Sniper Rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO - Austria - Bolt Action - The Steyr Scout represents the ideal 'all-around rifle' for respected firearms instructor COL Jeff Cooper (UMSC, res.).  Cooper was inspired by the old USMC concept of the "Scout/Sniper" which placed a heavier emphasis on fieldcraft and recon than the actual engagement of enemy forces.  For such a task, the rifle would need to be short, light, and quick to use, yet powerful enough to stop a man within reasonable ranges.  Magazine capacity and rate of fire were not issues since the Scout would avoid sustained confrontations: just 'shoot and scoot'.  Such a weapon might also serve as a handy hunting rifle for those not in the service of their country.  The dimensions that Cooper drew up were: less than 1 meter long, close to 3 kilograms in weight, and accepting a cartridge capable of striking a decisive blow to anything under 300kg within 400m.  Other handy features included emergency ghost ring sights and a forward mounted scope for better field of view and rapid target acquisition.  Prototype and custom versions showed great promise; Cooper would even display its speed by shooting thrown clay pigeons.  After nearly 2 decades of futilely trying to convince US manufacturers, Steyr-Mannlicher rose to the challenge.  The final product surprised Cooper by meeting and even surpassing his goals.  The Steyr Scout is unconventional in appearance, but it is exceeding quick on target and easily maintains Steyr's reputation for high accuracy. ©D.E. Watters