So many people here are completely missing the point. The point is NOT that a scout rifle is the ideal weapon for home defense. Is is sensible to say, "Don't learn hand-to-hand fighting because a gun is better! Don't use martial arts for defense!". No - it's stupid and we all know it. But somehow it makes sense to say: "A shotgun is better! Don't use a scout rifle for defense!" "A Glock is better! Don't use a scout rifle for defense!" "An AR15 is better! Don't use a scout rifle for defense!" So what? A bunker and personal security force is better than all those thing, but we work with what we have. The point of a scout rifle is a gun that functions adequately in many roles, situations, and environments because some people don't want to dump a small fortune into a Total Arsenal. Also, why are you assuming the scout is being used for defense at HOME? You don't think you'd have to defend yourself from a crazy human or a hungry 4-legged predator while out hunting? Bears, mountain lions, and angry moose are real threats that can surprise you, and what kind of gun do you think you're going to have? No other gun does versatility better than the scout rifle. And if a scout rifle is what you have, be it in the field or at home, learning how to use it is a GOOD IDEA.

Jeff Cooper knew very well what he was doing.Light rifle,low magnification scope,fast handling ,front and rear sight for backup, use of the sling for stability.Before all that ''tactical'' madness arrive

I love the scout concept, Cooper was a true genius to develop the concept. I would contest that the concept hasn't caught on, most rifle company's produce a version now and IMHO true rifleman have fully embraced the idea.

From the Old West "Beware the Man with one Gun" He probably knows how to use it.

I built mine back in the early '90s from my late grandfather's Rem 722. It's very similar to yours and I love it.

Lol at all the 12 year old “gun experts” with 10 years of wartime military service to back up their claims here in the comments. Hurr durr “an AR-15 with a reddot could beat that” .... “a shotgun is better for home defense” yadda yadda yadda blah blah.....congratulations on completely missing the point of the whole video. 👍👍 The man in the video does a very good job at explaining himself very clearly and proving his points (really down to an idiot proof level). It’s really shocking that you still managed to completely miss his points.

that scope release was epic

This is great for those of us in ban states, where rifles like these and shotguns are the only things legally available to us. I'd probably make a scout rifle out of a Remington 700 SPS, if not for the fact that I'll be a Florida resident very soon.

I think these are great. Super versatile. I think people forget that dudes were lethal fast with bolt actions during a few big wars.

I love my ARs and M1As, but if I could only have 1 gun it would be my scout rifles, particularly the Ruger Gunsite Scout. It is arguably the most balanced, without being specialized in any situation. The power, the reliability, and the weight make it my "end of the world" gun. People fantasize about Mad Max gunfights, but the reality is, if you plan on getting into gunfights, you are probably gonna get clapped pretty early on. Scout rifle forces you to be pragmatic and, well, scout things out. And with the idea of shooting game rather than people, you will probably make it through the end times.

I intend to set up a .308 Lee Enfield as a scout rifle, as it still has the magazine capacity and cycling speed of an old school battle rifle. Call me a Bubba if you like (I really don't care) but there's a certain appeal to combining the best of old and new.

As someone who has never owned any fire arms (though been lightly entrenched in gun culture most of my life being from a military family) something really speaks to me about this Scout Rifle concept. Been really looking at getting a .22 bolt action rifle to start and moving up to a scout rifle when I'm ready. Not really sure what draws me to it so heavily though.

I built one a 1917 Enfield on 30-06.It was sporterized decades ago, I purchased like that and improved it. Applied green camouflage paint, reduced the barrel from 25 to 18, crowned the barrel again and looks much better.

I love the versatile nature of this system . I have always had a preference for open sights . When I was shopping around for this option I also came across the Mossberg Patrol model. In my younger days I owned a few military surplus rifles with the rear gost ring sight and it worked at the time . The difference in the Scout models and the patrol is on the patrol the picatany rail is toward the rear and the rear sight is in front of the rail . I didn't think I would like the the rear sight close to the mid point of the gun, but it works . This also let's you mount a typical scope , or with the picatany rail system switch to other types quickly .Being able to use a typical rifle scope helps with the distance hunting shot . With a set of see through rings you can easily switch between scope and open sights . Which ever one you choose versatility is always a good thing .

