Ruger American

[deerslayer512]

I have been looking for a nice affordable bolt action rifle to deer hunt with and it looks like the ruger american is the best option. If youve had any experience with this gun or know of another quality rifle under 500 dollars please comment.

 

[Vendetta]

Ive been looking at one of these myself to throw together a budget long range setup. Ive had an axis and the axis xp2 also looks like a sweet piece with the weaver scope and accutrigger. Tagged with interest.

 

[Beowulf]

I've been thinking about getting a Ruger American Ranch in .300 BLK, but their lack of left handed options has me hesitating.

I've only owned right handed guns and got used to the awkwardness, but after primarily shooting semi-autos for several years now, I find right handed bolt guns frustration.

But since no one seems to make a left handed .300 BLK bolt action rifle, I don't really have many options.

 

[oldpink]

I have no experience with the American, but I'm the proud owner of the Ruger M77 (tang safety version) .30-06, and it's totally top shelf.
It's 100% reliable, has one of the best looking factory stocks (walnut!) on a factory rifle, and able to squeeze five shots just inside 1" at 100 yards with two different handloads I've cooked up.
The American will almost certainly be a quality rifle, but if I had my druthers in your position, I would save up just a wee bit more for an upgrade to the M77.

 

[Dudelittle]

I have a .308 and love it. Good trigger (adjustable) light weight, smooth cycling. Only issue i have had is the stock is a tad small in the barrel channel, easily fixed with a round file and some 400 grit sand paper. Thats my experience.

 

[Sgt7330]

I don't own the American yet, but looked over one hard at rural king just this week. I think it will come home with me soon. My two other bolt guns are twin Ruger M77 in 300 Win Mag and 204 Ruger. Outstanding rifles, so I'm sure the American is a good gun and certainly the price is right.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Either that or some of the Savage products.

I looked at the cheapest two models of Savage - and didn't like them much as compared to the Ruger. Just too...cheap. No accutrigger on the super low models, either.

I bought the American compact in .223 for my step-dad's Christmas present (Plus a Vortex Crossfire II scope) and he loves it.

 

[Gordy]

I have a couple in .308. They are probably a good deal for the money. When I got them they were less than $300. Trigger is pretty good, Mine brakes at 3 pound 10 ounce consistently, overall it's an ok rifle. It does have a light barrel if that makes a difference. It's not going to have the accuracy if you're going to the range to blast all day. It make a good deer or coyote gun. It's pretty light overall for carrying in the field. I do not like the plastic magazine. Not impressed with that at all for $35. It groups decent at an average of 1.5" at 100yds with Hornady 168gr sierras.

 

[warthog]

I have one in 308 with a scope that Alan at AA helped me pick out that I absolutely love.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

I really enjoy the .223 compact...
next will be a Redfield edition in .308

 

[diver dan]

I bought a ruger american in .223 15 days ago, had to send back to factory, problem with feeding.Last year bought a ruger american in 308, no problems and very happy with it. I bought a ruger american in 22mag and love that rifle.