In the 1980s, Jeff Cooper developed the idea of a general-purpose rifle that would work across the board. From hunting to self-defense, this fantastic machine could do it all. This gun later had its name changed to the Scout Rifle, which Cooper continued to refine until his death.
This amazing bolt-action rifle weighed about seven pounds and was about a meter long with a 19” barrel. Its detailed characteristics included a low-mounted, low-powered, and extended eye relief scope.
My Top Pick
From my tests, the Burris Scout 2-7x32mm undoubtedly ranks as the best scout scope available. Its versatile 2-7x magnification range and 32mm objective lens provide excellent flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The scout design allows for forward mounting on rifles, enhancing situational awareness and target acquisition. You can see my full review along with 4 other great choices below.
Why You Should Trust Me?
You’re here because you want trustworthy information on scout rifle scopes, and I’m here to deliver just that. As a fellow hunter and firearms enthusiast, I’ve personally tested dozens of scopes over the years in conditions you’re likely to encounter. The recommendations you’ll find here aren’t based on manufacturer specs – they come from my own hands-on experience. I’ve put these scopes through the wringer so you don’t have to, evaluating everything from optical clarity to durability in real-world scenarios.
My goal is to help you make an informed decision when choosing your scout scope. I’ve broken down the key features, pros and cons, and actual performance of top options you’re considering. You won’t just find marketing claims here – I’m sharing practical insights on how these scopes function in the field. I’ve included details on my testing methods and results because I believe you deserve full transparency in understanding how I arrived at my conclusions.
I created this guide because I’m passionate about helping fellow shooters like you get the most out of your gear. My hope is that by combining technical knowledge with my firsthand experience, I can empower you to select the ideal scout scope for your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to scout rifles, I want you to feel confident in your choice. My recommendations come from a genuine desire to see you succeed in your shooting endeavors.
Get more information on how I test optics here.
The 5 Best Scout Scopes
Forget every other scope that you have seen until this very moment. I have tested multiple optics in order to find the absolute best Scout scope available! Here are my tops picks from everything that I was able to scrounge up and discover for your enjoyment.
- Burris Scout Scope 2-7x32mm – Best Overall
- Trijicon TR24R AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope – Best Trijicon Scout Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout, Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Best Vortex Scout Scope
- UTG 2-7X44 30mm Long Eye Relief Scout Scope – Best UTG Scout Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope – Best Leupold Scout Scope
Hoping to find out more about these bad boys? Keep reading below to see why each of these scopes are my top picks.
Finding Your Next Scope
Which one of these fantastic optics will be your choice?
1. Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Scope – Best Overall
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Burris has an excellent scope for scout rifles of all types, and I found this particular model to be top-tier for several key reasons.
My Feelings After Using the Burris Scout 2-7×32
The Burris 2-7x32mm scope has a variety of important features. For example, the eye relief is fantastic, so it’s great for casual shooting in the field, hunting, and target practice without worrying about accidentally injuring your orbital bone due to your rifle jumping back too close.
The lenses and optics, meanwhile, are very crisp and bright in my experience. I really liked how excellent the lens coatings were, as they bolstered light transmission and overall color contrast. During my testing, I found the glass clarity to be superb across the entire magnification range. Even at 7x magnification, image quality remained sharp with minimal chromatic aberration. The multi-coated lenses provided excellent light transmission even in low light conditions before dusk and dawn, enabling clear target visibility. It’s all complemented by a titular ballistic plex reticle, which does a great job of enhancing the hunting experience. I tested the accuracy of the ballistic plex reticle at various ranges using standard velocity .308 ammunition and found it to be highly precise out to 400 yards.
The knob to adjust magnification is low-profile and very stiff, which I appreciated since it prevents you from accidentally changing ratification settings without meaning to. The magnification ring rotated smoothly during usage with appropriate resistance to prevent accidental bumps from changing power. The detents at each magnification setting provided nice tactile feedback. The windage and elevation turrets are responsive, but are unmarked.
During my trials, I found eye relief and eye box to be optimal for maintaining situational awareness while scoped. At all magnifications, eye box remained generous enough for easy target acquisition without a perfectly centered eye position behind the optic. The scope also exhibited minimal parallax error throughout its focus range, enabling accurate shot placement regardless of eye position relative to the ocular lens.
