I got an e-mail from Ruger this morning that they are going to be producing the Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor in left hand. This is nice to see.

http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/16977.html

It's already been at dealers for a while. Many available online, Gunbroker, Davidsons, etc.

Ruger typically announces new items very late

I see they are also doing a stainless 6.5CM Predator in right hand. That's a cool idea too....

Thanks Mark been a long time waiting for that model. RAR 6.5 CM LH !!

Got one heading my way!

I got excited when I first opened the email and saw "left-handed American", thinking possibly the rim fire I've been bugging them for. Darn.

But, now that they have the stocks for the Predator, no reason they can't run the full line in LH.

I really have to stop checking this forum.

OK who has them in stock and price?

I will buy one to shoot till, Barret makes there LH Fieldcraft in 6.5 CM.

Kurt,

I looked at Davison's and they had them for around $450 depending on dealer used.

Looks like some folk are trying to make a few extra bucks on the first ones out. $650 is a bit steep! http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/16977.html


This one's much better at $425.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/689288866

TSS warehouse. $408. Free shipping, no fees

Every dam time I actually clear some space in my safes something like this comes along.

Just as I'm getting ready to send an X-Bolt out for threading... I should have never opened up this thread...

Who/what is TSS Warehouse?

Doc

Ken, Thanks for the info, now they have one less. Total was $412.18 with insurance
Doubt I'll have a chance to do any work with it until October. Archery deer season here starts in about 3 weeks.

Doc Encore, Google is your friend, I never heard of them either till Ken mentioned it.

Only found it by running the gun model on a slickguns.com search.

Been hoping for this one a little while. Think I am gonna ping my FFL guy and get one coming my way also. Too much of good thing to pass up.

Two years ago I told my gun guy that I wanted the first left hand Predator in 6.5 CM that hit the shelves. His wholesaler has zero, but I put the order in Saturday. I don't know how long the wait will be, but at least I am in line.

Maybe he needs a new distributor. Davidsons has over 100 on the shelf

I'm thinking I'll be trying to get one of these next year if they are still around. That'll set my two boys up with a 243 and a Creed that they can argue over. LOL.

need to see what LGS can get m one for.....

already have a meopta to top it with.

Zanders Wholesale has 3 of them for $369, their stock number G16977.

www.gzanders.com

note that this is a WHOLESALE price.

Ordered mine last Friday night. Then with it being a 3 day weekend TSS was closed until Monday. Today (Wednesday) they sent me a tracking number. Pretty decent service.

Had my LGS order me one today. Figured even if it just sits in the safe, I've got it. Probably won't just sit there though... You guys are evil... LOL

I ordered one yesterday, and it should be at my LGS tomorrow.

George

Nice.

Well shot mine today, did my usual RAR tune up, rasp out forend till it was free floated, adjusted trigger and cleaned it.

3 3 shot groups at 100 yards, with 2 hand loads, from another 6.5 CM rifle, and one 143 gr factory load.

1. 43 Gr H 4350, 142 Sierra 3 @.475"

2. 143 Gr Hornady Fact load 3 @ .684"

3. 46 GR RL 26 147 GR Hornady 3 @ .923 ". Very impressive for a new rifle with no load work up.

Shot my Ruger LH 6.5 CM Hawkeye FTW while it is smoother, easier to shoot , it does not have the accuracy of the LH RAR Predator in 6.5 CM.

Have a Xtra Ruger American Rifle, Right Hand 6.5 CM Predator, For Sale now that I have one in LH.

Thanks Mark, always said I would buy one when they came out !

Thanks!

That dog'll hunt!

Checked a couple places round here, seems $450 out the door is best it gets.

Kurt,
I havent picked mine up yet. Any hints for doing the trigger?
Randy

I picked mine up today.

Very weird trigger, to say the least. It will take some getting used to.

I need to locate some ammunition locally; the places I found online are experiencing shipping delays so it wouldn't arrive before I leave for my antelope hunt in WY.

I really think that the 120gr.or 140gr. Nosler BT will be a winner in this gun - flat trajectory and soft enough for coyotes and pronghorns.

George

ive seen where Wally world carries creedmoor ammo now. The cheap Winchester Whitetail Hunter?? for $18 a box.

I was in PA last week, Grices Guns was selling Hornady Whitetail 129gr loads for $16.99 a box. Picked up 5 boxes. Others had good luck with the ammo and with the cost of brass being about .50 cents each this was a bargain.

I'll check my local Walmart.

