Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

When it comes to the idea of an all-around firearm, disagreements rule the day—yet the notion that there might be one basic platform on which most shooters could rely in most situations for most tasks seems as enduring as the desire to debate it is insatiable. As might be expected at a time when the American shooter is faced with so many choices in firearms and accessories, even defining such a gun is fraught with controversy.

Still, for the sake of discussion, the following will exclude handguns and shotguns, along with rimfires, and focus instead on the already-established category of “general-purpose rifle” (GPR). That acronym seems an appropriate starting point—especially since it could just as easily stand for “game procurement rifle” or “group protection rifle”—given the gamut of hunting and defensive roles, respectively, that such a gun might be expected to fulfill. And note that the latter is not intended to suggest that a GPR does not primarily serve the individual, rather, it acknowledges that it might also be relied upon for the safety of one’s family, friends or teammates.

A Foundational Idea
Just as “modern sporting rifle” (MSR) is a widely accepted term in reference to AR and other semi-automatic platforms, the GPR label has been in use for decades—at least since the late retired Marine Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, founder of Gunsite firearm training center in Arizona, began to explain and refine his criteria for a specific version. Recalling the experiences of American soldier, explorer and hunter Frederick Russell Burnham—an inspiration for the Boy Scouts of America—Cooper, writing in the early 1980s, described his ideal general purpose longarm as: “a short, light, handy, versatile, utility rifle.” Later, he outlined “The Scout Rifle” and its roles in American Rifleman: “A general-purpose rifle is a conveniently portable, individually operated firearm, capable of striking a single decisive blow on a live target of up to 200 kilos in weight at any distance at which the operator can shoot with the precision necessary to place a shot in a vital area of the target.”

Drawing from both his hunting and military experience, Cooper later refined the scout’s characteristics and capabilities, often citing a bolt-action chambered in .308 Win. approximately 1 meter in length and weighing 3 kilograms while benefitting from a sling and iron sights along with a forward-mounted (long-eye-relief) scope. After working his way through several gunsmith-fabricated prototypes and hosting a series of scout-rifle conferences at Gunsite, he eventually collaborated with Steyr of Austria to develop the first commercial scout rifle—one that ardent fans of the idea still regard as the only authentic factory-made example.

Today’s GPRs
The scout’s most distinctive characteristic, a scope mounted forward of the action, seems to be its least appreciated today. One reason is the proliferation of low-power variable optic (LPVO) riflescopes that feature conventional eye relief from the traditional, receiver-mounted position, which goes hand-in-hand with the other reason: More and more modern bolt-actions feed from detachable box magazines. That combination has relegated early prototype scouts—some based on military-surplus actions fed from stripper clips through the top, which required forward-mounted optics—to the realm of curiosities.

Through the years, other, more feature-laden, commercial “scout”/GPR platforms have become available to consumers, including bolt-action examples from Savage (now in its third iteration with a Magpul stock), Ruger (with left-hand versions) and Mossberg (offering interchangeable use of M14 and SR-25 magazines). The semi-automatic M1A Scout Squad from Springfield Armory, essentially a gas-operated bolt-action, is, ironically, the only example capable of being fed through the top by way of stripper clips—and the only one capable of straight-pull operation at the flick of a valve. Recently, additional pseudo-“scout”/GPRs have cropped up, including: the CVA Cascade SR-80 Scout, Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite and Sabatti Rover Scout, along with “professional” examples such as the South African Ranger Rifle and the Canadian Ranger C19/Tikka T3x Arctic. Then there’s the POF Rogue, an AR-platform rifle boasting a 32.75″ collapsed length with a 16.5″ barrel and an overall weight of just 6 lbs., 3 ozs. An outlier, the Browning BLR Takedown, is a lever-actuated bolt-action that offers discreet transport, an optional factory scout scope mount and detachable-magazine feed.

