If you’re someone looking for a good bolt action rifle that doesn’t break the bank, you’re not alone. The budget bolt gun market is practically booming these days, with companies like Savage, Mossberg Weatherby and Remington all jockeying to get the best combination of price versus accuracy. This January Ruger introduced the American Rifle, their entry into the world of budget firearms. But is it actually any good? Or has Ruger compromised too much to get the rifle below that magical $500 price point? They handed me one of their rifles to find out . . .
There are a number of features that Ruger has built into this rifle (aluminum bedding, scope mounts from the factory, dual cam bolt…), but three are most important: the stock, the trigger and the magazine.
The stock on this gun is a rigid polymer (plastic) of some kind, which gives it a very slick feel in both senses of the word. It looks great, but there isn’t really a lot of “grippyness” to the stock. Where the Weatherby Series 2 comes with a very grippy stock, this one feels like ti is going to slip out of my hands. Not really an issue on the range, but in a tree stand or out on a hunt it might be an issue. Ruger tried to compensate with some roughed up patches on the forend and grip, but they aren’t all that aggressive.
There is a benefit from this hard stock that the Weatherby doesn’t get, which is a free floated barrel. The only place the metal bits contact the stock is at the aluminum mounting blocks that the receiver mounts to (shown above), which keeps the stock from pushing the barrel off target and lets the barrel shift around a little during the firing process. Free floating the barrel is generally one of the first improvements made when trying to make a rifle more accurate, so seeing one that comes that way from the factory was a pleasant surprise.
Something that was no surprise at all was that the comb on this stock, just like every other bolt action rifle I’ve fired this year, is nowhere near where it needs to be for a scope. The cheek piece puts the eye level with the barrel, but not the scope. So at best you’re getting an okay chin weld instead of the rock solid cheek weld I like.
Just like I suspected when I test fired the rifle at SHOT this year, I don’t like the trigger on this gun. Sure it’s adjustable and everything, but it just feels cheap. The small metal flap protruding from the middle of the trigger is something that a lot of budget rifle manufacturers are doing (Mossberg dubbed it their “LBA trigger), as it gives the shooter the feeling of a two stage trigger without the need to engineer the two stages into the trigger itself. It also acts as a safety, allowing the trigger to be set lighter than normal for a single stage trigger. But to me, it just feels… Cheap. Factor in the trigger itself which has a tendency to creep a little too far before finally hitting the break and you have a trigger that I wouldn’t accept even on my shotgun.
Speaking of cheap, the bolt is another small issue I have with the gun. Emphasis on the small, here. In general, the bolt is fine. It works. But despite the dual cams working inside the thing and the slick sides it still feels stiff and looks rather lackluster. I tried operating the bolt with just my wrist, but that wasn’t happening. Not easily, at least.
The magazine on this gun, however, is a masterpiece of engineering on a budget. Seemingly taking a note from the Krag-Jørgensen rifle of the late 1800s this gun uses a rotary style magazine not completely unlike their existing magazines for the 10/22 rifle. Using a single rotating flap Ruger has made a lightweight and reliable magazine capable of holding 4 rounds of ammunition, a design that I hope will phase out the older spring-and-follower magazines for low capacity firearms. It just seems like a really simple solution to a complicated problem, and it was executed perfectly in this rifle.
The reason they need such a removable magazine is that the top of the receiver on this gun is closed off. There’s enough room for an ejection port in the side of the receiver, but that’s about it. The added material not only strengthens the gun against the recoil of the ammunition but it also keeps everything precisely aligned.
The real question, as always, is how well it shoots. And to answer that I trucked it out to my favorite range in San Antonio.
This four round group was the best I could get all day, roughly 1 MoA. I say roughly because, like I mentioned before, I don’t get my targets back.
To be honest, I’m slightly impressed. I was expecting this gun to be far worse, but it exceeded most of my expectations for a $450 gun. There are some minor gripes I have about this gun, but all in all its a fine shooter.
Ruger American Rifle
Specifications
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (also .308, .270, .243)
Barrel: 22″, 1:10 twist
Size: 42.5″ overall length
Weight: 6.12 lbs.