I have a Ruger GSR .308 with the forward mounted scope, it makes for an excellent scrub gun. Short barrel doesn't get caught up on anything and can easily bowl over multiple pigs at close range.

Thanks Rob and staff of Personal Defense Network for helping learn safety

I've always loved the Scout Rifle concept, probably born from my teen years playing video games and always wanting an HK Scout. But I could never bring myself to justify the price/ purpose for it, even when the Ruger came out, your budget may vary. I eventually came across a Type 53 for about $200, added a Brass Stacker mount and a scope, and love it. It needs a cheek riser yet, probably a lighter stock, but now I have something close, and its been a fun project gun. At $350 invested I'm not afraid to beat it up a little in the woods. One day I'll probably get the Ruger, but for now this fits the itch. Great vid Rob, thanks for sharing!

The original scout rifle concept, the lever action .30-30 carbine.

My first gun was my dad's m66 super single 410 shotgun, my second gun is a 308 Savage axis xp 2. The rifle which is my preference is due to the versatility and power the rifle is capable of, I chose this type of rifle in part due to preference for bolt actions, they've always been my favorite.

Very well presented and articulated!!!! You’re vid cemented my decision in this gun. Thanks.

The Scout Rifle is the survival rifle. It’s supposed to protect you no matter what from no matter what. That rifle will outlast your intricate lever actions. It’ll outlast your complicated autoloading rifles. As long as that bolt locks in. The bullet has a chamber and a pin to fire that cartridge. It’ll fire. Freeze tests kill most guns Mud tests kills almost all guns Dry dirt test kills almost all guns. But at the end of it all. You know, I know. That the Bolt Rifle will be the last to break. Every time.

Love the attention to safety and overall professionalism. Great vid

Mine is a simple, unscoped, battered, ex-military FR8. And a lot of stripper clips for faster reloads. Hey. if it works....

I love the scout rifle concept but I incorporated it on a rifle I already had which is a Springfield M1A SOCOM. Much heavier than this setup but I personally like the extra weight especially in a semiautomatic 308.

Thanks for the video!

Really nice video. A modern adaptation would see using a low mount red dot. In countries where semis are restricted, this could play a good role in a number of use cases.

@PersonalDefenseNet what make/model is that detachable scope base you have mounted on the forward rail? Do you suggest any other ones and what's a good price range?

I love this concept. Since rifles that are true to the "scout" concept are rare like the old savage scout or rather expensive like a custom setup as shown here, the ruger gunsite, steyr and new savage scout. I pressed a savage hog hunter .308 with a 1-4x scope into the same role. It is a bit heavier but being a bigger man that is not an issue. Also the scope is not mounted forward but on low power I still find it very fast. The other advantages are the short barrel with the ability to add a suppressor if you ever wanted to, easy to use iron sights and a smooth fast bolt for quick follow up shots and last but not least a great accutrigger. Also having the ability to crank the scope up to 4x if needed is nice for the longer/ more precise shots. I have found it a more than adequate pseudo-scout. Another rifle I think would serve well is the Mossberg MVP patrol in .308. That one even has a detachable mag. Just an idea.

Friend, I believe that Cooper said that the shooting sling is only useful when the left elbow is supported. I too have fiddled with an unloaded rifle and though the sling made for tighter aiming from standing, but according to the Master it does not-so both of us must be mistaken. …..RVM45

I quite like the scout rifle concept, one thing I would like to see though is detachable mags similar to the Steyr Scout with 2 position magazine for a "mag in reserve" where you can singe load cartridges but if needed slap the mag in fully and feed from that.

How many of you have heard about Cooper giving a lecture entitled, “The Scout Rifle in Combat” at the 1999 SOF Convention in LV and then following the talk there was an ND with Coopers personal Scout Rifle inside the banquet room? Naw-I didn’t think you did…..

I turned my .22 into a "scout" rifle. Damn thing has taken out hundreds of rabbits, grouse and squirrels. 💪

Great video

Thanks for the video! I don't think you're getting full value from your sling as we usually have the forward loop high on the bicep of the supporting arm. You seem to be using the Ching as a Hasty. Personally I would also try to get my support Elbow more up under the rifle, but that's just me.