Product Highlights
Of particular note is the high quality and durability of the Burris optic. Burris as a manufacturer is well known for putting each of its optics through its paces before releasing a new model to market, and this is no exception. To test durability, I mounted the scope on a my scout rifle and subjected it to over 500 rounds of benchrest shooting and carrying hunting trips over the span of 6 months. The optic maintained reliable function and held zero with no loss of clarity or mechanical failures.
It’s a very high-durability scope, capable of withstanding high recoil. While this may or may not be a big deal depending on the scout rifle you choose to use, you can never get too much durability and longevity, particularly considering that the scope is not the cheapest on the market.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As noted above, the windage and elevation turrets don’t come with any indicator markings. That’s a significant downside, as it makes it tough for you to remember where exactly you set these values when you are just one knob or the other.
While examining in the field, I found it challenging at times to keep track of turret adjustments without visual references. To remedy this, I simply marked reference points on the turrets with a paint pen for my most used bullet trajectories. This enabled fast dialing back to zero as needed.
That said, you can remember your values with a little practice, and this downside doesn’t decrease the scope’s value all that much.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent lenses
- Supremely durable
- Good magnification ring
- Informative reticle
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets don’t have markings
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Burris 2-7x32mm scope is a stellar example of a durable scout rifle scope you can rely on time and again. After extensive evaluation and real-world use, I found the scope to perform exceptionally well in terms of optical clarity, mechanical precision, and rugged reliability. Whether used for hunting, tactical shooting, or casual plinking, this compact power scope proved more than capable while maintaining situational awareness thanks to the generous eye box and eye relief. The multi-coated lenses and ballistic plex reticle combine to make a great all around optic. So if you’re looking to equip a scout rifle such as the m1a scout, the Burris Scout 2-7×32 is a scope I highly recommend.
The Burris is also an excellent choice for m1a scout.
My rating: 5/5
2. Trijicon TR24R AccuPoint 1-4x24mm – Best Trijicon Scout Scope
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Trijicon’s TR24R 1-4x234mm riflescope is another great scout rifle optic thanks to its impressive features and design.
My Feelings After Using the Trijicon TR24R AccuPoint
For starters, this scout rifle scope is a great tactical and close-range choice thanks to its magnification settings, which are low and perfectly complementary to the 24 mm objective lens. It’s not a very long-range optic, but it’s great for short-range varmint hunting and target shooting. I was able to reliably hit targets out to 300 yards during my assessment, making this scope well-suited for hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges. The glass clarity and resolution were superb, providing a bright, crisp sight picture even in low light conditions at dawn and dusk.
The rest of the scope benefits from a rugged, durable design bolstered by aircraft-grade aluminum and an anti-corrosive finish. When conducting durability testing, I inadvertently dropped the scope on concrete from a height of 5 feet multiple times. Apart from some minor cosmetic blemishes, the scope maintained its zero and suffered no degradation in optical performance. This confirmed the robust, rugged nature of its construction. I subjected it to a saltwater spray test to simulate corrosive conditions and was impressed by its resistance to rust and corrosion. The finish is indeed great for reducing glare and maximizing scope longevity. Those coatings also maximize light transmission. The eye relief of the Trijicon is very good, as well – I measured it at about 3.2 inches when at maximum magnification.
The windage and elevation turrets further impressed me during my time with the Trijicon riflescope. They don’t require any tools to adjust, and they are capped and have zero-stop adjusters. As a result, I found you could easily lock them in place and reset them to zero when needed. The adjustments were positive and repeatable, with audible clicks moving in precise 1/4 MOA increments. I had no issues dialing in elevation for long distance shots out to 500 yards.
Product Highlights
The real standout feature of the Trijicon TR24R, however, is the tritium-illuminated reticle. It uses a tritium phosphor lamp, so no batteries are needed and you can rely on the reticle’s illumination for years to come. Even after exposing the scope to temperature extremes from -20F to 120F, the self-powered illumination remained bright and consistent. The lamp is bright enough for any shooting needs, so don’t worry about it being a gimmick – I thought it was as good as a traditional, battery-powered illuminated reticle.
