Ruger American Gen II

[md7]

Short barrels on supersonic firearms don't make sense. Bullets on target is what matters.

I agree that ballistic performance does suffer in short barrels versus long barrels.

But a short tube combined with a suppressor is a good way to go provided the bullet is giving you the performance you need at the distance you shoot.

In my case, a shot fired last January from an unsuppressed 270 Win at a deer has made my left ear ring from that moment to the time I type this message.

Got an 18” barrel 308 and a direct thread suppressor this year. My rifle is now hearing safe, its overall length is about the same as a non suppressed standard length rifle, and I’ve got enough horse power to kill whitetail at 400 with most common, off the shelf ammo types. Higher BC, premium bullets would extend that distance.

Feel like I’m speaking out of both sides of my mouth here. You’re right about ballistic performance, but I also think there’s a role for shorter barrel rifle, especially if you’re suppressing it. If that makes sense.

If I didn’t suppress, then I’d definitely go longer.

 

[Spats McGee]

I own 2 RARs, but no RAs. I like the looks of the Gen 2 rifles, particularly the fluted barrel. That said, if they drive prices on Gen 1s down, I wouldn't mind picking up one of those on the cheap, either!

 

[Spats McGee]

Interesting. I wonder what they will actually sell for. I didn't see whether they use P-mags or proprietary mags.

The Gen 2 Ranch model shows that it takes "AR-Style" mags: https://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanchGenII/models.html?n=ov

 

[earlthegoat2]

A lot of “features” that cost more and take away from the budget friendliness.

Hopefully the fore end portion of the stock no longer touches the barrel on 95% of them straight off he shelf.

The things I really like is the threaded barrels and larger bolt handle on all of them. I wouldn’t mind paying a small markup for those things. Fluted barrel though, eh, I guess it looks neat.

Maybe they will be available in long action cartridges again. I wouldn’t mind one in 270 lefty like they used to offer.

Savage Accustock inspired a bit.

All in all, I would buy one.

 

[someguy2800]

Looking forward to seeing a ranch in 6mm arc

 

[mgmorden]

I like most of the upgrades. Not the threaded barrel (I don't use attachments and it looks worse with a thread protector), but I can accept that in the current market that's something that most customers want.

I've been wanting to add a .300 Win Mag to the stable so depending on price this might be something I look at.

 

[zdc1775]

I like most of the upgrades. Not the threaded barrel (I don't use attachments and it looks worse with a thread protector), but I can accept that in the current market that's something that most customers want.

I've been wanting to add a .300 Win Mag to the stable so depending on price this might be something I look at.

I would like to see them offer some larger magnum calibers like 375 or 416 Ruger as well.

 

[someguy2800]

I like the cerakoting and the new stock a lot. I'm curious how stiff the new stock is. The non flush fit magazine and release lever on the standard models like the 308 and 6.5c would be a hard no for me but I'm not really in the market for one either. I would put up with it on the ranch models since it would be convinient to have AR mag compatibility. I don't care either way about the fluting. I am a big fan of compact rifles so the shorter barrels are a plus to me.

 

[earlthegoat2]

A 16” Ranch barrel works great in 450 Bushmaster.

 

[CraigC]

Why do the RAR's of either gen have a pic rail instead of the Ruger ring mounts?

One might assume they're cheaper to make but then there's the barrel fluting.

I don't like the current rail because it's too damned high. Even with rings a step lower than you'd normally use, it's still too high and if you go lower than that, the scope contacts the rail.

You can also ditch the pic rail and put a standard Leupold mount/rings on it.

A short barrel with a muffler on a 22rf, 38spl, 9mm, 45colt, or 45acp makes sense or even w/o a muffler sense they a simply quiter in a 16" carbine. If you want a 300 BO and don't mind shooting slow bullets with little energy then I guess that works within its limitations. I haven't looked but I would be surprized if the gen2 is offered in any of those subsonic chamberings.

A 200 grain bullet at 1100fps only has 537ft lbs of energy at zero feet range so has little use in deer or med game hunting - may as well just use a 4" barreled 357mag handgun to deer hunt with.

