Best Scout Rifles (2026): Ruger, Steyr, Savage & More

The best scout rifles follow a simple idea from Jeff Cooper: one light, short, handy bolt action rifle that can do almost anything a lone rifleman needs. Cooper’s recipe called for a .308, a barrel of 19 inches or less, an overall length of 39 inches or less, a forward mounted low power scope, reserve ghost ring sights, a practical sling, and a weight of about seven pounds with everything attached. The goal was handiness above all.

Our writers have tested the rifles that carry that idea today. We shot the Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308 under an inch at 100 yards and took the .450 Bushmaster version to sub MOA groups, dug into the Steyr Scout that Cooper helped design, ran Savage’s 110 Scout from 25 to 200 yards, shot Mossberg’s AR magazine fed MVP Patrol, and tested the CZ 457 Scout for young shooters. For a broader look at do everything rifles, see our best ranch rifles guide.

This guide ranks the scout and scout style rifles our writers have reviewed. Some are strict Cooper scouts and some are modern interpretations with red dots, AR magazines, or carbon barrels, and we say which is which. We tell you what each did on the range, where it fell short, and what it cost at the time of review or at launch.

Read the buyer’s guide first if you are deciding how strictly to follow Cooper’s rules, or jump straight to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Scout Rifles In 2026

Choosing a scout rifle comes down to how closely you want to follow Cooper’s concept and what you want the rifle to do. Here is what our testing showed.

Caliber

Cooper wanted the .308 Winchester for its power, availability, and modest recoil, and it remains the default. Modern scouts come in many calibers. Our Savage 110 Scout writer chose .223 for light recoil, and the Ruger Gunsite Scout in .450 Bushmaster hits very hard inside 200 yards. Pick the cartridge for your game and terrain.

Barrel Length And Weight

Short barrels around 16 to 19 inches keep the rifle handy, and the weight target is about seven pounds with optic and sling. Many modern scouts are heavier once you add a scope. The Ruger’s composite stock version weighed 6.25 pounds empty in our test, while the laminated version was 7 pounds before any optic.

Scout Scope, Red Dot, Or Conventional Scope

The forward mounted, long eye relief scout scope keeps both eyes open and leaves the action clear for loading. Our Savage writer found a red dot even faster and better in low light, and suggested a modern low power variable as another option. If you want magnification, see our best LPVO scopes.

Iron Sights And Magazines

Backup ghost ring sights are part of Cooper’s concept, and most good scouts include them. Detachable magazines make reloading faster; the Ruger uses 10 round box magazines, the Savage takes AICS pattern magazines, and the Mossberg MVP takes AR-15 magazines. A two magazine setup and a good sling complete the package.

Accuracy Expectations

Cooper asked for 2 MOA or better. Every centerfire scout we tested met that bar, with the Ruger under an inch at 100 yards and the Redline meeting its 0.75 MOA guarantee. A scout is a field rifle, not a benchrest gun, so practice from field positions with a sling.

Best Scout Rifles Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

Ruger Gunsite Scout .308: Best Overall Scout Rifle (2026)

The Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308 is the best overall scout rifle because it delivers Cooper’s concept at a reasonable price with Ruger toughness. It has a 16.1 inch cold hammer forged, free floated barrel with a muzzle brake, 10 round detachable box magazines, ghost ring rear and post front sights, a Mauser style controlled round feed action, and an adjustable length of pull from 12.75 to 14.25 inches.

Read our full Ruger Gunsite Scout .308 review here.

Our reviewer tested the composite stock version at 6.25 pounds empty. The trigger broke below 5 pounds, and with Hornady TAP 155 grain the rifle shot five rounds touching at 50 yards and under an inch at 100. He had zero problems. The MSRP was $1,039 for the alloy steel barrel and $1,099 for stainless at the time of review. Our original 2011 Gunsite Scout review covers the early version, which lacked a free floated barrel.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .308 Winchester
• Capacity: 10 round box magazine
• Weight: 6.25 lb empty (composite stock)
• Barrel: 16.1 in, free floated, threaded 5/8 24
• Action: Controlled round feed bolt action
• Sights: Ghost ring rear, post front, forward rail
• MSRP: $1,039 alloy, $1,099 stainless, at the time of review

Pros

• Under an inch at 100 yd
• Ghost ring sights
• Adjustable length of pull
• Zero problems

Cons

• Heavy once scoped
• Muzzle brake is loud

🛒 Check Current Price for Ruger Gunsite Scout on GunsAmerica

Steyr Scout: Best Premium Scout Rifle (2026)

The Steyr Scout is the best premium scout rifle because it is the rifle Cooper himself helped develop with Steyr engineers. It weighs 6 pounds 12 ounces, is 38.5 to 39.4 inches long, and uses a thin fluted 19 inch barrel. It has pop up ghost ring rear and blade front sights built in and a five round magazine with a 10 round extended option. The MSRP was $1,499 at the time of review.

