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A basic but legal everywhere alternative to the AR-15. A pair of polar opposite but ballistically identical .300 Blackouts. The single-shot Scout in the foreground is legal pretty much everywhere. As equipped here both can share the same silencer. The Scout will also be the quieter pick.
My son was in the market for a rifle, something suitable for the roof rack of the UTV that serves as a workhorse on his sizeable homestead. Enter CVA’s .300 Blackout Scout. As envisioned, it would be a basic gun with more punch than a rimfire, but less bark than a high-powered rifle, preferably in a handy and weatherproof package, capable of withstanding some abuse without constant maintenance. Sounded to me like a truck gun, the generic description of a reasonably-priced firearm earmarked for protracted periods spent in suboptimal environments.
A possible contender was CVAs Scout. For nearly a decade, one of these simple break-barrel single-shots has weathered bumps and temperature extremes in the nether regions of my F-150. Cant say its really the worse for wear either, despite less than regular attention. It endures, mostly thanks to its stainless-steel construction, synthetic stock, and protective AR-type soft-case.
The latters external pockets are stuffed with a popular AR load but, instead of magazines, the contents are 10-round sleeves of .300 Blackout cartridges. Why this caliber? Similar to the needs of my son, it provides a useful level of power and range without excessive noise along with an intriguing ultra-quiet option. .300 Blackout Scout in truck gun mode. The pockets of its 34″ AR case contain spare ammo in10-round plastic strips – a self-contained KISS system that will stow in small spaces.
Want a Truck Rifle? Consider These Factors (shtfblog.com)
But first, a closer look at the rifle: CVAs Scout. The CVA .300 Blackout Scout Series
Like many other single-shots the Scouts are break-barrel designs with external hammers. However, unlike those produced by H&R, etc., the CVA doesnt incorporate a standard opening lever. Instead, it uses a system similar to Thompson/Centers switch-barrel Contenders and Encores (now discontinued).
A firm squeeze of a tang on the trigger guard allows the hinged barrel to break (or unlock), exposing its chamber for loading. To fire, swing the barrel closed and cock the hammer. Per the T/C, fired cases are extracted manually – with one major difference. Although CVA Scout barrels mount to their frames via a similar sturdy hinge-pin, the Contenders multi-caliber system is unavailable.
Scout Rifles CVA
Its predecessor, CVAs discontinued Apex, did offer interchangeable barrels (I still own one in several calibers barrels to include the .300 Blackout). Like the T/Cs, swapping barrels is easily accomplished by tapping out a pin. But, apparently, the main attraction of the CVA was the gun itself.
The beefier and pricier Apex is no more, but the Scout continues to thrive and evolve. Advertised as the new standard in affordable single-shot rifles its available in several popular calibers. The latest iteration can even be purchased as a takedown model (more on this shortly). A longer produced CVA Apex (top) shown with interchangeable .308, .50 muzzleloader and .300 Blackout barrels (attached). The .300 Blk Scout below it is a simplified but similar version. Both designs utilize a robust hinge pin (top barrel), however, the TD Scout’s pivot-point has been modified for quick disassembly. See below…
The .300 Blackout Scout is the main subject of this post but, according to CVAs somewhat contradictory website, its also chambered for the .243 Win, .350 Legend, .35 Whelen, 444 Marlin,.450 Bushmaster and .45/70 (along with a new .410-bore turkey model). However, depending on where you click, other versions appear in 6.5 Creedmore, 7mm-08, and .44 Magnum. Features
I found the site a bit confusing, but the Scouts ambidextrous advantages were clearly touted. The hammer has a reversible thumb extension, and the stock can accommodate righties or lefties. Made from molded plastic, the butt is fitted with a CrushZone recoil pad.
The barrel ships with a preinstalled DuraSight one-piece scope base, advertised to accept most new standard scope rings found on the market today. Sold in various lengths and finishes, the stainless heavy-hitters are fitted with muzzle-brakes. Others are blued, shorter stocked Compact models. At one point, pistol versions were offered, but they dont appear on the current CVA website. Costs
Pricing led to a bit more confusion. Apparently, a basic Scout lists for $375, others as much as $465. Produced in Spain, the barrels supposedly come from Bergaras well known factory (connected to CVA). The Scouts come with a lifetime warranty. The .300 Blackout Cartridge (L-R) .223 Remington (5.56 NATO), .300 Blackout (supersonic version) and 7.62×39 Russian cartridges. The .300 Blk is AR friendly but offers interesting possibilities for a single-shot rifle like the Scout.
By its design, the .300 Blackout Scout is a bit of an odd duck, as is the bipolar cartridge. What sets it apart from a long list of .30-calibers is two distinct velocity options: supersonic and subsonic.