Such diversity in the GPR market is a healthy development for the continuing evolution of the concept, although protestations from scout-rifle purists remind us that none of the aforementioned are bona fide scouts because none “make weight.” After all, Cooper’s 3-kilo limit translates to slightly more than 6 lbs., 10 ozs.—although he eventually raised it to 7 lbs., 11 ozs.—an elusive target for a conventionally stocked rifle in what I’ll refer to as a “mid-bore, full-power” chambering and with both iron and optical sights, a sling and perhaps even a bipod.

A Pragmatic Goal
So, with the aim of re-framing the GPR concept somewhat—and with no intention or desire to establish sacrosanct dogma or disrespect the past efforts of others who envisioned more specific versions—I’ll suggest that straight-pulls, slide-actions and lever-actions could also fit the bill. By the same token, I think an honest consideration of the broader GPR requirements must call into question whether the AR-15 could qualify given its 5.56 NATO or larger-caliber, yet still intermediate-power, cartridge selections. After all, the choice of chambering for a GPR is at least as important as the platform itself since the cartridge’s power is the basis for handling the hunting and defensive tasks at hand. By the same token, the AR-10 may represent the ultimate choice for those who admire the AR’s design and ergonomic characteristics.

In what could serve as an updated definition and goal statement for today’s GPR, consider the following: A general-purpose rifle is a mid-bore, full-power, manually operated or self-loading repeater that is reliable and durable, possesses manageable overall weight and length and can perform multiple tasks within the hunting and defensive roles.

The GPR, Point By Point
At the center of the GPR’s capability is the terminal effect (mid-bore, full-power) of its chambering. The 7.62 NATO, a product of unprecedented development by the U.S. military, and its commercial analog, the .308 Win., are leading contenders for the world’s most versatile, accurate and available rifle cartridges. Certainly, they have proven themselves in combat and in the hunting fields, yet most anyone can handle shooting them from a platform weighing in the 10-lb. range. Could a GPR be chambered in .243 Win. or 6.5 mm Creedmoor? Of course, although the first may come up short on larger game or, in the case of self-defense, through cover, and the second is still not likely to be as widely available as more established offerings in certain locales or during abnormal economic or societal conditions.

Along with ammunition, a GPR’s basic format, feed method and capacity will affect its rate of fire and overall form factor. And while the mass of a few cartridges may be insignificant, the world’s militaries long ago discovered that the smaller each one is, the more can be carried. But just how much ammunition the average person needs to accompany a GPR is another hotly contested issue. Those who see its role as primarily a game-procurement tool insist that one spare five-round magazine is enough, while others, perhaps envisioning civil unrest, plan to wear belt or chest rigs that can accommodate multiple 20-rounders. Either way, some consideration must be given to the cumulative bulk of a GPR’s ammunition and the durability and cost of its feed devices—whether clips or magazines.

Tip: Cartridges offered in a wide range of projectile weights and types—such as the .308 Win. (factory loaded in weights ranging from 110 grains to 190 grains) in frangible varmint styles, FMJs and solids—provide the greatest versatility.

When choosing an action type (manually operated or self-loading repeater) realize that it will also directly affect the rig’s overall weight and dictate how to train with and employ it. Of course, basic rifle marksmanship can be honed through club memberships, NRA High Power competition and enrollment in shooting schools. But competently and efficiently running your specific GPR, especially if it is a manual repeater, requires skill-building through regular practice. Mounting each style of gun, getting off that critical first shot and then immediately readying it for a second, third or more requires different sequences of manipulation depending on the action. And since some shooters resonate with particular action types and formats better than others, it might not be a bad idea to have friends let you try out their favorite rifles before making a buying decision. Adherents of bolt-actions vs. straight-pulls vs. slide-actions vs. lever-actions vs. semi-automatics all have reasons to support their choices. For example, the latter often takes a back seat to the former four for reasons of added complexity and weight. Then again, it outstrips them all in terms of rate of fire. But each also has its own considerations related to ease of operation and maintenance—bolt guns aren’t the fastest but are mechanically simple, straight-pulls can be smoother in operation but are more complex, slide-actions are quick-working but less robust, lever-actions, too, are fast-cycling but more difficult to maintain, and semi-automatics are easiest to handle shot-to-shot but complex and demanding of maintenance.

