I have been wanting to get back into bolt action rifle shooting for a while now. I sold my last bolt action rifle a year ago, a Winchester 70 in 7MM Rem Mag. Since I don’t hunt anymore, and I don’t really want the kick from the bench.
I was thinking about a bunch of different calibers, but decided to start with a .223 due to cost, availability, and accuracy out to 300 yards. Also, this will be the rifle my grandson will jump to from a 22 long rifle. I’d been planning on a Ruger American for a while, and when the generation twos came out that sealed the deal. I ordered mine from Palmetto State Armory, and received it in less than a week to my, FFL. I picked it up today, and I have to say based on early impressions, it is much nicer than the earlier versions simply based on initial feel. I like the stock and the texture a lot. I like the heft and the balance. I know an optic may change that some, once I find the one I want. It’ll probably a $500 Vortex, just to get started. Mine is the standard version, with a 20 inch barrel. Barrel is threaded and has a compensator on the end. I like the bolt that has an adjustable knob that can be removed easily. I’m not sure if the Picatinny rails such a great idea, but it’s an easy button for a quick optic. Ceracoat seems decent. Really like the idea that it uses magpul AR magazines, and it came with a single 10 round magazine.
It isn’t perfect. I could have gone with a Tikka, Savage, Mossberg, etc. But I do like Ruger’s and I’ve been happy with most every Ruger product I’ve bought.
Again, this is my foray back into bolt action shooting…and reloading bottle neck cartridges. This seems like a way to see if this is something I want to pursue without breaking the bank.
I have a couple of Gen 1 Americans. They’re good, serviceable, rifles. I got to handle a Gen 2 the other day, and it definitely felt like an improvement. The stock is a lot nicer, the action was smoother and didn’t make that weird “zipping” sound when cycled, and on the whole, the entire rifle just felt more “put together” and less budget-tier than the Gen 1’s.
I hope you and your grandson enjoy your Ruger American.
I have a Predator in 308 18". I run it suppressed. I really like it as a knock around, inexpensive, yet very effective rifle. I also chose a Vortex 4-12x50 scope with BDC reticle. I swapped in the AI magazine conversion kit, but you’ll be set up well using the Magpuls.
I have plans to get some Anarchy upgrades to bolt, no real rush. But check them out and explore around the site for bolt upgrade options.
A friend of mine who has several Ruger Americans in different calibers says to do myself a favor and get a Timney Trigger. Also no real rush for me. I’ve measured my trigger setting at 4 lbs. 1 oz., it’s pretty consistent and crisp to me. You do have to remember, it’s not a $10,000 custom rifle.
Agree…not a custom $$$K gun…I’m a frugal person. If I can get an accurate, reliable bolt setup for under $1200 for rifle, optic, etc., I will be excited!
I have two of the earlier ones, a Ranch in .300bo and a Predator in 6.5 Grendel. Both AR mag versions.
At $420 & $440 each they were good value, the Predator did require a bit of smoothing on the feed ramp but I’d blame that on the steep shoulder of the Grendel cartridge.
But when prices shot up I thought Ruger had stepped in it. Those rough edges I accepted for yesterday’s prices were harder to overlook at over $600 msrp.
Now Ruger appears to have stepped up and added more value to the Ranch/Predator line.