Overview
The Steyr Scout has the following features:
- Removable box magazines with "magazine in reserve" setting for manual loading.
- Second magazine stores in the butt of the rifle.
- Light weight due to aluminum receiver housing, hammer forged fluted barrel, and extensive use of polymers.
- Top and bottom integral Weaver/Picatinny rails.
- Roller tang safety with "Locked Safe", "Loading", and "Fire" positions.
- Bolt handle locks downward against receiver in "Locked Safe" mode.
- User-adjustable trigger factory set at 16 N (3.5 lbs).
- Reserve flip-up "ghost ring" iron sights.
- Integral folding bipod.
- Third attachment point for a 'Ching Sling'.
There were early reports of problems with the Steyr Scout rifle relating to breakage of the bipod pivot pin. The affected part was subsequently redesigned to improve its strength. "Aftermarket" pivot pin replacements are also available. There is a fixing point under the built in bipod. This can be used to mount a more substantial bipod if required.
Some users find the bolt lift effort to be on the high (but not excessive) side due to steep profile of the cocking cam contained within the bolt. This can be eased somewhat by appropriate lubrication but a revised cam is available.
The other criticism has been of recurring light hits (primer strikes), particularly with early production runs. Factory recommended solutions have typically been adjust the spring to the next higher setting or to install a "high energy" firing pin kit or stiffer spring.
The Picatinny rail above the action and barrel allow either for conventional positioning of a scope with normal 1.5 in - 3.5 eye relief or for the forward placement of a "scout scope" with intermediate or long eye relief. The latter is more faithful to Cooper's Scout concept, and the Steyr-Mannlicher rifle can be ordered from the factory with a low-magnification Leupold scope with long eye relief.
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