Starting in the late 80's, I became enamored with the Scout rifle concept, as put forth by Jeff Cooper. In 1991, my wife and I attended API 270 at Gunsite, taught by Jeff Cooper, where we spent a glorious week being exposed to Jeff, the Gunsite staff and facility, all the while being enlightened as to what you can do with a light bolt action rifle that can both deliver a reasonably powerful rifle cartridge quickly up close, and reach way out there and touch something. Over the years, I have had built countless practical rifles, incorporating some to all the features Jeff Cooper thought should be on a Scout rifle. My favorite rifles have been model 70 based, and built by Jim Brockman.
Fast forward to today, where we have different rifles available, different optics available, different laws, and potentially different applications for the light rifle. Consider offerings from Tikka, CZ, Ruger, Kimber and others in the light rifle area that shoot accurately, carry light and cost a fraction of a full up custom rifle. Consider how the scout scope has largely been obsoleted by the low power variable and red dot. Consider laws that limit the action type of rifles and magazine capacity. Consider threats like we have seen in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Orlando, and San Bernardino.
To experiment, I have been thinking about putting together one or more currently available light rifles that will allow me to maintain bolt gun proficiency, shoot steel, paper, small game and even larger animals, and if necessary could be employed defensively. Some possibilities that come to mind are:
CZ 527 in 7.62x39 with a 30mm Aimpoint over the action. Inexpensive ammo, accurate gun, lightweight, tiny magazines, and an action that is slick as snot.
Ruger American, threaded, 16 inch bolt action in .300 BLK. $400, supposedly moa accurate, neat five round magazines. Either a red dot or fixed 2.5 power Leupold as glass.
Tikka CTR in 6.5 or .308, cut down to 16.25 inches to save weight, ten round magazines, great reputation for accuracy, and a yet to be determined optic.
What do you think?