Operation: Bolt action
Finish: Matte blue
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $449
Ratings (Out of Five Stars)
Remember: ratings are based on the merits of the firearm compared to other similarly priced and marketed firearms. So five stars here is nowhere near five stars on a Barrett 50 BMG rifle.
Accuracy: * * * * *
Using a bipod I was able to get a 1 MoA group at 100 yards. Good enough for deer slaying and just about anything else.
Ergonomics: * * *
The rifle feels okay in the hands, if a little slick. The bolt is tough to work, but it functions. The cheek piece is far too low, though.
Ergonomics Firing: * * *
The recoil pad, which Ruger specifically designed, is very nice. But that trigger is terrible.
Reliability: * * * * *
There aren’t many things to go wrong with a bolt action, and the magazine design makes this a really robust system.
Customization: * * *
There really isn’t an aftermarket for this gun yet. And even if there was, aftermarket parts wouldn’t help all that much. This gun is about as accurate as it can be without swapping some major components.
Overall Rating: * * * 1/2
I still like my Weatherby better, but there’s no denying that this gun will strike fear in the hearts of paper and deer alike. An accurate shooter, great for a first hunting rifle or bolt gun, but missing the refinement that makes for a lifelong companion and available for around $200 more. Better than the Mossberg 100 ATR, but a far cry from the Weatherby Vanguard.
nice write up… so what would you get for $200 more?
Nice review! I had one question, is the stock rigid enough that if I use a sling to shoot standing, that the stock won’t “bend” enough to touch the barrel? I see where this has been an issue on some other economy bolt action rifles.
How does this compare to their M77 Hawkeye line?
Thanks,
Jason
I’ve no experience with the American but the Hawkeye line is worth every penny in my opinion.
OK, I have to ask, why don’t you get your targets back? The first time you said that I thought maybe you were just in a hurry and didn’t have time for the range to go cold before you rushed to print. But clearly I was mistaken. What gives?
Thanks for the review. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a bolt action rifle and I saw this one in my LGS for less $375.00.
In spite of its shortcomings I think it would be a good choice given the price and how cheap I am.
That’s the trade-off right there. If it does what you need, go for it. But if you have the money to spend, there are better options.
I was interested in this rifle when the news hit the wire about a budget Ruger. Always been a big Ruger fan but when the Americans hit my local rifle shop I was disapointed in the general feel of the rifle in my hands. Bolt manipulation felt gritty, just overall a cheap feel to it. Again I have to ask what the deal is with the Savage type pre-trigger? The set trigger (push forward on the trigger) on my CZ is so much nicer. I’m sure Ruger will sell many copies of it, just not to me.
Yeech…maybe they should call it the Model 7710, after the disgusting Remington 710. And then they can package it on shrink-wrapped cardboard and hang them on hooks in the ‘shooting accessories’ section. Accurate or not, a cheap-feeling plastic hunting rifle will never pollute my gun safe.
An all-plastic bolt action rifle is like a polymer-frame Colt Single Action Army covered with Picatinny rail sections.
An all-plastic bolt action rifle is like a polymer-frame Colt Single Action Army covered with Picatinny rail sections.
Stephen King himself could not have conjured up a gorier image. I may never be able to get to sleep again. Ever.
That is truly a classic statement !
Awwww, polymer stocks aren’t all bad. My S&W i-Bolt has a very nice stock. Good solid pistol grip and a nice high Monte Carlo that puts your peeper right in line with a scope. They even saw fit to put a super nice (Hogue?, LimbSaver?) recoil pad on it. I’ll be the first to say that nothing beats nice wood but for the money saved there are some polymer stocks that can be lived with. Sadly they’re not made anymore but for giggles,
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/iBoltBrochure.pdf
I’m no expert, but I did have an interest in the American. Like you, I was underwhelmed when I got my hands on it. Now I’m very pragmatic and have a deep respect for function and the concept of ‘enough’. Maybe when I actually need a bolt gun, I’ll reconsider.
Oh and if you’re shooting where I think you are (NE SA) you *can recover the targets, you just have to ask for ‘em and then wait for a cease fire.
Yeah, but when you’re shooting for free you don’t ask for anything more than a bench and some time.
Um, yeah, shooting for free is a trick I haven’t figured out yet.
While not a range I can shoot for free near many mountains. I just have to watch where I am so that I don’t fire in a National park as that is still illegal.
