Whether or not to buy the Ruger American Rifle came down to a coin flip for me. See why I chose it and how it delivers!
Ruger American with Scope Package
Introduction
A few months ago I was overcome with two distinct itches.
One was to buy a new gun and the other was to CoinStar the change in my change jar, which was beginning to weigh more than my children.
In the end, the Ruger American won by virtue of its price. I had exactly enough money to pay the $375 price tag with what was in the coin jar.
One could say that this story makes Ruger’s entire sales pitch when it comes to the American Rifle. It’s inexpensive yet comes with the kind of bells and whistles one would expect from higher priced rifles. The fact that I was literally able to buy a modern hunting rifle with loose change is the kind of garbage I would expect to see in a Ruger commercial, but there you go.
I guess you win this round, Ruger!
But “inexpensive” doesn’t mean “quality,” and although I was willing to give the American a shake based on its price point, it would still have to prove itself both on the range and in the field. I was finally able to to take it to the first today, and the results were rather striking.
Features
Ruger American Safety
First the features. The American comes in four calibers for now: .30-06, .308, .270 and .243, some of the most popular hunting rounds out there.
Ruger’s entire approach with this rifle has been to create an inexpensive but functional hunting rifle, so while some of the rifle’s features are top-notch, a lot of it is made to be as basic as possible, hence the limited options in cartridges.
It has a single thumb safety that can only be engaged when the rifle is cocked, and it’s placed in a good spot to be disengaged when the shooter has a bead on the target.
Mine came with a simple, lightweight synthetic stock with a rubber buttpad installed. The trigger pull is adjustable from three to five pounds and has no sign of grit.
If you ever pulled a trigger on a Savage Mk II, as I did on this same range trip, the comparison is startling. It was just smooth. Some reviewers didn’t like it, but I did, so take it for what it’s worth.
It comes with a single four-round plastic magazine. And, the coup-de-grace, the barrel is free floated.
Breakdown & Maintenance
Ruger American Bolt
I get the feeling that along with being inexpensive, Ruger wanted this rifle to be easy to use and maintain for new shooters.
There are two screws at the bottom of the stock. Remove these and the stock separates from the barrel and action. You have to do this in order to adjust the trigger.
A hex screw at the front of the trigger assembly controls the pull weight. Turn one way to make it lighter, another to make it heavier. Put the two pieces back together and tighten the screws. To remove the bolt from the action, you pull the bolt back and push a button on the left side of the receiver. The bolt slides out.
To put it back, just do the reverse.
A bolt-action rifle is generally easy to maintain, and the American is no different. You run a bore brush and patches through the barrel and wipe down the action with solvent and oil. Done.
Safety & Reliability
As mentioned before, the American has a safety switch at the rear of the receiver near the shooter’s thumb.
This is a good place for a safety on a hunting rifle because it lets the shooter keep the safety on until literally the second before the shot.
Now, the click from the safety selector being moved is audible, and that’s good or bad depending on your outlook. I’ve known guys who use rifles with loud safeties, and that’s how they get the deer to stop before the shot rather than whistling.
So, really, it’s something to be mindful of in a hunting rifle.
Comfort & Recoil
This is a lightweight rifle, about six pounds unloaded.
That means you’re going to feel more recoil.
Ruger offsets this with a rubber buttpad in the stock, and it does a fair job absorbing the recoil from a .270. The thing I don’t like about the buttpad, however, is that it grabs your clothes when you shoulder it.
The stock is a light composite that’s comfortable to hold but feels slick. If they could take some of the friction from the buttpad and put it in the stock, it would be perfect.
What’s In the Starter Kit?
Ruger American Starter Kit
The rifle comes with one magazine, but really, for this kind of rifle, it’s not like you need many. I’ll probably buy a second just in case the first one breaks (remember, plastic).
Now, one interesting little addition that comes with the rifle that’s unusual to see is that it comes with Weaver scope bases already fitted to the rifle. Which means that all you need to buy are the rings and the scope.
I thought that was a nice touch.
After all, it’s not like you can shoot it with iron sights, you’re going to put a scope on it, so they just go one more step and help you along.
