Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Need advice on a couple Ruger American upgrades

Howdy:

I purchased a new Ruger American Compact this winter in 308 Winchester to try out. I'll be still hunting, doing a lotta mountain walking in my search for another NH Whitetail this Fall. I have a couple questions about upgrades.

1. Can you folks recommend a decent company to purchase a good replacement rear bolt shroud? Not liking the plastic one and I'd like to go lightweight aluminum if possible.

2. I'd like to replace the flimsy (although light weight) stock with a decent wood stock. Again, I'd like it simple and lightweight and didn't know if you folks had a recommendation for one for this COMPACT AMERICAN model.

Thank you in advance,

Rich

Sell the Ruger and buy a Kimber Hunter.

I haven’t bought from them but others seem to like them:

https://gladesarmory.com/product-category/ruger/ruger-american-shroud-ruger/

https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com/bolt-shroud-replacement-for-the-ruger-american-rifle/

Boyd's will probably be your huckleberry for a wood stock.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Solid advice

"Dump the Chevy and buy a Rolls Royce " kind of advise...

I hunt with a Ruger American Predator.. it'll do fine on its own... and you won't have to worry about beating it up, especially in snowy New Hampshire.. I find beauty in utility... not in having a rifle I don't want to scratch up...

Try Pacific Tool and Gauge in White City Oregon...they make a lot of aftermarket upgrades for a lot of different brands of rifles.

they offer an aluminum bolt shroud for $35 and a steel one for $40.

They also offer a Savage style barrel nut for $35 if that interests you...

Rich,
Congrats on the Ruger American. That's cool you're hunting with a rifle made in your home state.

I just swapped out the plastic bolt shroud on my 308 for an aluminum one from anarchy outdoors. All went well.

I personally like the original stock and the bedding system is far superior to any other budget rifle out there. The recoil pad is excellent as well. The rifle shoots everything I've tried under 3/4" @ 100 yards. That 1:10" rifling stabilizes 200 and 220 grain bullets very well. Some of my handloads, like the 200 grain hot cor, clover leaf the target. Easily the most accurate rifle I own.

I had issues with both the old rotary mag and the newer replacements. In addition to the plastic bolt shroud, I also don't care for the plastic trigger guard. So that's where I made improvements, and the ugrade was quick and easy.

Now fed from steel AI mags, no other rifle I own would feed more reliable. I purposely set the depth of the AI bottom metal, so that the magazine feed lips almost touch the bottom of the bolt.

The 3 lug design seems meant for steel AI mags, as one lug points straight down when cycling the rifle, and fits right in between the feed lips, getting a good purchase on the cartridge.

During feeding, the tip of cartridges stay slightly above the feed ramp, before the round is released from the feed lips. The rounds have a slight upward cant toward the chamber, controlled by very strong spring pressure of the steel AI mags.

Anyhow, I've no use for a fkn over-priced tikka or kimber hunter. The American is the top selling bolt action in the United States

Here in Alaska, friends are stacking moose n caribou with em no problem.

$100 for the rifle & scope used.

Less than $350 for the aluminum shroud, trigger guard, bottom metal and used AI mags.

Do the math on that.

Terrific info. guys, thank you so much for your posts.

Rich

I’ve bought from Anarchy Outdoors before and everything was smooth, if you have doubts about them.

+1 on Anarchy Outdoors.

Only problem with using a Boyd's stock is they don't really make one for the compact gun. The standard one will fit, but it looks really odd to put a full length stock on it, then have that short barrel sticking out front. That's purely a cosmetic issue, but it might bother some.

I have a sample of one, a ranch in 7.62x39. Easily, my most used and shot rifle. May not be the best stock in the world but outside of that it’s a solid rifle. Looked around and next to nothing for the ranch in a replacement stock. Decided I did t want to change it after all, defeated my purpose in the rifle. The bolt shroud is probably going to go on mine as well… most likelyAnarchy for me so I’m watching the comments also. As said by a previous poster”Something to be said about utility.” It rides in-the Jeep and ATV constantly with nary a bobble.

