Proceedings of the First Scout Rifle Conference

Held at Gunsite Ranch, Arizona, on 6, 7, 8 December 1983,
under the auspices of the Ekeiboloi Society

(as recorded and transcribed by Jeff Cooper, 14 December 1983)

Hoi Ekeiboloi translates "Those who hit what they aim at".
(Dedicated to excellence in weaponry.)

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the conference was declared to be the critical evaluation of the all-purpose utility rifle, as it exists in standard as well as component form at this time, and as it may be improved in the future.

The "Scout Rifle" was defined as a rifle suitable for general use by one man alone--as opposed to a firing group-- and for targets of up to about 500 pounds in weight. The general opinion of the group was that such a rifle should be intended for use by experienced marksmen rather than beginners. It was further decided that the ideas incorporated in the scout rifle concept should be considered on merit alone, without regard to marketability. While cost is acknowledged to be a consideration, it is secondary to excellence.

After discussion it was accepted that, as a point of departure, the scout rifle be limited to a maximum weight of 3 kilograms and a maximum length of 1 meter, with the understanding that lighter weight and shorter length are desirable if they can be reached without loss of efficiency. (For purposes of simplicity it was agreed that all rifles under consideration should be of caliber 7.62 NATO, otherwise known as 308 Winchester. While other cartridges may be equal or superior to the 308 for general duty, it was not the purpose of the conference to discuss comparative cartridges and calibers.)

(The 350 Fireplug, or "Super Scout", is the modern solution to the challenge of 1000-pound targets. It calls for the discontinued Remington 660 "short magnum" action, and it can weigh up to 3.5 Kg.)

A discussion of the qualities of the bolt-action rifle, as opposed to the semi-automatic, was resolved in favor of the bolt, the theory being that one man acting alone should not normally fire more than one shot from one position, and that even under exceptional circumstances he will not be called upon to fire more than three. The advantage of the semi- automatic rifle in continuity of fire is countered by excess bulk, weight and complexity, all of which are drawbacks to a scout. Those present agreed that the semi-automatic principle is a good one if it can be refined to a point where it is suitable for scout needs, but that that point has not been reached as yet. The lever-action principle was considered and resolved on the note that if a pre-war Savage 99T might be found in caliber 308, it could serve as a base for development.

The conference decided that while obsolete equipment may serve as examples of what is desired, recommendations on scout development are best confined to materials now available, or to be made available in the future. An excellent weapon involving ingredients which are not longer obtainable, at any price, may be a pleasure to its owner but no help to a prospective purchaser.

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