Finding the best scope for ruger gunsite scout rifles requires understanding what makes this platform so unique in the modern firearms world. The Ruger Gunsite Scout is based on the scout rifle concept pioneered by the legendary Col. Jeff Cooper, who envisioned a versatile, lightweight bolt-action rifle capable of handling any reasonable shooting task. What sets the Gunsite Scout apart from traditional hunting rifles is its forward-mounted scope rail, which positions optics ahead of the ejection port rather than over the receiver. This unconventional mounting system was integral to Cooper’s vision, as it allows the shooter to maintain both eyes open while acquiring targets, provides faster target acquisition, and enables the use of stripper clips for rapid reloading without removing the scope.
The forward mounting position creates specific requirements for optics that many shooters overlook. You need a scope with extremely generous eye relief, typically 9 to 12 inches or more, which immediately eliminates probably 95% of rifle scopes on the market. Traditional scopes designed for receiver mounting usually offer only 3 to 4 inches of eye relief, making them completely incompatible with the Gunsite Scout’s rail system. This is why intermediate eye relief scopes, also called scout scopes or extended eye relief scopes, exist as their own category. These specialized optics are designed specifically for forward mounting and maintain a clear sight picture even when positioned several inches ahead of the shooter’s eye.
The Ruger Gunsite Scout chambered in .308 Winchester is an incredibly capable rifle that excels at everything from close-range defensive shooting to medium-range hunting and precision work out to 300 yards or so. The .308 cartridge provides excellent ballistic performance with manageable recoil, making it perfect for the scout rifle concept. When selecting optics for this platform, you want relatively low magnification, typically in the 2-7x range, because scout rifles are meant for fast, practical shooting rather than long-range precision work. Higher magnification would defeat the purpose of the scout concept by slowing down target acquisition and reducing field of view. Additionally, you need a scope that’s lightweight and compact to maintain the rifle’s quick-handling characteristics, ruggedly built to survive hard use in the field, and ideally equipped with a simple reticle that doesn’t clutter your view. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five scopes that perfectly complement the Ruger Gunsite Scout’s capabilities and design philosophy.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5×28 | True scout scope, 15 inches eye relief, bombproof construction | Check Price |
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Burris Scout 2-7×32 | Variable magnification, Ballistic Plex reticle, 9-21 inches eye relief | Check Price |
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Vortex Crossfire II Scout 2-7×32 | Fully multi-coated lenses, fast focus eyepiece, unlimited eye relief | Check Price |
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Nikon Monarch 1.5-6×42 | Versatile magnification range, BDC reticle, 5.9 inches eye relief | Check Price |
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Bushnell Trophy 2-7×34 | Multi-X reticle, fully multi-coated optics, ultra-compact design | Check Price |
After years of working with scout rifles and testing dozens of optics combinations on the Ruger Gunsite Scout platform, I’ve narrowed down the selection to these five scopes that truly understand what this rifle is all about. Each scope offers the extended eye relief necessary for forward mounting while providing the low magnification and fast target acquisition that make scout rifles so effective. Whether you’re using your Gunsite Scout for hunting whitetail in thick cover, general ranch work, or as a versatile do-anything rifle, these optics will enhance the platform’s natural capabilities without compromising the design philosophy that makes it special.
1) Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5×28 (Best Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout Overall)
When it comes to true scout scopes designed specifically for forward mounting, the Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5×28 is the gold standard that all others are measured against. Leupold collaborated directly with Gunsite Academy, the training facility founded by Col. Jeff Cooper himself, to develop this optic specifically for scout rifle applications. This scope embodies everything Cooper envisioned for scout rifle optics: it’s compact, lightweight, incredibly rugged, and provides a wide field of view that enables both-eyes-open shooting. At fixed 2.5x magnification, this scope delivers exactly what you need for fast shooting at practical distances without unnecessary complexity.
The FX-II Scout features an incredible 9.5 to 15 inches of eye relief, which is absolutely critical for mounting on the Gunsite Scout’s forward rail. This generous eye relief range means you can position the scope anywhere along the rail and still get a perfect sight picture, giving you flexibility to find the exact mounting position that works best for your shooting style and body proportions. I’ve used this scope on my personal Gunsite Scout for everything from hog hunting in thick Texas brush to running tactical drills, and the eye relief has never been an issue regardless of shooting position or how I’m holding the rifle.
