answered

[Nate the Great]

.308 and no looking back.
Get the .308 and it can also serve as a hunting rifle here in AZ. If you're concerned about having semi automatic capability while walking your property why not consider an M1A? I love mine and while a little on the heavy side is a great do all type of rifle.

[jmaglipay]

Had the 308 version 2 years ago. I ended up selling it. For me the recoil kicked hard. Good thing ruger came out with the Polymer mags. I'll check out the 223 when it's available in stores

[Arnelcheeze]

get the 308, and for the 5.56/.223 get the Mossberg MVP

[dskit]

You could also swap out the flash hider for a good muzzle brake. I say .308 wins.

Winner!

[k1dude]

get the 308, and for the 5.56/.223 get the Mossberg MVP

That's a good plan. The MVP or Patrol takes standard AR-15 mags.

[1988]

I like the 308 with a good brake, but still don't like the flash out the short barrel.

[toby]

308 no flash hider no brake.

[200Apples]

toby

308 no flash hider no brake.

This, and several 5-round Ruger polymer magazines.

And don't forget your Andy's Leather "Rhodesian" shooting sling*. You place the inner loop over your support-arm tricep, assisting in muzzle stabilization... It can increase your "hitability" by 30%, according to those in the know. I just installed mine! and haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet. Really looking forward to it! (I have the rail and a Leupold VX II 2.5 X 28, too but these days I'm plinkin' with the ghost-ring-style sights that come with the gun).




*Andy's slings are also available from Ebay and Brownell's

Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/alanglois/m.html?item=221451707831&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Brownells:

http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/slings-sling-swivels/slings/ching-specialty-slings-prod31884.aspx

[Click Boom]

Which do you like better, the ching or the rhodesian?

[200Apples]

.
I haven't used a rifle with the three-point Ching sling setup. At this early stage of my rifleman status, lol, I didn't feel like mounting a third sling swivel necessary for mounting the Ching.

I may Ching the Ruger in the future (it's Rhodesian sling can always go on another rifle in the safe), but I'll more than likely leave my 527 Carbine with it's two-point Rhodesian setup.

[Franklincollector]

Have both. 308.

[JMP]

Another question. The (used) scout I bought came with a Weaver 4x28 scout extended eye relief scope. Odds are pretty good it will stay there, but I was wondering if anyone has mounted a Scope in the traditional location over the action.

Reason I ask is that I have two orphan scopes in my big box ‘o parts - Leupold compact 3 to 9 and a Leupold Rifleman 3x9. (both matte finish which would look good with the GSR) Just wondering how those might work the stock Ruger mounts if the extended eye relief does not work well with my corrected vision.

The manufacturer's specs indicate that scopes can be mounted directly with the specified rings, which come with a new rifle. If that's what you have, and you don't have the rings, I'd look to get a set of these rings for the easiest installation, assuming they come in a profile that'll work with your scope.

http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/features.html

[HondoRoll]

if you want a bolt action 223 you might as well get the mossberg or whatever that takes ar mags... or just get an ar for the same price or possibly less. get the 308. you dont want to "work your way up", these arent motorcycles. thats just spending a ton of money to end up where you could have started in the first place. its not like rifles are hard to get used to, and with 5 minutes of dry firing/reloading every day you will be righteous in a week. there are tons of muzzle device options to reduce recoil, and even then its not like it will be unmanageable out of the box. also its a bolt action rifle, how much recoil do you need to reduce? how fast are you planning on firing this bad boy? probably slower controlled shots id imagine, so its not like you need your gun to be completely flat like youre shooting 3 gun.

so, i vote 308.

[Mayor McRifle]

I have bought a GSR 308 equipped with Weaver 4x scout scope and Ching sling. Done - I pick it up in a week.

Please let us know what you think of it. I've been thinking about getting a GSR myself.

[200Apples]

if the extended eye relief does not work well with my corrected vision.

I shoot through glasses correcting nearsightedness, and my correction is not insubstantial. I prefer! the extended eye relief over a "traditional" scope and mounting. The forward telescope is the way to go!

I have a favorite line I like to use, attributed to a user on another forum when his scout scope forward-mount setup is derided by the unwashed. He'll take their comments in stride, then reply to their conventional setup:

"That's a nice, all-around scope you have there. Do you use it for astronomy when it's too dark to shoot?"

Hahaha...