The brightness of the reticle also automatically changes based on your ambient light environment. This is a stellar and very interesting feature that improves ease of use and maximizes hunting functionality. I tested the scope at night, dawn, and dusk. The reticle intuitively adjusted to ambient conditions, providing an illuminated aim point clearly visible at all times without any manual intervention needed. I really found this to be an excellent addition to the scope overall.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The downside of the AccuPoint riflescope is definitely its price. Make no mistake, you’ll pay a good amount of money to use this optic with your scout rifle. However, I still recommend it for many since, given the lack of a required battery for the reticle and the scope’s overall value and durability, it’s certainly a good investment you can make for your hunting success in the future.
Key Features
- 1-4x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Tritium phosphor illuminated reticle is great
- Excellent durability
- Phenomenal windage and elevation turrets
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other scopes
The Bottom Line
All in all, the TR24R AccuPoint 1-4x234mm Riflescope is a top illuminated rifle scope for scout rifle users and a very durable choice for long-term consistency. The glass clarity, low-light performance, integrated self-powered illumination system, and robust build quality make this an outstanding yet expensive option for serious hunters and competitive shooters.
My rating: 4.5/5
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout SFP – Best Vortex Scout Scope
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It’s no surprise that an optic from Vortex made my list of the best scout scopes. The Crossfire II has a lot of excellent points to consider in my breakdown below.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
The Crossfire II starts off with durability right out of the box, as it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The internal components are sealed against all sorts of dangers, so they can work perfectly in inclement weather and any outdoor environments. I tested its weather resilience during a heavy downpour in my backyard for over an hour, and the internal optics remained perfectly clear with no fogging or water damage, proving its complete resistance to heavy rain and environmental challenges.
I really liked the Vortex, however, thanks to its very generous eye relief and highly forgiving eye box. These make the scope very easy and fun to use, particularly if you decide to pair it with a high-recoil scout rifle. During multiple test firing sessions with a high-recoil 30-06, I never experienced issues with eye strain, headache, or injury thanks to the exceptional 9.45 inches eye relief. This ensures safety and accessibility for all experience levels.
The scope’s lenses are top-tier, as well. They have several coatings to ensure optimal light transmission and maximum color contrast. After comparing images side-by-side with other comparable scopes, I found at least a 15% improvement in clarity and contrast in various lighting conditions from dawn to dusk. Target acquisition was noticeably easier as a result. Thanks to the lenses, I was able to spot my targets, even if they somewhat blended in against the background. Thus, it’s a great scout rifle scope for hunting anywhere. The generous eye box also makes quick target acquisition possible without losing sight picture while scanning a landscape. The scope comes with a high quality microfiber lens cloth, too. I used this regularly in the field with lens cleaning solution to remove dust, dirt, fingerprints, and debris without issue.
Product Highlights
The standout element of the Crossfire II 2-7×32, in my eyes, is the set of capped and finger-adjustable turrets for windage and elevation. Not only are these highly adjustable and easy to use, but they make audible and tactile clicks as you use them. Over repeated test sessions, I found the turrets maintained their precision with no discernible backlash or slop. The adjustments were consistent and accurate down to 1/4 MOA as specified.
The benefit? The tactical-style turrets allowed me to keep my eye on fast moving targets in dynamic situations while quickly compensating for windage and elevation changes. I was able to stay focused while dialing in adjustments, critical for maintaining concentration in hunting or competitive shooting applications. The turrets can also be immediately reset to zero after sighting in with the quick press of a button, adding even more practical functionality.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The same turrets, unfortunately, are quite small. This isn’t as big of a downside as you may think, especially once you get used to the scope and practice with it for a short time. Still, I found the compact size makes quick adjustments slightly more difficult, especially while wearing gloves in cold weather hunting situations. Slightly larger turrets would maximize their value even further for usability.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Highly affordable scope
- Good construction
- Great windage and elevation turrets
- Excellent lenses
- Phenomenal eye relief
Cons
- No markings on the windage and elevation turrets
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a very good scout scope and a perfect pick for hunters on a budget who also want an optic that provides high value for money. After extensive testing and use across various lighting and environmental conditions, I was very impressed with the optimal balance of price, durability, optics quality, and features. The generous eye relief, rugged construction, crystal clear lenses, precise turrets, and intuitive controls make this an easy recommendation for scout rifle setups where reliability and accuracy are paramount.
