Steyr Scout with ‘scout’ style scope mount and holder for spare cartridges on the stock.
Steyr Scout Tactical with ‘classic’ style optical sight mount.
Caliber(s): 7.62mm NATO (.308Win)
Operation: bolt action, rotating bolt
Barrel: 508 mm
Weight: 3.3 kg unloaded without scope
Length: 1039 mm
Feed Mechanism: 5 or 10 rounds detachable box magazines
Steyr Scout rifles are manufactured by the Steyr Company of Austria.
The Scout Rifle concept is the brainchild of famous and influential US shooter and firearms guru Jeff Cooper, who wanted a versatile, ‘all-round’ rifle of light weight, suitable for effective engagement of targets at medium distances (up to 300-400 meters). Steyr finally developed his rifle, based on their patented Safe Bolt System action. The key features of the Scout rifle are: a high-strength polymer stock, adjustable for length of pull, with an integral folding bipod that fits into the forend seamlessly when folded; long eye relief, forward mounted, a relatively low magnification (2.5X) scope for quick target acquisition at short and medium distances – a spare magazine held in the special bay inside the buttstock and a specially designed, three point sling. The resulting design is a somewhat futuristic looking, versatile, high quality rifle. Converting it into a lightweight sniper / tactical rifle was a natural choice, so Steyr also introduced its Scout Tactical variation of the basic design.
The Tactical Scout differs from the basic variant mostly in the bolt area: it has a matte black bolt finish with an oversized bolt handle, instead of the basic polished steel bolt finish and hunting style bolt handle. Usually, the 10-round magazine adapter (available as an accessory for hunting Scouts) is pre-installed on all Tactical Scouts.