Editing Scout rifle (section)

==Shooting and use==
Although it is unusual in appearance and design when compared to traditional rifles, the features which set the scout rifle apart were selected for utility rather than appearance. The scope sight is mounted on the barrel both for stability, and some claim it also allows faster acquisition of the sighting line when the rifle is brought to the shoulder.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} It also keeps the breech and ejection port of the weapon clear of obstruction, allowing rapid top-loading of cartridges and clearance of jams or other obstructions.

Being slightly shorter than most full-caliber rifles increases the [[muzzle blast]] from a scout rifle, and being lightweight increases the felt [[recoil]] (to a significant level in the Steyr Dragoon Scout due to its [[.376 Steyr]] cartridge). Even the recoil of the .308 Winchester in a scout was described as feeling like a [[.300 Winchester Magnum]] by ''Gun Tests''.<ref name="Gun Tests">''Gun Tests'' (January 2002), [http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/14_1/features/4985-1.html "Scouting Out Two Scout Rifles: Steyr, Savage Go Head To Head"]</ref>

Should the scope be damaged, it can be rapidly removed and the [[Iron sights#Ghost rings|ghost ring]] sight used.