Colonel Jeff Cooper, founder of Gunsite Academy developed the idea of a general purpose bolt action rifle with a barrel around 20 inches in length, chambered for the 308WIN or similar cartridge and with a forward mounted scope with a 2X or 3X magnification. The rifle was intended for hunting big game up to around 400 pounds and at distances limited to the rifleman’s ability to accurately hit and bring down large game. Colonel Cooper dubbed it The Scout Rifle and the name has stuck to this day.
Here is a short video where my friend and fellow instructor Rob Pincus explains the features of the Scout Rifle.
http://www.personaldefensenetwork.com/nra/nraa1561vs-scout-rifle-self-home-defense-weapon
John