Five .30 Caliber AR-15 Options (shtfblog.com) Both sides of the .300 Blackout: 220-grain subsonics (L) and 110-grain supersonics. The pointed bullets are solid copper Barnes TAC-TX projectiles designed to approximate the length of 5.56 loads – a lesser concern for a single-shot rifle.
Designed for use in AR-15s, the speediest .300 Blk rendition can drive 110-grain bullets to around 2350 fps. But the rationale for its development is really tied to its slower quiet side, which brings us to silencers. The Blackout an evolution of the .300 Whisper- was designed to eliminate telltale supersonic cracks, using ultra-heavy bullets of 190 to 220-grains. When fired at subsonic velocities via light powder charges, these odd-looking loads can generate the pressures required for reliable function. Theyll also fit a standard AR-15 bolt and can cycle through its action and magazines. Thus, a conversion to .300 Blk only requires a different barrel, or complete upper receiver assembly. Of possible interest to reloaders, cases can even be formed from shortened .223/5.56 brass (the source for most of my loads).
How to Convert .223/5.56 Brass to .300 Blackout (shtfblog.com)
Thread a can on the muzzle and the result is an extremely quiet report. Or shoot supersonic loads and reap the benefits of increased .30-caliber punch. Downsides? Depending on the AR-15, a bit of tinkering could be necessary to gain reliable subsonic function. The backpressures produced by a suppressor may also expel some gas through the receiver.
These issues are rendered moot with a bolt-action or, for a bit less money, a simple break-barrel Scout. Suppressed, itll also be quieter than a semiauto thanks to its solidly locked breech. The Blackout Scout
This Scouts most striking feature is its size – really short! Another is its heft, not a crowbar, but not a flyweight. Its abbreviated length is mostly a product of a compact receiver; much shorter than an AR-15s. The Scouts barrel is actually the same length as a standard carbine, and its beefy contour accounts for the heft. Specs
While in the midst of writing this, a new Scout showed up – which happened to be my sons. Since its a current-production example, I borrowed it to record some specs. Circa 2014 CVA Scout compared to the snazzier 2023 TD version. Despite its takedown capability and cosmetic differences, both are essentially the same rifle. The older Scout (fitted with a QD suppressor device) came with an integral scope mount. The latest base-only offering is more versatile.
The barrel, which measures 16 -inches, is long enough to exceed the federal minimum (16 per NFA regs), but short enough to remain handy with a can attached. Its rear diameter is a chunky one inch, gradually tapering to .750 at the muzzles threads. Machined 5/8×24 (cmmon for .30-calibers), the threads are protected by a knurled collar.
To stabilize heavy and slow subsonics, the bore is rifled 1:8, the same quick rate utilized by many other Blackouts. The Scouts barrel sheds a bit of weight through a series of attractive flutes, but its stiffness isnt compromised, an advantage with a suppressor (lighter barrels are more likely to experience zero shifts).
Weight, according to my scale, is 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces.
Overall length is 31 -inches. Thats 3 less than a 16 AR-15 adjusted to the same LOP (when measured to their actual muzzles).
The stocks length-of-pull (LOP) is 14-inches. The butt has a molded-in QD sling boss and the forend is fitted with a steel QD stud, convenient for the attachment of a sling with QD swivels.
The trigger averaged a consistent but very light 2-pound pull (10 measurements). My older Scouts trigger was also consistent but was a more field-friendly 3 pounds – not that youd carry one cocked.
Typical of break-barrels, the Scouts hammer is a rebounding design. Contact with the firing pin is only established if the trigger is held to the rear. The action can be opened without undue effort by the shooting hand. My nine-year-old version is pretty much the same gun, but it was fitted with a CVA one-piece Z-2 integral base & 1-inch ring system. The latest Picatinny-type base-only offering is much more versatile. Takedown Model
Until it was unboxed, my son had no idea his new Scout was a takedown model. Ordered because of its spiffy camo stock and catchy burnt bronze Cerakote finish, it arrived free of defects. But the latch on its forend was a mystery. A comparison of my Scout to his revealed its purpose.
My forend is attached to the barrel by two screws. His can be disassembled by a simple flip of the latch. The Deeley-type release allows the barrel to separate from the frame per a typical double or O/U shotgun. This feature, unadvertised by its seller, accounted for the TD on the label of its box. CVAs website sums it up nicely:
The SCOUT TD comes with either a 22 or 25 (heavier calibers) fluted, stainless steel barrel. Featuring quick-take-down and tool-free disassembly, its also a great stowaway emergency/survival gun for the camp, boat, or truck.