Not to hijack this thread, but…
I’d love to hear more on the bottom metal, trigger guard, and mags.

Interested in this as well. Thanks.

well I would say if one actually believe Google 100% and also had much knowledge of the history of different firearms. kimber's reputation that hit and miss on accuracy is there the little rugers reputation for accuracy is pretty solid....

I sold mine and bought a Tikka. I don't see any point in throwing money at the Ruger's. They are an accurate budget rifle left as is. But when you start putting money into one you'll quickly end up with more money in it than it would cost to just buy a better rifle in the 1st place.

I've had 3 of the Predators, a 308, 6.5CM and 223. The 308 took AI magazines and was trouble free. As is the 223 that takes AR magazines. I had issues with the standard magazines in the 6.5 CM. I kept the 223 and swapped the others for comparable Tikka's. No mag issues at all and they are more accurate. I use the 5 round Tikka mags and like them better.

The stock is fine as is. Yes, it is flimsy, but the way Ruger's are bedded it doesn't affect accuracy the way it would on other rifle designs.

I only paid $350 each for the Predators I owned. At that price they were a bargain. But they are in the $500-$600 range now. I can still buy a Tikka for $100-$200 more. Much better than throwing the same money at a Ruger.

When the RAR-Ps came out in 2015 I bought several of them and bedded some of those in Boyds Heritage style in laminated stocks. The Boyds stocks improved the handling, fit, and feel, but added a full 16 ounces to the package.

I bought a gently used Kimber Hunter in 308 via GB in 10/22 for $750. It is light, it is stainless, it shoot Winchester 150 grain Dear Season XP factory loads into groups that are a hair over MOA, not a bad mountain rifle. The 257 Roberts and 6.5 CM both do MOA or better with their pet loads. I don't love the ergs of the factory Hunter stock and if B&C inletted a stock like the original 700 TI, I would probably spend the money to replace all 3 stocks.

But, as with all things, what works well for one person might not work as well for another.

From the things that have been discussed the first thing I would do before a bolt shroud is schitt can the trigger and put on a Timney, not really a Timney fan but they nailed it on The Ruger American

takes about 10 minutes they have a nice 2 lb trigger...

Jmr40, I certainly won't be selling my American for a tikka. I like a short action cartridge in an actual short action rifle. Preferring the heavier bullets in the 308, I like that 1:10 twist, and certainly won't down-grade to a 1:11 twist.

Boatanchor,
If I'm cloverleafing groups from a 3 lb stock trigger, why would I waste money on an upgrade? Of all my rugers, I've never felt the need to replace any trigger. Minor tuning was all that was needed.

Last time I checked, this is the Ruger American thread. Scores of tikka and kimber fan-boy threads. Go jump on those. This is about the top selling, most affordable budget rifle in the United States.

Anyhow, the best value in the ruger american world is not the predator model, but new and used standard rifles. And yes they are well worth the upgrades.

OK, enough about overpriced budget guns that have nothing to do with upgrading a Ruger American.

So, $100 for a used American+Scope.
$347 for 2 steel AI mags, aluminum bolt shroud and aluminum bottom metal.

That's $447 all up, all steel and aluminum.

Next upgrade is open sights.

Dmn it! The barrel is gonna have to be chopped to 20". It won't fit in a vertical scabbard under my handle bar like my 338 RCM carbine. Smith charges $40 for a cut/recrown.

Mainer:

Where did you source the bottom metal/trigger guard from? That seems like a very worthwhile upgrade to me!

Thanks

used the boyds ai kit. Took 3 tries to get mag depth and mag angle EXACTLY where I wanted it. Had to rummage around a Napa bolts/fasteners bin for a longer 1/4" fine thread hex bolt. I think 1/4" longer threads.

Many thanks for the info.

How much work did it take for the mag well to work? Was the factory inlet close?

What I mean is could a fella swap out just the bottom metal/mag box and keep the plastic trigger guard? Not optimal but just curious?

$100 for the rifle and scope?

That’s a helluva deal. Never seen one that cheap, much less wearing a Redfield.