IMO the average buyer is not going to have or use a muffler so is just giving up velocity and is going to have extra damage to the ears.

Energy is a meaningless number. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's only useful as a marketing tool for selling velocity. The fact is that the .300 works very well on medium game within its effective range and with proper bullets.

Apparently there are enough people using suppressors that Ruger hardly makes a rifle that isn't threaded.

 

[EIB0879]

I guess I should have clarified that I was looking at the standard version. Like you said, it might be a good opportunity to get a Gen 1 as the retailers sell through their inventory.

 

[Frulk]

That’s gonna be the first caliber I get (may add a 7.62*39 later).

How does your shoot? Is it picky with ammo?

Buzz…Only bought the Ranch Rifle because of the AR magazine compatibility. I have a lot of those from various manufacturers laying around. Used one type of ammo as noted below. Used two different manufacturer mags (PMAG and something else...name escapes me right now). I've read that the guns can be finicky on mags but I had no issues. Everything fed fine.

I put a 1X4x24 scope and muzzle brake on it and took it to the range with new mil spec ammo (don’t remember weight or manufacturer) and sighted it in at 100 yards. At that distance the somewhat thick reticle crosshairs covered the entire target center.

This was the result. No doubt in my mind that a higher mag scope with thinner crosshairs and trying other ammo would produce a tighter group. For the money I’m into this set up I’m more than satisfied.

The Ruger Ranch was an impulse buy that I didn't think twice about at its price point. That's why the complaints about its stock didn't bother me. I am perfectly happy with the current finish on the metal and non-fluted barrel. The newer version puts it into a higher cost bracket where I would be considering other options. Not to say I wouldn't buy the Ruger just that other brands would be competing for my money (which was not the case here).

 

[TonyAngel]

The only thing the upgraded model does for me is fuel the hope that the prices on the Gen 1 will come down.

 

[EIB0879]

In that price range I have been looking at the Begara B-14 Hunter.

 

[TonyAngel]

In that price range I have been looking at the Begara B-14 Hunter.

Tikka T3x for me. I bought my 2 Americans for $450. $550-$100 rebate. At that price the rifles were a real standout. Light, tough and very much more accurate than they had a right to be.

At the price of the Gen 2, they fall into the camp of "I shoulda spent a little more".

 

[Hookeye]

I detest Ruger ring mounts, and their rings.
Of course Leupold makes some rings for that system, but they slap a big L logo on top of each which kills the look.
Plus they don't make mediums in gloss.

Am converting a Ruger #1 to a EGW pic rail and better rings.

Think a pic rail makes sense on a bolt rig though.
Unfortunately I dislike the Ruger American series.

Not into entry level or bargain rifles. Am not rich either. Just like stuff a little nicer.
Hard to argue the utilitarian aspect.
But Im cool w synth stocks on mid level rifles, or even Ruger #1s.

.300 Blackout, .450BM, .350 Legend or .223.............rather have an AR15.
And I don't like AR15s LOL

For me, in bolt rigs, start at Rem 700 and go up.

 

[BreechFace]

I like the inclusion of the 3-position safety that locks the bolt, the unloading cartridges out of the magazine is unnecessary with the detached box magazines but still a nice feature to have.

Spiral fluted barrels and bolts are not my thing, but they do seem to be popular with some crowds.

Not a fan of the "accutrigger" type trigger, but that is just me; I'm probably the minority on that with their targeted audience. I would change that out for a Timney or Triggertech if I were to purchase one.

They'll no doubt sell piles of them the accuracy of their Gen I's is well known and an expectation by the consumer and they've in large part lived up to that. Personally, I think they should just offer two different barrel lengths, short and threaded (Ranch) and long and recessed crowned (Predator).

 

[Buzznrose]

Th

Buzz…Only bought the Ranch Rifle because of the AR magazine compatibility. I have a lot of those from various manufacturers laying around. Used one type of ammo as noted below. Used two different manufacturer mags (PMAG and something else...name escapes me right now). I've read that the guns can be finicky on mags but I had no issues. Everything fed fine.

