle, but you’re going to pay $1,400 - $2,000 (scope not included) for a factory rifle due to novelty interest that won’t match up to the build. 376 Steyr Scout (LA) would cost at the upper end as they were very popular. I’d rather have a custom fit for that kind of money. Only one man’s opinion.

I handled the Styer Scout and honestly I would just get a Remington Model 7 and mount a Burris 2-7x35 Full Field II on it and be done.

i don't see how they are better then a lpvo on an ar15

any good new 1x scope is borderline as fast as a red dot

and a heck of a lot better at range then a scout setup.

played with my buddies ruger and m1a setups. ez pass

if for some reason 77gr tmk isn't enough stoke a mag ful of 6arc and 108's

The forward scope is a compromise in order to allow trail carry at the natural balance point for a bolt action rifle and for quick reloads with strippers.

The Steyr version has been a polarizing design ever since it became available. Either you like it or hate it. The first time I saw one I really liked it. In the 15 years since, It's done nothing to change my mind. This link will get you more information on the history of the design and all you need to know for Scout owners or anyone thinking about buying one.
https://www.frfrogspad.com/

I think the introduction or availability of detachable magazines changed the concept somewhat. The hand carry at the balance point might have been compromised, but needing the scope mounted forward for quick or easy reloads was eliminated.

With detachable mags, the bolt can stay closed on a chambered round while a new/full mag is inserted, or the only one topped off.

But all this presents another conundrum. The mag. If it fails or is misplaced, is the rifle still operable? My Ruger with controlled round feed will need lot of dexterity to get a round into the chamber without the mag to help the feed. Or,,,,, I'm missing a trick.

No free lunch.

I like scouts, or the concept. And like to discuss them. I don't think the idea is set in stone. Cooper would say yes, but things have changed. Alternatives, that might work as well or better might be available.

While I'm on the subject.

A 223 doesn't fit the criteria of the described scout. But if it was defined otherwise?

An AR is easily configured into the format. So well, IMO, that it can't be challenged. Setting up a bolt gun for the cartridge with the concept in mind could be fruitless unless for a location that disallows the AR. Then the bolt gun can be feasible.

Just thoughts, not wanting to disagree with anyone.

A detachable mag that protrudes below the belly is an abomination on a bolt rifle.

JoeBob, I agree completely. If hand carry isn't comfortable, I won't buy/keep a rifle or shotgun.

How bout a flush fitting mag ?

Would that work.? Nothing wrong with having the best of both. Doesn't the Steyr offer this?

The five round Steyr magazine is a flush fit but the ten rounder is longer. Be Well, RZ.

Tag

About the most pertinent comment on this whole thread.

Those are both advantages of the forward scope. They are not the main reason for the forward scope, which is extremely fast target acquisition.

Nah, it’s no quicker than anything else if you shoot correctly with both eyes open. The main advantages are quick reloading from strippers and ease of carry.

My thoughts exactly.....

OP here. I appreciate all the thoughts on the Scout. It is a polarizing rifle, definitely a “love it” or “hate it” kind of thing. My interest in it is to not actually use it in it’s true Scout mode. I would mount a compact 2.5-10x traditional scope on it in the rail slots over the chamber and stick with flush mounted 5 round magazines. I like the idea of the spare mag in the buttstock. I also want to do something blasphemous and run a short muzzle brake on it which will allow me to connect a suppressor easily. It’s the darn 1/2x20 threads Steyr is cutting on them which is causing me fits as no one in the US threads a brake for (at least not one that will allow a Silencerco Omega) to QD onto). I saw a 1/2x20 to 5/8x24 adapter last year but they have seemed to dry up and disappear. I keep hoping “next year” Steyr will come to their senses and thread it 5/8x24 in the same manner Barrett did some of their Fieldcraft models by leaving some “meat” at the end to allow for a proper shoulder to attach to. Maybe in 2022, I can wait another year!

If I were right handed I'd have one. Instead I have a left handed Ruger scout and I love it. Killed a lot of big and little stuff with it. Sure you can use today's improved LPVO in lieu of a forward mounted scout scope and either way that's fine, have it your way. I run mine with an backup red dot and optic. I'm also a fan of the iron sights.

