Ruger American Pred 6.5 Grendel to 6ARC begins

[LoonWulf]

Just picked up the rifle today. Im still waiting on Shaw to finish the 6ARC barrel.


In the mean time im playing with some ideas.

I was curious if AICS mags would work with the STANAG fed guns and ordered a couple MDT mags when they were 1/2 off.

I also needed a stock and mag well capable of accepting them. I asked my buddy Dell for the boyds stocks form his wifes 6CM, he switched it for an Oryx a while back.

I fitted up the stock and made some modifications.
Ive found I really dont like the feel of the lightweight thumbhole, so i adjusted it to be a little like a GRS and allow a thumbs up hand positioning, as well as the normal thru grip.
This also allows me to keep my thumb on my safety.
I added a couple spacers and a larger recoil pad to give it a more comfortable length of pull for me. I bought it used off ebay for my buddy and the guy who originally had it made liked a shorter length of pull than I do.

I broke all the sharp edges on the bolt, tho i didnt polish the bolt or the action beyond that. Its plenty functional as is.
I also took the trigger apart and polished the contact surfaces, as well as changing the trigger return spring for a lighter one.

The gun now runs reasonably smoothly and has a clean trigger pull of 1.5lbs.

All in all not bad for an hour or so of work.


Im topping this rifle with my Conquer 5 5-25x50, ill need some shorter rings also.

When the new barrel comes in, im pretty sure ill switch this stock out for an MDT Field stock....unless i decide i really like this one once ive used it for a while.


Rifle as recieved


Stock and bottom metal test fit


Modifications to the stock after testing.


All set up and ready to go ....for now I'm




Im looking forward to getting the new barrel in, but im expecting to have a good time with this set up till then.

 

[mongoslow]

that is sweet, I did notice on Ruger that the GenII is going to be offered in 6 ARC with the 20" fluted Barrel it might be a cheaper route for others to wait on it then drop it into a MTD chassis for a sub$1500 step into a precision rifle
I really like the look of what you are building there, I am not really a long range steel and Paper puncher, since I don't have the room for it but the 6 ARC looks interesting

 

[horsey300]

Just picked up the rifle today. Im still waiting on Shaw to finish the 6ARC barrel.


In the mean time im playing with some ideas.

I was curious if AICS mags would work with the STANAG fed guns and ordered a couple MDT mags when they were 1/2 off.

I also needed a stock and mag well capable of accepting them. I asked my buddy Dell for the boyds stocks form his wifes 6CM, he switched it for an Oryx a while back.

I fitted up the stock and made some modifications.
Ive found I really dont like the feel of the lightweight thumbhole, so i adjusted it to be a little like a GRS and allow a thumbs up hand positioning, as well as the normal thru grip.
This also allows me to keep my thumb on my safety.
I added a couple spacers and a larger recoil pad to give it a more comfortable length of pull for me. I bought it used off ebay for my buddy and the guy who originally had it made liked a shorter length of pull than I do.

I broke all the sharp edges on the bolt, tho i didnt polish the bolt or the action beyond that. Its plenty functional as is.
I also took the trigger apart and polished the contact surfaces, as well as changing the trigger return spring for a lighter one.

The gun now runs reasonably smoothly and has a clean trigger pull of 1.5lbs.

All in all not bad for an hour or so of work.


Im topping this rifle with my Conquer 5 5-25x50, ill need some shorter rings also.

When the new barrel comes in, im pretty sure ill switch this stock out for an MDT Field stock....unless i decide i really like this one once ive used it for a while.


Rifle as recieved
View attachment 1186821View attachment 1186822

Stock and bottom metal test fit
View attachment 1186823View attachment 1186824

Modifications to the stock after testing.
View attachment 1186825View attachment 1186826View attachment 1186827

All set up and ready to go ....for now I'm
View attachment 1186828View attachment 1186829View attachment 1186830



Im looking forward to getting the new barrel in, but im expecting to have a good time with this set up till then.

How do you like that conquer, I'm about to pull the trigger on one myself?

