I picked up a 336 in .35 Rem a little while ago that has a Williams peep. I've used peeps in years past and always liked them, but my eyes have changed and I just can't seem to get comfortable with it. I'm now thinking about going with a scout scope set-up, which I've never tried. What are your opinions on the scout set-up as opposed to a standard scope mount? The rifle will be used in thick woods for deer and non-baited black bear (close range and usually moving).

Let's see some pix of what you're using, too!

Thanks!

Mine's not a scout setup, but I just went with an inexpensive 2-7 Redfield Revolution with a Leupold Rifleman base and Weaver Quad-Lock mediums. This put the scope bell just barely above the folded rear sight, which is about as low as I can go (336 in35Rem). The 2x magnification is good for close-up, as is the relatively bold Accu-range reticle. I like that particular glass on AR's as well as a general purpose scope.

Thanks, JPro.

No one uses a scout scope set-up? Hmm?

I do have a short-tube 1.75X6 sitting around. Maybe I'll just put that on and see how it does.

I'd only use a scout scope as a last resort.

Now a short receiver mounted shotgun scope with around 5" eye relief... I like this. A 1-4x20 with either the heavy duplex or the turkey-plex works for me.

My 35 Rem Marlin runs a Burris 2-7X Fullfield and I am quite pleased. I think I gave $140 to Natchez for it a few years ago.

I put a scout scope on my Rossi 92. Looked like Herman Munster riding a tricycle and f*cked up the balance so I took it back off the next day. I have a 1-4x20 Leupold VX-II mounted on a Leupold rifleman base with Burris super low zee rings on my 336. Killed alot of deer with that setup. Looks good. Works good.

Have one (2.5X Leupold) on a Marlin Guide Gun and I like it. Sits low and way forward of the hammer and ports such that one can run the rifle with boxing gloves on. Much more functional than the units requiring the use of those unsightly hammer spurs. With the present heavy loads, there's no danger of scoping the eye either. Going to tone those down with the next batch.

I mounted an XS Lever Scout Rail on a Glenfield 30-30 and installed a Burris 2X hand gun scope. It has Leopold Quick Detach mounts so I can still use the receiver sight. You would need to try a scout scope yourself. Some shooters really like it others don't. I really like the set up it works well for me. It would be a good system for the type of hunting you are talking about.

Thanks everyone.

i have them on a ruger frontier and a 94 timber carbine. they are handy and nice for 2 eyed shooting.

I KNEW I wanted a scout scope on a Marlin 30/30. Local gun shop got one on consignment with a Hi-Lux 2-7. I was very happy to have been able to handle it before I bought it. I gladly passed after I handled it. The set up was not as user friendly as I imagined in my mind.

Interesting. It seems guys either love it or hate it.
I'm going to get some standard mounts and put my 1.75X6 on first and see how it goes. That's the easiest (cheapest) route to start with.

Thanks again for the comments.

Fill me in the latter category. I have tried two and sent them both down the road. I have two 3X scopes, a Weaver and a Leupold. I like both. The 2.5 Leupold or a low power variable would be much preferred over scout. I suppose that I don't have much trouble finding game in a regular scope. I once killed an east Texas swamp buck as he ran past me at some 12-15 feet using a borrowed .270 wearing a 6X. Threw the rifle up, was on the nose, pulled the trigger, head shot DRT.

JACK

I have a scout scope on a 45/70 guide gun, which i like a lot. quick, handy, nice brush buster deer rifle. My 35 Rem has a 1-4 VX2 on it and i like it as well. I'm sure a scout scope would work well on the 35, too.

Don't have one on a 336 , but do have one on a K-31 Swiss . It is different for sure , but you have to keep in mind it is basically the same as a handgun scope . If you're used to scoped handguns you will probably not be as put off about the set up . For years I shot all my handguns with iron sights , the first venture into scoped handguns took some getting used too as I figure anyone not familiar with long eye relief scopes on any weapon would take sometime to get settled into . It is a very accurate set up once you get used to it . Kenneth

I have had about a dozen guns setup with scout scopes. Some like them, some don't. Do what works for you.