Another interesting note, and this may not still be going on, but by registering the rifle with Ruger online, I got a free cheekpad for my rifle. So if you do get an American, look in the box for the advertisement.
Accessories & Upgrades
This is still a fairly new rifle, and it’s a basic budget rifle to boot, so I don’t expect to see much in the way of upgrades or gadgets made specifically for this rifle. Check here for magazines, triggers, and some new stocks.
Shooting
Now it’s time to talk about how it shoots.
I fitted a Weaver Kaspa 3-9X40 scope with a Ballistic X reticle to it. (Quick note about this scope because I’m very happy with it. The reticle is marked on the lower half of the reticle for when you have to hold high to shoot for distance. You sight in the rifle at 200 yards, and the scope comes with a chart that will tell you based on your caliber and bullet weight at what range the other marks will come in at. So with 130 grain .270s, the x-ray is 200, the mark below that is 315, etc.)
I used three different types of ammunition for this test, all in 130 grain soft points as that’s what I intend to hunt with and I’m not made of money: Remington Core Lokt, Hornady Interlock and the dark horse of the group, Prvi Partizan soft points.
I included the PP because this is a budget rifle and it makes sense to see how it behaves with budget ammo since it stands to reason that inexpensive ammo may be all a person can afford.
After a quick sighting in at 50 yards just to get in the ballpark, I moved up to 100 yards and shot three targets, three rounds each, each with a different ammunition.
My first target was hit with the Hornady, and got them all in the same ballpark, which is about what I was expecting as I wasn’t using a Lead Sled but a leather sack filled with rice.
Ruger American, Hornady
Then I shot with the Remington and got pissed because I assumed that two of my shots must have went wild. Turns out I was wrong and the American just really likes Core Lokts.
Ruger American, Remington
The third group was with the PP, and I got a similar group to the Hornady, which made me very suspicious of the Remington group. Maybe it was a fluke. So I loaded up with more Remington and just kept blasting at a fresh target until the range officer called a cold range. This was the result.
Ruger American, PP
Now, just a couple of things to keep in mind.
First, no lead sled. This was done with a good canvas sling three blocks of wood and a bag of rice.
Second, I had only shot maybe ten rounds from this rifle before I got to that first Remington group and sixteen before the second. It’s not like the rifle requires a lot of figuring out before you can start using it to hit something at range.
Third, and this is more in compliment to the .270 cartridge, I had sighted in at 50 yards. Those targets are at 100 yards. The .270 is a flat-shooting round.
The Final Word
Ruger figured it out.
Just like Fox News figured out that if you put hot blondes in front of the camera to read the news people would watch it, Ruger has figured out that if you make a decent, not exceptional, but decent rifle for a low price, people would buy it. They finally figured out that, especially in this economy, your average Joe Hunter doesn’t want to pay $1,100 for a single-shot rifle (even though I want a Ruger No. 1 in .45-70 soooooooo bad!).
They want to buy something that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
The Ruger American does that and a little bit more, and that’s what makes it so attractive. If you’re someone who wants to go hunting but isn’t swimming in dough, you’re Ruger’s target customer, and boy are they trying to get your attention. It’s accurate, it’s comfortable, it’s easy to use and maintain, and it’s INEXPENSIVE.
Is it perfect?
No!
I have my dislikes for this rifle as mentioned above, but for $375 you don’t expect perfect.
No one expects perfect from a budget rifle. That’s the beauty of what Ruger pulled off here. The American isn’t perfect, but it’s better than what you think you’re going to get for that price. This is an entry-level hunting rifle. It doesn’t have to offer anything else, but it does.
I paid $375 for this rifle, and I’m happy with it. I’ll be happier after taking it hunting, I expect. All it needs now is a proper camo paint job and something to hold it during the drive to Missouri.
Until then, keep shooting.
Got a Ruger American? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments! If you like Ruger rifles, take a look at our review of the Ruger American Predator – a newer and better version of the standard Ruger American!Enter the Ruger American Predator Rifle
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22
Leave a Reply
Chuck Hutton
Bought a ruger american 10.22 for my grandson , after getting it bore sighted I took it to range to sight it in. It grouped such tight pattern and was fun to shoot I kept it for myself for plinking and squirrel hunting. Don't worry I got him some nice fishing rod and reel . I want to get me a 270 now for deer hunting.