 

[LoonWulf]

that is sweet, I did notice on Ruger that the GenII is going to be offered in 6 ARC with the 20" fluted Barrel it might be a cheaper route for others to wait on it then drop it into a MTD chassis for a sub$1500 step into a precision rifle
I really like the look of what you are building there, I am not really a long range steel and Paper puncher, since I don't have the room for it but the 6 ARC looks interesting

Yeah the gen 2s should be a great option for a low cost precision rifle.
I might have waited for one myself if i knew they were coming out. Id still probably swap barrels tho as i wanted a long heavy tube.

How do you like that conquer, I'm about to pull the trigger on one myself?

Im quite happy with it. Optically Its one of my better scopes, and the feature set is quite good.

 

[LoonWulf]

Couple observations.

Rugers current American stocks have spots for more sling swivels or rail mounts to be easily installed. Didnt notice that on the last one i had.

Also the barrel isnt as smooth as many of the hammer forged ive looked at but still shoots fine.....heck its WAAAAAYYYY nicer than my Patriot or Savage tubes.




I got out and shot the rifle with the last of my factory grendel ammo yesterday. Shoots pretty well.

Three rounds above bullseye are one hole/group the other rounds were initial shots after bore sighting.


My buddy jack shot this group with the remainder of the rounds i had .....theres some splash or other hits in there too.

 

[LoonWulf]

More tinkering and another range trip.....

I added a comb riser made from wooden dowel coated in plastidip, 1/2" nylon spacers, and brass threaded inserts.

Straightened the bolt handle, and put on the muzzle brake i took off my Ridgeline and turned down.

(Pictures when i get home)




I went to the range yesterday morning for a couple hours and shot some handloads using 120 Barnes Burners over Hodgdon LVR, and one group with hornady black 123elds.

Accuracy is pretty decent and there wasnt alot of dispersion even with the 200fps difference between starting and max loads. No time was taken to cool the rifle between the handload groups. I think my magneto speed was probably mounted a little too low as i had some odd velocity spreads. Ill rechrono next time im out.

Hornady Black top right and my Ranger bottom right.




Still waiting on the Shaw barrel, but so far the guns alot of fun to shoot.

 

[troy fairweather]

Not sure how I missed this thread, sometimes they just don't show up lol. I kinda like the purple lol.

 

[LoonWulf]

Not sure how I missed this thread, sometimes they just don't show up lol. I kinda like the purple lol.

I do too and with the modifications it's pretty comfortable to shoot. I'm not sure if I'll go with the MDT field or not at this point.

 

[igotta40]

My MDT steel 12 round AICS mag arrived today. I didn’t know about a half price sale. I ordered from Primary Arms. I had been using my 224 Valkyrie magazine but I didn’t want any issues, like forgetting it, or forgetting which ammunition it’s loaded with. I’m running a Savage in a Magpul stock.

 

[troy fairweather]

So the ar Mag guns just need a stock with the ai catch to work.
If I do a 6arc bolt gun I'd like to do the howa with the 22" light barrel and get that stockys carbon stocks with that nice hinged bottom metal that one company makes, maybe a 2-7 or other smaller sized scope. Would be a nice do all for varmints to deer sized game and maybe some range fun.

 

[LoonWulf]

My MDT steel 12 round AICS mag arrived today. I didn’t know about a half price sale. I ordered from Primary Arms. I had been using my 224 Valkyrie magazine but I didn’t want any issues, like forgetting it, or forgetting which ammunition it’s loaded with. I’m running a Savage in a Magpul stock.

Yeah they ran a sale right around Christmas. I actually partially went ARC instead of 6BR to avoid buying the 80 dollar apiece magazines lol.
That sounds like a nice set up!

So the ar Mag guns just need a stock with the ai catch to work.
If I do a 6arc bolt gun I'd like to do the howa with the 22" light barrel and get that stockys carbon stocks with that nice hinged bottom metal that one company makes, maybe a 2-7 or other smaller sized scope. Would be a nice do all for varmints to deer sized game and maybe some range fun.

Yesh! Can probably get away with just changing out the stanag for the aics insert, probably wont work in reverse.

Howa might actually offer what you want. Cant remember what its called but they offer 4.5lb rifle in the ARC......ill go look later.

 

[LoonWulf]

Howa Carbon Stalker... https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting...lued-bolt-action-rifle-6mm-arc-22in/p/1809543
Might see if Dell can order me one after i work with the 334 and Turqua for a bit.

