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There are three gun “types” marketed to us which appear similar: guide, mountain, and scout rifles. All three “types” seem to have common traits: reduced weight for carrying comfort in rough terrain, shorter overall length to get through heavy brush (18-20 inch barrels), impervious to harsh weather, bolt action, dependability, and accuracy with retained firepower.
One difference might be that the guide and scout guns typically include iron sights, whereas mountain guns are designed more for scopes only. Another difference might be that scout guns are identified with 308 Win (though not exclusively), whereas the other two are offered in a wide variety of cartridges. My impression is that mountain rifles emphasize reduced weight a bit more than the other two (maybe), and perhaps need more accuracy beyond 200 yards. Otherwise traits like muzzle brakes, triggers, scope mounting, type of stock, etc. seem to be a mixed bag.
The above are just my impressions since I’ve never read anything that specifically differentiates a guide gun from a scout gun from a mountain gun. Because I hunt in the tangled mountainous rain forest they call Oregon I’m keen on these types of rifles. Maybe those are just marketing names and not real differences? In other words, not genuine classifications.
So what’s the deal? I admit to being a bit perplexed about whether there are genuine distinctions that we can use to differentiate between a guide, mountain, and scout rifle. If I walk up to one I couldn't just say, "Yep, that's a mountain rifle" or "Yep, that's a scout rifle" beyond just the brand name given by a manufacturer. If any of you can provide more definitive differences between them please share. Thanks!
One difference might be that the guide and scout guns typically include iron sights, whereas mountain guns are designed more for scopes only. Another difference might be that scout guns are identified with 308 Win (though not exclusively), whereas the other two are offered in a wide variety of cartridges. My impression is that mountain rifles emphasize reduced weight a bit more than the other two (maybe), and perhaps need more accuracy beyond 200 yards. Otherwise traits like muzzle brakes, triggers, scope mounting, type of stock, etc. seem to be a mixed bag.
The above are just my impressions since I’ve never read anything that specifically differentiates a guide gun from a scout gun from a mountain gun. Because I hunt in the tangled mountainous rain forest they call Oregon I’m keen on these types of rifles. Maybe those are just marketing names and not real differences? In other words, not genuine classifications.
So what’s the deal? I admit to being a bit perplexed about whether there are genuine distinctions that we can use to differentiate between a guide, mountain, and scout rifle. If I walk up to one I couldn't just say, "Yep, that's a mountain rifle" or "Yep, that's a scout rifle" beyond just the brand name given by a manufacturer. If any of you can provide more definitive differences between them please share. Thanks!