rodteague

The simpler the better for me; Streamlight Stylus Pro 100 lumens, EDC for general outdoor activities and work; Pelican 2360 200 lumens for around the house, and back up tactical EDC. Surefire Tactician E2T-MV 400 lumens. My "go to" EDC tactical light; best light I have ever owned, bar none. I have about 20 other "Tactical" lights I keep in a case for my carry permit students to play with. Some are older Surefire 6P halogens, and most are chinese crapola; examples of what not to buy. One of them is a light my wife bought for me as a Christmas stocking stuffer. She asked later if I liked the light; I said "I love it; I use it in every class as an example of what not to buy". Got the "stink eye" and a punch in the arm. LOL Regards Rod

Check the barrel inlet in the stock to be sure it's not putting uneven pressure on the barrel. To check, cut a 2" strip of notebook paper, loop it under the barrel in front of the fore end. Attempt to slide the paper between the barrel and channel. If it won't slide up the channel you have contact points that may effect your accuracy. It could be the wood itself; or over the years dirt and oil can pack down in the channel causing problems. Easy fix is to remove the barreled receiver from the stock and first clean; then sand the high spots using a short wooden dowel and a medium grit sand paper. Don't be too aggressive, but slowly clear the inlet so that at least 1/2 to 2/3's of the barrel is free floating and the NB paper slides easily between the barrel and the stock. Done this many times with my bolt guns and can make a big difference with the thinner tapered barrels. Best of luck Regards Rod

Jeez, I remember when we thought a 60 lumen halogen was a blaster!

