My Ruger American

[jmr40]

The Ruger's are darn good rifles for the money, or at least used to be. I've had 3 of the Predator versions, still have one. But I only paid $350 for those and can remember the standard rifle selling for no more than $300. Often on sale for $250.

They are still good rifles, but I'm not so sure at today's prices.

 

[Legionnaire]

I have the Howa mini and love it with one exception.
The magazines are cheap plastic with no aftermarket option for something better.
I'll be replacing mine with an internal box mag. The other negative is its heavy as hell but I suppose I did that with the Boyds stock and the scope I chose. I bought mine as a stripped action from Brownells.

I found these options for bottom metal. One allows you to use steel CZ magazines. https://jeffersonoutdoor.com/bottom-metal/

 

[Masonlaw1]

Quite partial to the American as well. Top to bottom, American target in 22 WMR, American ranch in 300 BLK, and finally the 5.56 American ranch. Owning these makes me wish I wasn’t living in the suburbs but on a big piece of land where I could throw one in the truck to ride the back 40. Oh well, until then it’s a 45 minute drive to God’s country.

 

[Laphroaig]

I've been thinking about an inexpensive bolt in 6.5 Grendel. I like the American Predator but the Howa mini-action has my attention. Are there advantages to the Ruger?

There is some focused discussion dating all the way back to the now discontinued CZ 527 Grendel bolt rifles on the 6.5 Grendel bolt action/single shot forum.

https://www.65grendel.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?23-6-5-Grendel-Bolt-Actions-amp-Single-Shots

It might help you find some CZ mags if you get the replacement bottom metal for the Howa. There are pros and cons to both rifles, you just have to pick your poison.

 

[1942farmall]

I found these options for bottom metal. One allows you to use steel CZ magazines. https://jeffersonoutdoor.com/bottom-metal/

I have the one Jefferson originally offered on the rifle. The factory plastic trigger guard was junk.
It greatly improved the mag release button and its nicely machined from aluminum.
Still however used the cheap Howa mags.
I'll have to look at what they have now.
Oregonsmith offers an internal mag with nice drop plate which is what I was going to buy but they aren't cheap. The Howa mags usually work but like I said, they look and feel cheap.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I've got the identical rifle in 308. It's my knock around truck gun and amazingly accurate for the price point.

 

[high country]

I have one in 6.5 creedmoor that I like a lot. It's just the base American, not a Predator.

I traded for it, stuck a scope that was collecting dust on it, and made a couple tweaks to the trigger and stock. It shoots way better than it should and I haven't even taken the time to develop a load for it. Not the most refined thing out of the box, but it seems to be reliable and shoots well.

In a short cartridge (.223, 7.62x39, 6.5G, etc.), I like the CZ and Howa better, and have one of each. They both have some shortcomings, but there is just something about an action made for a short cartridge, especially the CZ.

That said- for the folks considering a conversion to CZ mags in the Howa - in my experience the CZ magazine is a shortcoming in the CZ. I run a single shot sled in my CZ almost exclusively because I was tired of deep scratches in Lapua brass. The Howa mag feels cheap and is more expensive than it should be, but seems to work well. I haven't really mistreated one, but can't imagine breaking it. I like the idea of a blind mag, but feeding from the top seems like it would be a bit tight for my fingers.

 

[lobo9er]

Mine is a 7.62x39 Rancher.
Its my high capacity 30-30, but with pointy bullets and good glass.
View attachment 1119532 View attachment 1119533 View attachment 1119534

7.62x39 bolt gun is on my short list

 

[lobo9er]

Quite partial to the American as well. Top to bottom, American target in 22 WMR, American ranch in 300 BLK, and finally the 5.56 American ranch. Owning these makes me wish I wasn’t living in the suburbs but on a big piece of land where I could throw one in the truck to ride the back 40. Oh well, until then it’s a 45 minute drive to God’s country. View attachment 1119743

how do you like the RITON scopes?

 

[mshootnit]

I owned one, in 6mm Rem. It was OK. Never really warmed up to it.

 

[Masonlaw1]

how do you like the RITON scopes?

Good for what they are, budget and American owned. Think Vortex before they became Vortex. I’m not packing them in or out of mountain country on a horse. From the truck to the stand or range. Glass is clear.

 

[lobo9er]

Good for what they are, budget and American owned. Think Vortex before they became Vortex. I’m not packing them in or out of mountain country on a horse. From the truck to the stand or range. Glass is clear.

I gotcha sounds like a fair assessment. Been seeing them around lately online.

 

[Rubone]

Will it take AK mags ?

I also have a RAR in 7.62X39. The mags aren't an issue for me as it is a perfect companion piece to my Mini-30!!

 

[Navy87Guy]

I have an American Ranch in 7.62x39 (I wanted something to share ammo with my AK). It’s light and accurate, which is all you can ask for. I do wish it came set up for iron sights but that’s about it!

 

[mshootnit]

I have always thought that the regular Americans should come with a set of open sights. That was my first thought the first time I shouldered one. Hmmmmmm.