Tip: Stripper or en bloc clips are lightweight and inexpensive, but be sure to have spares since, with some rifle designs, they are essential to quick loading and repeating operation.

Mass and form factor (manageable overall weight and length) determine a GPR’s handiness—how easily it can be maneuvered between, and brought to bear on, targets. A GPR should not be a burdensome companion—even at its “all-up” figure with accessories and ammunition. But the natural temptation, once a host rifle has been selected, is to start festooning it with accessories, making it heavier, less handy and more likely to catch on clothing, seatbelts, brush and uneven terrain. Smooth lines on a rifle are not only aesthetically pleasing, they make it “friendly” to handle, too.

Cooper’s stated upper limit for a “scout” was only 5 ozs. shy of 8 lbs. And plenty such factory and custom builds have come in at between 8 lbs. and 9 lbs. (and I’ve even seen at least one Garand-based GPR that approached 12 lbs.) If an additive approach to arriving at the target weight is used—tallying averages from a wide variety of rifles, scopes, mounts, bipods and slings on the market—an all-up limit of 10 lbs. seems to be an achievable, honest goal for a GPR. And though lighter rifles are preferable, even the most weight-conscious riflemen must admit that the quest for ultralight examples inevitably requires compromise in functionality, features or durability and comes at high monetary cost. Also, remember that the 2-lb., 5-oz., difference between the upper limit for a true scout rifle and that proposed here for a GPR would result in approximately 20 percent less recoil given the same chambering.

While a GPR’s overall length is perhaps less critical than its weight, it also impacts how handy and portable the outfit will be. Action type and barrel profile and length greatly influence the overall weight and size of a GPR, and for those in the de rigueur chambering of .308 Win., a barrel between 16″ and 20″ will likely be required for ballistic efficiency. At any rate, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep the GPR under 40″, though the barrel may have to tend toward the shorter end of the range if a sound suppressor is deemed necessary.

Tip: Though the value of a bipod is widely debated—it adds weight and bulk to the gun—it can be a godsend when a difficult shot allows time for its deployment.

When it comes to robustness (reliability and durability), spare parts availability and ease of maintenance are critical to the GPR, which is likely to be owned and operated by an individual, family or small team rather than supported by a governmental or military unit. The best hedge against parts breakage, and a boon to upkeep, is to choose a design that already has a track record for quality of manufacture, a reputation for trouble-free operation and a history of longevity—preferably from a maker with a good reputation. Of course, some may choose a military-surplus rifle, in which case each specific model’s shortcomings and parts availability are likely already well-known. As to a commercial GPR, check how well it is supported by the manufacturer and on the aftermarket, and consider its service life and repair history before making a purchase. Again, be aware that when it comes to the demands of a harsh environment or high rates of fire, some action types and grades of firearm are simply not up to such service.

Usually, the more complex the action, the more prone it will eventually become to mechanical malfunction or parts failure. Given that the GPR may be the only rifle someone can afford to own—or the only one remaining in operation long after more specialized or exotic models have ceased to function—its quality and design are considerations that need to be taken seriously. If such a GPR candidate rifle’s attributes are well-established, it will likely continue to run for as long as it is properly maintained.

Tip: Many military rifles include cleaning-kit compartments in their buttstocks that are also large enough to accommodate spare parts such as firing pins, extractors, ejectors and springs.

Versatility (perform multiple tasks within the hunting and defensive roles) is the hallmark of the GPR. The essence of “general” means that the GPR is not a specialist tool. The more specific its features, the less adaptable it becomes across a range of duties varying from predator hunting to close-quarters combat. Of course, such practical considerations as cost, legal availability and/or cultural acceptability, along with suitability to specific environments or use requirements, will have to be accounted for by the buyer/builder. A home-modified military-surplus rifle could be a better option than an all-new build. And remember that, in some states or locales, a semi-automatic isn’t legally allowed while, in others, certain features or appearance cues may draw unwanted attention. In extreme hot or cold environments, an aluminum-chassis-based build may not be the best choice. And if features such as a folding stock, or one that collapses to provide length-of-pull adjustments to accommodate several end users is deemed necessary, then so be it.