I put a 1X4x24 scope and muzzle brake on it and took it to the range with new mil spec ammo (don’t remember weight or manufacturer) and sighted it in at 100 yards. At that distance the somewhat thick reticle crosshairs covered the entire target center.

This was the result. No doubt in my mind that a higher mag scope with thinner crosshairs and trying other ammo would produce a tighter group. For the money I’m into this set up I’m more than satisfied.

The Ruger Ranch was an impulse buy that I didn't think twice about at its price point. That's why the complaints about its stock didn't bother me. I am perfectly happy with the current finish on the metal and non-fluted barrel. The newer version puts it into a higher cost bracket where I would be considering other options. Not to say I wouldn't buy the Ruger just that other brands would be competing for my money (which was not the case here).

Thanks! Great info! Take care, and Merry Christmas!

 

[Buzznrose]

Apparently there are enough people using suppressors that Ruger hardly makes a rifle that isn't threaded.

Having recently bought and started shooting with suppressors, I am now in this camp. They make a great difference. Rescind the tax stamp and they will really sell

 

[codytrucker]

I wonder if they have strengthened up the stocks any ? I like the geometry of the butstock , but it needs to match ! That 3 tone mess is ugly ! If they got the flex out of it , and made it thicker in the grip , it would be a big improvement.


This is a predator and a howa mini in comparison , the howa is much thicker and stiffer , and not much heavier.

I think if they really want something new , they should make an adapter for pistol caliber mags to fit in the magwell , and make a banded front sight base to fit the muzzle threads along with a rear peep that goes in the rear scope mounting thread. Make a " delisle carbine " version in 45 auto.

I like the three position safety , I like to be able to reach back and check to make sure the safety is on by checking the bolt lift while carrying a slung rifle .

 

[md7]

Having recently bought and started shooting with suppressors, I am now in this camp. They make a great difference. Rescind the tax stamp and they will really sell

Same camp, Buzz. You sure ain’t alone

 

[mgmorden]

This is a predator and a howa mini in comparison , the howa is much thicker and stiffer , and not much heavier.

That will be interesting to see. I have often preferred wood stocks compared to flimsy synthetics but I've found that a nice stiff synthetic stock isn't bad at all.

You can usually stiffen them up manually with some JB Weld but its a pain. Plus some actions just don't lend themselves as much to it (eg the Savage Axis stocks will still flex up and down no matter how stiff - even laminate stock flexes up and down - I think it's due to the type of recoil lug they use).

 

[d2wing]

Tikka T3x for me. I bought my 2 Americans for $450. $550-$100 rebate. At that price the rifles were a real standout. Light, tough and very much more accurate than they had a right to be.

At the price of the Gen 2, they fall into the camp of "I shoulda spent a little more".

I am in the same camp, but I will take a hard look at the Ruger.

 

[ojibweindian]

Yeah. MSRP is $729 according to the website, definitely moving the price point up but not quite as much as a Tikka.

I've never met a Ruger American that I liked. No way I'd pay $729 for one. Doubt I'd pay $300 for one.

 

[codytrucker]

That will be interesting to see. I have often preferred wood stocks compared to flimsy synthetics but I've found that a nice stiff synthetic stock isn't bad at all.

You can usually stiffen them up manually with some JB Weld but its a pain. Plus some actions just don't lend themselves as much to it (eg the Savage Axis stocks will still flex up and down no matter how stiff - even laminate stock flexes up and down - I think it's due to the type of recoil lug they use).

I have another predator stock that I epoxied some metal into the forearm and raised the comb with some vet wrap , but I never could like it . It was still to thin in the wrist . To be fair I just really don't like plastic stocks and have replaced them on several rifles with either wood or fiberglass Bell and Carlson's , although the Howa is by far the best one I've ever felt and I probably could live with it , I bought the rifle intending to restock it and change the bottom metal anyway . Hopefully Ruger got it right this time . Upgrading the stocks is a $300.00 expense that I would rather not have .