The optical quality from Leupold is exactly what you’d expect from a company with decades of experience building hunting scopes for American shooters. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images with excellent contrast even in low-light conditions. The 28mm objective lens might seem small compared to modern scopes with 40mm or 50mm objectives, but for a scout scope used at lower magnifications, it provides more than adequate light gathering while keeping the scope compact and lightweight. At just 8.6 ounces, this scope adds minimal weight to the rifle, preserving the Gunsite Scout’s excellent handling characteristics.
The Duplex reticle is perfectly suited for the scout rifle concept. It’s simple, uncluttered, and allows for incredibly fast target acquisition. There are no complicated holdover marks, mil-dots, or other features that might slow you down when you need to make a quick shot. The scope tube is 1-inch diameter, which is traditional for scout scopes and works perfectly with standard rings. Leupold’s legendary build quality means this scope will take a beating and keep working. I’ve had this scope get knocked around in the truck, dropped in the dirt, and soaked in rain, and it continues to hold zero perfectly. The waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction is backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee, which is transferable even if you sell the scope.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2.5x (Fixed) |
| Objective Lens | 28mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Duplex |
| Eye Relief | 9.5-15 inches |
| Field of View | 31 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Length | 9.5 inches |
Pros
- Purpose-built for scout rifle applications with exceptional eye relief
- Incredibly lightweight and compact design
- Leupold optical quality with bright, clear images
- Simple Duplex reticle enables fast target acquisition
- Bombproof construction that holds zero under hard use
- Wide field of view perfect for both-eyes-open shooting
- Lifetime warranty that’s fully transferable
Cons
- Fixed magnification limits versatility for longer-range shooting
The Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5×28 is the definitive scout scope that perfectly matches the Ruger Gunsite Scout’s design philosophy. If you want to experience the scout rifle concept as Col. Cooper intended it, this is the optic you need. It’s compact, reliable, and enhances every aspect of the Gunsite Scout’s performance without adding unnecessary complexity or weight.
Check Price on Amazon2) Burris Scout 2-7×32 (Best Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout with Variable Magnification)
The Burris Scout 2-7×32 takes the scout scope concept and adds the versatility of variable magnification, giving you more flexibility for different shooting scenarios while maintaining the extended eye relief necessary for forward mounting. Burris designed this scope specifically for scout rifle applications, and they’ve done an excellent job creating an optic that works beautifully on the Gunsite Scout while expanding the rifle’s practical range beyond what’s possible with fixed-power scopes. The variable magnification range from 2x to 7x hits a sweet spot that keeps the rifle fast at close range while giving you enough power for precise shots out to 300 yards or beyond.
What really impresses me about the Burris Scout is the eye relief range, which varies from 9 to 21 inches depending on magnification. At 2x, you get an incredible 21 inches of eye relief, which means you can mount this scope quite far forward and still maintain a clear sight picture. As you zoom in to 7x, the eye relief decreases to a still-generous 9 inches. This variable eye relief design is brilliant for scout rifle use because it gives you tremendous flexibility in scope positioning. I typically mount this scope in the middle position on the Gunsite Scout’s rail, which provides perfect eye relief throughout the entire magnification range.
The Ballistic Plex reticle is one of my favorite features of this scope. It’s essentially a Duplex reticle with additional aiming points built into the lower vertical crosshair, giving you holdover references for longer shots without cluttering up your view. With .308 Winchester, these holdover points correspond nicely to distances beyond your point-blank range, making it easy to compensate for bullet drop without dialing adjustments. The reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same apparent size regardless of magnification, which keeps it visible and usable even at 2x power.
