Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Comments on Ruger American

Yes, they look cheap. But accuracy covers a multitude of sins...

Yeah, personally, I find that stock pretty ugly. But, as far as shootin' goes, I was at a 500 yard range the other day and there was a guy with a stock Ruger American 6.5 Creedmor that was holding his own, and frankly out-shot me (which, granted, ain't saying a lot) and a whole bunch of other guys with $1,000s in their rifles.

I picked up a Predator in 6mm Creedmoor to see how I liked the cartridge. If this rifle is any indication, the accuracy is outstanding, the trigger so-so and the clip crappy (and I grew up using clip rifles). I replaced the trigger with a Timney and that was a major improvement. The original clip worked, but the extra I ordered from Ruger will not feed at all.

On paper the 6mm is unreal as far as making tiny groups. I have a pocket full of tags to fill with candidates to see how it works on game!

I have one in 300 Blackout. I bought it because it was inexpensive. I am fine with the stock. In fact, the stock is really pretty good other than for looks. I have had no trouble with the magazine after they replaced the first one. This thing is short, light, fast to handle and accurate like you would not believe. I get 2395 fps out of 110 grain Hornady GMX with hthe 16" barrel and one hole groups at 100 yards. For an off season hog gun to keep in my side-by-side or when you need something for a close in stand in a small field, it is an excellent choice. I keep it by the back door at home to keep the critters coming up from the river at bay.

Yes, it is cheap, but I sure got my money's worth out of it.

I shot one in .270 the other day and I wasn't impressed a bit. Nothing about that rifle appealed to me. It didn't shoot worth a crap either. Perhaps he had too much fouling in it? it is a low round count gun, but has likely never seen a cleaning rod. In the American's price range, I would look for a Marlin X7 or a Savage.

the one I bought recently is the 7.62x39 version. I am very pleased with it. The other, in .308, was one of the very first ones. Less than MOS out of the box with a Redfield scope, and no issues at all. I paid less than $250 out the door for that on at Bass Pro in Birmingham.

A friend has an RAR Ranch Rifle in .223.
The trigger or stock hasn't been touched. We've never made it shoot under 1", but it's never shot over 1-1/2" with the cheapest crap we could find. I'd love to see what it would do, bedded with the channel opened up.
The magazine sucks, but does feed once loaded. The stock sucks (like every other rifle in it's price range). The trigger isn't bad, I just kinda hate bladed triggers.
With the stock/chassis from MDT and the new MagPul, both taking AI pattern mags, triggers from Timney, and switchaloo barrels from Patriot Valley, you can spend as much money as you want to on a cheap rifle. Been tempted to roll a 6.5 Predator that direction.
I do like it for what it is, but for what I do with a rifle these days, I'll probably roll a Tikka and be done.

FWIW, if I'm where brush is gonna yank my bolt open, my rifle is between my hands and not hanging over my shoulder.

Happy with my RAR in .223, full size standard rifle.

The only factory load through it was Win 55 grn softpoints, and they shot horribly, dismal groups. I still killed a deer with that combo a couple of days after purchase.

It is very accurate with handloads, 50 vmax, 65 grn Sierra's, 75 and 80 grn Amax. It will see some time deer hunting this year also.

I did find a tutorial on lengthening the magazine with epoxy and a router, and have been very pleased with the results, and the now 2.5" of room for COAL in the mag. I also ground out a bit of the right forearm channel for more consistent free float of the barrel.

the stock on them is too floppy, thats my primary gripe. also my .223 example has a really short throat for some reason. however, both of the ones i own are more accurate than any m77, m77 mk2, or 77/22 i have ever owned (and there have been several).

I have a RAR in 7mm-08...shoots handloads great. It only likes Hornady American Whitetaill factory ammo.

I have a RAPredator in .223. Only likes handloads. Factory ammo I have tried was terrible groups.

No issues with the trigger, magazines, or stocks. Mine are set ~3.5lbs. I was able to adjust them down where I wanted with no issues.

No feed issues at all with my 6.5 Creed Predator. It seems to shoot all of my handload combinations pretty well, although I've never tried factory ammo in it.

There some things a person shouldn't have to do:

Eat broccoli
Drive a Subaru
Hunt with a Ruger American

I love broccoli
Know nothing about Subaru
Only accurate rifles are interesting...( I think someone else already said that!)

I agree. It’s just not right.

I don't mind broccoli, but I'll agree on the other two.

I bought a 300BO Ranch last week, mounted a 1x4 SS and will be at the range in an hour to sight in with the cheapest sub ammo on the shelf, UMC 2XX through the Harvester. It don't hold a candle to my Montana's for look or feel, might be close in accuracy but the Montana's won't take a can.

Same with my compact 22, it ain't up to the Cooper or 39 Mounty but it has a purpose and RAR's are cheap.

I may give a Predator Creed a spin, cheap and threaded.

I like broccoli. We want to swap out our Camry for a Subaru. My wife shot her first deer last year with a Ruger American.

We did sell it even though it was accurate. That nonlocking bolt handle drove me nuts.

I am the proud owner of two “cheap” 223’s. A model 200 Stevens and a RAR. I am pleased with both for the money spent.
Neither could be considered top shelf but both are accurate and function well. YMMV

Yep, it's all about personal preferences. You enjoy your rifles, and don't worry what others say.

And please, don't shoot Remington 700s. They're, well, they're just wrong...