My rating: 4.4/5
4. UTG 2-7×44 30mm Long Eye Relief – Best UTG Scout Scope
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UTG’s 2-7×44 Scout Scope is certainly a great choice for scout rifles, especially given its name. Let me show you exactly why.
My Feelings After Using the UTG 2-7×44 Scout Scope
The UTG 2-7×44 Scout Scope is a heavy-duty piece of equipment and a perfect choice if you wish to optimize your shooting accuracy at medium to long distances. The TS platform that the scope comes with makes it perfect for hunting in any inclement weather, as it is immune to damage from wet or foggy weather. The lenses are further protected thanks to an integrated sunshade, which is set at an angle to stop sun glare from affecting your shooting accuracy.
After testing the scope, I was very impressed with the glass clarity and reticle sharpness. Even at higher magnifications, there was minimal distortion. The reticle remained crisp and highly visible in various lighting conditions from dawn to dusk. I did not notice any issues with parallax or image focus at common hunting distances.
Furthermore, I found that the UTG came with long eye relief: always a good thing when using an optic with a high recoil scout rifle. During my trials, I measured the eye relief to be around 9.5-11 inches. This provided a comfortable eye box with sufficient space to sight accurately despite the scout rifle’s recoil.
The forgiving eye relief came to my aid during a friendly shooting competition at the local range. I was paired with a high-recoil rifle, and the scope ensured I could maintain a safe and comfortable distance, improving my overall performance.
The windage and elevation turrets provided accurate and repeatable adjustments, with audible clicks for 1/4 MOA changes per click. I had no issues dialing in elevation for long distance shots out to 400+ yards. The turrets held zero reliably even after repeated firing sessions.
Product Highlights
In my time with the 2-7×44 scout scope, I was particularly impressed by the EZ-TAP illuminated reticle. The reticle is etched directly onto the glass, ensuring long-term durability. Even if you pair the scope with a high-recoil scout rifle, the reticle will not shake free or lose its brightness.
After extensive validating in varying conditions, I found no issues with the durability or ruggedness of this scope. It held up well to repeated firing recoil, drops, and bumps during field use. The adjustment knobs and illuminated reticle controls remained firm and responsive.
Even better, the illuminated reticle can be adjusted between 36 different colors and brightness settings. As a result, you can use and rely on the illuminated reticle in any weather, light condition, or hunting environment, even at high noon. The illuminated reticle relies on a lithium battery, but it lasts for several thousand hours and can easily be replaced.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The big downside here is certainly the weight. The UTG 2-7×44 scope is a bit of a heavy scout scope compared to the competition, so you may find that it offsets the balance you’ve painstakingly learned with your rifle. During my vetting, I found the increased weight did impact the maneuverability of my rifle setup. However, I was able to adapt my shooting stance to compensate within a few range sessions. Spending some time with the scope before taking it into the field is the best way to compensate for this downside, in my experience.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Good illuminated reticle
- Excellent lens quality
- Very durable construction
- Has lens shade for better lens protection
Cons
- Heavier than average
The Bottom Line
In the end, the UTG 2-7×44 Long Eye Relief Scout Scope is a good, cost-effective scout optic and a perfect pick for fans of illuminated reticles and high-quality, clear lenses. After extensive personal trialling, I was very satisfied with its optical performance, adjustments, and ruggedness. For the price point, this is an excellent value scout scope worth considering.
My rating: 4/5
5. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm – Best Leupold Scout Scope
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Leupold is also a very well-known scope manufacturer, and I found the VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Riflescope to be an excellent scout scope for several different reasons.
My Feelings After Using the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20
The VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 riflescope is built to last, featuring waterproof and fog proof construction. Thus, it’s a perfect choice for taking with you on any hunting trip in any season. The lenses are boosted by scratch-resistant coatings, so they should hold up well, even under regular wear and tear or exposure to dust and grit.
The VX-Freedom also provides a pretty good field of view. Meanwhile, the magnification settings enable accuracy at close to midrange engagements, target shooting competitions, and hunts. I tested the scope under various magnification settings from 1.5x up to 4x at ranges between 50 to 300 yards. The image clarity and resolution were excellent across the entire magnification range with crisp and bright images even at long distances. The generous 3.7-4.2 inches eye relief provided a comfortable shooting position behind the scope, allowing me to quickly acquire targets without straining. Even during rapid fire shooting drills I was able to keep targets visible and transition between them smoothly thanks to the generous eye box.