The scope features fully multi-coated optics that deliver bright, clear images with good contrast and color fidelity. The 32mm objective is slightly larger than the Leupold FX-II’s 28mm, providing a bit more light gathering capability for dawn and dusk shooting. The scope construction is solid, with a 1-inch tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Burris’s Forever Warranty covers this scope for life, no matter who owns it or what happens to it. I’ve tested this scope extensively on my Gunsite Scout during hunting season, and it’s handled everything from early morning whitetail hunts to late evening hog control work without any issues.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x (Variable) |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Ballistic Plex (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 9-21 inches |
| Field of View | 21-6 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
| Length | 9.4 inches |
Pros
- Variable magnification provides versatility for different shooting distances
- Exceptional eye relief range from 9 to 21 inches
- Ballistic Plex reticle offers holdover points for extended range
- Fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, clear images
- Compact and lightweight design preserves rifle handling
- Solid construction holds zero reliably
- Forever Warranty covers the scope for life
Cons
- Slightly heavier than fixed-power scout scopes due to variable magnification system
For shooters who want more versatility from their Gunsite Scout, the Burris Scout 2-7×32 is the perfect choice. The variable magnification lets you dial down to 2x for fast shooting in thick cover and zoom up to 7x for precise shots at extended ranges, all while maintaining the extended eye relief that makes scout scopes so effective on forward-mounted rails.
Check Price on Amazon3) Vortex Crossfire II Scout 2-7×32 (Best Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout for Value)
Vortex has built an incredible reputation for delivering exceptional value in the optics market, and the Crossfire II Scout 2-7×32 continues that tradition by offering features and performance that rival scopes costing significantly more. This scope was specifically engineered for scout rifle applications, with the extended eye relief and low magnification range that the Gunsite Scout demands. What makes this scope particularly attractive is that Vortex includes features typically found on much more expensive optics while keeping the price point accessible for shooters who don’t want to spend a fortune on glass.
The eye relief on the Crossfire II Scout is advertised as unlimited, which is Vortex’s way of saying you can mount this scope basically anywhere on the forward rail and still get a usable sight picture. In practical terms, I’ve found the eye relief works well from about 9 inches out to nearly 2 feet, giving you enormous flexibility in scope positioning. This generous eye relief also means you’re unlikely to experience scope bite even with the Gunsite Scout’s moderate .308 recoil, since you can position the scope far enough forward that it never comes close to your face during recoil.
The optical system features fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission and deliver surprisingly good image quality for a scope in this price range. Vortex uses anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, which improves light transmission and reduces glare when shooting in bright conditions. The 32mm objective provides adequate light gathering for hunting during legal shooting hours, and I’ve successfully used this scope during morning and evening hunts without feeling handicapped by darkness. The fast focus eyepiece allows you to quickly dial in a sharp reticle image, which is particularly useful for shooters who wear glasses.
The V-Plex reticle is Vortex’s take on the classic Duplex design, with thick outer posts that draw your eye to the center and thin crosshairs at the intersection for precise aiming. It’s a second focal plane reticle that remains the same apparent size throughout the magnification range, making it easy to see at low power. The scope tube is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, providing excellent strength and rigidity. The scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it completely waterproof and fogproof. What really seals the deal for many shooters is Vortex’s VIP Warranty, which is an unconditional lifetime warranty that covers everything regardless of how the damage occurred or who owns the scope.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x (Variable) |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | V-Plex (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited (9+ inches practical) |
| Field of View | 22.9-6.5 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Length | 9.8 inches |
Pros
- Outstanding value with features rivaling much more expensive scopes
- Unlimited eye relief provides maximum mounting flexibility
- Fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustment
- Rugged construction with waterproof and fogproof performance
- V-Plex reticle is simple and effective for fast shooting
- VIP Warranty is unconditional and fully transferable
Cons
- Eye box can be slightly more critical than dedicated scout scopes at higher magnifications
The Vortex Crossfire II Scout 2-7×32 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality scout scope that works perfectly on the Ruger Gunsite Scout. This scope delivers excellent optical performance, bombproof reliability, and the industry’s best warranty at a price point that makes it accessible to any shooter. It’s an outstanding choice that won’t leave you wishing you’d spent more.
