Ruger American Predator Rifle

[Ketosan]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with the Ruger American Predator rifles in 22-250? Have an opportunity to pick one up at a reasonable price.
This particular rifle has a 22" barrel with the Marksman Adjustable trigger and is threaded.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CJ6]

I have one piece of advice when buying the Ruger Amer. (any model), MAKE SURE the mag seats tightly with NO SLOP or else you have feeding issues. The last one I purchased (223) the mag was slightly loose when seated and mis-fed or failed to feed about 70% of the time. I contacted Ruger and it took TWO different mags to correct the issue. Other than this I'm EXTREMELY happy with the rifles (trigger could be better even after adjusting, but hey it's not a Jewel) They shoot very well and the price point is excellent. 270, 308, 243, and 223 are the calibers I have in the RA.

 

[CaptainMal]

Urged two hunting friends to buy them. Both bought 270's. I set both up for them and did the initial break-in and ammo selection.

First let me firmly say they are cheap pieces of crap. There is no aesthetic feedback from quality of construction.

Now that's over and both of them "broke in" with less than a box of factory shells. During that time I had not issues getting them sighted in and making darn nice groups approaching MOA. One required some tweaking of the stock where it did touch the barrel. I ground that mess away.

Both took trigger adjustments with no issues and I was able to easily set them where I thought the fumble-fingered owners would best need their triggers.

Both rifles today, with probably a couple years of cleaning neglect, have performed well. Both have taken numerous deer for their owners who prior to these rifles, mostly missed everything they shot at.

After break-in I shot one that gave me MOA results for a few shots. No clue how they hold up to that today as I only seen them cased after a hunt. Bet one is rusty with the barrel neglected. The other is probably nice. They both work so I think Ruger American is a good choice for people NOT into precision, quality rifles.

 

[timeout]

I bought the Ruger American Ranch for a beat around truck gun, this one http://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/models.html I purchased it in 223. Comes in 1 in 8 twist, so bullet selection is almost unlimited. Also comes pre threaded for a suppressor or brake. It is a cheap hunk of junk, but really shoots pretty well and I haven't done any load development yet. So far just shooting some old ammo I had l loaded a long time ago for a mini Ranch. I haven't had any issues with it yet however, I have only put about 20 rounds through it. I guarantee you it won't seem near as pretty as the picture looks when you first pick one up. I believe it is going to shoot fairly well when I get a load worked up. Thinking I may open up the bolt face and rechamber it to 22-250 if I get bored for a project. I have already Cerakoted it. I did lighten the trigger, but as stated above "it sure isn't a Jewell". All in all I would say it is worth the money for a beater gun. One more thing is that it comes with a scope rail. That is a plus.

 

[Ketosan]

Thanks for everyone's reply--gives me some idea about what to lookout for and expect--or not expect in this case!!! This gun is intended to be a "truck" gun--so cosmetics certainly is not important--just that it will shoot reasonably well and that it goes bang when I pull the trigger.

 

[m500]

I have this same model. It shoots the 65 grain gamekings reasonably well.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I almost bought an American in 223 for my son, but every time I pick one up, they just feel so cheap and poorly put together that I quickly place it back on the shelf. I'm sure they shoot OK, but I can't get over the cheap Tupperware stock. One of them I saw looked like the CNC had a glitch when cutting the actions and gouged a huge scar in the tang. I thought, How can this get past QC??? But it did and there it was on the store's gun rack priced the same as the other brand new American rifles. Though they may shoot well, they are definitely priced for the quality you get, and nothing more.

For a budget priced varmint or hunting rifle, I would recommend the TC Venture. They are about $100 more on average, but the fit and finish is much nicer. I've owned 3 of them in the past and one is now an extremely accurate hunting rifle with a custom barrel. Another one is now owned by my best friend and the other I regretfully sold. All exhibited tack driving accuracy with hand loads. The actions are very smooth and built like a tank. Triggers are great for hunting standards and the stocks are definitely a big step up in quality when compared to the Ruger American. EGW is now offering one piece picatinny rails for the TC venture in 0 and 20 MOA which is nice if looking for a solid long range shooting base. Just can't beat the TC Venture for quality and accuracy in their price point. I even have some custom rifles that struggle to shoot at the levels I have achieved with the TCs.

Just my two cents...