I I don't like the 3 point sling, I can do just as much with a two point sling as I can with a three point sling.i remember donkeys years ago people making a big noise about Israeli special forces who's rifles that had no sling so that their firearm always on the ready. Made sense to me.

For home defense... hmmmm. I have, and love, a Ruger GS Scout with the Hi-Lux scope. Great set up. This video makes me think there is a place for the Ruger bolt gun in 7.62x39, or the GS Scout in 5.56x45. I like the light weight of the new rifle with the synthetic stock, and AK ammo is no slouch in an urban setting. The toast is burning now.

That's a really handy setup. The only thing I would object to is the 3 point sling. This concept should also work well with a quality red dot or holographic optic.

There are a couple of "mini scout's" out there in 5.56mm NATO from Ruger and Mossberg for if you need something in a lighter calibre with detachable box magazines.

Thank you

what mount is on the scope

What is brand and model of his rifle? It is a beauty

My new home defense gun is the Ruger PCC loaded with a 17-round 9mm HP Ruger mag and another in a pouch on the stock like a M-1 carbine. I think I can send out enough semiautomatic lead to get me out of 99% of social problems. I chose not to switch to the Glock mags because they stick out way below the carbine and might get caught on something while a fumble with it at 3am, plus we have Ruger SR pistols so we have a ton of these mags.

I was sold on the Scout Rifle idea back in the mid-80's. Cooper was very seldom wrong, and never about guns IMNSHO. Not a lot of true scout SCOPES out there, though. Not nearly enough. Seems like Burris and Leupold have the market pretty much bagged up for true quality scopes. And even fewer reticle choices.

I like it on my lever action. 44 mag.

How much sir is the total weight on your set up? Thank you

What is that quick detatch mount called? Thats awesome~

thank you for the video, just started looking into Scout Rifles and this was very informative and concise. I have one question, what advantage is the 3-point sling over a 2-point sling? I am working on becoming a Rifleman, and am going to learn how to shoot iron sights on a 20" AR15 out to 500 yrds. I bought a GI cotton web sling, useful in prone as well as a hasty sling (or even hasty hasty sling), and the demonstrations in the video would work with a 2-point. Thank you!

I have an m1a scout and am looking for a similar setup (especially the ability to remove the optic very rapidly). Do you feel the scope mounted so forward of the receiver imbalances the rifle at all?

I sort of use the updated Mini 14 for this ..

what scope mount is that? i just got a savage 11 scout, and im thinking of getting a 2-7 burris scope with quick release rings but i like the one you have

What kind of rings and mount you have with the scope that you can quick disconnect from the rifle is so cool!

Hello, what brand is the cuff that carry's extra ammo? Could you provide a link to where you purchased it?

Any good optic suggestions? looking for about 5 power and not a bank burner.

Thanks! Nice video. Question: What scope base is that? It appears to be a Burris with some sort of quick release lever. I have a Burris on my Remington 600 (which I put together in the mid-eighties) and it has two screws that hold the rear ring in place. A quick release lever like on yours would be a huge step up. Thanks again for putting together this video!

Very instructive. Thanks. What is the make/model of the scope mount and sling?

What is the sling that you are using? Could you recommend a sling 2 point or 3 point for someone who is about 5 6". Thank you.

During WW2 the majority of armies except USA were armed primarily with bolt action rifles with iron sights. It was good enough for full scale war it can be good enough for self-defense if you train with it. People today might prefer semiautos but don’t neglect bolt action & lever action rifles too

Col. Coopers ideas were sound, but not for everyone. Best to take his principle, and adapt to ones own needs. The forward mounted scope in particular is not for everyone, I would consider a wide window single point, like an Eotech. Ugly, but works.

Man that things looks so much like my Rem 722 based Scout (also built in the '90s). What rear sight are you using?

Fantastic

anyone know what kinda scope mount he is using?

We were taught that during a campaign a rifle should always be in hand. Charged, cocked on safety. True, it was already more than forty years ago.

Anyone have an idea what make his scout rifle is? Thanx...

I got one of these with a red dot on it for close range pig shooting, hard to get parts for now tho

could anyone tell me what is this rifle? thanks!

