PA doesn't state any cartridge restrictions that I'm aware of. When I first started hunting deer I remember the handbook saying any caliber from .243 and above, but I haven't seen any restrictions stated in recent years. If anything, PA seems to have gotten more relaxed with their laws. I'll probably go with the .308 for the versatility. It would be nice to have a scout that is capable of just about anything. I just won't plan to take it hunting dangerous game, except for maybe a tavern cougar.
That's an awesome pickup! I take it you went .308? I had a .450BM AR upper shortly after the round came out. It was a fun round, but between cost per round and periodic scarcity of ammo it got traded off. I'd own another if I lived where there were cartridge restrictions for hunting, but for my location and things I mostly use rifles for 5.56 and .308 take care of my needs.
Yeah I went with .308. they didn't have a .450 in store, but I don't believe I would have went with it even if they did. My budget doesn't allow much wiggle room for a rifle like that. I just wanted to pick this up and be good for the foreseeable future. They had two of the Mossberg MVP scouts, one in 223 and one in 308 but they felt like a toy compared to the Ruger. The only reason I even shouldered them was their price tags ($479). Plus a guy at work just won a Marlin guide gun in .45-70 that he is looking to sell cheap and quick.
I think you chose wisely! That Marlin guide gun will be a stellar pickup! A .45-70 Marlin 1895SBL will be my next rifle purchase.
The only range we have near me is in a coal ditch. I hate using it because I usually get muzzle swept a few times a day and punks like to fire down range while you're setting up targets. I'm planning on going in the next couple days in order to get an idea of what optic I want.
I stopped at the range on my way to work to fire off a few rounds. I'm partially deaf so I might not be a good reference but with the stock birdcage on the barrel the noise wasn't bad at all. Also, the recoil is much more midigated than I expected it to be. I didn't have much time and the benches were all pretty well taken, so I was standing on a sheet of ice off to the side and I didn't have any issue pushing out 5 rounds inside the center of a torso sized target in a short period standing. Still need to get a sling on it to give me better stability, but it definitely just earned it's place as my go to rifle. So @Expat ... When is this survival weekend class starting? I expect the best of the best in terms of stickers received... Or dare I say a patch.
I need to get some patches. The plan is to sell these stinking mugs whenever they get in and turn the cash into patches. And more stickers of course. Always more stickers. I need an Expat Scout Squad sticker design. I'm having trouble coming up with one.
Very nice. Gives me ideas on how to use some of my tax refund this year. Something to upgrade from my current “scout rifle” M91 Argy Mauser. Great rifle, btw. And if Expat’s selling mugs, I’ll need a side stock mounted cup holder.
I'm not sure why I even said that in the first place - I have none. Especially when talking about scouts or vintage Colt Woodsman pistols...
How about crossed scout rifles on a can of SPAM? Or follow the design of the "I'm a lead farmer, m***** ******" patch, but instead of RDJ's character it's a ticked off Amish guy with a scout in out hand and a cleaver in the other. Or go with a super simple "Expat Scout Squadron" with a simple rifle silhouette. White text on a black background, so it stays classy.
I was thinking of pretty much anything in the world other than Spam. I would like to incorporate one of my favorite things into the design somehow: Waffle House, Crocs, Krugerrands, sailboats, the Hewlitt Packard 17B II calculator (the best ever made!), Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale, Stormy Kromer hat, or Hamburger Helper. But definitely not anything tactical. We don't need something screaming we're not well endowed, like the guys who wear 5.11's and 3 guns to go buy a carmel macchiato at Au Bon Pain.
How about a patch that has a croc on it that's the "PA tuxedo" plaid? That would be the one way to make a croc even uglier than it already is. What kind of ammo do you guys feed your scouts? I put 20 rounds of 180gr. Rem Core Lokt through mine today and it didn't seem to like it compared to 150 gr.