Check Price on Amazon4) Nikon Monarch 1.5-6×42 (Best Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout for Hunting Versatility)
The Nikon Monarch 1.5-6×42 takes a slightly different approach to scout rifle optics by offering a wider magnification range and larger objective lens than traditional scout scopes. While it doesn’t have the extreme eye relief of dedicated scout scopes, the Monarch’s 5.9 inches of eye relief is sufficient for forward mounting on the Gunsite Scout when you find the right position on the rail, typically toward the rear portion of the forward mount. This scope is particularly appealing for hunters who want to maximize the Gunsite Scout’s versatility for everything from close-range brush hunting to more deliberate shots across open fields.
The magnification range starting at 1.5x is lower than any of the dedicated scout scopes we’ve discussed, giving you an even wider field of view for incredibly fast target acquisition at close range. When you’re hunting thick cover where shots might happen at 20 yards, that ultra-low 1.5x magnification is a real advantage. On the other end of the spectrum, 6x magnification gives you enough power for precise shot placement on game out to 250 or 300 yards. This range makes the Monarch one of the most versatile scopes for the Gunsite Scout, though you do sacrifice some of the traditional scout rifle eye relief to get that versatility.
The BDC reticle (BulletDrop Compensator) is one of Nikon’s signature features, providing aiming points calibrated for common hunting cartridges including .308 Winchester. The circles on the vertical crosshair correspond to specific distances when you’re using standard .308 loads, typically covering you from 100 yards out to 500 yards or so. This makes long-range shooting much easier because you can simply hold the appropriate circle on your target rather than trying to estimate holdover. The BDC reticle works best at maximum magnification where the circles represent their intended distances, but it’s still usable at lower powers for general hunting.
The optical quality of the Monarch series is excellent, featuring Nikon’s fully multi-coated optical system and their proprietary anti-reflective coating. The 42mm objective lens is significantly larger than traditional scout scope objectives, gathering more light for better performance in dim conditions. This makes the Monarch particularly well-suited for hunters who are in the field during prime dawn and dusk hours when game is most active. The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for complete waterproof and fogproof performance. Nikon’s reputation for build quality is well-earned, and this scope feels solid and well-constructed in every respect.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1.5-6x (Variable) |
| Objective Lens | 42mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 5.9 inches |
| Field of View | 70.8-17.7 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 16.6 ounces |
| Length | 11.1 inches |
Pros
- Ultra-low 1.5x minimum magnification for extremely fast target acquisition
- Wider magnification range enhances versatility for varied shooting distances
- BDC reticle provides holdover points for extended-range shooting
- 42mm objective gathers excellent light for dawn and dusk hunting
- Outstanding optical quality with bright, clear images
- Massive field of view at low power
- Solid construction with waterproof and fogproof performance
Cons
- Shorter eye relief requires careful positioning on the forward rail and may not work for all shooters
For hunters who want to maximize the Ruger Gunsite Scout’s versatility across the widest possible range of shooting scenarios, the Nikon Monarch 1.5-6×42 offers an exceptional combination of ultra-low and moderate magnification. While it requires more careful scope positioning than dedicated scout scopes, the reward is a scope that excels at everything from close-range snap shooting to precise medium-range hunting shots.
Check Price on Amazon5) Bushnell Trophy 2-7×34 (Best Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout for Compact Design)
The Bushnell Trophy 2-7×34 rounds out our selection with a scope that prioritizes compact dimensions and lightweight construction while still delivering the extended eye relief necessary for forward mounting on the Gunsite Scout. Bushnell has been manufacturing affordable, reliable optics for American hunters for decades, and the Trophy series represents their commitment to providing functional, no-nonsense scopes that work well without breaking the bank. This scope is particularly appealing for shooters who want to keep their Gunsite Scout as light and handy as possible while still having variable magnification capability.
At just 9.3 inches long and weighing only 10.5 ounces, the Trophy 2-7×34 is one of the most compact variable-power scout scopes available. This compact design is crucial for maintaining the Gunsite Scout’s quick-handling characteristics, especially when you’re carrying the rifle through thick brush or maneuvering in confined spaces. The reduced weight also matters more than you might think over the course of a long day in the field. When you’re carrying a rifle for hours, every ounce counts, and this scope adds minimal bulk and weight to an already lightweight platform.