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Here's a picture showing a 3 shot group with the TC Venture action I re-barreled with a CM Shilen tube. Granted it's not the factory barrel, but I think it partly attests to the quality of the TC Venture action.

Group shot at 300 yards from the prone position using a Harris bipod and rear bag.

 

[timeout]

Here's a picture showing a 3 shot group with the TC Venture action I re-barreled with a CM Shilen tube. Granted it's not the factory barrel, but I think it partly attests to the quality of the TC Venture action.

Group shot at 300 yards from the prone position using a Harris bipod and rear bag.

Nice group, but a fair comparison for purpose of this thread would be with an original factory barrel. Do you have any photos of those? I have had numerous factory barrels that would not shoot, but screw on a custom to their action and it is a whole new ball game.

 

[Raythemanroe]

They make replacement knobs/Handles, Timney triggers, Boyds makes a okay laminated stock for it.. Would be great if someone was doing pre-fit barrels.. I haven't put much time into the one I purchased, but reloads seem to produce 1 moa with a .243..


Ray

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Here's a picture showing a 3 shot group with the TC Venture action I re-barreled with a CM Shilen tube. Granted it's not the factory barrel, but I think it partly attests to the quality of the TC Venture action.

Group shot at 300 yards from the prone position using a Harris bipod and rear bag.

Nice group, but a fair comparison for purpose of this thread would be with an original factory barrel. Do you have any photos of those? I have had numerous factory barrels that would not shoot, but screw on a custom to their action and it is a whole new ball game.

Actually I do. Here's pics of two groups I fired with a TC Venture in 7mm Rem Mag using Berger 168gr VLDs. This was during load development. Each group is with RL22 but is a full grain different in charge weight. I also have target pics from a TC Venture in 300 win mag that my best friend owns now, but I will have yo dig those up and post them later

Groups are 3 shots at 100 yards. Only mod - a Harrels muzzle brake installed. Stock is NOT even bedded. Cant believe I sold this rifle

 

[timeout]

Here's a picture showing a 3 shot group with the TC Venture action I re-barreled with a CM Shilen tube. Granted it's not the factory barrel, but I think it partly attests to the quality of the TC Venture action.

Group shot at 300 yards from the prone position using a Harris bipod and rear bag.

Nice group, but a fair comparison for purpose of this thread would be with an original factory barrel. Do you have any photos of those? I have had numerous factory barrels that would not shoot, but screw on a custom to their action and it is a whole new ball game.

Actually I do. Here's pics of two groups I fired with a TC Venture in 7mm Rem Mag using Berger 168gr VLDs. This was during load development. Each group is with RL22 but is a full grain different in charge weight. I also have target pics from a TC Venture in 300 win mag that my best friend owns now, but I will have yo dig those up and post them later

Groups are 3 shots at 100 yards. Only mod - a Harrels muzzle brake installed. Stock is NOT even bedded. Cant believe I sold this rifle

Wow! I have no idea why so many of us spend thousands on custom rifle jobs. You have sold me. I'm going straight TC Ventures from now on.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I know you're being poorly sarcastic Mr. Timeout, but believe me, the TC Ventures are extremely accurate with careful handloading. The targets never lie. I would put my TC Venture 6.5 Rem Mag up against any custom sporter weight hunting rifle in a shoot-out. I have custom rifles that cost over $3K to build even when getting good deals on components and smith work. My custom rifles shoot awesome as well. But do they shoot better than what some factory rifles are capable of these days? In some cases, the answer is simply NO they cannot. Do I regret spending thousands of dollars on my multiple custom hunting and varmint rifles? No. They are beautiful rifles that give me a sense of sentimental value because of having built them from scratch. But if I was on a budget like the OP appears to be, I believe the TC Venture is a good suggestion for him to get as close to custom rifle accuracy as possible at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Oh and might I point out that the value of a rifle in my eyes is what it puts up on paper consistently...Not how much money it cost me to buy or build it. I openly admit to all my friends and family that some of the most accurate rifles I own are factory rifles. They sometimes ask why I build custom rifles when they see the targets of my Rem 700 in 204 Ruger, the TC Ventures, or my 1968 Ruger M77 tang 6mm Remington. I simply say because I like building custom rifles.