This plus 10..mb

I only have a sampling of one Ruger American Ranch in .300 Blk. The only upgrade I've done is add a Silencer CO ASR flash suppressor. I wouldn't put a ton of money in one, but I don't mind making a cheap rifle something I enjoy by spending a little money over time.

There is a point of no return on upgrading a budget rifle. I have a left-hand, stainless .308. I put a little epoxy in the cross-hatch in the front of the stock to firm it up and changed the trigger spring, allowing me to adjust it down to around 3.5 pounds. I put an SWFA 6x fixed scope on it, along with SWFA rings. The magazines work OK as is, as long as I do not put a full mag of rounds in it. Ruger also sent me some replacements, which seem a bit better. Total expenditure-virtually nothing, as I had the epoxy and the springs already.

Your money, your choice, but my 1/2-moa rifle is just fine for me, without investing a bunch of money in it.

$100.00 for the rifle and scope, really, must have been well "used".

Yea if he likes his rifle that’s all that matters. His figures are not all that practical though. To end up where he did you have to buy the rifle and scope for $100. That’s not common. Then you have to be able to do all those modifications yourself and not everyone can.

I’m sure not saying what someone else should spend their money on though. I just bought a Howa mini and have sank more into it than it will ever be worth. We just have our selves to please.

Have no idea why you chose the azz hole approach ????????
I have 2 Ruger American Rifles and IMO the Timney trigger was the most significant upgrade to both of them, does a lot more for performance than your pretty pink bolt shroud that does nothing

I was going to ask maybe a silly question

I have a couple Americans and had a couple more

What is the practical reason for replacing the bolt shroud?

In the thread like this I would probably not suggest we’ll my xxx is just better. But I also understand not dumping a ton into a budget rifle. I just went through this with an older 700ADL in243 that is just nice rifle but the things I wanted to do to it it makes sense to start with a new rifle and that’s what I am doing

For what they are Americans are just good rifles the Ruger in 450 BM are everywhere here. Plus any issues Ruger is awesome at Customer Serv not sure it’s as good with everyone

Hank

I would sell it and buy a Tikka rifle. Might be cheaper in the long run and the quality is there

Hank, yep great customer service with Ruger.

I replaced my bolt shoud because it cracked at 30 below zero. Rifle took a spill with the bolt open. Anarchy are out of stock on everything but anodized red shrouds.

That makes sense if you possibly hunt in that degree of cold
I would replace it also

Thanks for the perspective
Hank

Was $230 for the gunsmith to install open sights, barrel cut to 20" and target crown. So $677 all up, open sights, scope, two accuracy international mags, ai bottom metal and aluminum bolt shroud.

It weighs 7.3 lbs.

All I've upgraded on my Ruger American Predator, was to some polymer magazines...

Chambered in 6.5 Grendal, its just fine for what I need in a hunting rifle.

I have a pair of Howa Minis in 223, and as much as I like the rifles... I'd prefer a Predator in 223.

a 4 x 14 Burris on top...

one of my most favorite rifles.

I like Tikkas, BUT they don’t make a lite that I wouldn’t have to chop/thread to run suppressors on. Even then it’d take adapters. There’s rifles for individual purposes, and there’s some Ruger American models that fill some good niches for the $. They’re also FAR more readily available in FAR more configurations and chamberings than Tikkas….OR Howas. I like my Howa Mini, and most Howas. For my particular 223 bolt gun uses, taking AR mags makes some sense. The Rugers are highly utilitarian, and that often wins decisions for many.

They are great budget guns backed by excellent customer service and aftermarket support.

Yep,the advantages and value of an American over a tikka are almost too numerous to list. I can totally see why they're the top-selling bolt action. They probably outsell tikkas 10:1.

I have an early American in .223 compact. It has no provisions to change out the magazine except to buy a new stock. At some point it will be the trainer for the grand kids so I don't see the value in going to a new stock just to get a new style of magazine. I'll let one of the grand kids make that choice. I recently bought a Predator in 22-250. Every load I put in it is MOA or better with 60 grain soft points. I bought some more of the Ruger rotary magazines and they all work OK. Not perfect, but Ok.

