Made a few more mods to the FR-8 Scout

[henschman]

I put this FR-8 scout rifle together a few years ago. Originally, I retained the factory tri-frame that contained the front sight housing and the frame for the bayonet mount/cleaning kit. It was always an issue that the top of the circular front sight frame is right in the center of the sight picture when an optic was mounted. Also, I came to realize that while it looks cool, the cleaning kit tube and bayonet mount are not necessary, and just add extra forward weight on a rifle that needs to be light and handy, and that I would never use the bayonet... so I did a little trimming.

There was also an issue with the rear sight. The 200m aperture was too small for use in low light, or for fast target acquisition. I drilled it out to 7/64", and it is much better.

The factory trigger was also not great. it was crisp, but heavy with a long take-up -- so I installed a Timney Sportsman K98 trigger. It was less than $50, in keeping with the low cost of this project (I had less than $400 in it before this), and was a huge improvement. It is now crisp and light, with no take-up. It was also extremely easy to install. I highly recommend this trigger for surplus rifles that may see field use.

She is all ready for the Pecos Run 'n Gun next month. I'm going for the bolt gun trophy.

Here is what she looks like now overall:

 

[Glocktogo]

Nice! What's the total weight now?

 

[henschman]

7.6 lbs.

 

[HiredHand]

Do you like the straight bolt handle?

 

[henschman]

Yeah, I like it just fine. I see no reason to change it.

 

[BrandonM]

Very cool rifle. I've shot an FR-8 a few times.

 

[Surveyor1653]

I like the look of that setup, Dan. Very nice.

 

[okla1911]

Very cool.....I really dig the Col Cooper scout rifles! I'll build one up someday.