I have a 4x4 truck with leather seats, crew cab, sun roof, power rear window, GPS, back up camera, top of the line stereo system, custom wheels, running boards, Ranch Hand grille guard, etc... However, does my truck serve the purpose of driving and hauling loads better than an older truck that costs a lot less money but still runs well and has been taken care of meticulously? No, I don't think so. Both will get the job done just as well. Thats how I look at custom rifles and some of today's most accurate factory rifles. They'll both get the job done equally well for accuracy in most cases. The difference is the custom rifle may fit your exact needs and wants a little better because you built it exactly how you wanted it.

And lastly, I've seen very expensive custom rifles shoot horribly no matter what you did to them. How much is ANY rifle really worth if it does not produce a level of accuracy that meets your personal standards?...Nothing

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Found the target pic of the 300 win mag TC Venture my best friend now owns. Hes taken a lot of game with it in the last handful of years. I develped this load for it before I sold it to him. He does not handload, so he purchases the components and I load about 20 rounds for him every year before hunting season.

3 shots at 100 yards using 200gr Nosler Accubonds. Absolutely no modifications to the rifle. No bedding or anything. Just broke the barrel in and began load development.

 

[drover]

Wondering if anyone has had experience with the Ruger American Predator rifles in 22-250? Have an opportunity to pick one up at a reasonable price.
This particular rifle has a 22" barrel with the Marksman Adjustable trigger and is threaded.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I do not own one but have fired perhaps a 100 rounds through friends 223 and 22/250. IMO they are an inexpensive rifle that works okay, accuracy seems to be around 1 to 1-1/2 inches for 3 shots with loads that they like. They are an inexpensive rifle that will perform adequately for most folks. For a truck rifle they will be just fine, just don't expect a one-hole tack driver, a super smooth bolt, or a crisp trigger and you will not be disappointed.

drover

 

[6coues]

I bought one in 6.5 Creedmoor. Adjusted the trigger per instructions. It is 3 lbs. and crisp. Have only shot it once with factory ammo. I sighted it in cleaned it and without any fouling shots shot a three shot group with Hornady 120 AMAX it measured 1 1/18 in. Then without letting it cool (temp ~ 85 degrees) shot a three shot group with Winchester 140 match that measured 3/4 in. I consider it a very good value for the money and expect it will do well with hand loads.

Clyde

 

[Ketosan]

Ledd Slinger---in your experience with the TC lineup have you ever worked with the Dimension series--the model that has interchangeable barrels/bolts for various calibers?? Could be an attractive way to get more bang for the buck??? Found a source for the Venture model for $469.00 and the Dimension for $599.00--and TC has a $75.00 credit offer good until the end of 2015!!! The cost for a "new" caliber would be around $340.00--that assumes a bolt change also--if one only needed a new barrel then the cost would be around $200.00
Thanks

 

[5spd]

A pal bought the RP in 22-250 and man its just plain UGLY and cheap as a toothpick, BUT I will admit it shot in the sub moa at 100 yds with his hand loads.
He then sold it and got another RP in 243, yea its as cheap & UGLY, but again it also shoots in the sub moas to 300 yards with his hand loads.
He likes it so that's what counts.
The Ruger American line pushed any Savage gun off the ugly list and now is the # 1 ugly rifle.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Ledd Slinger---in your experience with the TC lineup have you ever worked with the Dimension series--the model that has interchangeable barrels/bolts for various calibers?? Could be an attractive way to get more bang for the buck??? Found a source for the Venture model for $469.00 and the Dimension for $599.00--and TC has a $75.00 credit offer good until the end of 2015!!! The cost for a "new" caliber would be around $340.00--that assumes a bolt change also--if one only needed a new barrel then the cost would be around $200.00
Thanks

No I havent tried the Dimension series. I was going to buy one but I just cant warm up to the looks of the stock.

However, TC provides their MOA guarantee with the Dimension just the same as they do with the TC Venture. As you can see by my target pics, their MOA guarantee means business. It will shoot at least 1 MOA with premium factory ammo, or in my experience with hand loading, much better than that

TC barrels all have 5R rifling and claim to be "match grade". Some think it's a marketing gimmick, but they in fact do shoot as well as most any match grade custom barrels I've owned once you dial them in with hand loads. The bores on them are very smooth and they break in and clean up as easily as any Krieger, Lilja, Shilen, McGowen, X-Caliber or Brux barrel I have on other rifles. So there's no doubt in my mind that the tolerances of the barrels are tight and they are carefully and properly hand lapped.

I was very skeptical about the TC accuracy claims at first because of the price point, but I'm a believer now