Thanks,
George

I took one coil off the trigger spring and it dropped the weight to 2.75# on two without touching the adjustment screw. On the third I needed to tweak the adjustment screw a bit to get there.

What was the trigger pull weight prior to cutting the coil off the trigger spring/?

George

The left hand .223 was 4.5#, my son's right hand Predator 6.5 CM was 4# and the heaviest was a left hand .22-250 at 5#. All three triggers were smooth with no noticeable creep.

Thank you.I haven't had a chance to do anything with the rifle yet.

About what I did, on the 7 I have owned. All have shot well not a dud in the bunch!

Like the feel of the Hawkeye much more but it takes a lot to get them to shoot about half as well as the RAR!

I placed my order last night.....

Anyone know of a muzzle brake that is smaller and would match the claimed .665" barrel diameter at the threads?

A muzzle brake isn't needed on a small cartridge like the 6.5 Creeedmoor but if you really feel you need one, contact forum member rem40xb1. He may be able to make one to your specifications.

George

My own personal findings is that Recoil Management is paramount in long range shooting. And a rifle this light will be difficult to hang onto in a consistent manner. As well as the ability to spot my own shots. But concur....for "taming" the brutal recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor.....not so much. I'll see if I can look him up and ping him

The RAR stock to me is not friendly hard to shoot well compared to the Hawkeye stock. More noticeable from the bench than in the field.


The xtra weight of the Predator barrel helps a bunch, compared to the slimmer profile on the standard RAR, All said still very impressed with the RAR in LH.

Don't like the stock here's an option, mine shoot so well not messing with them.

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/SearchByKeyword?word=ruger%20american%20classic

Picked mine up today. Not too bad for the price. Looking forward to taking it to the range. If I really don't like the stock, I'll pony up and get a Boyd's... Thanks for letting me know these were available!

The magazine is pretty chintzy, but I like the very low profile muzzle thread protector.

I screwed on a Bowers Vers 458 Suppressor and it looks like read bad medicine for coyotes.

George

Ordered one today from Davidsons. That is the easiet way to go when you are in podunk MS like me.

I have installed 5 of the Boyds laminated Heritage style stocks on RAR-Predators and think that even though the stock adds a full 16 ounces to the weight of the rifle, the improvement in fit and balance more than offsets the additional weight as long as you're not climbing mountains with it. For the sort of spot and stalk or stand hunting that I mostly do, the RAR-P bedded in a laminated Boyds Heritage is a significant and noticeable upgrade to the low comb factory synthetic stock.

According to the web site, Boyd's doesn't offer the Heritage in left-hand for Rugers.

George

Google it and you will probably find lots on it. It is pretty simple to do. I could not get my trigger where I wanted it, until I replaced the spring. The one that was in mine was just, plain, too heavy. I happen to have some long springs that were out of an old paintball gun that my kids had, that were perfect. I just had to cut it to size. I got lucky and it is right under 3 pounds, now.

I used the "Find A Stock" tool on the Boyds site before I posted this and they show the Classic, Heritage, Platinum, and Prairie Hunter styles as being available for the left-hand RAR-Predator.

www.boydsgunstocks.com

I had tried that and got results for left-hand stocks for right-hand actions:

• 1 EA of 3ZB144D461ZZ Heritage Ruger American Centerfire Predator Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Short Action Detachable Box Mag Factory Barrel Channel ZZ US
• 1 EA of 3ZB144D461ZZ Heritage Ruger American Centerfire Predator Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Short Action Detachable Box Mag Factory Barrel Channel ZZ US$144.00 Details

That's what I saw as well . If you use the basic American Centerfire as the model instead of Predator they do show left hand stocks for a left hand short action with factory barrel. I don't own one to know for sure but it is my understanding that the Predator has a heavier barrel contour so I'm wondering if any wood needs to be removed from the barrel channel?

Added: Looking further they show the barrel channel width for standard Ruger American stocks at point A is 1 5/32" and point B is 23/32, for the Predator those dimensions are 1 1/64" (tighter at the action?) and 3/4" (24/32) out at the forend tip, so you wouldn't have to remove too much wood. The do make you go look elsewhere to find what point A and B refer to, that is under "How to select a gunstock" and then Barrel Channel Dimensions.

Thanks for that information, Jim.

I doubt I'll buy a Boyd's stock or any other unless the gun really has bedding issues that affect consistency.