Read our full Steyr Scout review here.

Our reviewer praised the high comb, the spacers that adjust length of pull, and the extended receiver rail for a scout scope. Though not built as a long range rifle, it took an Idaho black bear at just over 400 yards. It is the purest expression of Cooper’s idea.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .308 Winchester (other chamberings offered)
• Capacity: 5, or 10 with extended magazine
• Weight: 6 lb 12 oz
• Barrel: 19 in fluted; overall length 38.5 to 39.4 in
• Action: Bolt action
• Sights: Pop up ghost ring rear, blade front
• MSRP: $1,499 at the time of review

Pros

• Cooper’s own design
• Light and handy
• Built in backup sights
• Took a bear at 400 plus yd

Cons

• Expensive
• Unusual ergonomics

🛒 Check Current Price for Steyr Scout on GunsAmerica

Savage 110 Scout: Best Value Scout Rifle (2026)

The Savage 110 Scout is the best value scout rifle because it brings an AccuFit adjustable stock, a forward rail, adjustable iron sights, and a 16.5 inch barrel with a muzzle brake to a mainstream bolt gun. It feeds from 10 round AICS style detachable magazines.

Read our full Savage 110 Scout review here.

Our reviewer chose .223 and tried it with irons, a SIG Romeo3 red dot, and a 1 to 6 power scope. Offhand with irons he held 3 inches at 50 yards, and off a bipod he easily held 2 MOA out to 200 yards. He found the red dot the ideal sight for the scout role. Our review did not list a price.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .223 as tested (other calibers offered)
• Capacity: 10 round AICS style magazine
• Barrel: 16.5 in with muzzle brake
• Action: Bolt action, AccuTrigger
• Sights: Adjustable irons, forward rail
• Accuracy: 2 MOA to 200 yd off a bipod

Pros

• AccuFit adjustable stock
• AICS magazines
• Very adaptable

Cons

• Wide front sight
• Price not stated in our review

🛒 Check Current Price for Savage 110 Scout on GunsAmerica

Mossberg MVP Patrol: Best Scout Style Rifle With AR Magazines (2026)

The Mossberg MVP Patrol is the best scout style rifle for AR owners because it feeds from standard AR-15 magazines. The 5.56 version has a 16.5 inch medium contour barrel, weighs about 7 pounds, is 37.5 inches long, and has a fiber optic front and adjustable rear sight plus a rail. It ships with a 10 round magazine. The MSRP was $726 at the time of review.

Read our full Mossberg MVP Patrol 5.56 review here.

Our reviewer was surprised: it shot right at 1 MOA at 50 yards and held that through 100 and 300 yards. Our MVP Patrol .308 review found groups under an inch at 50 yards from the 16.25 inch .308 version, which retailed for $748 without an optic at the time of review.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO (also .308)
• Capacity: 10 round AR magazine included, takes AR-15 magazines
• Weight: about 7 lb
• Barrel: 16.5 in; overall length 37.5 in
• Action: Bolt action
• Sights: Fiber optic front, adjustable rear, rail
• MSRP: $726 at the time of review

Pros

• Uses AR-15 magazines
• About 1 MOA
• Affordable

Cons

• Front bead is coarse for long range
• Not a true forward scope mount

🛒 Check Current Price for Mossberg MVP Patrol on GunsAmerica

Ruger Gunsite Scout .450 Bushmaster: Best Big Bore Scout Rifle (2026)

The Ruger Gunsite Scout in .450 Bushmaster is the best big bore scout rifle for hogs and deer in heavy cover. It has a 16.1 inch barrel with a 1:16 twist and Ruger Precision Rifle hybrid brake, an American walnut stock, a 4+1 capacity, an overall length of 37 to 38.5 inches, and a weight of 6.6 pounds. The MSRP was $1,199 at the time of review.

Read our full Ruger Gunsite Scout .450 Bushmaster review here.

Our reviewer zeroed it with a 2 to 7 power Bushnell Trophy scout scope and recorded two sub MOA groups and a 1 inch group with Hornady 250 grain FTX. The trigger broke at 3 pounds 8 ounces. The barrel heats quickly, and groups opened after nine or ten rounds.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .450 Bushmaster
• Capacity: 4+1
• Weight: 6.6 lb
• Barrel: 16.1 in, 1:16 twist; overall length 37 to 38.5 in
• Action: Controlled round feed bolt action
• Trigger: 3 lb 8 oz
• MSRP: $1,199 at the time of review

Pros

• Sub MOA groups possible
• Hard hitting inside 200 yd
• Walnut stock

Cons

• Barrel heats quickly
• Short range cartridge
• Four round capacity

🛒 Check Current Price for Ruger Gunsite Scout .450 Bushmaster on GunsAmerica

Savage 110 Magpul Scout: Best Modern Scout Rifle (2026)

The Savage 110 Magpul Scout is the best modern scout rifle on paper, combining a Magpul Hunter stock with an aluminum bedding block, a length of pull adjustable from 13 to 15 inches, M-LOK slots, a full length scout rail, and a 16.5 inch barrel with brake and adjustable peep sights. It feeds from 10 round AICS style magazines, or four in .450 Bushmaster, and has a 1.5 to 4 pound AccuTrigger.

