Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Accuracy of Ruger American rifles?

Hello,

I am thinking of a bolt gun in .223 for a gun to leave at the farm/ranch. How is the accuracy of the new Ruger American, especially the short barreled Ranch version?

I was leaning towards a Tikka, but the Ruger looks interesting. Any insights appreciated.

I have 3 270,243 and 243 compact all sub moa if I do my part but you mentioned tikka this is definitely not a tikka so if you are use to tikka rifles you might not like these. The only down fall to the American is the stock. But it still shoots good.

Tikka rifles are machined to exact tolerances and put together using the highest quality budget parts. Though the parts are inexpensive they are very strong and there seems to be very little complaint as to dependability or accuracy.

Tikkas generally offer bench rest accuracy for a $500 price tag. The legendary Tikka accuracy is not beaten by any other manufacturer and you can include rifles that cost into the thousands.

The RAR is a budget rifle that is not machined to exact tolerances and uses lower grade budget parts therefore cost $180 less than the Tikka. Many who are getting the RARs are putting $ into modifications but that will never address machining tolerances. You will basically end up with a Tikka price on a rifle that is not machined to Tikka tolerances.

My advice is if you buy the RAR except it for what it is....a budget rifle and shoot it as is.

If machining tolerances and higher quality budget parts are your thing then I'd recommend the Tikka.

Shod

With handloads I have two loads that are sub MOA, with 65grn Sierras and Hornady 75grn Amax.

The only factory load I tried in my RAR 22" were Wincheter 55grn softpoints, and they were the pits. I did kill a deer with them, but they sure aren't impressive on the target board.

I have 2, a compact in 223 and a standard 308. The 223 is a .5-.75 MOA shooter with decent ammo, about 1-1.5 MOA with budget FMJ ammo. The 308 isn't as good, around 1 MOA or a touch more with my hand loads.

Other than removing a bit of stock material to give the barrels a generous free float I don't intend to modify mine. I have better, nicer, more accurate rifles. For me they are beaters and truck guns that shoot better than expected for the money.

The Tikka is the better rifle, the Ruger is a darn good value if left alone. Once you start throwing money at it you'd be better off buying something else IMO.

I'm considering the same options for a 223 or 243. But in left hand stainless there is at least $250 in price difference. Another thing to remember is the Tikka is not a short action. It is the same as they use for the 30-06, just with a bolt stop and magazine block. For what I'm doing with it, the price difference will about cover scope and mounts.

I have a .270 Tikka T3 stainless and a .308 Ruger American stainless carbine. The Tikka is accurate as you'd expect. The Ruger was OK out of the box, but really improved after relieving the barrel channel to generous, even clearance. The Ruger now is at least as accurate as the Tikka.

I have not owned an RAR yet, but have been around and loaded for several. I have yet to see one that didn't shoot really well, floppy stock and all.

Manufacturers including GA Precision? laffin...

His remark is the most ridiculous I have ever read in regard to the Tikka. Their fan-boys are on a whole new level...

Where you finding $500 Tikka's unless they are blued and used?

I like my Tikka's but Im laffin also...........

Not an RAR or a Tikka, but if you can find one, the Marlin XS7s in 223 are very accurate and the option of shooting another cartridge with the same case base diameter, like the 204 Ruger, is just a Savage 110 series take-off barrel away. Since Marlin didn't make many XS7 sporters in 223, they made be hard to find when compared to those in 243, 7mm-08, and 308.

I'm a fan of the Marlin X guns, but now that they have been discontinued, I'm leaning toward the RARs as a best in class. I only own one RAR, a Predator style in 6.5 Creed that I got three days ago and have yet to shoot. Aesthetically speaking, the stock takes a little getting used to (at least it does for me), but the rifle feels good in my hands and seems to fit me well. Larry/Boxer posted a picture of an RAR Ranch Rifle the other day and since Larry/Boxer claims to be a demanding rifleman, who lives in a demanding climate, his lack of criticism of it is, by default, an unspoken endorsement.

My RAR was a .30-06 and it consistently shot 2-1/2" groups. I tried two different scopes, 5 or 6 different types of factory ammo and a variety of handloads.

Even though it was a gift from Dad (now departed), I sold it.

It is doubtful that I'll get another.

Thanks for all the information