December 31, 2023 12:49 pm
Paul yates
I was waffling between the Ruger American.270 and the Savage Axis.
Went with the Ruger and couldn't be happier.
Put a $70 scope and found out I'm not a scope shooter :-).
But my son is, he nailed 9/10 clays at 500 yards only missing the first one.
My only regret is no iron sights.
Love the trigger and overall tight feel.
December 26, 2023 2:53 pm
Alacia Lovering
QUESTION Is this Rugar a good rifle for someone that is not a hunter except an occasional coyote. And if so what would be recommended 30-06 3.08 207 or 2.43?? Thanks
November 30, 2023 7:42 am
Wyatt Sloan
Alacia, the American is an excellent rifle for occasional use. For coyotes, my recommendation would be .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Both of those are pretty easy to find, shoot flat, and have relatively mild recoil.
December 7, 2023 2:15 pm
Lynn D. Poll
I have only shot my ruger American 308 a couple times. I bought it because it weighs so much less than the regular gun I use. I am very disappointed in that the bolt will not stay closed with or without a bullet in the chamber. I have called the factor and the first person I talked to said they could fix it. I called back today to get the information to send the gun in and the person I talked to said they could not fix the gun. That was the way it was designed. I mentioned it was a poor design if it allows the bolt to come open at anytime. Would never recommend anyone buy a gun like this one. I have several 10 22's and have bought at least seven for my grandkids and never had a problem. I have ruger pistols and they work great. But the design of the 308 ruger american stinks. You have to use something to tie the bolt down.
October 21, 2022 11:03 am
Scott wilson
I own 2 Americans in .223 and 7mm08 .. my 7:08 is brand new and it's 1st hunting trip last weekend resulted in 3 deer with 3 shots all at over 240m .. I really can't fault this rifle it shot very well and accuracy was amazing .. definitely recommend these rifles
October 5, 2021 12:56 am
HJ
Bought a new used Ruger American in .300 Win Mag. Added a custom fit limb saver recoil pad and a Vais Arms micro brake to the pre threaded barell - that feature saved me big bucks! Shoots well with Rem Premiere Swift A Frames in 180gr (unfortunately discontinued but I loaded up with 10 boxes at 29.99 clearance price...thanks Bass Pro) and it is very tame to shoot with significantly less recoil than my .308 with 165gr.
Just took a grizzly with it last month. Flawless performance. I wish it were a little lighter but what do you expect for a magnum with a 4-16 Vortex scope? Can't beat performance for the price. I will take this over the Savage Axis packages (they're great too!) But stainless steel, adjustable trigger, picatiny rail and pre threaded barrell all stock features? That's winning.
September 7, 2019 10:58 am
San
I have always been a big fan of Ruger and considered their products great value for money. Until I purchased the American in .223. Ruger has disgraced themselves and the American gun manufacturers of this country with this offering. What this review has not covered is the myriad of problems the “5 round” magazine has given owners to the point this is actually only a single shot rifle.
Bottom line...go with the Savage AXIS II line of rifles. A little more (very little) expensive, but much more dependable and accurate.
April 19, 2019 8:12 am
Will
The Ruger American works great for me. I bought one 10 dollar raffle ticket and won the American in .243 Winchester. Then I put a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40on it and last year I downed two whitetails with two shots and about 100 yds. So I think Ruger has it figured out. If anybody wants aftermarket stocks try Boyd's.
September 25, 2018 7:22 pm
Frank
Just picked up a Ruger American in .308 last night, I am so pumped to put a few rounds down range. Now to see if I can get a good deal on a scope (Christmas specials and such). I decided on the .308 cartridge for the sheer fact there is nothing in North American I won't be able to harvest with this round.
Happy hunting everyone!
December 5, 2017 9:40 am
Mike Gonnering
I was thinking of buying a 22-250 or 223 for about 30 years. Finally bought the Ruger American in 223 on sale at a Gander Mtn. store. I put my 3x9 Bushnell scope on and am ready to go. Took a few shots with some ammo I picked up at a garage sale a long time ago at 25 yards. I can almost hit a tack. Will try it at 200 yards when I get time. Long distance crows are going to get a surprise this winter.