Let's dig a little deeper into semi vs bolt action and cartridge selection. It has been proposed that there are semi-auto actions capable of meeting Coopers Scout rifle concept. As much as I would like to see a modern semi land squarely in the middle of the Scout definition; sadly there are still none capable. The first hurdle is weight. Once they are shortened to the 1 meter length and the receivers are robust enough to handle a intermediate cartridge, sighted and slung; they "ALL" are pigs weighing in at the 9 lb. range. Most bolt guns; struggle to get below 7.7 lbs, much less the nirvana of 6.6 lbs; sighted and slung. Below, is my unmolested 1952 Tula SKS, it weighs in at 9lbs; sighted and slung. I can shed the bayonet; add a ghost ring aperture and possibly get it close to 8 lbs; but I'm still handicapped by the 7.62x39 round which is 4 moa(on a good day) at 200 yards. That doesn't imply 7.62x39 can't be accurate, it just means it dose not meet the 2 moa criteria. The same can be said for the AKM (later variant of the AK47). The AK47 weighed in at a porky 9.5 lbs; the AKM at roughly 8 lbs. The AKM and it's variants have potential to make the upper end of weight (7.7 lbs); but it is still plagued by the 4 moa cartridge; and you will not have a telescopic sight The next semi is my AR-15; as you can see below I have it in Scout configuration. Sighted and slung, as pictured, it weighs a "porky" 8.3 lbs; 7.75 lbs. without the Burris scout scope. It also uses 5.56x45, which is highly accurate and a sub 1 moa round at 200 yds. Unfortunately, it's not capable of effectively incapacitating a 450 lb gorilla at 200 yds. Some AR's are capable of making weight; but the round is not up to the mission. Some may argue that there are many intermediate cartridges used in Eugene Stoners AR platform. This is true; however, they all are too portly and have no chance of making weight. The same can be said for all semi auto battle rifles utilizing a intermediate cartridge. EDIT: There appear to be some AR "type" rifles that seem to be sniffing the sub 8 lb range. The problem I see with the some of these "piston" rifles is their failure rates. Eugene Stoners direct impingement gas system is tried and true and has stood the test of time. There are many advocates for a piston driven AR but I am not one of them. They are prone to catastrophic failure and are not suited for "burst or full auto" rates of fire. Now we get into why Cooper was so adamant regarding a bolt gun. The best word to sum up his philosophy would be "conservation". Make your shot count as a rifleman; one shot, one kill. The next rifle pictured is my M1 Garand. It has no chance of ever making Scout rifle weight(10.5 lbs). The cartridge however, is 30-06. In a bolt action rifle it is a 2 moa round; however the long action handicaps the the weight criteria. I've seen it done; but at a cost most of us would not be willing to pay. Another common bolt action rifle many attempt to convert to Scout rifle status is the Enfield in .303. The rifle is certainly capable once lightened and trimmed to 1 meter length. The .303 is handicapped due to it's 3 moa at 200 yds. That being said it has a storied history of being a dangerous game cartridge, and certainly up to the task. There are some Enfields that have been converted to 7.62x51(.308). These rifles were referred to as "Jungle carbines". They make capable Scout's but are still plagued by weight. Few have ever been trimmed enough to get below 8 lbs. Below is one of my M96 Scout rifles. It is a Swedish Mauser chambered in 6.5x55. It is a 1 moa cartridge and can easily make weight( 7.7 lbs) if utilizing a lighter stock. Mine, sighted and slung as pictured, weighs 7.8 lbs.. My other M96 Scout weighs just at 8lbs. The M96 utilizes a intermediate cartridge on what is considered a medium receiver bolt action rifle. They are excellent starting points for building a fine Scout rifle. The 6.5x55 cartridge is a intermediate cartridge that is not based on the .308 family that Cooper preferred. It is however, an acceptable alternative. I do not generally stray too far from the Scout concept's 308 family of cartridges, but there are some exceptions. The 6.5 Creedmore is another example. It is an excellent cartridge that nearly every rifle maker world wide, offers several chamberings. It may possibly become the most versatile cartridge ever manufactured; and could supplant the .308 as king some day. JMHO The last rifle is my Ruger scout. It is my only Scout rifle that made weight right out of the box. That turned to fubar once I added the scout scope. LOL. I have neither the funds nor desire to fight it at this point. It's chambered in .308 and checks most of the boxes in the Scout Concept. 7.62x51(.308) is a 2 moa round and by far is the most popular intermediate cartridge world wide. Cooper was prophetic. The .308 family of cartridges, IMHO dosen't really have a dog in the bunch. The most popular, not in any particular order and not all inclusive: .243(6mm) sub moa @ 200 yds .260 Remington(6.5mm) sub moa @ 200 yds; arguably; the flattest shooting, most accurate intermediate/long range cartridge in the .308 family 7mm-08 1 moa(+/-) @ 200 yds; pretty darn close to the .260 but not quite there. .308(7.62x51) 2 moa @ 200 yds; the standard by which all of it's siblings are measured. Cooper was indeed brilliant. EDIT: This will be my last edit. After reading my post again, I thought it prudent to mention that Cooper was not opposed to riflemen utilizing various aspects of the Scout concept on other platforms. He referred to these as "pseudo-scouts". He owned and was quite fond of some of his pseudo's and even admired some lever action attempts. Lever actions and semi-autos can be viable scout type rifles, and should not be completely discounted. They can most certainly be legitimate examples of a pseudo Scout. So, as I see it, there are good options for building a legitimate Scout rifle. Long, medium and short action bolt rifles to start; but sadly, no semi auto's can make the list. Cartridges should stay in the intermediate range of the .308 family or similar ballistic equivalents i.e. 6.5mm CM, 6.5x55 Swede etc. Long action cartridges that have potential would include, but not be limited to: 30-06, .270, 7mm mauser etc. Weight of the action being the only hurdle. These are just thoughts and observations after nearly 2 decades of using the Scout concept in the field. I also highly recommend Jeff Coopers books, "To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Tell the Truth"; and "The Art of the Rifle". If you disagree with the Scout concept, and believe it is irrelevant in todays times; read the books and then come back and talk to me. Hope this helps a few of you to sort this out. Best regards Rod

I have always liked the Redhawks, finding a good used one and sending it to Bowen Customs is on my bucket list Regards Rod

Didn't mean to offend you; if your horse is trained and used to gun fire so be it. The size of the cartridge won't matter to it. I suggested a SA revolver; a lot of SASS riders shoot 38 special loaded down because it's easier to manage while on horse back. If you haven't already, you might try browsing their forum and see what they are shooting specifically. I was a member of SASS many years ago, but never fully embraced it. Best of luck to you. Regards Rod

The correct terminology is Pistol Cartridge Revolvers. FWIW Most pistols and revolvers can share the same caliber but not the cartridge. Revolvers of course, can shoot pistol cartridges of the same caliber with the correct modifications where semi pistols cannot. Regards Rod

I'm responding to your original post; don't care regarding any responses or advice given prior to my response. First, your horse has to be prepared for the retort of your gun fire, I would suggest you you look into how to train your horse to handle it. There are multiple resources regarding horse and and rodeo, look into it. I have neither the desire or inclination to do your home work. Second, a single action revolver is your best option due to the fail safes afforded by the mechanism. It will protect you you and your steed in the long run. I believe your inquiry is noble and has merit. Taking advantage of your second amendment right is paramount; doing it atop a horse requires a great deal of preparation and training that I cannot give you. Happy trails and best of luck https://www.fivestarranch.com/training/mounted-shooting/ here is one of many tutorials for your consideration Best Regards Rod

