Editor's Note: At 2 p.m. EST this afternoon, Ruger will unveil a new gun they say you "absolutely must have". We're not certain what gun they're referencing, but last week, Ruger let the cat out of the bag about their new Gunsite Scout Rifle (GSR). Tactical Wire editor Rich Grassi has already taken the new GSR for a spin -appropriately enough - at Gunsite, home of Col. Jeff Cooper, champion of the scout rifle concept. Here are Rich's observations on the new Ruger GSR.

Ruger's New Gunsite Scout Rifle (GSR) a new entry in the Ruger Model 77 platform. Chambered in .308 Winchester, it offers a viable option for anything from long days hunting to home defense. Rich Grassi photo.

I was recently assigned a trip to Gunsite along with a group of media types from print, internet and television to cover a new gun that Ruger was introducing. It was not yet ready for prime time, or so it was said, and we had to sign non-disclosure agreements. A few days ago, Ruger let the cat out of the bag. So will I. The new firearm is the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle. A joint project with Gunsite, the GSR is built along the lines of the Cooper Scout with a few minor departures. This model has been in process for a year or more. Built from the Ruger Model 77, the new rifle features a laminate stock -- something Ruger builds in-house -- with a length of pull adjustable from 12 3/4" to 14 1/4". The iron sights are of the current Mini-14 design, as is the flash suppressor. Of considerable interest to me, is that the barrel is threaded at the muzzle to accept muzzle accessories including the SureFire flash suppressor. A SureFire sound suppressor of the .30 caliber variation would be nice on this 16 1/2" medium contour free-floated barrel. Like concept Scouts, this rifle is chambered for a battle rifle cartridge -- the .308 Winchester. A seven pound rifle (before accessories) can be a handful when chambered for such a cartridge, but the Ruger GSR takes it easily. It's a soft-shooting rifle. It's fed from a single column 10-round magazine of the M-40 variety. Ruger will soon have polymer magazines available. 10- and 5-round magazines are currently available. The 20+ test rifles were outfitted with Leupold and Burris Scout Scopes -- featuring long eye relief -- as well as a red dot sight, irons sans optics, and one rifle was fitted with a conventional eye relief scope mounted over the receiver. I fired three different samples during my stay. Aside from the moderate recoil, there was a fine trigger and accuracy up to the task of a general scout rifle. Understand, this rifle is designed to be handy and, for that reason, a constant companion when you're afield. MOA accuracy was easily achieved by Rangemaster Ed Head with sample GSRs and nothing in my experience led me to believe that anyone couldn't duplicate that feat. Slings used at the seminar were Galco Safari Ching Slings. The ammo we used was Hornady 165 grain SST "Superformance" -- a fast load indeed. The Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle has the Gunsite trademark on the grip cap with the name roll-marked on the receiver. Suggested retail is $995. If I had a place in the country, I guarantee this is one rifle I'd have. With the addition of a scout scope -- you learn to shoot with both eyes open -- and a SureFire can, this would be the "every day rifle." -- Rich Grassi