Ruger American Rifle

[Valar]

I have been seeing excellent reviews on the Ruger American rifle. I have my eye on a 270 at my local Wall Mart. I am wondering if anyone here has compared them to the old reliable Win Mod 70. American Rifle has similar 3 Lug 70 degree throw bolt. Did Ruger copy old win 70 action here? Has any one tinkered with one, are barrels threaded on? Could a guy build off this action a better rifle? They are only around 300.00 new and complete! If this action could be trued and built off of ,it might be a bargain. I am only a hobbyist gunsmith, so I am asking you pros out there! Thanks ahead,

 

[wvlongshot]

I bought one couple weeks ago with the very same thing in mind. Smooth barrel nut. 1" 16 tpi threads on barrel with no recess cut. Removed trigger and checked it out. Roll pins hold it in place, they are smaller in dia than remington.

 

[wvlongshot]

Here's another pic of the trigger system. And the american is nothing like the winchester mdl 70.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I bought one for my boy in .243 for his first gun to play with growing up. I of course have tinkered with it and with some Winchester brass and Nosler 95 grains it is around a minute gun..I think of it as a Savage, Sako copy with a very cheap stock and magazine. I like the action and wish they made some good triggers for it along with a better stock, but for the money it is very functional and accurate. I have thought about it's potential as a good to build on gun, maybe if things were available for it..Barrel nut could cut some cost down but a replacement stock would need a full inletting not to mention everything would need to be built custom, bottom metal, i don't or didn't see the savings...I threw a Burris 4.5-14 on it and think it is good for what it is.

 

[Nalgi]

I bought a .243 and my buddy bought the 7mm-08
We have been very happy with the results! I put a redfield 6-18 scope on mine, its perfect!

.243 4 shot group


7mm-08 3 shot group


one thing we found is you cant rapid fire or your group will spread pretty fast

 

[Valar]

243 is a barrel burner. without a bull barrel most 243 rounds spread fast with heat in a light barrel. Just my opinion. Wasn't the pre 64 win 70 a three lug action? I have to recheck Stewart Ottlsons records. I am glad to here it is a standard threaded action not metric. I can make a custom stock myself. I love nice laminated walnut. I feel another project coming on.

 

[Valar]

Excuse my spelling and mistake. Hence, why I asked the pros. I have read allot of info on gun actions the last few years. This is why I asked. I think now the 3 lug 70 degree throw was from making guns for defense and resistance? Still I could be wrong. Someday, if we study we will all be perfect, such as yourself! Perhaps one day I too will sit n the right hand of perfection. Better to ask stupid questions than to make stupid mistakes.

 

[ReedG]

The American was never intended to be the next benchrest project, but imagine being able to buy a Joe-Average-Hunter deer rifle that will reliably shoot MOA for less than $400 with a box of shells. Gun shops around here can't keep them in the racks, along with the Savage Axis. Not for me, but at our annual "sight-in day" they are popular.

 

[jonbearman]

He was asking a real question as he admitted he didnt know.We all ask questions that are elementary to us but for some,they are just trying to learn.My feeling is to leave the sarcasm out of threads because it drive's people away from our site.Remember the golden rule.

 

[Raythemanroe]

"243 is a barrel burner. without a bull barrel most 243 rounds spread fast with heat in a light barrel"..Do you intend to shoot competition right out of the box with it? What caliber does the Ruger American come in that won't heat the barrel up?

 

[doc gordon]

bought a 243 and a 270 last year they both shoot under a inch for 5 round then star scattering around to 2+ !

 

[K22]

I smile when I hear all the negative comments about the 243. I've been shooting the 243 since the late 60's and still own many of them of various brands.

It was never conceived as a target rifle caliber although I think Tubb won a match with one several years ago.

It excels as a dual purpose cartridge for varmints and deer size game. My model 700 Rem to date has 3,671 round though it. It still holds about a 3/4" group at 100 yards with tailored reloads. True this is not target grade accuracy and marginal for varmints beyond 200 yards but it is still quite serviceable for a hunting rifle. I should note that I've always use moderate pressure loads in it which gave me the best accuracy.

 

[acloco]

In my opinion, these are closer to a Browning A Bolt than anything else. Bolt release on the rear/top/right of the receiver, 3 lug bolt, and short bolt throw.

Have been looking for one in 223 so that I can turn it into a 223 AI.

 

[Valar]

K22 I didn't mean to be negative about the 243. I currently am building a shilen barreled 9 twist 243 to shoot 115 DTACKs . I doubt I will ever shoot competitively. The local club here in Northern Ill. No longer shoots competitive bench rest comp. I feel the reason is in my opinion, Please not trying to offend anyone here. I visit there club around 9 years ago when they still shot competitively. I was buying a 308 from a long time member. He introduced me to some of the guys practicing. Quite frankly they were vary arrogant and wouldn't give me the time of day. I hope this isn't the case with all ranges of that caliber? Our very right to bear arms and the future of the sport is dependent on attracting newbies! Such as myself with gun smith interest. I have no intent of ever doing work for others only myself. Insurance liability is outrages! But I d enjoy new projects for myself.

 

[Nalgi]

Re: Ruger American Rifle- It got better today!

So I get up this morning and check my email. There is an ad from a local gun store that they are selling Ruger American .270 Win. rifles with the digital camo for $200 but they only have 5!

I was #4!!!

 

[NateHaler]

The rifle appears to be a good deal for its intended purpose. Were I considering a custom rifle project, the last thing I would scrimp on would be the action. When you think of all the things you spend money on, and especially what your time is worth, then the heart of the rifle, IMO, should be top notch.

If I bought a Ruger American, the only thing I would change would be the stock, if it didn't fit me.

OTOH, some guys bought a Chevy Vegas just to put V8s into them.

 

[Valar]

I guess I was hoping for a diamond in the ruff. You never know it may prove to be a very sound action. I guess it is intended to be a decent hunting rifle, but not a family heirloom. I hate plastic stocks. I can fix that though. I may bye one and see what I can do ,just to satisfy my curiosity?