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How much do you really have to spend to get repeatable long-range performance?
I submit to you that you can put together a reliable and accurate rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for under a $1,000 . And I’m talking about everything… rifle, scope and some ammo.
Best Budget Bolt-Action
$450
at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
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25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
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Table of Contents
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It Started With a Raffle
The Predator I have access to actually belongs to my dad. He won it in a raffle at our local Safari Club International banquet about a year and a half ago. So he has a grand total of five bucks into his rifle! When we went to the local gun shop to pick it up and do the paperwork we chose the 6.5 Creedmoor model. We could have grabbed a .308 Winchester or a .223, but we already have multiples of those two fine cartridges and the 6.5 Creedmoor looked like a very interesting cartridge to tinker with.Best Budget Bolt-Action
$450
at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
$32.50
at Lucky Gunner
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Back to the Range
The first group with the new brake was a one-quarter inch higher than our previous zero. We adjusted the scope, reset the zero-stop and picked out something far away. High on the hill, we spotted an old stump with a grey branch on it. The true horizontal distance according to my rangefinder was just a touch over 500 yards. We dialed the scope, told dad to get a good rest and shoot the branch off the stump. And he did! The world of the long-range shooting had just been revealed to an 80-year-old shooter who had no idea such things were even possible. All from a five-dollar raffle ticket, a decent scope, and some good factory ammo. Fast forward to this spring. My hunting partner donates an introductory long-range shooting class to our local SCI chapter each year. We have access to a private range with steel hanging from 100 yards out to a mile. The stated objective is to teach participants what their maximum effective and ethical range is with their rifles for big-game hunting purposes. That said, every student has chipped the paint off the 1000-yard target over the past three years. My partner brings some very nice hardware for folks to try including a Remington 700 SPR .308 and a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. Each of those rifles wears a Nightforce scope of some flavor and suppressors.
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25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
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Ruger American Predator Specs:
- Barrel Length: 22 inches. 1:8”RH Twist. 5/8”x24 Muzzle Threads
- Overall Length: 42 inches
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Trigger Pull: Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger™
- The rifle tested measured 3# 6.5oz from the factory
- Capacity: Detachable Rotary Magazine: 3+1
- Weight: 6.6 Pounds. As tested with scope and muzzle brake: 8.4 pounds
- Stock: Lightweight synthetic with Power Bedding® integral bedding block system and soft rubber recoil pad. Also includes sling swivel studs.
- Sights: None. Comes with factory installed rail.
By the Numbers
Ergonomics – 4/5
The rifle has a very trim feel to it. There are some raised and textured ridges on the forearm and grip that provide for a positive grip. The recoil pad is very soft and grippy so it doesn’t slip on your shoulder. The bolt is easy to operate from the bench or other positions without lifting your head off the stock. The forend is built like a sporting rifle, not a bench rest gun, so some may not feel it is stable enough on the bench.Accuracy – 5/5
As attested by the targets and my experience so far this gun shoots. Whatever else Ruger is doing, they are building great barrels for the American Predator series of rifles. To have a box stock rifle shoot ½ MOA groups with factory ammo and no break in is awesome.Reliability – 5/5
We have experienced no issues to date. The rifle has fed, fired and extracted with no failures. The safety functions as it should and the rifle can be easily single-loaded as well as fed from the magazine.Customization – 5/5
The Predator rifles shoot and make a great rifle for those new to long-range shooting or those wanting a longer-range hunting rifle. If you want a lighter trigger you can upgrade to a Timney trigger that also allows you to adjust take-up and overtravel. Muzzle devices including brakes and suppressors are easily sourced for the standard threads on the barrel. Aftermarket stocks are becoming more available as well. Check out the offerings from Boyd’s, Magpul and Bell and Carlson to update your rifle.Looks – 4/5
Personally, I like the looks of the Predator. Some think the stock is too narrow and flimsy. Others don’t think the barrel is heavy enough. Remember, this is an economy rifle that shoots very well. It is trim enough to carry in the backcountry and accurate enough to give anyone with a custom long-range rifle a run for their money.Price – 5/5
For a rifle with the features the Predator has and the accuracy this rifle exhibits you are getting a great deal in the $400-480 range. I would not hesitate to buy this rifle to build up a great little backcountry hunting rifle or a predator rifle.Overall Rating – 5/5
The money this is just an outstanding rifle. Period. Hunting, plinking, or getting your feet wet in long-range precision shooting, Ruger has delivered a great rifle at a competitive price point.Best Budget Bolt-Action
$450
at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 Scope
Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot several Vortex scopes, some Nightforce scopes and hunting model Leupold and Burris scopes. For someone looking to put a decent optic on a varmint gun or get started in the PRS game or just to learn long-range shooting the Viper offers a budget-friendly option.