George

I'd call them and get clarification. If they're inletting for left-handed actions with sporter/light contour barrels, there isn't any reason that they aren't doing the same for the heavier contour RAR-Predators.
It is very possible that they just haven't updated the available options across their tool.

605-996-5011.

I haven't shot it yet (although I did just mount the scope) so I don;t know whether the factory stock needs replacement.

George

George-

What optic and ring height did you select? Since it seems comb height is an issue....it'd going to be imperative that I get my objective as close to the barrel as possible. I will most likely mount an SWFA 42mm scope....even though it seems the failure rate is currently through the roof. (jokes)

Leupold PRW, medium height. This works perfectly for me.

GEorge

I took the SWFA 6 X42 and its SWFA lo rings and put it on my LH 6.5 CM. would like it a little lower.

^^^ good stuff. I'll see if I can pull specs off their website KK.....still have an 1/8" gap? Or guesstimate???

Roughly .20 " higher than I like. Kurt

I have had good luck on Remington, Stiller and Winchester actions with the Talley Extra Low one piece light weight mounts to get scopes down close to the action/barrel. Looks like Talley offers Extra Lows for RAR rifles. Nice thing about the Talley LW's is that they are aluminum. Easy to take a flat file and chamfer the front and/or rear faces of the ring mounts to get short scopes to fit, or to provide fore/aft adjustment for eye relief. After done with the filing and fitting, simply take a black sharpie to cover the shiny spot. Or, take the base off and hit it with a quick shot of satin black rattle can.

Did some math....and the SWFA rings....if they are a true .800" are about the lowest rings out there. I have no clue (without the rifle in hand) how to determine the thickness of the supplied one piece base. But that would be my next route.

My goal with the overall rifle is to make a Budget Build almost as cheaply as possible. And test a new load development/rifle assembly target my good friends designed. SWFA 3-15 probably, SWFA rings for $38 would fit in the mantra quite nicely. Talley one piece wont break the bank and may be an option. I've run them for many years. But not sure they are the best fit for LR precision and heavier scopes?

Jesse,
If you want cheap, light, and strong get a pair of Weaver top mount detachable rings. That's what I will be using. Cant go wrong for $20.
https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Detac...327&sr=8-2&keywords=weaver+49071

I used these on rifles up to and including 375 H&H and they hold a scope in place.

Talley extra low are .300" and half of 30mm converted is .59" so basically .90" from center. SWFA objective is 1.94". Half is .97".......you'd have to think with some step down from action to barrel and allowing for barrel taper that this would just about nut the entire mounting?????

call me simple. I'll put DNZ gamreapers on mine, as i have the other RAR i have.

mediums.

No fuss, no muss.

So, I called Boyds for clarification on this and was told that they don't currently inlet for left-handed RAR-Ps, but do for standard RARs. I asked the guy with whom I spoke how hard it would be for them to make a programming change to add an inlet option for the left-handed RAR-P and he said not much, but they wouldn't spend the time unless there was enough customer demand justify it. I guess that if you want action, lefties need to make their demands known.

Call 605-996-5011 and let your voices be heard.

I ordered one of these last Saturday. I've got a nephew that is left handed and his birthday is next week. He's gonna hit the roof. Got a spare VX-II 3-9x40 to put on it. Went with Warne medium rings.

that'll be a happy nephew!

Shot the RAR Pred. 6.5 CM LH again today .

1 4 shot group hand load from another 6.5 CM 4 at .9", 3 different loads diff bullet weights 7 at 1.3", Fact 143 ELD X 4 at .71".

Not messing with it! Kurt

Kurt.....anyway to pull a COAL on that factory 143? That's the route I am gonna start. Might shorten my Learning Curve being same rifle/chambering and prolly rolled off the floor on the same day

Finally picked mine up, trigger is very crisp but seems to break at 4.5 to 5 pounds. Might try to adjust it down. Still deciding on a scope. It most likely will be a 3x9 or 2.5x8

Jesse I just shortened my loads enough to feed in the RAR Mag. and went out and tried it.

My Hawkeye FTW 147 GR loads were to long to feed. so I shortened them enough to feed in the RAR, both rifle,s accuracy improved.

Test your loads for length with your mag. should rotate and feed with mag out of rifle, or like me you get to the range and find out they will not work.

I've already got the Hornady mod case on hand to check ogive to lands.....hoping they did it right to land close enough to the lands and still function. Not sounding that way from your results. I'll find out soon enough. I am going to run an optimum seating depth and post the results if anyone cares. Probably here in the LH section. Will run optimal charge weight also. Probably H4350. Post those too.