Read our full Savage 110 Magpul Scout launch news here.

The MSRP was $1,099 at launch. Savage later expanded it to seven calibers, adding 5.56 NATO, 6mm ARC, 300 Blackout, and 350 Legend to 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, and .450 Bushmaster, as our new calibers news reported. Our coverage is launch news, not a range test.

Key Specs

• Caliber: Seven options including .308, 6.5 CM, 5.56, .450 BM
• Capacity: 10 round AICS (4 in .450 BM)
• Barrel: 16.5 in with muzzle brake
• Action: Bolt action, AccuTrigger 1.5 to 4 lb
• Stock: Magpul Hunter, LOP 13 to 15 in
• MSRP: $1,099 at launch

Pros

• Magpul stock with bedding block
• Full length scout rail
• Many calibers

Cons

• Launch coverage only
• Heavier than Cooper’s target once scoped

🛒 Check Current Price for Savage 110 Magpul Scout on GunsAmerica

Springfield Model 2020 Redline: Lightest Scout Style Rifle (2026)

The Springfield Model 2020 Redline is the lightest scout style rifle we have tested, and Springfield pitched it as a 21st century scout rifle. Our reviewer’s 16 inch .308 weighed 6.2 pounds and was 36.5 inches long, with a carbon fiber jacketed barrel threaded 5/8 24, a removable brake, a trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds, a three position safety, and a Grayboe Trekker stock. The MSRP was $2,299 at the time of review.

Read our full Springfield Model 2020 Redline review here.

It easily met its three shot 0.75 MOA guarantee with Hornady and Remington hunting ammo, and she rang steel out to 465 yards. It ships with a three round magazine, and it is more of a light mountain rifle than a strict Cooper scout. Our Redline launch coverage lists 16 and 20 inch options in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .308 Win as tested (also 6.5 Creedmoor)
• Capacity: 3 round detachable magazine
• Weight: 6.2 lb
• Barrel: 16 in carbon fiber jacketed, 1:10, threaded 5/8 24; overall length 36.5 in
• Action: Bolt action
• Trigger: Adjustable 2.5 to 5 lb
• MSRP: $2,299 at the time of review

Pros

• Only 6.2 lb
• Met 0.75 MOA guarantee
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Three round magazine
• No scout rail or ghost rings

🛒 Check Current Price for Springfield Model 2020 Redline on GunsAmerica

CZ 457 Scout: Best Youth And Rimfire Scout Trainer (2026)

The CZ 457 Scout is the best youth and rimfire scout trainer because it is a real CZ bolt action sized for kids. It has a 16.5 inch barrel and 12 inch length of pull, with a rear leaf sight mounted forward on the barrel. The trigger averaged 3 pounds over 20 pulls. The MSRP was $365 at the time of review.

Read our full CZ 457 Scout review here.

Our reviewer shot sub 1 inch groups at 50 yards with every ammo he tried using the included iron sights. His only gripe was weight; at 5 pounds it is a bit heavy for a youth gun. For more rimfires, see our best .22 LR rifles.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Weight: 5 lb
• Barrel: 16.5 in; length of pull 12 in
• Action: Bolt action
• Trigger: 3 lb average
• Sights: Leaf rear mounted forward on barrel, hooded front
• MSRP: $365 at the time of review

Pros

• Sub 1 in at 50 yd with irons
• Good 3 lb trigger
• Sized for youth

Cons

• Heavy for a youth rifle
• Rimfire only

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 457 Scout on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best Scout Rifles Of 2026

The best scout rifle for most shooters is the Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308. It meets Cooper’s concept, shot under an inch at 100 yards, and is tough as nails. The Steyr Scout is the premium original, the Savage 110 Scout is the value pick, and the Mossberg MVP Patrol is the choice for AR magazine users. The .450 Bushmaster Ruger is the big bore option, the Savage 110 Magpul Scout is the modern take, the Springfield Redline is the lightest, and the CZ 457 Scout trains the next generation.

Related reading: see our guides to the best Henry rifles, best AR-15 red dots, best shooting tripods, and best military surplus rifles.

For more versatile rifles, see our best ranch rifles, best bolt action hunting rifles, and best survival rifles guides. Run a sling, practice from field positions, and know your rifle’s zero. Train hard, shoot straight, and stay dangerous. Shop scout rifles on GunsAmerica.com.