Have tried a few scout setups and never warmed up to them. IMHO they are a compromise over a conventional setup with no upsides. If it's the only way you can mount a scope on a gun I can see going that route, if conventional mounting is available go conventional.

Hint, conventionally mounted scopes can be used with both eyes open, all you have to do is keep both eyes open.

Given your expected applications, a scout unit should be ideal. Have one on a 45-70 Guide Gun, and it in no way interferes with ones manipulations of the action. With a target that fits it's magnification one can do minute of angle shooting. No way would I want a conventional scope with its eye piece sitting immediately atop the hammer.

I've played with them. A low powered scope mounted conventionally does everything better. They are faster to use, more accurate, cost less, and don;t screw up the guns balance. If you;re using a conventional scope with one eye closed you're doing it wrong.

Same as JMR40, all counts.

Jack

I'm guessing the 1.75x6 worked out great.

I don't know yet. I've been sidetracked with other irons in the fire. I should have it worked out for fall.
I do appreciate everyone's help.

i had one and adapted to it well.

if you ever want to stuff one in a scabbard you may have trouble.

I have used one extensively on the 95 Marlin. If you have a scout scope you don't like send them to my address. I can find someone who will like them. They will never work right for you.

Too many people try to use pistol scopes as scout scopes, they aren't the same. I have a Burris 2.5 x on mine but wish they were fixed 4x.


Phil

I have three of them and three more in the works. Like I said before, send me the scout scopes you don't like. The three are Steyr, M600 Remington and one ruger F/S tanger. RZ

What are your opinions on the scout set-up as opposed to a standard scope mount? The rifle will be used in thick woods for deer and non-baited black bear (close range and usually moving).Thanks![/quote]

I like them for big game and lager varmints, especially shorter ranges and moving targets. I can shoot birds and trap with the smoothbore Ithaca Deerslayer barrels-scope and all.

If I have a complaint it is that I haven't found a way to mount the scopes on the Ithaca barrels that allows me to remove and replace them and hold zero.

I don't like scout scopes as well as conventional scopes for long range work (which starts at around 250 yards for me) as I like a little more magnification than the usual 2.5-4x max most have (the 2-7 Burris seems capable of long range but I haven't used it enough to be sure yet).

I have: (1) Rossi 92-.SS-357 mag-1.5-4.5 Leupy, (2) Ruger Gunsite Scout-.308-SS-18.7" barrel, 2-7x32 Burris, (3-4-5-6) 12 gauge Ithaca Deerslayer barrels-smoothbore-2.5 x Leupy, rifled-1.5-4x Leupy, 20 gauge Ithaca Deerslayer barrels with the same setups as the 12 gauges.

I had a 16.5" barreled GSR a couple of years ago for a short time I also put a 2-7 Burris on it. I let a friend use it and he liked it so well he bought it from me and it is now his favorite big game rifle. He is the one that turned me on to Deerslayers as he is from Minnesota and used one with a scout scope setup for several years. I borrowed his and really liked them as well. Enabler.

All these firearms are relatively short barreled (20, 18.7 and the four Deerslayer barrels at 20in) and I find adding the scout scope moves the blance forward and helps with the offhand work.

On a woods rifle I'm a big fan of the 2.5x Leupold Scout scope. 2.5x is plenty in the woods and still gives a wide field of view and It's really become neat to be able to use it with both eyes open especially if critters are moving. I admit that some folks don't feel comfy with that but I've grown to love it.

Yep. On all counts.

I have a Savage 99 in 300 with a featherweight barrel and a scout scope. Sweet set up.

I have a xs scout setup on a 1894p 44mag. I went with a 1x nikon muzzle loader scope...all I really wanted was a crosshair in other words. Awesome little setup.

I have one of the XS scout rails and a 2.5X Leupold scout scope on my Marlin Guide Gun. No chance of "scope ring eye" plus I still have my Lyman receiver sight in place. Scope is in Warne qd rings.

I have 2 Burris 2 3/4X scout scopes one on a post 64 pre side eject 30-30 and a Mosin Nagent carbine and Iike them.