The River American really bummed me out when I held it in person. I was drooling over this rifle and was going to order one in 308, then I held it. That stock is terrible. The trigger is nowhere near where it should be. All in all a disappointment.
Looks like there may be a Savage in my near future…
Just picked this rifle up this past weekend at the gunshow in .308. My trigger feels crisp and the bolt after about a hundred pulls feels smooth. I like the slim design and it feels great in my hands. Paired it with a Nikon 3-9×40 will report range results later this week. I like going to the range by TAMUSA.
Love bolt action rifles but hate bolt action rifles that make me row the bolt with my shoulder instead of throwing the bolt with a flick of the wrist. Still, what can anyone reasonably expect for under $450? The American does seem like a lot of rifle for nottalotta cash.
Seems like a lot of nitpicking to me on what was designed to be a nicely functional and very accurate but inexpensive firearm.
I found none of the problems the writer mentioned. My .308 version has a very crisp trigger (no creep in mine), the bolt is smooth and was from day one, and I’ve had no trouble holding the stock, not that slick at all to me.
What should have been mentioned along with the comments on accuracy and the magazine, is the light weight, good balance, 70deg throw on the bolt, and the dual locking cams to make the bolt easy to operate with this shorter throw, and the tang safety. My eye lines right up with my 40mm scope with a firm cheek weld.
I’ve been shooting for over 45 years, so I’m no newby at this. This rifle incorporates most of the best features of the other inexpensive rifles on the market, and I consider it the best buy of the sub-$500 dollar market. It plain works, and works well.
I agree Doug, took mine out to the range yesterday and it was just a clean and accurate rifle. I managed 1moa without support and that says a Lot about the rifles balance. For sub $500 it is a winner.
Shot mine for the first time the other day and thought it shot great for a $375 gun. I got the 30-06 and the only thing i was worried about was the recoil with it being so light but it wasnt a problem after i shot it. I see plenty of dead deer in its future.
Amen brother, you took the words right out of my mouth. Mine in. 308 works very well! Great balance good cheek weld. Smooth fast and accurate. Topped it with Leupold VX II, it’s awesome. I love it
Got my .308 yesterday at the local gun show. $300 plus tax out the door. Put an old B&L 3x9x40 scope on it and went to the range. Shot groups with 4 ammo’s, 4 shot groups since that is what the mag holds. Printed two 1&1/8″ groups at 100yds off a bench rest with PPU 168GM and Federal 168GMM. Thought it would have done a little better. My Savage Axis/Edge in .308 with a much worse trigger printed a 15/16″ group with WW Supreme 150G ballistic tips. Both guns tended to print tight 2 and 3 shot groups but could not keep 4 inside an inch. Both bbls heated up pretty fast.
Hopefully you are not going to need more than 3 shots. My range test show it is capable of 1 MOA with 5 shot groups. I had to sand the front of my stock to get the barrel truely free floated. Overall, great value (my opinion). You can see a detailed review with lots of photos at:
http://www.gunsumerreports.com/review_ruger_american_rifle_p1.php
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Saw this rifle for the first time today and I had to have one. It feels great in your hands. i believe with a few minor tweeks it can be a real performer. Especially for the price. Thanks again ruger!
Lets see this rifle is in the $400.00 range, shoots 1 MOA, comes in a wide range of wonderful calibers and has a nice finish. What more can you ask for at this price? Someone can upgrade the stock with a pull-off stock or just add some lite grip tape for very little money. Most of all it gives a good rifle to start with for someone just learning the joy of shooting. I am happy Ruger has once again turned out a great rifle for a price people can afford since most of us are not a Rockefeller.
So true Michael. If a firearm shoots well and has good reliability and workmanship then it’s worth looking into. The American rifle is all of that and more. I mounted a Nikon 3-9×40 Prostaff BDC on my American 30-06 yesterday. I bore sighted the scope at 100 yards. I shot 5 rounds with a sub 1 MOA grouping! The gun was NOT bench mounted or tri-pod equipped! The recoil pad is excellent as is the recoil of the rifle. Very manageable! The bolt is crisp and precise and much faster than a Remington 700. The trigger is fine. I didn’t notice any issues. On a budget or not this rifle is an excellent shooter and very worthy of anyone’s consideration! Thank you Ruger!
