Ruger American Rifle Review: Reader's Comments



To see my full of the Ruger American Rifle, please visit the Gunsumer Reports website by going to this link.

22 comments:

  1. can't wait on the range test! When do you think it will be up?

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  2. I should be complete with the review within this next month. I'm trying to get a scope that is similar in value to review at the same time and a selection of ammunition.

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  3. Excellent! I just purchased it in .308 I'm thinking a Nikon or Redfield 3-9x40 will pair up nicely.

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  4. Have you considered Freedom Munitions? They make some quality American made and Re manufactured ammo? Might be worth a try.

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  5. David, I liked your idea on evaluating some economical remanufactured ammuntion and sent a request to see if Freedom Munitions would sponsor a few boxes. Thanks for the idea.

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  6. good entry point price wise. But just looking at the details on their web site i just 'seems' like the machining quality is not there. I own Ruger pistols and love them but own a Remington 220 swift just the rigger pull just puts wood in my pencil.So guess I am biased. Plus not being well versed on scope mounts the built i mount look different then the standard flat bed for the rings. Does this mean only Ruger rings can be used? Don't know.I'll wait for the final review here. Plus did not get the idea of a bi-pd was a option one could install. My next buy is for hogs, deer and long range (for me anyways ha) 500-600 yd target shooting. But the good thing about looking and learning is it helps with the decision making process. Think presently leaning more towards the Remington Tactile, she is a beauty..

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  7. Thank you much for accepting my idea. If they for some reason can't sponsor some ammo I will be happy to order a couple boxes for you. I'm a big fan of your site and enjoy your reviews.

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  8. Slave, this rifle does not use the standard Ruger (special) rings, but instead uses one of the most common mount styles on the market (Weaver). The bipod is a standard Harris type that can be installed on nearly any rifle with a forend sling swivel stud. The rifle does not come with the bipod. If you are really interested in the 500-600 yard target shooting, I agree the Remington SPS Tactical may be the better way to go.

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  9. Scope arrived yesterday and ammo will be in next week. Range testing planned for June 2nd. The review should be completed the following week. David, thanks for the offer, but I went ahead and ordered a couple of boxes of Freedom Munitions.

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  10. Awesome can't wait!

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  11. Got my RAR in .308 at the gun show last weekend for $300 + tax. Mounted an ancient B&L 3-9x40 scope on her and headed to the range. Shot 5 different ammos, 4shot groups, off a Shooters Ridge (I think) bench rest that was kinda wobbly, at 100yds. Printed one 1&1/8" group with PPU168GM ammo and one 1&1/2" group with Federal 168GMM. Three shot groups would have been smaller. Barrel heats up fast and of course affects the group size.

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  12. I have one in 308 and was able to shoot moa with Federal GMM 168gr. Also tried various flavors of Freedom Munitions. They are ok for sighting in, but not precision shooting IMO. Review I did: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492695

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  13. On full floated stocks like this one I have had issues with them touching the barrel when the rifle is on a bipod or sandbags. Did you test for this?

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  14. Yes. Take a look at part 3 of the review, scroll down to around Figure 19. I had the same issue and it was easy to correct on this rifle. I used a sand paper wrapped around a battery to sand the clearance I needed.

    http://www.gunsumerreports.com/review_ruger_american_rifle_p3.php

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  15. I have the .308 with a leupold 3x9x40 scope on it. It is quite accurate, but I found I had to adjust the trigger quite a bit for a lighter pull. Its still a long pull, but more like 3.5 lbs rather than 5.

    I put a Harris bipod on it, and the first shot I took with the gun the bipod took a chuck out of my finger. Make sure you have a firm hold of the stock well back from any bipod :-)

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  16. Are there any reloaders here that have the time to play with costume loads for this rifle? If so what kind of groups have you come up with?

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  17. where has this site been all of my life, I foresee spending alot of time and drool here in the near future.

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  18. I have one in .243.
    Pros:
    * Consistent when fed ammo it likes, achieving sub-MOA 5 shot groups.
    * Price

    Cons:
    * Not available in stainless steel
    * The rifle's finish is extremely easy to scratch, leaving bare metal.
    * The stock flexes a lot. More annoying than anything.
    * Coarse machine work. Makes some things (the bolt face, for example) harder to clean
    * Bolt operation is not as smooth as a Tikka T3. But then nothing else I've tried is either.
    * Wish minimum trigger weight was lower by 0.5 - 1oz

    None of the cons are show-stoppers for me. I wanted a cheap, light rifle, accurate enough to kill coyotes and deer at reasonable ranges, that I wouldn't mind beating up in the brush. This rifle delivers.

    If you want a beautiful display piece with handsomely figured walnut furniture, glossy bluing, silky-smooth action, a feather-weight trigger, and no plastic, look elsewhere. If you want a no-nonsense, utilitarian, functional rifle for not a lot of money, take a look at the Ruger American.

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  19. I have one in Australia in.308....I am using custom loads of 45.5gr/22-08 powder and 150gr Hornady SST Ballistic tips. Have tried from 44gr to 45.5gr of powder and found the 45.5 works best. Got M.O.A groups and bullet manufacture has made a big difference to its accuracy.Has been great hunting using a Bushnell 3-9 x 40 scope.

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  20. I had an issue on my ruger american 243. Kept on jamming, i think the term is bolt binding im not too sure. Was using federal powershok rounds. I fired 20 or so playing with it and cleaning and sighting it in it was fine.
    Then i had a hog in sight and could not load a round. Then when i finally got it in and shot, bolt would not open, had to kick the bolt to release it was jammed so hard.
    Havent been able to find any similar problems anywhere with ruger american. Ive sent it back to get checked out. Could there be a manufacturing fault? or am i doing something wrong?
    There were heavy marks on the bolt, where it looks like it was getting stuck on. Took it back to the shop and happened again to them. Could not load a round easily.
    Other than that what a rifle, my mate has a Tikka, and the RAR does everything i need at the price. If they can find a fault and fix the bolt ill be cheerin'!

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  21. Took my .308 American out of the box today for the first time, inserted the bolt took it out reinserted it and it would not go all the way in finally got it in heard a rattle in it removed the mag and the ejector plunger fell out. The ejector/firing pin back pin (#9 in the manual parts list) is missing that retains the plunger. Very disappointed! Hope i can put one in myself or at least just send the bolt in. Anyone have this issue? Any feedback?

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  22. i really enjoy my RAR in 30-06. It shoots MOA when I do my part. Great rifle for the money. I am seriously considering one in .243 Win ... when I can justify another purchase with 'the boss' :-)

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