If Ruger ever offers the compact in .358 Winchester, I'm in. Take my money.

kwg

Edit: Mainer in AK, that is a very good looking American. I like the fixed sights.

kwg

Kwg,
Judman has a ruger american predator in 358 winchester with 18" barrel. Cool guns.

It's a factory built gun or did he swap the barrel ?? We can use the .357 and larger bullets in Iowa to hunt deer with. Most folks are going with the .350 Legend but I'd rather have a bolt action.

kwg

Kwg, it was a factory run for grice I believe. 500 built. Anyhow for a cheap rifle, I love it, tac and 225 sgk’s, shoots great, kills even better. Saw one in the classifieds a while back.

Dang Judman, between that thumper and your American in 7mm PRC, you're pretty well covered. Very impressive, the diversity of cartridges the Americans come chambered for.

How does the PRC shoot?

And you ask yourself, why did he say buy a Kimber on a Ruger thread?

Well, this is why.........

I have owned around 25 RARs and still have 16 of them.

I think that the RARs are good budget rifles, they were better when the NIB prices were under $400 all day every day everywhere, but they're still okay. Despite their accuracy, I don't think that they are a platform worth spending a lot of money on to upgrade, 'cause those one at a time upgrades can end up costing more money than you plan to spend or can ever get out of it. I don't particularly care for the stocks, so I restocked several of the Predators with Boyds laminated Heritage style stocks. I like the ergs of the Boyds stocks better than the OEM stocks, but with 8 years of hindsight to reflect on, if I had it to do over again I'd just install a Beartooth comb riser and save $150 per stock swap. I'd also save close to 16 ounces, 'cause the Boyds laminated Heritage style stocks weigh a full pound more than the factory stocks. I also swapped into Timney triggers on several of the Predator and feel that it is an upgrade well worth the money spent. That said, I got snake-bit when it comes to modifying factory triggers due to a trigger failure on a Mossberg 800 over 25 years ago. When you dodge a bullet, literally, its an experience that you're never likely to forget or ever want to experience again.

I'm not married to any particular brand or style of firearms and what other people chose to buy or use is of no consequence to me. I don't own any shares in a firearms manufacturer, I prefer tobacco companies, so I don't have any incentive to try to steer anyone toward any specific firearms manufacturer, but if you chose to smoke, please consider buying an Altria product to help a fellow out.

For a guy who is looking for a light weight bolt action rifle to carry up and down the hills around Bartlett, New Hampshire, I think that a Kimber Hunter is just a better choice. A Remington 700 TI would be a good choice too, as would a CLR, but neither of them are still in production and there seem to be plenty of Kimber Hunters on GB. Yes, it costs more to buy, but it comes as a complete package, no need to change anything. As a tinkerer, I'm driven to tinker with just about every mechanical thing that I own, looking for changes that will improve it to better fit my wants/needs, but the Kimber Hunters that I own have resisted all temptations so far. I guess that if McM inletted a Comapct for the Kimber I'd be tempted, but they don't and I would have a hard time justifying putting a $700 stock on a $700 rifle.

Mainer, I have not. River been too high, don’t wanna swamp the sxs.😆

Been mowing, spraying, fertilizing, weed eating and killin turkeys. I will post findings when I do. Hard to beat a straight up RAR for a budget killin hammer.👊🏻

260rem,
Just looked at that 308 kimber, since you're repeating yourself.

Not impressed. Fed from a 3 round mag with a 1:12 twist, that thing would be useless.

All my handloads are 200 grain bullets, I've not had good luck stabilizing most 200 grain bullets from a 1:12 rifling in 308's.

It is too long for brush busting.

In multi caribou bag limits, 3 round mags would be useless.

At $819, I see no value in a kimber hunter compared to a $499 ruger compact or standard american. You may "think" it's complete package but your perspective is far too narrow.

I'll stick with my Ruger American, and I'm quite certain someone would gladly pay $677 for this Alaskanized carbine.