When I travel to fish the western US, Ozarks, Cumberlands, Appalatian MTNs and the Gulf Cost; It's strapped to my hip or chest. Big medicine for bear, cougar, wolves, coyotes, gators, sharks and aggressive bipeds. I hand load, so the Boarshead is just at the lower edge of 454 Casull pressure and velocity. Humble Regards Rod

I posted a article many years ago, based on the lattitude Col. Cooper left in his definition of what constituted a "scout rifle". Here are two links, one on scoutrifle.org which is now a "sticky" and the other on my blog. Close inspection of Col. Coopers Scout Rifle Definition....scoutrifle.org Close Inspection of Col. Coopers Scout Rifle Definition...libertytreeblogs.blogspot.com The following is a copy and paste of my blog; don't worry "moderators" I get no financial compensation from the blog. I haven't posted in a long while, but that will change in the near future and I will not be using it for profit, just my way of giving back and moving it forward. The scoutrifle.org thread has a lot of responses that are good reading and will help clarify where Col. Cooper would ultimately land on the subject of red dot's and other long eye relief optics. I personally think that all are within the definition of what a "scout rifle" should be. I currently have three scout's; two chambered in 6.5x55 and one in .308. All use various Burris scopes; two using older 1.5x scout scopes and the other using a 2.0x handgun scope. At the time I built my first scout rifles there wasn't much available in IER and LER scopes; so I made do and am very happy with the combinations. They are pictured below. Best Regards Rod Liberty Tree Blog "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thursday, April 21, 2011 Close Inspection of Jeff Coopers Scout Rifle Definition The dogma and misinterpretation surrounding the definition of the Scout rifle has bothered me for quite some time. So, I felt I needed to give my thoughts and observations regarding the scout concept and how I interpret Coopers beloved rifle. But first, let me toss a few comments out on the "guru" himself. Jeff Cooper spent his life developing shooters into marksmen. Whether it was a pistol or rifle, Mr. Cooper was dedicated to improving the craft and those who practice it. The "general purpose" or "practical rifle" was but one aspect and he defined it as this: "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." Col. Jeff Cooper " To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth" Mr. Cooper was not interested in developing your skills for any narrow purpose such as long range, target, tactical, varmint, etc. His efforts were concentrated on developing shooters who could cleanly handle themselves in "all" situations. This definition was the start of a quest to develop the ultimate practical rifle, and the "scout rifle" was, in his mind and others, the perfection of the concept. I never knew or met Mr. Cooper, so I can only summize his intentions when it appeared his dogma regarding the "scout definition" would violate the principle(s) of his "general purpose rifle" concept. I believe the key lies with Coopers very definition of the scout rifle. Cooper, as we all know was a wordsmith of which few were equal; his definition contains both broad and specifics, which would allow the originator to narrowly define and the practitioner to build a rifle suitable for his/her needs. He was brilliant. In practice, he was generally forgiving and gave legitimacy to various forms of the scout rifle. In word, he kept to his dogma, I suppose out of fear the concept would loose relevance; or out of a need to keep the concept as pure as possible. Either way, it has allowed the scout concept to be discovered and applied by future generations of "riflemen". Again, not sure, and just an observation on my part. Now, lets move on to the "Scout Rifle" definition and my observations. Weight-sighted and slung: 3 kilograms (6.6 lb). This has been set as the ideal weight but the maximum has been stated as being 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb). Surprisingly there is considerable wiggle room in the weight of the rifle. Here the words "set" "ideal" and "stated" are used. The word "set" denotes finality and "ideal" relates to perfection or "to attain". It means the rifle "can" weigh less or it "can" weigh more. But, the "ideal weight" will always be 6.6 lb; it is set. In order to keep the weight from getting to far from the ideal he "states" a maximum weight of 7.7 lb. A statement has no finality. It is merely what a person "says". A statement can be changed for further clarification; and Cooper did just that concerning the weight of his Steyr Scout. Essentially we really do not have a maximum weight by Coopers own definition. I believe this was Coopers way of keeping some level of control so weight would not stray to far from "ideal". Brilliant. So, what we have is a "ideal weight range" of between 6.6 lb - 7.7 lb that allows the rifle to weigh a little more or less outside the "ideal range". Length: one meter (39 inches) This is the only specification of the Scout concept or definition that is set. Not much to discuss here. I find it odd that the length is the spec few give much regard to. Most agree it shouldn't be longer, but if it is a little shorter I see no purists shouting "it ain't a scout". I figure it's because it's harder to make "length" rhyme with "fate". Nominal barrel length: 0.48 meter (19 inches) Cooper uses "nominal" twice in his definition. Nominal is quite possibly the most ambiguous word in the english language. It can be minimal, small, figurative, less than, meaningless, inconsequential, etc. Examples in use would include "The club has a nominal fee for entry"; "The candidate for office is a nominal choice"; "The queen of England is a nominal head of state". You notice Cooper did not use the word "ideal" here. That is because barrel length actually effects performance. I am sure barrel length was a hotly debated topic and I assume that most in the conference followed the 1980's conventional wisdom that barrels should be no less than 20" in length. Cooper was less dogmatic about barrel length; but was more concerned with practical results. I personally believe 19" was a compromise and his choice of "nominal" allows the barrel to be a little shorter or longer than 19" and most cases to err towards longer. Currently we know that shorter barrels do not effect practical results in a defensive rifle. So Cooper was yet brilliant again. 