Some hate the concept but it's not a replacement for the AR or hunting rifle. Rather its a close to moderate range rifle that is rugged and reliable with enough power to tackle game or hard targets. It excells at this. I can assure you that if I were at the N. Hollywood bank shootout I could have stood back at a distance and ended the maylay in 2-3 shots with my compact scout and have plenty of ammo in reserve in the magazine to do some hunting. There's better rifles and tools for specific tasks but the compact scout rifles work well and handle most all that needs done. It's just a tool

I have a Steyr Scout chambered in .308. It is like the other Steyr rifles that I own. It is a tack driver. Loves production ammo, will do even better with hand loads.

Just a few thoughts...
Many don't consider the times that the scout rifle was proposed. The 1994 AWB was in effect. The Garand and M1A were probably as popular as the AR15 at that time. The only AR makers were Colt, Bushmaster, Olympic and Armalite of any size. Magpul wasn't even a dream at that time. I remember rummaging through army crates at gun shows trying to find surplus AR 20rd mags that weren't beat to hell. It didn't look like the AWB would be allowed to expire. In that context, a 10rd bolt gun looked like a good option. Like others have said, the optics back then were also very limited compared to today.

My issue with the Scout scope setup was that if the sun was behind you, the glare off the ocular lens completely eliminated being able to sight through it. A honeycomb glare filter would be absolutely necessary for me to even consider another Scout.

After years of wanting a scout and knowing that it would never work for me being RH/cross dominant, I think I'll just put together a "walking varminter". Tikka Compact 20" .223 in a B&C stock and a new Leupold Mk3HD. With a 6rd mag, it's all I need.

Right on, our family splits our rifles between Steyr Scouts and Tikkas. Much about a Tikka that is better, but like both.

The Ruger fit Jeff Cooper’s original criteria for the scout concept , except the weight .

I like how the Steyr’s forearm converted to a bipod .

I like how Ruger gave us the option to mount glass in the usual spot over the ejection port .

And to be able to have a wider field of view ( not just the image in the scope ) .

That would be the advantage of a stripper clip guide like on a Mauser action and a forward mounted scope.

kwg

I’ve owned both. I like my Ruger Scout better. And I have my scope mounted in the “conventional” spot. Over the ejection port.

I did have the privilege of selling Col. Jeff Cooper a Steyr Scout in .376 Steyr back when I worked in the Wholesale Firearms Industry.
I was shocked find out that Steyr didn’t gift him one.

Wouldn't mind getting a Steyr Scout in the Dragoon version. But I already own a 376 Steyr in the current version. Maybe one day I will line up with one and sell several of my other guns. Come to think of it, a 223, 308, and 376 would allow me to sell most of my rifles. Be Well, RZ.

Anyone know of where I could find a Steyr Scout in .376? I have the Pro Hunter in .376 and really like it

I used to own a 376 Steyr Scout with the camo stock. I mounted the scope on the receiver, as I've never been a fan of scout-mounted scopes. I took several Whitetails with that rig. Use enough gun :-)

Biebs you are not right but that's all right. They all know you in your little world.;) Be Well, RZ.

I've bought a new Steyr Professional in .270 over 30 years ago and still have it. It's an excellent rifle except for the plastic magazine well/trigger guard and magazine. I cracked the plastic magazine well/trigger guard by having too much torgue on the action screws after pillar bedding it. I spent a lot of money getting a steel magazine well/trigger guard custom built and that is vastly superior...except it weighs 6.2 oz more. I had to replace one plastic magazine as some barrel solvent reacted with the plastic magazine after I loaned it to a mate and he "cleaned it" after using it. All these things could have been avoided by being careful. The reason I don't get a steel rotary magazine fabricated to replace the plastic one is it will increase the weight by another 4-6 oz.

To get the length down to what J.C. recommended for his .308 scout rifles in a short action you need to have a barrel no more than about 19". With a .308 for hunting, I much prefer a 22" barrel as being optimal to get a reasonable velocity and not as bad on the ears.