Variation for .308

[white van man]

Got a variation coming through for a .308. Have been offered a Steyr Scout.

Any opinions good or bad please.

Will be used for Stalking.

Cheers Steve.

[Dekers]

People will invariably suggest the gun make they have, there are very few bad guns out there, but some people like long heavy barrels, wood stocks whilst others like light and plastic, it's down to what you are after and works for you.

 

Personally Steyr offer nothing I want/need, overpriced is perhaps a term I would use, I'm sure some may argue as there are those that love them!

 

Whatever floats your boat!

 

[fieldwanderer]

Have to agree, steyr are known to be very well made. It's down to personal prefference more than anything though - handle as many as you can and take your time, it's easy to rush into a new rifle when your ticket lands on the doorstep

 

I looked at a few when I bought my first c/f and some were quite poorly made (a bit rough around the edges but still perfectly functional) I went the semi-custom route and ended up with the exact rifle I wanted, based on a sako 75. it's a bit heavy but I wanted it for sniping over anything else anyway. However, I do regret spending the £3000+ in total (includes £1400 on a scope) on it as I find myself working very hard to protect it from dirt, knocks etc and it takes something away from the experience if you see what I mean

[kent]

I have know a few friends use them a good calibre for the gun on deer, the scout has too short a barrel for some calibres but was designed for .308. Do a search on the Scout rifle (it was first designed as a defensive rifle that could be used in a longer range application) its a type and has been offered by many manufacturers over the years just like Varmint rifles are a type. Very interesting concept and ideal for stalking. Cant remember the name of the guy who developed it as a type but I think he was a high ranking military Officer in the USA

[Kes]

I'm in the same boat and have looked at 3 types. I need to get one soon.

I also cant decide cheap and cheerful - for the inevitable knocks and bangs and replace later, or new.

There are some ultra cheap but seemingly Ok guns at sub £300 - Parker Hale for example.

I am coming round to thinking, in order of priority;

1, Steyr Manlicher prohunter - the only one I have fired in .308, felt very comfy and almost easy - didnt intrude or dominate the shot.

2. Tikka lite

3. Parker Hale and change after a season.

I look for secondhand setups on The stalking directory, guntrader and on here but they are scarce.

Interested to know what you are going for when you have made up your mind.

[Dekers]

I'm in the same boat and have looked at 3 types. I need to get one soon.

I also cant decide cheap and cheerful - for the inevitable knocks and bangs and replace later, or new.

There are some ultra cheap but seemingly Ok guns at sub £300 - Parker Hale for example.

I am coming round to thinking, in order of priority;

1, Steyr Manlicher prohunter - the only one I have fired in .308, felt very comfy and almost easy - didnt intrude or dominate the shot.

2. Tikka lite

3. Parker Hale and change after a season.

I look for secondhand setups on The stalking directory, guntrader and on here but they are scarce.

Interested to know what you are going for when you have made up your mind.

 

Its all down to personal preference/intended use/depth of pocket.

 

There really is VERY little to chose between all the makes for general field use.

 

.............and some excellent deals about on Parker Hale if you are careful!

[welshwarrior]

Buy what you like the feel of there are few bad rifle now a days. I personally like

Remi 700

Sako a2

Tikka 595 and t3

For most sporting shooting.

[white van man]

My other option is to have one built, I would be looking at Remmie or Sako actions then probably a heavyish 20" barrel and a thumbhole stock.

The Steyr belongs to a relation in Germany who is selling some of his guns (he has over 140).so I know the history of the gun as well.

Just waiting on a price now.

Thanks Guys for the input keep it coming and I will let you know the outcome.

Cheers Steve.

[white van man]

Got my name down on a Steyr Scout Should have it by the weekend ,then we can see how good (or bad) they really are.

Steve

[theshootist]

Jeff Cooper. He wrote a very good book called "art of the rifle". The scout concept was for a lightweight, short rifle firing a major caliber, often with a long eye relief scope mounted forward of the receiver to allow use at close and intermediate range. He probably ended up going to Steyr after the big US firms passed on the idea, bu Ruger now make a "scout" rifle. Lots about them here.

 

The Steyr scout is really light, and you could carry one all day. I would put a conventional scope on it though I've not shot one but I do have an SSG which is a very accurate rifle and its well put together. Don't be put off the scout when you pick it up and feel how light it is!

[Alycidon]

However, I do regret spending the £3000+ in total (includes £1400 on a scope) on it as I find myself working very hard to protect it from dirt, knocks etc and it takes something away from the experience if you see what I mean

 

But when it puts 3 bullets through pretty well the same hole then its worth every penny.

 

A

Edited August 19, 2014 by Alycidon

[Redgum]

308 is a good reliable calibre and shoots pretty well from most barrels, better than 243 for example and being more barrel friendly then less likely to have barrel life problems. The armed forces did a lot of research on 308 and barrel length and they came to the conclusion that 19inch was a good length, practical for a tactical weapon with little noticeable velocity loss.