Ruger American rifle

[faris1984]

Hi guys

Many people talking about Ruger the american rifle (bolt action) on youtube and saw many buy this rifle this thanksgiving .

What do you guys think about this rifle.
What is the best caliber in this rifle.

[ar15barrels]

What is the best caliber in this rifle.

What do you want to do with the rifle?
Hunting or target shooting?

[faris1984]

I'm thinking about hunting ...not sure about it looks so cheapy.
What is your recommendation?.
Thanks

[robcoe]

I'm thinking about hunting ...not sure about it looks so cheapy.
What is your recommendation?.
Thanks

I had the .30-06 one, as a hunting rifle it's pretty good. It's decently accurate within the ranges you are likely to shoot hunting, light enough that carrying it around the woods isn't a punishing ordeal like it would be with a target rifle and cheap enough that you won't worry about scratching it. Caliber depends on what you are going after, though .308 is a good all around choice(I went with .30-06 because I already had the reloading equipment for my Garand)

Wouldn't recommend it for a target rifle, it can be punishing to shoot for an extended time, and the things that make it good for hunting(cost, light weight design) work against it as a target gun.

I sold mine because I realized I would only be doing target shooting with it, and for that I would rather buy a receiver and build up my own rifle.

[ar15barrels]

I'm thinking about hunting ...not sure about it looks so cheapy.
What is your recommendation?.
Thanks

What game would you be hunting?

[Armando de la Guerra]

Look at the Weatherby Vanguard instead. Guaranteed under 1 MOA accuracy. Does the Ruger 'merican guarantee the same????

[kcjr1125]

Hunting=yes get it. Cheap to buy but well made and great trigger.
Target=probably not.

[rm1911]

Main use will dictate caliber.

Game < deer -> 223, 243

223 cheaper to shoot. 243 better range and can step up to deer if needed

Game => deer -> 270, 308. 3006

All great choices. Plenty of ammo selection. 308 cheapest to shoot. 3006 most variety and great to reload for.

Can't really go wrong with the rifle. It shoots plenty accurate to kill deer, pig, etc. not fancy and not a target rifle. Just a good budget deer rifle. Optics will be the big thing. Don't cheap out on glass.

[Kelster1574]

I recently bought a .243 after reading a bunch of reviews. Just ordered a scope and rings.....then I will see if it lives up to the reviews.....I am sure it will

[insik]

What would be a better target rifle in 308? I was looking at ruger, savage axis and a weatherby vanguard 2.

[YZINGERR]

What would be a better target rifle in 308? I was looking at ruger, savage axis and a weatherby vanguard 2.

That is a matter of personal preference.
Ive got a RAR in .308 and love it.

[NorCalFocus]

What would be a better target rifle in 308? I was looking at ruger, savage axis and a weatherby vanguard 2.

I just jailed a Savage for my wife for this purpose. I believe it to be better as you can upgrade it easily. There's a member here you has re-built his whole Savage Axis on his own.

[NorCalFocus]

Found the guys post in another thread.

I completely rebuilt a Savage Axis SR. in 308. They're great little rifles. Here's the rig I run.





Parts list:

Savage Axis SR .308 Base
SSS Axis Pro Tac Stock
McGowan 26in SS 1 in 10 twist Varmint Contour
Rifle Basix SAV-1 Trigger @ 1.5lbs
SWFA SS 10x42 in SWFA Low Rings
EGW 20MOA Rail
D.D. Ross Tactical Bolt Knob
Custom 10Rds Magazine
Harris 9-13" SLM Notched Leg Bipod (6-9 knock off in pic)
Rattle Can Camo Job by me.

If you have any questions about it let me know. I've played with just about everything on the rifle.

[firemanjoe]

I've heard good things about this rifle. I'm also thinking about picking one up in 308 for deer hunting.

[Coyotegunner]

I am not much of a low line rifle person,but.I got a American in 22-250 about a year ago when they first came out.The magazine is the worst plastic looking thing and it works.What do you know.Well my Tikkas I love have plastic magazines as well.That 22-250 has been almost 1 hole/100yd groups with my reloads in 40gr.It is a coyote whacking machine with a Nikon Monarch 4-16.
I now own one in 308.I have not fooled with it much yet.
The only thing other than the cheesy mag is the little trigger thingy,that copied the Savage Accutrigger has a few rough spots that need sanded smooth.

The Savage Axis is another story.Found a used one for $180.Shot great,so what do I do?Cut the barrel to 16 1/4".Well it still shoots great with a Burris Signature 2.5-10.Now I went and spent about $2 on a rattle can camo job.
I will worn people though the Axis has had issues with extraction and ejection.I have heard of this a few times now.Savage took care of me though and I received the replacement parts Saturday.Will try to update if it is fixed when I get it to the range.

Like others have said,decide your caliber first.The American only come's in the medium type calibers,do to sharing the same bolt face.
I think I need one in 7mm-08 now.
I have to add this is not a target rifle.It is a hunting rifle that shoots well until a couple rounds heat it up.