The concept of having a scope mounted out of eyes reach allowing plenty of eye relief, unrestricted magazine access seem to be appealing traits for a big bore scope.
Now while they look weird if not ugly mounted up front asthetics aside why do we not see more of these in use?
Now who out there admits to using one?

I have used a steyr scout quit a bit. It is not a big bore but I think the concept would be nearly perfect on a true big bore. In fact I may have to have one set up that way

oh yes the other part of the question is why we don't see it much. one reason is that it is a MAJOR gunsmithing feat to get a scope mounted properly in the scout position. Since it is one of a kind set up it can get very expensive.

We have been installing more and more scout scopes on our big bores. I really like them; it is easy to pick up the target and easier for me to keep two eyes open while shooting and I never have to worry about getting whacked in the forehead. We mount them in QD rings on a quarter rib that we make. Very stout and repeatable. The reason most people don't like them is looks and tradition I suppose. If you go to "585 AHR in production" thread you will see one. Sorry I don't know how to link that.

I have two scouts that I use on a regular basis. I think it is a great system. it is extremely practical in most hunting situations. I think most of the bad rap that ths cout setup gets is that people are very used to target shooting and it throws them off. Still doable but a lot different than standard scope setup. These are 45/70 and 9.3x62. I wouldn't mind making up another scout like the 9.3 in a larger caliber like 416 rem/rigby or 458 Lott.

Here are my two scouts.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. While a leupold scout scope would be my first choice for reliability they look the strangest in scout position on a rifle. Burris scout looks nicer i think because it's a little trimmer but then Leupolds extended eye relief pistol scope (especially there 2.5 x 20) is compact and doesn't look too obtrusive. Has anyone had luck mounting a pistol scope? The eye relief would be all wrong right?

Of course there are some downsides. If the sun is at your back you can have the scope completely glare out. FOV is limited. Rifle balance can be thrown off.

Learn to shoot a conventional scope with both eyes open, and there is no reason for a scout scope.

Hmm completely glared out scope...that would be nasty with MR NYATI breathing down your neck! So not good for DG hunting then..

I shot .500 A-2 Hannibal? equipped with a Leupold handgun scope. It performed well for 2 shots I fired.