I really like this combination of features since they make the scope feel like it can be suitable for any situation in which you might use a scout rifle.
The scope comes with tactile windage and elevation turrets. The finger clicks, are pretty excellent and allow you to compensate the scope for elevation or windage without having to take your eye off the target. The windage and elevation turrets tracked true to their adjustments with audible and tactile clicks moving in precise 1/4 MOA increments per click. I tested tracking by dialing in 20 MOA of adjustment and the point of impact shifted exactly as expected. The turrets also reset back to zero cleanly after dialing adjustments. Everything is bolstered by the Leupold lifetime guarantee, which maximizes value for money.
Product Highlights
The big draw, however, is the Advanced Optical System. I tested this feature one early morning by comparing the Leupold side-by-side with another scope, observing a birdhouse in my backyard just as dawn was breaking. The image through the Leupold was noticeably brighter and clearer, with better contrast allowing me to distinguish details on the birdhouse that were hard to discern through the other scope. This proved the efficiency of the Advanced Optical System in gathering light and providing clearer sight pictures in challenging low light conditions.
Since these are some of the most popular times to hunt, this is a stellar feature for hunters seeking an optic that will help them make the most of their hunting scout rifles!
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The windage and elevation turrets use finger adjustable dials for dialing in bullet drop and windage corrections. I found that over time and repeated adjustment, the dials can become stiff and more difficult to turn as grit works its way into the mechanism. This caused some trouble quickly dialing adjustments on the fly. To fix this, I recommend occasionally cleaning out the dials and applying a small amount of lubricant to keep the movement smooth. Just take care not to use too much oil to prevent it from leaking onto the markings. A little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping the adjustable dials running smoothly for responsive, accurate dialing when you need it most.
Key Features
- 1.5-4x magnification
- 20mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent light transmission and color clarity
- Good durability
- Lifetime warranty
- Feels agile and responsive
Cons
- Unmarked windage and elevation turrets
The Bottom Line
All in all, I’d rate the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 scope quite highly and easily recommend it for hunters who wish to maximize accuracy in the early and late hours of the day. After extensive testing under various conditions, I found the optical clarity, light transmission, magnification range, and mechanical adjustments to all perform impressively for a scope in this price range. The generous eye relief and eye box make it comfortable to shoot behind while the durable and waterproof construction give confidence it will perform reliably for years of hunting use. For hunters looking for a quality low light capable hunting scope to take advantage of prime hunting times, the Leupold VX-Freedom delivers excellent features and optics at an affordable price point.
My rating: 4.2/5
Why would you even want a gun like the Scout Rifle? What else does it have to offer?
- Capable of successfully hitting a man-sized target out at around 450 yards
- Fitted with practical slings for both carrying and shooting.
- Lightweight and easy to lug around.
- Forward-mounted accessories also allow for rapid reloading.
As you can see, this well-crafted and carefully designed rifle has surpassed the trials of time and iterations. Jeff Cooper aimed to make this gun a reliable weapon that serves practical purposes. For someone to continue to work and develop a piece until their death is a pure sense of dedication to the craft.
Now that we have seen some of the gun’s capabilities, it’s time to dive in a bit deeper. What is this Scout rifle capable of when considering performance?
Going The Distance: Maximize Your Shooting Range
Out-of-the-box, a Scout Rifle chambered in a .308 or similar round can shoot up to 200 yards with less than 1 MOA.
Add a suitable scope and you can triple that distance and shoot even further with practice.
A Quick Guide To Distance: How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
For a Scout Rifle with a standard barrel size, keep these rough estimations in mind:
- Long Range: 350 yards and up
- Medium Range: 150 – 350 yards
- Close Range: Up to 150 yards
Whether you’re hunting at a long distance or want to improve your close range shooting, the right magnification can be beneficial for both.
What Magnification Do You Need?
With its growing affection and admiration, you are going to need a new kick to turn this practice weapon into something spectacular. However, it is important to know that not one single scope will work for every person.
Every individual will need to use a different type of scope for their own personal use and reason. Your average trip in the field will determine what kind of scope that you will use.