19" is "nominal" Sighting system: Typically a forward and low mounted (ahead of the action opening) long eye relief telescope of between 2x and 3x. Reserve iron sights desirable but not necessary. Iron sights of the ghost ring type, without a scope also qualify, as does a low powered conventional position scope. I am going suggest you read the above carefully. There are a lot of options here. As I understand it, the rifle can have a forward or conventionally mounted scope with or without iron sights. If you choose to have reserve iron sights there is no specification as to what type; you choose. If you do not want a scope on your scout it will qualify for a scout if it uses ghost ring aperture sights. If you use a telescope it should be of low power. Forward mounted scopes typically being 2x to 3x(fixed assumed); traditional mounted scopes of low power(low power is generally considered 1x to 4x fixed) Notice there is no mention of variable in the definition. In the 1980's low powered variables were few in number and Cooper considered a variable scope, because of it's typical high end magnification, a liability for dangerous game and self defense. But things have changed. Low powered variables are pouring into the market as well as red dot, illuminated reticle and holographic sights. By Coopers open ended definition and his use of the word "typically" any of these sight options and in various combinations would qualify on a scout as long as the magnification does not exceed the accepted low range of 1x-4x(this is assumed). Cooper again was brilliant in his choice of words because he knew technology would change and was seeing it evolve shortly before his death. Action: Magazine fed bolt action. Detachable box magazine and or stripper clip charging is desirable but not necessary Notice, short or long action is not specified; we assume it should be a short action because Cooper preferred them and it was easier to make ideal weight. Detachable box mag's and striper clips are not required, nor is a magazine cut off. We make too many assumptions regarding action. The only requirement is that it be a magazine fed bolt action. Sling: Fast loop-up type, ie Ching or CW style. Many assumptions made here. Just because Cooper gave 2 examples does not mean these are the only choices for a quick loop up style sling. It also doesn't mean a scout rifle has to have 3 sling swivels. A Ching requires 3 but a CW uses 2; one at the forend and one just in front of the magazine well. I personally can think of at least 5 to 6 more "quick loop" style slings that I like much better than the the Ching or CW; and they only require 2 sling mounts. My personal favorites are the Allen slide loop nylon sling and the Hunt sling made of leather. In my opinion they are faster; easily adjustable and won't hang up on brush when carrying the rifle off the shoulder. These two slings were not available when Cooper put the conference together; he just preferred the Ching and CW. Only requirement here is a fast loop style sling and enough sling swivels to make it work. Caliber: Nominally .308 Winchester(7.62x51). Calibers such as 7mm-08 Remington(7x51mm) or .243 Winchester(6x51mm) being considered for frail individuals or where "military" calibers are proscribed There's that word "nominally" again. Cooper preached the .308 and short action because he felt it was the best overall combination to achieve scout rifle specs and effectiveness. But the definition does not require it. I believe in this case Cooper wanted the smallest most effective family of medium range cartridges available. Nominally here refers to the .308 family. You ask how can you say that? because just after".308 Winchester" he gives two examples in the cartridge family that denote "range". He also uses the phrase "such as" which is the equivalent to "for example". This leaves all cartridges below .243x51 out; and those cartridges above it as viable alternatives for the scout rifle. This would include long action medium range cartridges as well. Cooper knew the .308; although widely distributed thru out the world; is not available every where. Cooper couldn't tell a Swedish or Norwegian citizen that they really can't have a scout rifle because the most plentiful ammo available is either 6.5x55 or 7.62x54. I don't believe we have that right either. So, from Coopers designed choice of ambiguous language, cartridges greater than .243 Win and up are good to go. Even Cooper's own rhetoric did not completely limit the scout to only three cartridges; he preached it in order to keep the purity of the concept; but practically, he changed it when it suited him. I think "Lion Scout" comes to mind. Built in bipod: desirable but not mandatory Enough said, I'll move on. Accuracy: should be capable of shooting into 2 minutes of angle or less(4") at 200 yards/meters (3 shot groups) Accuracy for the scout is a practical issue and does not require sub moa. Although, most of us desire a rifle more capable of 2 moa just for bragging rights. I just want to remind everyone that tack driving is not required of a scout rifle. Couple of other features or lack of them that are not required of a scout rifle. 1. Synthetic stock; you mean it's not in there! yup. Cooper preferred them but it's not required. 2. Threaded barrel and flashhider; yes Virginia, there is a santa clause; and there will be a sound suppressor under the tree for your GSR. Cooper had no use for any of them; but by definition they can be included. 3. Magazine cut-off; nope still not there. 4. The list could get long so I'll stop. I hope many of you will see my point. We tend to be far more dogmatic than we should regarding what does or does not make a scout rifle. I find it interesting that Cooper preached a narrow scout definition while alive; but chose to leave the characteristics of the scout as a concept. I say again, the man was brilliant. Posted by Rod Teague at 7:45 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: Firearms 2 comments: SarahOctober 4, 2012 at 4:27 AM The most comfortable Gun i must say, There is nothing lack in this riffle. ReplyDelete MktwainJune 18, 2015 at 12:34 AM My recollection is that the forward mounting extended-eye-relief 'scout' scope was initially intended to preserve stripper clip loading. Once just about everyone went over to box magazines, it seemed to stick around because it looked different and 'tacti-cool'. Unfortunately, when people started proclaiming imagined advantages to placing the scope far far away, it muddied the waters on what really was a better solution; an intermediate-eye-relief scope which placed the ocular bell just forward of the bolt handle. The IER scope eliminates bolt handle interference while giving a substantially larger sight picture. Oddly, Cooper used a Noske IER scope on his Canadian hunt many years before the Scout era; the pictorial evidence is on the Jeff Cooper website (and, he did it while sporting what appears to be a Boer War British pith helmet, go figure). Anyhow, the scout scope highjacked the term intermediate eye relief, and none of the makers currently offer what I believe to be the better solution. Although Redfield briefly offered the 1-4x IER SHOTGUN Scope; Bob Bell custom mounted on on a 98 Mauser in the 1980's, and wrote a Gun Digest article up praising its qualities; yeah Redfield marketed it as a shotgun scope, no wonder they went tits up. ReplyDelet

