Ruger American "Hunter"

I have a RAR predator in 6.5 CM. All I did to it was mount a vortex 4-12 scope and insure the action screws and scope base were properly torqued. This $400 rifle will shoot 1 MOA with Remington 140 grain core lock from wal mart ($17 a box), and slightly better with 140 grain Federal non typical from academy ($16 a box). I guess I COULD buy a different stock, and pay twice as much for some "better" ammo like Hornady precision hunter, but I just can't think of a reason this NEEDS to happen. (I do have a 5-20 Horus Falcon with H59 reticle in badger rings set aside in the event I make it out west one day where longer shots are normal)

That's a pretty hefty barrel (.850" at the muzzle) for a hunting rifle.

I sometimes feel like those of us who prefer light handy rifles are a dieing breed.

No idea why Magpul called their stock a “Hunter” stock - it ain’t a hunting stock. But... It absolutely makes sense for Ruger to name their rifle USING that Magpul stock the American + “whatever Magpul calls their stock.” Can’t call it the Ruger American Magpul, ‘cuz that lines too closely beside the similar Remington option.

Regardless of taxonomy or etymology, the Ruger American Hunter is made to compete with the 700 Magpul, and the Ruger is probably a better option than the 700 at this point. So sure, why not. If you need an inexpensive, mid-weight barrel, DMB, bench/prone/improvised support fired, threaded muzzle rifle, then the Ruger American Hunter and Rem 700 Magpul might be good options.

Not many hunters need those parameters. But the RAR base model does meet the average hunter’s needs already.

gotboostvr said:

I sometimes feel like those of us who prefer light handy rifles are a dieing breed.

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Ruger already offers light, handy models.

But yes, less folks carry rifles in hunting fields today than there have been in the past, so the “up-featured models” aren’t light, handy hunting rifles.

That's basically what I built from my Go Wild, and if your not carrying the thing it will be a good shooter.
Mine is 11 or 12 pounds wearing a heavy scope.

The hunter stocks got a huge slab of aluminum in it, which is where most of the weight comes from. Could probably poke some holes in it to lighten it up some.

I'll say this tho, I'm not sure you'd want to. It's bloody heavy, but really well balanced. Shooting the thing off hand is actually pretty easy as long as you don't have to hold it up for too long.


Oh I believe the muzzle brake is . 850 the barrel itself is probably around .75, as it LOOKS like a shortened Pred.

Would be pretty cool bored out to 45 raptor...

adcoch1 said:

Would be pretty cool bored out to 45 raptor...

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Run a .450 Bushmaster hot!
I THINK the bushy has more capacity, but I've never checked that hard.

LoonWulf said:

Run a .450 Bushmaster hot!
I THINK the bushy has more capacity, but I've never checked that hard.

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I was thinking lightening the barrel with a bigger hole. 458 American? (458x2")

adcoch1 said:

I was thinking lightening the barrel with a bigger hole. 458 American? (458x2")

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You'd have to open the bolt face....mayhap a .458 socom....since you already have a couple.

The weights in the stock tho, it weighs about 3.5lbs if I remember correctly.

LoonWulf said:

You'd have to open the bolt face....mayhap a .458 socom....since you already have a couple.

The weights in the stock tho, it weighs about 3.5lbs if I remember correctly.

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opening the bolt is pretty easy. i like the 458 american brass is easy to make from cheap once fired cases.

troy fairweather said:

opening the bolt is pretty easy. i like the 458 american brass is easy to make from cheap once fired cases.

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True, specially since you can just pop the handle off the bolt and you've got an easy thing to chuck in a lathe.

Heh...I'm tempted to do a .458 Winchester on a long action, I think I'd call it brutality....

LoonWulf said:

True, specially since you can just pop the handle off the bolt and you've got an easy thing to chuck in a lathe.

Heh...I'm tempted to do a .458 Winchester on a long action, I think I'd call it brutality....

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i believe my dad has his 458 american reamer still, i was looking or a magnum seven action to build one. i have my siamese mauser for now.

LoonWulf said:

True, specially since you can just pop the handle off the bolt and you've got an easy thing to chuck in a lathe.

Heh...I'm tempted to do a .458 Winchester on a long action, I think I'd call it brutality....

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Good nickname...

gotboostvr said:

I sometimes feel like those of us who prefer light handy rifles are a dieing breed.

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You don't need a light handy rifle when you're only walking 100 yards to the stand.