August 5, 2017 5:35 pm
Eric Hung
Nice job Mike!
August 6, 2017 2:16 pm
Bruc
What caliber is the most accurate out to 100yds (deer hunting in Georgia woods)? the article lists 30-06, .308, .270 and .243, but I'm told there is a 7mm now.
December 14, 2016 8:27 pm
ehung
Hey Bruc, for 100 yards you can't go wrong with any of those. Make sure you have a decent rifle, scope, and mount.
December 14, 2016 10:01 pm
jesse hackler dba j and j rod and custom
i traded for a 30.06 ruger american but it has no bolt assembly anyone know where i could pick one up? thanks jesse .
October 12, 2016 8:52 am
ehung
Hi Jesse, you might need to call up Ruger if you're having a hard time finding it online.
October 15, 2016 8:20 pm
Adrian
I highly recommend buying a second magazine for the American. I put three sets of 3, not 4 rounds through when I first bought it and I was sighting it in. Went to load it for the first time of the trip and the flapper that rotates on the inside of the mag broke rendering it useless. The rifle is a solid unit, shoots well, and the action is awesome, but the magazine is a piece of absolute and total junk. I would've gladly paid an extra 20-30$ for a metal magazine or loved the chance to buy a higher quality after market piece. That was a let down, and I had to bust out my spare rifle for the rest of my 7 day trip.
October 1, 2016 3:40 pm
ehung
Thanks Adrian for your input. Hopefully others' mags hold up a little better. But yes, I think it's a good idea to have more mags for any gun you have.
October 2, 2016 10:25 am
Bill
Ruger may make the American Rifle in 22/250, I don't know (mine is a 308), but it is not designed to drop the cartridge in from the ejection port as described by the fellow who had his round jam up. The rifle is designed to load rounds via the rotary clip.
September 6, 2016 9:43 am
Fred
I just bought the 270 (8-21-16). This is my first bolt action rifle. I shot a 3 round group at 1.25 from 100 yards. The ammo was 130 Winchester Deer Hunter. I checked for wood stocks and Boyds has a great selection at a reasonable price. I'll be getting on to improve the looks and hopefully add a little weight. I love the Ruger American. Highly recommend! New to bolt actions but fired semi autos for 35 years. Awesome review!
August 23, 2016 8:01 pm
ehung
Thanks for the comment and congrats on your new gun!
August 25, 2016 4:03 pm
Joe
I just got the ruger american 22/250. I want a wooden stock for it.
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22 Leave a Reply
Bought a ruger american 10.22 for my grandson , after getting it bore sighted I took it to range to sight it in. It grouped such tight pattern and was fun to shoot I kept it for myself for plinking and squirrel hunting. Don't worry I got him some nice fishing rod and reel . I want to get me a 270 now for deer hunting.
I was waffling between the Ruger American.270 and the Savage Axis.
Went with the Ruger and couldn't be happier.
Put a $70 scope and found out I'm not a scope shooter :-).
But my son is, he nailed 9/10 clays at 500 yards only missing the first one.
My only regret is no iron sights.
Love the trigger and overall tight feel.
QUESTION Is this Rugar a good rifle for someone that is not a hunter except an occasional coyote. And if so what would be recommended 30-06 3.08 207 or 2.43?? Thanks
Alacia, the American is an excellent rifle for occasional use. For coyotes, my recommendation would be .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Both of those are pretty easy to find, shoot flat, and have relatively mild recoil.
I have only shot my ruger American 308 a couple times. I bought it because it weighs so much less than the regular gun I use. I am very disappointed in that the bolt will not stay closed with or without a bullet in the chamber. I have called the factor and the first person I talked to said they could fix it. I called back today to get the information to send the gun in and the person I talked to said they could not fix the gun. That was the way it was designed. I mentioned it was a poor design if it allows the bolt to come open at anytime. Would never recommend anyone buy a gun like this one. I have several 10 22's and have bought at least seven for my grandkids and never had a problem. I have ruger pistols and they work great. But the design of the 308 ruger american stinks. You have to use something to tie the bolt down.