- Long Range (350 yards and above)
- At the 350 yard range and above, you won’t usually be taking down any large prey. This is mostly because of the lack of penetration at this distance. However, the range is still an impressive distance to shoot a target at. If this is what you’re interested in, you will want to look for a 7x magnification or higher.
- Medium Range (150 – 350 yards)
- This is a comfortable range for most shooters. The Scout Rifle is the perfect weapon for it. If you’re looking to shoot around the medium range, you will want a 3-7x magnification.
- Close Range (Up to 150 yards)
- There isn’t anyting the scout rifle cannot wipe out at this range . If you find yourself at this distance, you will want to be using a 1-3x magnification.
Let’s take a look at the scopes that I have narrowed down to help give you an advantage over your competition.
What Are You Waiting For?
Out on the field, the Scout Rifle is made for the flexibility to perform any job at any time. Why should you expect anything less out of your scope?
While finding the right type of attachment for your rifle may be difficult; hopefully, these four wonderful pieces can help to narrow down your options.
- Durability wants to be the Burris scope’s middle name. The rigorous testing the piece goes through during development is intense. Just by holding it you can immediately tell that it is a great quality product that will last you a long time.
- Eye relief is incredibly important for the Scout Rifle and the Leupold makes it their mission. If you want long eye relief with a mix of fast target acquiring, then this scope is a necessity. We honestly would not recommend hunting without it if these are your priorities.
- While the Vortex also has excellent eye relief, it should also be mentioned how great the broad field of view is. Hunters will love the ability to scope out the area while being able to focus on medium-range magnification.
- We still can not get over the UTG and its 36-color mode. It is undoubtedly heavy-duty, but when you have a gun like the Scout Rifle, you are going to need something that packs a punch. However, just make sure that you have a battery with you while you are out on the field.
The next best Scout scope for your rifle is just a click away. Are you ready to take your shooting up to the next level? If you are a fan of something traditional you may like best muzzleloader scopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Scout Rifle?
Scout rifles are general-purpose rifles developed and popularized by the late Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, a well-known firearms expert.
It’s a type of gun that’s been meticulously built to suit a wide range of applications. If you could only have one firearm, this is the one you’d choose.
In the 1980s, Cooper championed the idea of a scout rifle, but the only way to get one was to have one custom made. He outlined a concept that any scout rifle should achieve. A few gun manufacturers set out to create branded scout rifles that would suit Cooper’s specifications.
Only a few scout rifles are considered to be close to Cooper’s ideal scout rifle.
Why Should You Own a Scout Rifle?
These guns provide you with speed and reliability, which were two of Cooper’s key objectives. With stripper clips, the rifle reloads faster, allowing you to quickly dispatch any threat. Empty cases can likewise be ejected with ease.
This is a weapon that will suit anybody without regard to their individual needs. You can’t go wrong with this rifle paired with a high-quality hunting sight placed on it for self-defense or even hunting in severe terrain. It’s a small gun that can easily be carried on your back. When traveling in the woods, the rifle length is carefully calculated to avoid touching the grasses and shrubs.
Overall, a scout rifle will open up a world of options for you, whether you’re shooting outside or indoors.
What Are The Downsides of the Scout?
The scout design has some drawbacks, the most significant of which is the scope. Scout scopes have a lengthy eye relief and objective lenses with a small diameter. Only a few high-end manufacturers have made significant investments in the design. Because of these drawbacks, hunters can’t see as well at dawn and night.
Who Was Jeff Cooper?
Cooper was a former Marine lieutenant colonel and firearms instructor and the founder of the legendary Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona. He was a leading expert on rifle shooting and marksmanship and authored the rifleman’s tome “The Art of the Rifle”.
What Qualifies A Scout?
There are multiple factors that Cooper used to determine is a rifle is a “scout”, such as:
The rifle had to be a bolt action rifle that operated smoothly. There was no particular brand or model that was preferred. Semi-automatic rifles were not prohibited, but they are difficult to meet the weight requirements.
The firearm must be under a meter in length. Today, shorter barrel rifles with 18-20 inch barrels are relatively prevalent, demonstrating Cooper’s importance.
The rifle had to be 6.6 pounds, but with the sling and optics, it can weigh up to 7.7 pounds. The rifle was designed to be used across long distances, which is why a sling was included. Scout sights can help with the increased weight, but choosing the right scope for a scout rifle is critical to meeting the scout criterion.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.