 

[troy fairweather]

Yeah they ran a sale right around Christmas. I actually partially went ARC instead of 6BR to avoid buying the 80 dollar apiece magazines lol.
That sounds like a nice set up!


Yesh! Can probably get away with just changing out the stanag for the aics insert, probably wont work in reverse.

Howa might actually offer what you want. Cant remember what its called but they offer 4.5lb rifle in the ARC......ill go look later.

Ya they do, think could be built cheaper tho. They had the stocks for $280 I think recently and a barreled action is $400-$500. The rifle are going for about $980-$1000 last I seen, the money saved would pay for that nice bottom metal think there $175. I kinda wouldn't mind a 7-08 either with the carbon, hoping kimber dose some 7-08s again since I'd like that over the howa.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ya they do, think could be built cheaper tho. They had the stocks for $280 I think recently and a barreled action is $400-$500. The rifle are going for about $980-$1000 last I seen, the money saved would pay for that nice bottom metal think there $175. I kinda wouldn't mind a 7-08 either with the carbon, hoping kimber dose some 7-08s again since I'd like that over the howa.

Id like to have a kimber, mostly just because i want one lol. I dont really have an excuse to buy more hunting rifles tho.

Oh cleaned the Ruger this evening and took a few more pictures.
Thought some of the marks were rust, but it looks like its from when the barrel was made, the spots are spaced pretty evenly.

 

[troy fairweather]

If you were keeping the barrel I'd call ruger on that nic by the muzzle, usually chf are pretty good inside. Almost looks like impurities in the steel from forging.

 

[LoonWulf]

If you were keeping the barrel I'd call ruger on that nic by the muzzle, usually chf are pretty good inside. Almost looks like impurities in the steel from forging.

I think there was stuff on the mandrel or damage to it maybe. The rough spots and the nick go all the way around. It shoots well enough, and I don't want to send the gun back, otherwise i probably would complain

 

[Legionnaire]

Watching. I've got an itch for a 6 ARC bolt gun. When I built my 6 ARC AR, I started with a PSA upper in 6.5 Grendel and replaced the barrel with a 24-inch tube from EABCO. Hadn't occurred to me to start with a 6.5 Grendel bolt gun and swap the barrel. I'm liking my Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel, so will probably do the same in 6 ARC. But I'll have to check out the new Ruger. My hesitation is that I handled a couple of Americans and shot a friend's in 6.5 Creedmoor. My impression was that the action was pretty rough.

Good looking project going here.

 

[troy fairweather]

Watching. I've got an itch for a 6 ARC bolt gun. When I built my 6 ARC AR, I started with a PSA upper in 6.5 Grendel and replaced the barrel with a 24-inch tube from EABCO. Hadn't occurred to me to start with a 6.5 Grendel bolt gun and swap the barrel. I'm liking my Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel, so will probably do the same in 6 ARC. But I'll have to check out the new Ruger. My hesitation is that I handled a couple of Americans and shot a friend's in 6.5 Creedmoor. My impression was that the action was pretty rough.

Good looking project going here.

At least with the ruger you can still swap out the barrels easier, I don't mind the Americans but definitely prefer the howa.

 

[LoonWulf]

Watching. I've got an itch for a 6 ARC bolt gun. When I built my 6 ARC AR, I started with a PSA upper in 6.5 Grendel and replaced the barrel with a 24-inch tube from EABCO. Hadn't occurred to me to start with a 6.5 Grendel bolt gun and swap the barrel. I'm liking my Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel, so will probably do the same in 6 ARC. But I'll have to check out the new Ruger. My hesitation is that I handled a couple of Americans and shot a friend's in 6.5 Creedmoor. My impression was that the action was pretty rough.

Good looking project going here.

The stanag fed Americans are even clunkier than the regular ones simply because theres more edges and ridges. Nothing horrible, but the Howas definitely a smoother action.
Major reason for the American in this build was that its heavy and like troy said, easier to work on.

When i get around to an ultralight goat gun its gonna be an ARC on a Howa Mini.....might just buy the Carbon Stalker, or do like troy, and get a Brownells action (slightly heavier profile barrel i believe) and stick it in a carbon stock.