With 20x magnification, you can see the targets you are engaging out to 1000 yards pretty easily. The side focus parallax adjustment makes it easy to fine tune the scope with your cheek on the gun.
At 14x the scope is calibrated to allow ranging using the Mil-Dot reticle. Of note…the scope’s turrets are ¼ MOA click adjustable.
However, the reticle in the Mil Dot model is in mils (milliradians). As I mentioned earlier I shot over the 1000 yard steel holding what I first assumed was two MOA, when I was actually holding two mils.
The difference at 1000 yards is pretty significant. 1 Mil = 36”. 1 MOA = 10.475” So I was actually holding 72” over instead of roughly 20” over the target.
If you hate math or if you are planning on doing a lot of long-range precision shooting, you might want to opt for one of Vortex’s scopes that have the reticle and turrets in either MOA/MOA or Mil/Mil.
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Viper Specs:
- Weight: 21.6 ounces
- Length: 14.4 inches
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Magnification: 6.5x20x
- Objective Lens: 50 mm
- Turret Adjustment: ¼ MOA
- Max Elevation & Windage: 65 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
By the Numbers
Ergonomics – 5/5
The Viper has easy to use adjustments and turrets. The scope is clear and has generous eye relief. All dials and adjustments are clearly marked and easy to see. The turrets have very distinct clicks that are easy to feel.Accuracy – 5/5
All adjustments for zeroing and long-range target engagement are precise and repeatable. The zero stop brought the 100-yard group right back on top of the previous sighting shots.Reliability – 5/5
So far there have been no issues of any kind with the scope. The scope is covered by the lifetime VIP Warranty if you should ever need service, repair or replacement.Customization – 4/5
The Vortex scopes have some options to aid in your shooting. You can add a bubble level ring to ensure your gun is square to the target. There is also a sunshade available for this scope as well as several different scope caps.Looks – 5/5
The Viper is a no-nonsense matte black scope. The Vortex logo is engraved on one of the scope caps and the model is engraved on the objective bell. There is not a bunch of brand names and advertising all over the tube and body like some optics you see today.Price – 5/5
For less than $500 you are getting a lot of scope for the money. With ample adjustments, zero-stop turrets and clear glass this scope can serve you well for hunting or long-range casual or competition shooting.Overall Rating – 5/5
Vortex is one of my go-to brands for optics because of their consistent deliverance of high-value products and their simply unbeatable customer service.
14 Leave a Reply
Does anyone know the part number, or where to buy the baseplate/magwell assembly to make the Predator take AI Mags? I can’t find them anywhere.
you can get them at Boyds gunstocks website. Look in the accessories tab
How does this rifle compare to the Savage Axis 2? Which do you think is a better buy? Do you have any comparison articles on the two?
I would never buy a scope with MOA clicks and Miliradians in the reticle. Its got to be either MOA/MOA or Mil/Mil.
Any other way sets you up for failure.
It sets you up for a different math formula. Keep in mind, long range shooting is about math for the cartridge you are using. Also, call it what you want, but if you aren’t hitting the target with the first shot you will likely be “walking it in”. And that you can even do with Kentucky windage. LMAO. The things writers say to sell products and get their perks.
@Randy - Nice review! I just purchased my first bolt action riffle, which is a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. Did you or your dad performed the barrel break in procedure? I am new to hunting riffles and I have read many debates on this topic. Has anyone opted out of the break in procedure and still have an accurate riffle or is it a must? Thank you in advance for any feedback.
From hunting rifles to AR-15s, to high-end precision rifle setups, I've never seen any kind of difference between a rifle I broke in and a rifle I didn't.
I normally slow fire the first 5 or 10 rounds, normally using those rounds to sight in my rifle, then let it cool a bit, then start to have fun - whatever that is with that system. My goal is to let the barrel fowl, cool, and then start using it as intended.
Couldn’t agree more! ☝️What he said
I've got a Ruger American in .243, that rifle can ring a 4" steel plate at 400 yards with just about any round I've loaded up for it.. Haven't shot farther than 400 but maybe a antelope will run from me...
In the review, you say you used Hornady Superformance, but the Box, and bullet type (ELD-X) show as Hornady Precision Hunter. Great review.
Fixed!
Remington 700 .243 with a Leopold 6x22x42 optics is a nice starting point easily obtained for under $800.
Great review. Something this good for this price is pretty impressive. I have a lot of respect for Ruger.
It will get shoot but it’s actually a piece of crap rifle. Lol