I like the concept of the scout rifle, being able to make a fast aimed shot while maintaining excellent field of view with both eyes open.
The concept calls for a scout scope (very long eye relief) of low magnification. I would think true 1X would be best for quick shots at close range.
However most people mount true 1x to 4x scopes on their ARs (not a scout rifle, but that is what I'm using) very close to the start of the buffer tube. Question: Does that short eye relief 1X scope scenario serve the same function as a scope mounted much further away? I think not.
In my view the most important aspect is to be able to quickly mount and aim the rifle while maintaining superior field of view (outside/around of the scope tube). I have no experience with either the scout scope or AR in stressful situations, so I know nothing --- except to ask the question.
I have read (not sure where), that having the scope further away increased field of view. For example the left eye is not blocked by the tube of the conventionally mounted scope by nearly as much since it is further away and therefore much smaller in the field of the left eye. The right eye would have to compensate and you the loose stereo vision.
Would true 1x not be much faster than even 1.5 or 1.2? Would Jeff not have wanted a true 1x for better speed (ie dangerous animal attacking) as well as variable magnification to 4x or even 8x (in new scopes) if the weight was not too great? Red dots don't work well with my eyes without glasses.
I have only found one scout scope with 1-4x28 and it is very inexpensive so probably not very good (strangely no one is cloning this scope, or even re-branding it??). I'm just exploring these ideas in my mind, but yes getting a true 1x with variable to 4x or higher scout scope is a serious problem.