Yep, it will be a heirloom piece for sure. The Irony is I sold a '86 Colt King Cobra and replaced it with the S&W M-13. I wish I still had the Cobra; who knew the snake guns would go out of production. Honestly having owned both; I much prefer the 13.

M-13 3" with a milled front sight(not pinned like later mfg); identical to the FBI issue. Used it qualify for my first TN carry permit back in the 90's. It was my EDC for many years and still gets special duty when I have to dress up coat and tie. My EDC now is a tool( Glock 19); figured I'd better learn to use one since literally half my students bring either a Glock or M&P to class. I have learned to love it due to it's light weight and complete utilitarian nature. Regards Rod

I was having a hard time getting my pride and joy to post up. Large frame 3" barrel Ruger Vaquero; 45 Colt; Super Blackhawk unflutted cylinder and hammer; custom checkered Ruger black micarta factory grips. Call her the Boarshead. She's a hand cannon made for the trail and when I'm fly fishing. Regards Rod

I don't agree with your assertion that Tennesseans will be lining up to vote for Bill Lee; I didn't vote for him in the primary and held my nose when I pulled the lever in the general. Governors should have only adopted guidelines( which is what Trump did; not sure he anticipated the banana republic response that spewed from the state level) which would have given free men and women in our Republic the option to choose. What he(and other governors) did was abhorrent to anyone who believes in a free Republic, our constitution and bill of rights. He should be removed from office along with every other governor who did the same thing; Republican or Democrat. Only time will tell, but I am certain this will eventually make it's way to the Supreme court, at that point we shall see........ agreed

Just wanted to introduce myself; New to TGO but not new to firearms. I've been carrying legally in Tennessee for twenty five years. I have been a NRA certified Handgun Instructor for 17 years and a NRA certified Rifle Coach for 11 years. I look forward to being part of this community! Best Regards Rod