Sweet fahhward mounted scope

What model rifle is this in the video?

very good explanation of scout concept as applied to self defense. a very versatile rifle setup. my favorite current model is the ruger gunsite scout composite version, i recommend those interested check it out. i am surprised no one mentioned, the instructor here takes several shots with a .308 / 7.62x51 without hearing protection. it is probably unlikely we will have time or advanced knowledge before a self defense scenario to use hearing protection, but still.. ouch .. 308 has some blast to it.

The thing that is good is the weight, it's freaking light.

Loved the video! Would love your input on a "modern" scout rifle. You stated this is one of your older rifle builds, can you think of any newer rifles that might do a better job in this category?

What is that scope mounting/removal system on the rifle? Does it maintain zero if you remove and reattach?

Только ржавеет от дождя.

I think they look cool

Hello, I just purchased a brand-new 18"stainless steel Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle chambered in .308 Winchester and I ordered online today the brand-new Vortex Crossfire ll 2-7x32 Scout Scope which offers long I relief so the scope could be mounted in its forward position on top of the stock forward rail that comes on the gun. I was curious to know when it comes to this type of set up what could be the expected accuracy/distance that can be shot with this gun and particular scope configuration ?

When you live in NY or Ca...

These are about to catch on, people are always looking for new ways to enjoy shooting, and challenge their marksmanship.

why was the scout rifle concept built around a bolt action instead of a pump/slide action? I assume the latter would enable quicker follow-up shots?

could you send a link to the scope mount?

One of the more desirable things in a scout rifle is also a detachable magazine no need for very high capacity but it is supposed to be able to handle any game up to 800 lbs and be more or a survival one gun type build than an urban gun, still a 308 round will even penetrate almost all soft body armor so even if you have a prepared home invader 10 shots of 9mm would not be as good as one 308 shot center mass

why does the bolt bind at the very end?

Like golfing with a handicap. It's a neat concept. It gives me an idea for a future project gun.

thnk...

does anybody know what scope mount he was using?

I'm thinking of converting my Remington model 7 308win to a scout rifle but don't know where to get the sights and base to replace the rear ironsight and to convert the drop hatch to a magazine

Check on 5:45 the bolt locked trying slide back in but he played it off. Reason why i wouldn't consider for self defense

When you KNOW that guys lookin at you wrong....in the next suburb.

What mounting system is that for the scope.

What gun and what quick detachable mount is that??

I would really like your thoughts on the M1a Scout Squad.

what mount are you using? Thanks.

What is that quick release scope mount?

Anyone have an equipment list or can tell what rifle, sling, scope mount. He is using? Specifically interested in the scope mount.

I have the same idea with a Remington 7600 carbine in 3006 though 308.is with a shorter rifle. 18 inch barrel and pump is faster shooting.

Forward mounted trijicon acog instead of low power scope? Is it a good idea or stupid?

What rifle are you using in the video?

What kind of scope is it?I couldn't hear him that great

what scope is that

What kind of scope rings are those?

I've known guys to set up mosin nagant that way.

I have a custom scout rifle that I built on a Gibbs Rifle Company replica of the No.5 Mk.1 SMLE 'Jungle Carbine' using the Clifton Scout Mount from XS Sight Systems and a aftermarket polymer stock. (BTW, if anyone knows where one can get a good laminated wood, sporter style stock for one of these rifles please let me know!) It's still in its original .303 British caliber, and it's a handy little rifle. The original ghost ring & flip up vernier long range sights are still on the rifle and still very effective, but it's also wearing a Leupold 1.5-5x33mm VX-R Scout Scope these days. (That's an AWESOME scope by the way! I just wish they'd make a 2-7x33mm version now.) I keep that rifle & a Mossberg 500 12 gauge in my truck as my go-to long arms when I'm on the road. Travelling with an AR15, AKM or even an M1A or a Mini-14 can be sticky in some areas of the country, but, as far as I know, bolt action rifles & pump shotguns are still legal almost everywhere. (I don't go to D.C., or any other major metropolitan area anyway, ever.) It shoots straight. It's quick, especially with that Leupold scope which works a lot like a red dot on 1.5x power. It hits hard, and it feeds from both a 10rd detachable box magazine and 5rd stripper clips. I'd really like to get one of the new .308's from Ruger or Savage, but, other than increased accuracy at long range, there's not much they can do that my .303 can't.