Boston's .308 Savage Scout (used in Africa 2006)

[Boston]

As featured in Safari Dreams (front and back covers, plus 8 color photos), my first rifle
to hunt South Africa is currently for sale.  In 2006 I took 11 animals with it, and it was a
perfect joy in the field.  It is absolutely complete in every way to hunt anywhere that is
appropriate for a .308.  This rifle is fully broken in and sorted out.  The bolt is slick from
over 2,000rds of FMJ practice.  It's a 1MOA gun with good handloads.  Weight is 7.5 lbs.
Unlike the Steyr Scout, the Savage will reliably set off hard-primered surplus FMJ.

I spent many hours researching how the Savage Scout could be improved by an owner,
and I'd bet money that mine is about the best around. 







The "Scout" scope with BDC is a supremely versatile optic.  While most hunting shots
are (or should be) within 300yds, this scope has the capability to accurately holdover out
to 800yds.  (My white paper on this goes into full detail, and a free copy comes with the rifle.) 


DETAILS:
#200309 matte Burris Fullfield 3-12x32mm with BallisticPlex reticle
Leupold QRW rings
XS front (0.100") and rear sight
Rifle Basix trigger (wire EDM), a beautifully crisp 2.5 lbs.
bolt upgrade by Savage to magnum head (with thicker bolt head pin)
four 4-rd mags (all tested and reliable)
third sling swivel and Ching Sling made from 1¼" nylon O.D. webbing
Eagle buttpouch (contains one of the three mags, spare bolt parts, etc.)
action bolts replaced with ¼"x28tpi Allens
stock free-floated
Versa-Pod stud for QD bipod or monopod

HANDLOADS:
This Scout likes a 180gr Sierra GameKing spitzer boat-tail.  This is a better hunting weight than 165gr.
In Rem cases with CCI 200 primers, I've developed accurate loads with Win 760 powder.
48.0gr for 2619fps, 49.0gr for 2656fps, and 49.5gr for 2690fps (which is classic .30-06 velocity!). 
Other 180gr bullets you may want to consider are the Swift Scirocco or Barnes TSX.

___________
I've asked myself why I'm selling one of my best rifles, which served me so well in Africa. 
Well, I don't want to sell it all that much, and would be happy if it didn't go, but I am testing
the bounds of my sentimentality.  I've accumulated many guns over the past 30 years,
two of which I've had since high-school.  While I really don't want to sell my Savage Scout,
I've something new to theoretically replace it and want to wring that out. 

$1500, or one ounce .999 gold coin (Eagle or Krugerrand) will get you this fine rifle. 
Not many could say that their rifle is on a book cover, so here's your chance!
I've no doubt that I'll regret having sold it, so catch me quickly before I reconsider the offer.

Boston

[Boston]

Rifle is still for sale.
Snap it up before I reconsider!

Boston

[catvalet]

Ek Lus Daarom is Ek, as your Boer friends would say. (I lust therefore I am).  I would love one of these, but my handicap (southpaw) prohibits me.  Would that they made it in a lefty.  My passion for not having to reach over the action has led me to buy a number of left handed rifles in calibers totally unneeded, but I would love one of these with the handle on the other side. 

Great price too!  -Randy

[Dodd]

I had the honor of trying this rifle at Boston's rifle class. It's a tack-driver. I fired three shots with 147gr. FMJ from the sitting and scored 1st round hits on steel at 100, 200, and 300 yards.

[Boston]

Thanks, Dodd, glad you enjoyed that trigger time.
It is indeed quite accurate, but that's common amongst Savage bolt-actions.

Jeff Cooper calls the Scout (his Steyr version, in particular) the best "all-around rifle".
That is, if you don't know which rifle to grab, a Scout is probably your best choice.
It does about 90-95% of what centerfire rifles are called upon to accomplish.
Most hunting is (or should be) done w/i 300yds, and a Scout is perfect for that.

Boston

[Boston]

I will bring this to the Jam.

Also comes with two other stocks.

Boston