He better be!!!

Good heavens those action screws are tight! Mine has the same clearance issue on the front left of the stock as many have reported. Going to clip off one coil from the spring and that's it. Bought a Leupold VXII 3x9x40 matte from Amazon today for $229.
Rifle, scope, rings and transfer fees for $700.

60 to 80 inch-pounds is what I've read.

George

Re Jesse,

Did some measuring OAL Hornady Fact Ammo 143 ELD-X Precison Hunter 2.809" .

Took a 147 Gr Hornady sized with a Lee Collet die jammed OAL 2.882" Seated long and closed bolt.

Same 147 Gr seated to feed in RAR magazine 2.827" OAL

What I have experienced in the RAR is seat it to mag length and go shoot it. Based on the 7 I have been around.

Hornady Whitetail ammo with the 129 gr Interlock averages 2.775 in length. It feeds and ejects 100%.

My LGS had some Federal 140gr. SP but I don't have time to shoot the gun before I leave for my antelope hunt. :('


George

I checked today and the barrel is free floated all the way to the barrel nut.

Trigger pull is 4.5lbs., heavier than I like for a small-bore.

I boresighted the scope and might just bring it to Wyoming and try to zero it before Opening Day.

George

Check the tension of the thread protector. The one on mine was not even snug.

That's coming right off for the can.

George

Feel your pain, George. Finally got a couple hours this afternoon to run out to the range. Had to wait out the rain before getting the second rifle sighted, but I'm good now.

Good luck!

edited to add:

We'll probably be doing a stop at the Cabelas in Kearney, NE on the 29th, if anybody wants to do a Fire high five.

Picked mine up yesterday from the lgs. Davidsons makes life simple.



Dnz game reaper with 3-9x42 meopta.

Got it buttoned up this eve, then it rained.

FYI,
Warne low rings and Leupold VX2 3x9x40. Plenty of clearance remained and lots of eye relief adjustment.

Shoot some this eve with 130gr Prime ammo. Only at sight in range. ~50 yards.

As the dood on forged in fire says.... it will keeel.

I like the 130 gr. Prime ammo.

I called them to encourage some prime ammo in ~140's.

Fellow said they get that alot. So hopefully they will make some.

Y'all keep it up.... You gonna cost me some money... Have a LH SS SA Rem 700 action sitting on the shelf... Thinking that might become a 6.5.... OTOH, the RAR Predator would be less cost than a good barrel or a good stock...


Bunch of enablers...

I can't recall the company President's name but after I ordered a good bit of ammo he actually called me to thank me for the order. I was really impressed. A great guy, good conversationalist, and we talked for 30 minutes or so. I'd never had anything like that happen to me before.

I ordered a free shipping special. The email was worded where I *thought* it said a case + a box to get the free shipping. So I ordered 11 boxes. The box came with only 10. I called late one afternoon. Talked to a guy, he transferred me to the shipping guy. I told him what happened, He apoligized and sent me the box. No fuss, no muss.No questions.

I did get a voicemail from some gal at Prime, thanking me for the order and asking if there was anything else I needed,

I took the 6.5 Creednoor to the range the day before antelope season and with both the Federal 140gr SP and Hornady 120gr SP loads, I got bughole groups (two witnesses). Both loads shot to the same POI If it wasn't raining, I might have tried for five-shot groups.

I can't wait to start handloading for it.


George
P.S. And I got my pronghorn with the .243 Ackley.

Took the nephew out Saturday and he really likes this rifle. The few times I shot it I was also impressed. We were using the Winchester XP 125gr. Perfect for around here.

Got mine in hand last night....for anyone that is still following alone....Jeff Quinn if FOS. My barrel mics .748 at the end of the contour before threads. Opens up some additional options for brakes. Load development to follow shortly

Maybe a slight variance?. I got .720 right before threads.

Brake from Macs Gunworks.

No kick. Just a gentle nudge.

I fired mine with the suppressor mounted; at 100yds., POI dropped 1" with the Hornady 120gr. A-Max factory load and 1.5" with the Federal 140gr. SP load.

It was very quiet, even though I used is a .30cal. suppressor.

Need indexed/timed? Looks like it's got ports or baffles 360?

No timing. It does have 360* porting.

Called the “Notimer”

And they turned it down to match barrel o.d.

Out of stock everywhere...

Yep. Some in production though, according to Cabela's rep I talked today. He's expecting we won't see any until after first of the year.

As long as we keep buying, they'll keep making!