Ruger gunsite scout

[morinj]

Hi guys I'm new on the forum, and was looking to possibly purchase a Ruger gunsite scout as a bush gun for bear defense, I currently use a 45-70. I could use some input. Yay or nay!!!

[Ursus_Major]

Hi Morinj,

It is a huge heavy piece of steel! Maybe not the nimblest gun to use in a moment where every second count.
It's accurate and can double as a hunting rifle tho.
A shottie with slugs seems more appropriate IMO.

[qwert]

Originally Posted by morinj

snip
as a bush gun for bear defense, I currently use a 45-70. I could use some input. Yay or nay!!!

What is wrong with what you have?

Many 45/70s can shoot a bullet that is heavier and faster than most 12 ga slugs, and with greater accuracy.

Good Luck, YMMV.

[mich]

Originally Posted by morinj

Hi guys I'm new on the forum, and was looking to possibly purchase a Ruger gunsite scout as a bush gun for bear defense, I currently use a 45-70. I could use some input. Yay or nay!!!

I have both, the gsr is not the bush hammer that the gg is but it is perfect for back up/secondary hunting rifle. The gsr has become my favorite to wander the back 40 with and can reach out and touch with as well. For heavy bush the gg or the benelli are still the choice

My .o2

[ForwardBias]

handle one before you purchase one.

[morinj]

You guys are absolutely right, I did handle one, and wasn't a big fan of the weight and bolt, I guess I'm just looking for a excuse to buy a new toy!!! Thanks for the input! I believe I've changed my mind.

[morinj]

You guys are absolutely right, I did handle one, and wasn't a big fan of the weight and bolt, I guess I'm just looking for a excuse to buy a new toy!!! Thanks for the input! I believe I've changed my mind.

[Ursus_Major]

Glad to be of any help! It's a nice toy and it's Christmas, so treat yourself

[Battle Rat]

The 45-70 is the best choice for what you are looking to do.
But, the Scout is one hell of a gun that I'm having fun with lately also.
Very handy, comfortable and shootable and capable of better groups than I thought possible.

[fordtruckin]

Originally Posted by Battle Rat

The 45-70 is the best choice for what you are looking to do.
But, the Scout is one hell of a gun that I'm having fun with lately also.
Very handy, comfortable and shootable and capable of better groups than I thought possible.

x2 That would be my choice for a bear brush gun

[Dean2]

The scout is a gun with no real good reason to exist. The open sights aren't real user friendly, scout mounted scopes take a lot of getting used to, 10 shot mags on a short bolt action are only useful in combat (when di you ever manage 10 shots at anything while hunting) and the gun is butt ugly.

I like short handy rifles but there is no good reason a 308 with an 18" barrel needs to weigh 9 friggin pounds before you add the scope, sling and ammo. I have a 308, 21" Douglas Barrelled bolt action that weighs 6 lbs even, including a full mag, scope and sling. Now that is a gun with a reason to exist.

For a bear gun, the short Marlin 45-70 or a shottie are hard to beat.

[morinj]

You guys are right, it's a real heavy rifle, and I can't help looking at it, and asking myself why it's worth $1100 specially when I can buy a nice Tikka, or Sako a7 for the same price. Thanks for your input guys, maybe I should just keep my 45-70!!!

[kayaker]

I have never though the scout was that heavy nor unwieldy. I think its great set-up. The 10 round mags are terrible but the 5 round are a lot nicer. I like the ghost ring sights as well. Too bad they don't make the international version without the abomination of a mall-ninja flash hider anymore.

[mich]

Originally Posted by morinj

You guys are right, it's a real heavy rifle, and I can't help looking at it, and asking myself why it's worth $1100 specially when I can buy a nice Tikka, or Sako a7 for the same price. Thanks for your input guys, maybe I should just keep my 45-70!!!

As i said I have both as they serve different needs, keep your 4570 and get the scout or equivalent