Also, when considering each characteristic, think in terms of middle-of-the-road choices. Barrel profiles should hew more toward “pencil” or “light sporter” styles rather than heavier “patrol rifle” or “varmint” examples. And muzzle brakes or flash hiders, along with Picatinny rails and covers, flashlights and pressure switches, bubble levels, and zoom levers may or may not be necessary or desirable. The hobbyist rifleman is already familiar with such options, but the newcomer would do well to research each component of a GPR build to compare its features, quality, size, weight and cost before buying. Again, the point is to end up with a “general purpose” tool, not a tricked-out showpiece.

Tip: Many LPVOs are lighter, smaller and more versatile than higher-magnification fixed or variable scopes, and aluminum mounts can save a few ounces.

Re-Tracing The Path Forward
Given all of the above, maybe some agreement can be reached that the ideal general-purpose rifle is likely to be chambered for a .308 Win.-class cartridge in a repeating, but not necessarily self-loading, action and that it will be rugged and handy enough for the likely hunting and defensive tasks that its user envisions—and some that may currently seem unlikely. Perhaps it is a factory-offered “scout” or GPR, a modified military-surplus or commercial bolt-action, a straight-pull, slide- or lever-action or an AR-10-style MSR.

In one case, I began a GPR build project with an FN “Moroccan” Mauser having a 17″ barrel and chambered in .308 Win. Its bent-handle bolt was the correct type, but the serial number did not match, so I decided to replace it with an unissued factory straight-handle bolt body from Sarco (sarcoinc.com). Once I checked it for proper headspace, I had only to swap over the bolt’s original parts. While most might view such a change as taking a step backward, the straight-handle bolt actually offers two advantages: Closed, it aids in securing my grasp on the gun when I carry it one-handed at the balance point, and, open, it renders the rifle as flat as possible for transport. A scope mount from Brenshok (brenshok.com) clamps onto the rear sight base, which allows me to alternately use the irons and view the reticle of a Weaver 4X Scout scope set in the company’s Low Classic rings—both of which were purchased on sale through the mail-order catalog Natchez Shooting & Outdoors (natchezss.com). And because of the scope’s forward position, the rifle can be fed quickly using Swede Mauser stripper clips. The barreled action bolted right up to an Internet-auction-sourced NOS Fajen CoreLite synthetic stock, providing it with a rubber recoil pad and a more acceptable length of pull for more rapid running of the bolt. And its QD studs allowed me to attach a biothane Rhodesian sling from Andy’s Leather (andysleather.com). To complete the project, I culled a vintage bipod made by Harris (harrisbipods.com) from the junk bin of a local gun shop. So equipped, the 38.25″-long rifle weighs 9 lbs., 3 ozs., cost less than $1,000 total and took less than an hour to assemble with no gunsmithing required. Though somewhat dowdy, it’s handy and durable, making for an eminently versatile and utilitarian rig that I reach for instinctively when heading out after deer or patrolling property.

And such is the point of the GPR: Regardless of its specific attributes, it should result in a familiar and trusted tool that can be employed with ease by its user. We each need to determine which specific setup is best for our own requirements. But it bears noting that our trek together toward the GPR destination, no matter how fraught with argument, appears to “double back” across the tracks made by Col. Cooper more than 40 years ago. And the trail forward will no doubt continue to take us through fresh terrain as it accounts for an expansion of acceptable “general purpose” parameters.

My own sense of which specific platform might make for the ultimate GPR is still evolving and it is doubtless at odds with the findings and recommendations of other students of the subject. Such lack of consensus notwithstanding, I hope we can all agree that every legitimate American citizen should, like any good scout, “be prepared” with at least one truly capable arm: the general-purpose rifle.