What do you think of the new Ruger Scout 308 with a 16.5" barrel for Mule Deer? And just a all around rifle. TIA Nim

Would be fine for Mule deer within a reasonable range. Bullets loose speed and energy with shorter barrels. Look at ballistic charts and determine proper ranges for your gun/cartridge for the game you are going after. Use good judgement and ethics and go get'em.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsit...le/models.html

looks nicer than I thought but also not a fan of that short of barrels, I think you could still get a nice setup in 308 with a 20 or 22" barrel.

maybe a winchester?
http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...01C&mid=535126

http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...sp?family=001C

Cons to the Scout:
- Poor trigger
- Short Barrel
- Ruger Accuracy
- Ruger Accuracy

Pros: well...after handling one last week....I just couldn't find one...Oh wait, found one...detachable mag...

I've eyed these for a while. It's a cool little rifle but I have trouble thinking it's ideal for hunting. The large mag is cumbersome and as others mentioned the ulstra short barrel takes away from the .308 cartridge. It is ideal in a WTSHTF scenario but it wouldn't be my choice for a dedicated hunting rig.

If I remember right it was Col Townsend Wheland who came up with the Scout concept-scope mounted way forward/short barrel for quick shooting.IMO it would take a while to get accustomed to this set up and even then is probably better suited to hunting in cover.If cover's what your hunting in it's worth considering.

Have to agree it would be fine in the timber but would not be my choice on the prairie. You don't need pinpoint accuracy to hit a 300 lb deer at 75 yards, nor do you need 4,000 ft lbs of energy, what you do need is a fast handling gun you can acquire a sight picture quickly with.

I like the look, it would be fun to have. But for practical uses, even in a SHTF situation, there are better options for each possible use. I do think it looks neat though.
-jake

I have shot a Ruger such as this, but never hunted with one. Our shooting range only goes to 200 yards. It grouped fine out that far. Sighted in dead on at 200 using Federal Premium 165 gr. Game King ammo. Was about 1.5"-2" high at 100. I agree with others though that if I were purchasing a rifle for mule deer, and were expecting to hunt both prairie and timber, a 20" barrel makes more since to me. Kind of a "tweener". The 308 Win. cartridge is plenty bad medicine for mule deer. I have a Styer Mt. in 308 Win. It has a 20" barrel. I have killed several mule deer cleanly .... from a dunk shot 75 yard or so, out to about 350 yards. I hunt white tail extensively in the deep south, and this sized rifle has proven to be a darned good handling set-up for woods hunting as well. I would expect the 16" barrel Ruger would only be quicker for woods hunting.

Personally, I would not go less than a 20" barrel. Ruger has some accurate firearms. However, the reviews I have read regarding the accuracy of the Ruger Scout rifle seems to indicate that 1 MOA accuracy should not be expected. I would rather have the Browning BLR.