True enough! Guess they missed the 16 Blackout though. Its longest piece, disassembled, is the 18 -inch receiver half. The Takedown Scout disassembled. A flip of the latch permits removal of the forend. The barrel separates from the frame after opening the action. The receiver appears to be a common design. The TD version differs through its barrel-block (hinge) and hanger hardware. Fielding the Scout
This Scout may be short, but its 14-inch stock is definitely adult-sized. I wound up ordering an inexpensive 13 Compact stock for mine directly through CVA, mostly to solve a fit issue (it grew 2 upon the installation of a suppressor mount, exceeding the size of its 34 case). The shorter stock was also a better match for the eye relief of my scope when bundled up in winter clothing. Sighing Systems & Ballistics Scope mounting in progress, starting with a set of basic Leupold Rifleman 1″ medium rings. The scope is a basic 2-7X33 Freedom, customized by US Cerakote (the Rimfire MOA version would be a useful alternative). No mounting hassles, plenty of eye-relief latitude, and enough height to clear the hammer.
Although no iron sights are provided, the preinstalled base will accommodate numerous red-dot sights (or magnifying prismatic versions), and scopes. Suitable rings shouldnt be an issue, but hammer clearance and eye relief are worth considering (more a matter of fit due to negligible recoil).
Because my Scout is part of a larger .300 Blk collection, its main diet consists of 110-grain supersonics, so I just zero its vintage Burris 4X Mini-scope at 100 yards and call it good. The scopes small size maintains a semblance of handiness and its basic crosshairs suffice.
Shoot supers and subs through the same rifle and youll need to compensate for their trajectories. Lots of good candidates though, at various price points. One Ive been eyeballing is Leupolds VX Freedom 1.5-4×20 scope ($300). Coupled with its 1 tube and generous eye relief, the graduated MOA-ring version looks right.
VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 MOA-Ring | Leupold This 3-shot 100-yard subsonic group (circled in red) was produced by Hornady’s 190-grain SUB-X load. Measuring just 1″, the accuracy was certainly there, but it came with 13″ of drop! Because the Scout was zeroed for 110-grain supersonics, the crosshairs were centered on the target’s “head”.
Due to the disparate velocities of subsonics and supersonics – 1050 Vs 2350 fps – each load will require a predetermined zero (through come-ups or a reticle). If sighted in with 110-gr. supersonics at 100 yards, plan on around a foot of drop through a switch to subs. Useful ranges? Around 200 and 100 yards, respectively. Neither will ever come close to a .308 Winchester, but the power is there to handle game through average-size deer with the right bullets.
.300 Blackout Hunting Ammunition Choices (shtfblog.com) Accuracy
A 1:8 twist is a bit quick for light bullets but most Blackouts, to include the CVAs, will shoot 1 100-yard groups (1.5 MOA) or better – not match grade, but still useful. Ditto for subsonics. The CVA Bergara-built barrels lock up solidly via a sturdy bite and are known for their good accuracy. Representative 100-yard Scout/.300 Blk accuracy: This pair of 3-shot groups was recorded, early on, while sighting in a supersonic handload (created from shortened .223 cases). The scope is a simple 4x Burris Mini (no longer produced). The 5/8×24 G.I. flash cage was a temporary installation. Closing Comments
If you live in Wyoming this kind of rig probably wont cut it; youll more than likely need more range and power. Same for the larger numbers of hunters like another son. Being less of a gun person, virtually all of his needs are covered through a pair of .22 LR and .3006 bolt-actions, and one 12 Gauge pump shotgun.
.300 Blackout vs .308 Winchester – Which is Best? (shtfblog.com)
Meanwhile, the owner of the TD Scout has a growing son of his own. And, in that platform, the .300 Blackout could make a great starter gun. Recoil, flash and muzzle blast are much less than a .243. Subsonics, of course, are even milder, and will function through a bare muzzle just fine. For handloaders this opens the gateway to versions with lighter bullets, or even .32-20 and .32 ACP-class small game loads.
My Scout joined a growing collection of.300 Blackouts during 2014, primarily for use as a basic truck gun. Although fitted with a QD suppressor mount, it seldom sees a can. Instead, I use it the same way many others probably will. Its just a basic, weatherproof gun that can handle most chores without breaking the bank. Likewise, ammo costs arent prohibitive, and also fairly common.
Same .300 Blackout Scout fitted with a QD suppressor system for ultra-quiet shooting. No feeding or pressure-related concerns. It’s a low-tech system – but one that works. Remove the “can” and it becomes a basic PC-acceptable gun.
Based upon online listings, .300 Blk Scouts fetch higher prices, but most still run less than $500. Thats around the same cost as an AR-15 upper receiver, but any necessary extras should be minimal thanks to its self-contained design. A classic KISS system, its also legal just about everywhere. CVAs latest .350 Legend is another viable option, although 5.56 case-conversions are a no-go.
Finally, for more about centerfire rifles of all types, heres a link to Centerfire Rifles: A Buyers and Shooters Guide: Centerfire Rifles: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide: Special AR-15 Section Included (Survival Gun) Markwith, Steve (Author)English (Publication Language) $17.40 Buy on Amazon