Different people, different scenarios, different needs, perceived or actual. You obviously formed your opinions base on your experience, just as my opinions are based on my experience.

I think that pouring money into upgrades to a basic rifle is almost always poor economy. I have 4 Kimber Hunters in 243, 6.5 CM, 308, and a 22 CM in process. The first 3 shoot good groups with both factory ammo, Winchester Deer Season XP and Hornady American Whitetail, and my handloads. I have a variety of rifles with bore diameters larger than 0.308", so I have no need to shoot any bullet weights over 180 grains in the 308 and have never personally come across anyone else who felt the need to shoot hunting bullets heavier than 180 grains in their 308s.

Lots of people who are hanging suppressors on their 16" barrels seem to get by, even though they are likely to create a package longer than a factory specs Kimber Hunter 84M.

The OP lives in northeastern NH where there is a 1 deer bag limit, so magazine size in a manually operated action rifle is likely to be less of an issue for him than for you.

If you think that my perspective is narrow, I'd suggest that the attributes that make your modified RAR perfect for your needs aren't nearly as universally useful as you may believe them to be.

As is true of all free advice, the OP can embrace that which he agrees with and discard that which he doesn't agree with.

Good post. Hard to argue with those great points. I'd buy a Steven's 200 for a few hundred dollars before I paid hard earned money on a RAR. If one was worried about cost. However, you are more money ahead by just buying a Tikka.

260rem,
Many, many Alaskans load 200 grain bullets in the 308 and 30-06. Even a few Alaskans on here. They're the bison-legal minimum sized bullet and they're decent on bears and moose. A 1:10 twist simply adds versatility, plain and simple.
The op kept his ruger compact, common sense IMO. Its perfect for northeastern deer hunting.

BSA,
You should get a ruger American. I think you'd like it. They're the top-selling bolt action rifles. Used prices on Ruger American are very affordable. They're an actual short-action and you won't have to waste time and money repairing tikka's inferior bedding system.

Darn yard chores, can't a guy relax over a target with a good rifle? Yep same here. Haven't gotten out to river to test this ruger after the gunsmith trip. Snow is rotten and ground is going soupy.

Inundated with falling/limbing/bucking/splitting next years firewood, so it'll at least dry by September. Gotta edge all these slabs as well. Shooting paper would be procrastinating.......

I bought Ruger Americans in .308 WCF and 6.5 Creedmoor first year they came out.
Also bought a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with the fancy 5R rifling
The straight factory Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor with the standard rifling was more accurate than the fancy chassis rifle.
The .308 WCF Ruger American was a bugholer too.

I have a RAR in .243Win . compact. I am not sure what improvements I would make. I bought it cause I need a light gun, short and handy in a climber for close shots like 40 yds max. It is a real nice gun . I payed $464 plus tax so it was not all that cheap neither, but it is my best gun for that purpose. Maybe the RAR is a real good gun for what ya want it for . Try using it for a year the way it is and you will likely like it. A Boyds stock might add weight.

I have had 2 Ruger Predators, both shot great from the factory. One was a 6.5 Creed which I had found an MDT chassis cheap so did that. I loved the way it shot but didn't care for the chassis. It went down the road to someone that was willing to spend some money.

Second is a 223 Predator that I shot and was very accurate. I punched it to 223Ackley and it is awesome. I have done a lot to this rifle with very little expense but it is a completely different gun.
1. I have cleaned up and re-sprung the trigger and now a very nice 2.5lbs for hunting. no cost as I have plenty of spring stock
2. Rechambered. Already had reamer.
3. Added a switch barrel in a new wildcat I designed. $100 had most of the stuff.
4. Stiffened stock and reshaped. Painted. About $40 in 2 part epoxy and paint.
5. Smoothed up action and receiver.

If I had to hire everything done I would have definitely picked a much better Receiver or overall rifle to start with. This does shoot great but I don't feel they feed as smooth due to how they cut the feed ramp. I am actually just starting on a new aluminum magazine which will fit much better and be able to feed the short wildcat round I built.

Then he will be asking for a quality barrel replacement