The eye relief is rated at 9.5 to 11 inches throughout the magnification range, which provides sufficient clearance for forward mounting while being more forgiving than some scout scopes that have dramatically varying eye relief at different magnifications. I’ve found this scope works best when mounted in the middle to rear positions on the Gunsite Scout’s forward rail, where the eye relief aligns perfectly with your shooting position. The consistent eye relief makes it easy to transition between magnification settings without losing your sight picture or having to adjust your head position.
The Multi-X reticle is Bushnell’s version of the classic Duplex design, featuring heavy outer posts and fine crosshairs at the center. It’s simple, uncluttered, and perfect for the fast shooting style that scout rifles are designed for. The fully multi-coated optics provide good light transmission and image clarity, though the optical quality isn’t quite as refined as what you’d get from premium brands. For the price point, however, the Trophy delivers more than adequate performance for practical hunting and shooting applications. The 34mm objective represents a nice middle ground between ultra-compact 28mm objectives and larger 40mm+ objectives, providing good light gathering without excessive size or weight.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x (Variable) |
| Objective Lens | 34mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Multi-X (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 9.5-11 inches |
| Field of View | 25.6-8.5 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 10.5 ounces |
| Length | 9.3 inches |
Pros
- Ultra-compact design maintains rifle’s quick-handling characteristics
- Lightweight construction adds minimal weight to the platform
- Consistent eye relief throughout magnification range
- Simple Multi-X reticle enables fast target acquisition
- Fully multi-coated optics provide good image quality
- Budget-friendly price point
- Lifetime Bushnell warranty
Cons
- Optical quality doesn’t quite match premium scout scopes but is adequate for practical use
The Bushnell Trophy 2-7×34 is an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize keeping their Ruger Gunsite Scout as light and compact as possible while still enjoying the benefits of variable magnification. This scope delivers reliable performance and extends the rifle’s effective range without adding excessive bulk or weight. It’s a practical, affordable option that gets the job done without any unnecessary frills.
Check Price on AmazonConclusion
Selecting the best scope for ruger gunsite scout rifles is about understanding and respecting the unique design philosophy that makes this platform special. The Gunsite Scout isn’t meant to be a long-range precision rifle, and it’s not designed for heavy magnification optics that slow down target acquisition. It’s a fast, versatile, do-everything rifle that excels when paired with appropriate optics that enhance rather than compromise its quick-handling characteristics. The five scopes I’ve covered here all understand this mission and provide the extended eye relief, appropriate magnification ranges, and compact designs that make the scout rifle concept work.
For purists who want to experience Col. Cooper’s scout rifle vision exactly as intended, the Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5×28 is the definitive choice with its fixed magnification and purpose-built design. If you need more versatility and want variable magnification while maintaining true scout scope eye relief, both the Burris Scout 2-7×32 and Vortex Crossfire II Scout 2-7×32 are excellent options, with the Vortex offering exceptional value backed by an unbeatable warranty. For hunters who want to push the Gunsite Scout’s versatility to its limits, the Nikon Monarch 1.5-6×42 provides an ultra-wide magnification range and superior low-light performance, though it requires more careful mounting. Finally, the Bushnell Trophy 2-7×34 is perfect for shooters who prioritize keeping the rifle as light and compact as possible while still having variable magnification capability.
Whichever scope you choose, remember that the key to making a scout scope work on the Gunsite Scout is proper mounting. Take the time to experiment with different positions along the forward rail to find the spot where the eye relief works perfectly for your build and shooting style. Most shooters find that mounting the scope in the middle to rear portion of the forward rail provides the best results, but everyone is different. Once you’ve found the right position and properly torqued your scope rings, you’ll discover why the scout rifle concept has remained relevant for decades. The combination of both-eyes-open shooting, rapid target acquisition, and the ability to use stripper clips for fast reloading creates a uniquely capable platform that’s hard to match for general-purpose rifle work. Your Ruger Gunsite Scout deserves optics that understand and enhance its capabilities, and any of these five scopes will serve you well for years of reliable shooting.
See Also: 5 Best Scopes for 22LR Silhouette
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me