I own 2 Americans in .223 and 7mm08 .. my 7:08 is brand new and it's 1st hunting trip last weekend resulted in 3 deer with 3 shots all at over 240m .. I really can't fault this rifle it shot very well and accuracy was amazing .. definitely recommend these rifles
Bought a new used Ruger American in .300 Win Mag. Added a custom fit limb saver recoil pad and a Vais Arms micro brake to the pre threaded barell - that feature saved me big bucks! Shoots well with Rem Premiere Swift A Frames in 180gr (unfortunately discontinued but I loaded up with 10 boxes at 29.99 clearance price...thanks Bass Pro) and it is very tame to shoot with significantly less recoil than my .308 with 165gr.
Just took a grizzly with it last month. Flawless performance. I wish it were a little lighter but what do you expect for a magnum with a 4-16 Vortex scope? Can't beat performance for the price. I will take this over the Savage Axis packages (they're great too!) But stainless steel, adjustable trigger, picatiny rail and pre threaded barrell all stock features? That's winning.
I have always been a big fan of Ruger and considered their products great value for money. Until I purchased the American in .223. Ruger has disgraced themselves and the American gun manufacturers of this country with this offering. What this review has not covered is the myriad of problems the “5 round” magazine has given owners to the point this is actually only a single shot rifle.
Bottom line...go with the Savage AXIS II line of rifles. A little more (very little) expensive, but much more dependable and accurate.
The Ruger American works great for me. I bought one 10 dollar raffle ticket and won the American in .243 Winchester. Then I put a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40on it and last year I downed two whitetails with two shots and about 100 yds. So I think Ruger has it figured out. If anybody wants aftermarket stocks try Boyd's.
Just picked up a Ruger American in .308 last night, I am so pumped to put a few rounds down range. Now to see if I can get a good deal on a scope (Christmas specials and such). I decided on the .308 cartridge for the sheer fact there is nothing in North American I won't be able to harvest with this round.
Happy hunting everyone!
I was thinking of buying a 22-250 or 223 for about 30 years. Finally bought the Ruger American in 223 on sale at a Gander Mtn. store. I put my 3x9 Bushnell scope on and am ready to go. Took a few shots with some ammo I picked up at a garage sale a long time ago at 25 yards. I can almost hit a tack. Will try it at 200 yards when I get time. Long distance crows are going to get a surprise this winter.
Nice job Mike!
What caliber is the most accurate out to 100yds (deer hunting in Georgia woods)? the article lists 30-06, .308, .270 and .243, but I'm told there is a 7mm now.
Hey Bruc, for 100 yards you can't go wrong with any of those. Make sure you have a decent rifle, scope, and mount.
i traded for a 30.06 ruger american but it has no bolt assembly anyone know where i could pick one up? thanks jesse .
Hi Jesse, you might need to call up Ruger if you're having a hard time finding it online.
I highly recommend buying a second magazine for the American. I put three sets of 3, not 4 rounds through when I first bought it and I was sighting it in. Went to load it for the first time of the trip and the flapper that rotates on the inside of the mag broke rendering it useless. The rifle is a solid unit, shoots well, and the action is awesome, but the magazine is a piece of absolute and total junk. I would've gladly paid an extra 20-30$ for a metal magazine or loved the chance to buy a higher quality after market piece. That was a let down, and I had to bust out my spare rifle for the rest of my 7 day trip.
Thanks Adrian for your input. Hopefully others' mags hold up a little better. But yes, I think it's a good idea to have more mags for any gun you have.
Ruger may make the American Rifle in 22/250, I don't know (mine is a 308), but it is not designed to drop the cartridge in from the ejection port as described by the fellow who had his round jam up. The rifle is designed to load rounds via the rotary clip.
I just bought the 270 (8-21-16). This is my first bolt action rifle. I shot a 3 round group at 1.25 from 100 yards. The ammo was 130 Winchester Deer Hunter. I checked for wood stocks and Boyds has a great selection at a reasonable price. I'll be getting on to improve the looks and hopefully add a little weight. I love the Ruger American. Highly recommend! New to bolt actions but fired semi autos for 35 years. Awesome review!
Thanks for the comment and congrats on your new gun!
I just got the ruger american 22/250. I want a wooden stock for it.