 

[troy fairweather]

The stanag fed Americans are even clunkier than the regular ones simply because theres more edges and ridges. Nothing horrible, but the Howas definitely a smoother action.
Major reason for the American in this build was that its heavy and like troy said, easier to work on.

When i get around to an ultralight goat gun its gonna be an ARC on a Howa Mini.....might just buy the Carbon Stalker, or do like troy, and get a Brownells action (slightly heavier profile barrel i believe) and stick it in a carbon stock.

Ya they take out a lot of metal on the bolt for the stanag mag guns and there are a bunch of Terrain like you said. Looking the carbon stock stockys makes is the same used on the howa, they have seconds and there's a new Gen out that is like $500. Don't know if the new howa come with the new Gen or not, maybe why they did a camo carbon to use up old stocks. If the price stays around $500 it maybe best just to get the whole rifle if it's got the new stock and you don't have to do as much fitting.


I think there 3 barrel weights for the howa mini, 20" heavy 22" light can't remember the other tho. Even the heavy in the carbon stock will be lighter then a thin barrel short action, so maybe a better choice if you may shoot it more.

 

[Laphroaig]

My hesitation is that I handled a couple of Americans and shot a friend's in 6.5 Creedmoor. My impression was that the action was pretty rough.

My American was really rough when new, but I've put about 200 rds. thru it and it's gotten a lot smoother. It still won't ever be super slick tho.

Remember that the Grendel American uses STANAG mags. I saw on another thread that you and Loon were cutting your Mini mags to fit flush. I don't think that that is possible with the American. It's not a rifle I'd enjoy carrying in the field because of that.

 

[LoonWulf]

My American was really rough when new, but I've put about 200 rds. thru it and it's gotten a lot smoother. It still won't ever be super slick tho.

Remember that the Grendel American uses STANAG mags. I saw on another thread that you and Loon were cutting your Mini mags to fit flush. I don't think that that is possible with the American. It's not a rifle I'd enjoy carrying in the field because of that.

I cut a few stanags for some of the american users a while ago, it takes folding new tabs but isnt horribly difficult......or at least my fumbly butt managed to not screw any up to the point they werent functional.

Ya they take out a lot of metal on the bolt for the stanag mag guns and there are a bunch of Terrain like you said. Looking the carbon stock stockys makes is the same used on the howa, they have seconds and there's a new Gen out that is like $500. Don't know if the new howa come with the new Gen or not, maybe why they did a camo carbon to use up old stocks. If the price stays around $500 it maybe best just to get the whole rifle if it's got the new stock and you don't have to do as much fitting.


I think there 3 barrel weights for the howa mini, 20" heavy 22" light can't remember the other tho. Even the heavy in the carbon stock will be lighter then a thin barrel short action, so maybe a better choice if you may shoot it more.

I dont remember either, but your right i think the heavys in a basic stock were coming out around 6.5-7lbs. My 527 was almost 7lbs, its barrel was 4" longer tho.

 

[LoonWulf]

Update!

Got the barrel a while ago, but didnt get anywhere with it till a week ago.

Got the barrel spun on and headspaced with a new case. Ive got gauges coming but for now this will work.


I also ended up ordering another stock since the barrel is too wide for the light varmints forend.
I went with a ProV because i like them and they are cheap.
Got that rough fitted and glasses this evening (messed up my knee a couple weeks ago so spent most of the day doing dr stuff). Ill finalize it tomorrow evening most likely.

 

[dieselchief]

not to detract from your 6.5 predator rifle adventure but mine is just as challenging. no matter what i couldnt get used to the stock so i ordered the most expensive laminated boyds stock with all the options. their bedding solution was a joke and the wood itself looked like it was chewed out by a rabid beaver.
... next a magpul hunter stock was ordered up and except the comb height, it was fitted up nicely. a ten dollar replacement comb used on the 10/22 solved that. i like scopes mounted low. (older made in usa burris titanium 2.5 x 10 50mm)
...gave up on magazines and use a single shot adapter intended for a ar match rifle.
...ps the 6mm arc led to two other rifles for me. lol.

 

[d2wing]

That's a heavy barrel.