Scout Scope Mount
 

Hey guys,

Just picked up my Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. It is the SS model.

I'm considering going with a cantilever (sp) (forward mount) scope with long eye relief.

I'd like to hear from some folks that have such a set up. Preferably on a lever action. I wouldn't mind hearing some field stories and how it helped/hurt.

Also are there issues with putting your rifle in the display case because of where the scope mounts? Any issues with sling carry? What about even less significant stuff like when you lean your rifle into a corner at hunting camp?

Any and all advice is appreciated since I already have another standard scope to put on this gun but I like the concept and would like to maybe go that route.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Forward Scope Mount
 

http://www.xssights.com/

RE: Forward Scope Mount
 

Thanks Big Bulls.

I'm looking for some folks with some first hand experience. I want to know if I should even go that route.

Anybody know of a good lever action forum?

Thanks

Tom

RE: Forward Scope Mount
 

After doing a little bit of searching using the link Big Bulls provided I found that what I'm looking for is a scout mount. Does anyone have any experience with that moutn position.

Here is a link.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012852224749a.shtml

Tom

RE: Forward Scope Mount
 

I put a couple of intermediate eye relief scopes on Mausers, mounting them at the rear sight position which placed them about 1/3rd of the way to the muzzle. I found that the only advantage was not having to alter the bolt handle or any other part of the rifle. However, such a location changes the balance of the rifle, making it extremely clumsy, unwieldy and awkward. A friend has one of the Steyr Scout rifles, and it is a much different proposition - it has a very light, short barrel which shifts the weight to the rear, puts the balance point between your hands, and renders the whole package much easier to handle.

I think a lever action with a full-length magazine full of heavy cartridges and a scope up forward will not balance as well as that Steyr Scout. If the rifle had a shorter magazine tube, it might be OK.

RE: Forward Scope Mount
 

Good Point Eldequello. Makes a lot of sense with those heavy 45-70 rounds. Hmmm might have to rethink this whole thing. Wish I could try before I buy sort of thing.

Does anyone know of a good lever action forum?

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

I bet Col Jeff Copper's laffin in his grave as he sold the world on the 'scout rifle' forward scope mount bs just months before he died. That foreward scope stuff is all hokey and after a short while you'll hate it.

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

I have an 1895G and use a scout system on mine. I use XS mount with XS Ghost ring set up along with Leupold QR rings and a 2.5 Leupold Scout scope. I really have nothing negative to say about this set-up. I have taken from grizzly to whitetails with it. The rifle was initially purchased for a grizzly hunt and thats why I decieded to go with the scout set-up. The low power scope allows me to handle critters out to 150 yards and if they get close enough, I can still focus on them. Another advantage is you can shoot with both eyes open to get on your target faster. If you need to remove the scope to use the ghost ring, when you reinstall your scope it will be practically dead nuts. There is no sling issues and will fit in a carry case or gun rack without any problems. Actually, I like it so well, I'm thinking of doing the same thing on one of my 336's. As Silvertip stated, "after a short while you'll hate it". I'm not sure what to hate about this set-up, but to each his own. Just one tip, use a good scope on it. Stay away from lower end scopes.

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

Thanks for the info guys. I'd really like to hear from some other folks that have this set up.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

My first question would be why? This is a side eject with a solid top receiver drilled and tapped for conventional scope mounts. Why not use them? I just don't understand why you would want to go with a forward mounted scope when you could use a conventional mounting location. It would be different if you were forced to, but you are not. Just pick a quality scope with generous eye relief (3.5-4 inches or so) and use good mounts.

I have never done the scout mount thing, but I have used forward mounted and long eye relief scopes before. Mostly on handguns and air rifles, but I did mount a scope like this on an old military rifle once.

The two biggest downfalls will be finding a scope and mounting combination that will give you the proper eye relief and a good sight picture and proper shooting form. Long eye relief scopes are sort of critical in this area and variables are even worse because the eye relief will change as the power changes. You may have to try different scopes and mounts in order to get it right. This is not something I would try to do over the internet. At least I wouldn't.

And secondly, when you do find a good combination long eye relief scopes are more difficult to line up on target and get a good sight picture from. You know how when you bring your gun up and if it isn't right half or part of your sight picture is blacked out in the scope, and you need to re adjust your head position to get it right. Well I have found this is even more critical with a long eye relief scope. And the higher the power the harder it gets. In most cases you will be best served with a fixed 2 or 4X scope instead of a higher powered variable. Even better yet would be a red dot or halo type of sight.

My opinions and nothing more, I have never hunted with this type of set up. Mostly target shooting and plinking.

Good luck,
Paul

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

Paul,

My intention was to go with a fixed power scope. Most likely 4x. I'm mostly going to use this as a stalking gun and for some of my blinds that have relatively short range shots. Under 100 yards.

I'm intrigued by this set up since I believe it would allow faster target acquisition and followup shots. This of course is simply my view not fact since I've never shot a setup like this before.

In addition it's different and I'm just generally interested. If I can find enough information that makes me feel comfortable about trying the set upI'd give it a whirl. Right now with what I've got I'm still in that 50/50 mode. On the fence.

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

I found this.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/scout_scopes.htm

That might be enough for me. I know lots of folks don't like Chuck Hawks around here but I don't mind him to much. Definetly old school but I find old school is rarely wrong.

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

I read the article and agree hole heartedly with it which is why I was wondering why you wanted to go that route. That is pretty much what I was trying to explain to you, he just did a better job of it I guess.

I can see it as an option if you don't have a choice, like if don't have a stable place to mount the optics, or the action keeps you from doing so. However in your position you can use a standard mount which in my opinion is a better way to go about it.

Like he said in the article, you can still shoot with both eyes open with a closer mounted scope as long as the power is low enough. I do it all the time with powers under 6X. And having it closer will actually make it easier to line up quickly than having it out in front, at least in my opinion.

Just seems like a lot of fuss and muss and probably more expense for something you simply don't need. I would think you could get better standard mounts and a more quality standard scope for less money. Long eye relief scopes and mounts are a niche market and you will pay for it most likely.

Paul

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

Paul,

I wasn't downing your contribution to this post. After you posted I had the sneaking suspicion that would be the way this ended up. So don't for one second think that I don't appreciate the time.

As for my wishes. I wish I had money to burn then I'd just go buy it figure out that it doesn't work for myself. I have come to understand that I really enjoy learning things the hard way. LOL.

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

I think I just found my signature.

Tom

RE: Scout Scope Mount
 

Been there done that;).

I didn't feel jilted in the least, so no need to feel bad about anything. Simply stated my opinion is all. I'm glad it got backed up actually.

Paul