Description
The Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle, 308, Left Hand, Matte SS, 10 Round Mag 18″ is a purpose-built, left-handed bolt-action rifle designed for the practical shooter. It’s a modern interpretation of the scout rifle concept, featuring a forward-mounted Picatinny rail for optics, a 10-round detachable box magazine, and an 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel in a matte stainless steel finish. This configuration offers a blend of quick handling, reliable power, and southpaw-friendly ergonomics right out of the box.
Key Features
- Left-Handed Configuration: The bolt, safety, and ejection port are all set up for natural left-handed operation.
- Forward Scout Scope Rail: A 12.5-inch Picatinny rail mounted ahead of the receiver for low-power, long-eye-relief optics, keeping the action clear.
- 18-Inch Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: Provides a great balance of velocity and maneuverability with a matte stainless finish for corrosion resistance.
- 10-Round Detachable Magazine: Uses AICS-pattern magazines for reliable feeding and quick reloads. Compatible with many aftermarket options from brands like Magpul.
- Adjustable Ghost Ring Sights: Comes with a fully adjustable, protected rear ghost ring and a replaceable front post for fast, instinctive iron sight work.
- Integral Muzzle Device: The barrel is threaded 5/8″-24 and includes a Ruger flash suppressor, ready for a muzzle brake or suppressor.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action | Left-Hand Bolt Action |
| Barrel Length | 18 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.0 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Detachable AICS-pattern) |
| Finish | Matte Stainless Steel |
| Stock | Black Laminate |
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed .308 through a right-handed version of this platform, and the appeal is immediate. The 18-inch barrel makes it feel lively and quick to shoulder, not ponderous. The laminate stock is rigid and provides a solid cheek weld, and the matte stainless steel finish on this left-hand model is purely practical—it shrugs off field use. At 7 pounds unloaded, it carries all day without being a featherweight toy. The real genius is in the forward rail; mounting a low-power scope like a Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Scout transforms it into a rapid, both-eyes-open engagement tool. That said, the ghost ring sights are more than capable on their own for closer work. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the left-handed shooter who needs a general-purpose rifle that can do a bit of everything well. It’s ideal for hunters in thick timber or on the move, where fast shots and handling trump extreme long-range precision. It’s a fantastic choice for a “woods rifle” or a truck gun. It also suits the prepared citizen looking for a capable, reliable, and straightforward rifle that doesn’t require a gunsmith to set up. The .308 chambering means ammunition is ubiquitous and effective on most North American game. For the price of $1066.04, you’re getting a turn-key system that’s ready for optics, lights, or a sling without modification.
Pros & Cons
Pros: True left-handed operation is a godsend for southpaws. The forward optic concept works brilliantly for fast shooting. The 10-round magazine offers great capacity for a bolt gun. The threaded barrel and included flash hider are a nice modern touch. The laminate stock is stable and durable. It’s a no-fuss, rugged rifle built for use.
Cons: The laminate stock, while stable, adds some weight compared to synthetic. The forward rail placement limits traditional scope mounting options—you have to buy into the scout concept. Some find the trigger, while adjustable, a bit heavy from the factory. It’s not a dedicated 1000-yard precision rig; it’s a 0-400 yard practical tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mount a traditional scope on the receiver?
A: Not directly. The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. The design philosophy centers on the forward rail for long-eye-relief scopes. However, you can find aftermarket mounts that replace the forward rail with a receiver-mounted base if you want to go that route.
Q: Are extra magazines easy to find?
A: Yes. It uses standardized Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) pattern magazines. You can find 5-round and 10-round magazines from Ruger, Magpul, and other manufacturers readily available online and in stores.
Q: Is this a good rifle for a beginner left-handed shooter?
A: It can be, with guidance. The .308 has some recoil, but it’s manageable in this heavier rifle. The simple, robust controls and easy manual of arms are beginner-friendly. The iron sights are excellent for learning fundamentals. Just start with lighter recoiling loads to build confidence. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, so you’ll need to coordinate that.
Look, if you’re a lefty who’s tired of adapting to right-handed guns, this Ruger Gunsite Scout is one of the few production rifles built specifically for you. It’s a thinking person’s firearm—versatile, tough, and ready to work without ceremony. If a practical, general-purpose .308 bolt action sounds like what’s missing from your safe, this is it.
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