Steyr Scout Jeff Cooper Package .308 Bolt-Action Rifle 1998 1.75-6×32 Scope

Sold For: $1775

LSB#: 201110OG20

Make: Steyr Mannlicher

Model: Scout (Jeff Cooper Package)

Serial Number: SC1000501

Year of Manufacture:  1998 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Steyr_Date_Codes.jpg)

Caliber: .308 Win

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “GSI TRUSSVILLE AL” followed by “MAKE IN AUSTRIA”, “SC1000501” and “STEYR SCOUT”.  The right side of the bolt is marked “SYSTEM” followed by the Steyr logo, then “SBS 96”.  The top of the barrel where it meets the forend is marked “308 WIN” over the Austrian Nitro Proof Mark and “BDT”.  The right side of the stock has a raised medallion with the Jeff Cooper “JC” logo.

Barrel Length: 19”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a retractable reverse slanted spring-loaded ramp that folds flat.  The rear sight is a folding aperture type. Both sights are “ghost ring” type sights intended for use with or without the optic mounted.  There is a Leupold Vari-X III 1.75 – 6x 32mm variable magnification scope with a duplex reticle mounted on the integral rail on top of the receiver.  The scope is adjustable for elevation and windage and has “STEYR SCOUT” marked adjustment knob covers.  There are scattered rubs in the scope finish consistent with mounting and normal handling.  The glass is clear.  Please note that we DO NOT believe that this optic is original to this rifle.  Overall, the optic rates in about Excellent condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock configuration is a semi-grip straight comb style.  The stock is textured matte finished green Zytel with black panel inserts. It features a textured rubber recoil pad with two stock spacers installed, an integral picatinny style rail on the top of the receiver, an integral folding bipod, and a UIT mounting rail on the bottom of the forend. A total of five Ching Sling attachment swivels are located underneath the forend, on the left and right side of the stock near the receiver, and on the left and right side of the stock near the butt.  There is storage in the stock for a spare magazine.  The stock shows minor handling and storage marks.  The hex screw head slots are clean and sharp.  Overall, the stock rates about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: “Mannox” tennifer-type finish

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish.  There are small spots of wear consistent with handling and storing at the muzzle, where the barrel meets the receiver, and where the original extended eye relief optic was mounted.  The bolt handle shows slight wear from normal usage.  Overall this firearm rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety rotates cleanly and functions as intended. The two stage trigger has a short takeup and a sharp, crisp break. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This firearm comes with four 5 round black synthetic “Grivory” factory magazines in Excellent condition, two of which are still in the factory packaging.  Also included is a Steyr Grey hard clamshell rifle case with green and grey foam inserts, a Ching Sling with sling swivels, and an assortment of Jeff Cooper Package original factory paperwork including the original test target, Ching Sling instructions, and a Steyr Scout Certificate of Authenticity with the serial number and date of manufacture.  Overall this rifle rates in Excellent Condition.

Our Assessment:  Col. Jeff Cooper was an icon of the American firearms community best known for his endorsement of the 1911 pistol, his considerable contempt of the 9mm cartridge, and his coining of the term “hoplaphobe”.  One of his less lauded accomplishments was his enthusiasm for and definition of the “scout rifle”, a lightweight bolt action rifle less than a meter in overall length and lighter than 6.6 lbs with both iron and optical sighting systems capable of “killing any living target of reasonable size”.  For years, rifles meeting Cooper’s definition had to be customized versions of factory rifles or built from scratch at tremendous expense.  Cooper then teamed with Steyr Mannlicher to produce a high quality factory made “off the shelf” version of his rifle and in 1998 Cooper’s vision of the perfect general purpose field rifle was released as the Steyr Scout.  This example is from a limited release of Scout rifles called the “Jeff Cooper Package” and it sets the standard for this type of firearm.  From it’s fluted barrel and all weather construction to the target grade trigger and integral bipod, there are few shooting tasks that this rifle can’t do well.  The Jeff Cooper Package edition rifle is normally found with a 2.5 extended eye relief scope mounted forward of the ejection port.  This particular rifle comes with a standard eye relief optic mounted in the conventional position above the ejection port, a common change some shooters preferred over the extended eye relief scope.  Either way, these rifles have a well-deserved reputation for precision and reliability few other firearms can live up to and being a limited edition release, this auction will appeal to both collectors and shooters!  Please see our photos and good luck!