I am a retired USN SEAL, I have been shooting since I was 6 years old. While I was active I shoot High Power Rifle and Bull-eye Pistol competition for 7 1/2 years. I have also shot competitively out to 1000 yards. I am a Distinguished Marksman in both pistol and rifle. I hunt with a 1903A3 that shoots at or under 1MOA. I also reload for all my pistol and rifle ammunition.
My questions are, what caliber was your rifle you tested, what was the bullet weights, brand, type and velocity. Your shooting rest could be better. I have shoot with many people, some even with a rest could not or barely could hold a 1MOA. Could you supply us with more detailed information.
Lastly, any rifle that can hold a 1MOA is outstanding, shooting factory ammunition. If some one wants spend more money, so be it, so what? If a cheap feeling trigger shoots that good, great.
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ok shooters, the 308 ruger american with 22 inch barrel and the 1 in 10 twist. Which bullet weight shot the best!!??!!??!!
150g shot best in mine. Tried 180g also. Not bad, but the groups opened up some.
I bought mine yesterday. 270 cal in five shots after bore sighting it I put two in the bull and called it a day. Nice gun for the price. As with all new guns I’m sure there will be the hard core guys who cut it down, unlike them I don’t have the money to buy the perfect gun! So I’m happy with what I could afford. And in the end this gun will take the same animals at 200 yards.
The Remington 783 looks much nicer and appears to be a higher quality than this plastic piece of nonsense. Just my perspective.
I have this rifle in 30.06. It failed. The gun failed to fire, and cycling the bolt the bolt lock failed causing the bolt to come out in my hand making me miss a buck. I sent it back to Ruger and they replaced the bolt lock and pin. Today everything about this gun went wrong. Two deer less than ten yards away and it failed to fire. Then the bolt came out while cycling it and two rounds in a row jammed to the point that the hunt was cancelled. I cannot stress enough how much of a failure my gun is. I am going to request that Ruger takes this gun back. If they cannot do this I am going to be forced to melt it because I believe the gun I have is completely defective in more than one aspect. Oh yeah, the plastic rotary clip fits poorly and the extra clip sent to me by Ruger was about the same. The rotary push bar scrapes the outside of the clip causing the last round to stick on occasion. Complete garbage. Yeah, 400 dollars is the cheapest gun in my collection but 400 dollars for a gun I wouldn’t give away is 400 dollars I basically burned.
Send me the extra ” clips” as you call them. I can use them for my gun, which is absolutely amazing. Take your hand off the bolt release, and it wont release…
scope suggestion please in the under $300 range? closer to $200???
Nikon, Prostaff 3-9×40, Riflescope, BDC, $169 @ Amazon.com
Andy next time sober up before you go hunting.
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Love this weapon. Got mine in .270, after zeroing I put five bullets in two holes. The two holes had 1/2 an inch between them (at 100 yards with Remington 130grain core locks). This weapon has so many good qualities. The recoil pad works great, making shoot for hours enjoyable and not painful. The 70 degree throw on the bolt is fantastic, no interference with the scope and makes for a comfortable reload. The rotary magazine works great, gives a rounded bottom to the rifle and hasn’t cause any jams or double feeds. The tang safety is comfortable and convenient. However my favorite quality is the adjust trigger, I adjusted mine to roughly 3lbs and I firmly believe that the trigger safety is a huge factor on the grouping I mentioned before. Overall love my rifle, refer to it as the “All American”.
I have this gun in 30-06 and I can shoot same hole at 450 yards every time. It WILL outshoot any other bolt action for $600, 700, 800 or 1,000. People commenting that have never shot it, shouldnt comment. Your hung up on shiny wood stocks and “flick of my wrist” bolt “rows”. Give me a break. This a dependable gun that will outlast any other. Remember, Its the shooter..not the gun.
you know this gun is awsome i dont know why some people put it down what the hell is wrong ? this gun shoots great i own a weatherby to and i cant stand the floor plate to me this a lot better gun then the weatherby you know what opinions are like a**** every body got one this ruger is a dam good rifle you got yours free why are you gripin
Leupold Rifleman was what I put on mine, 3-9×40
If you’re one of those guys who hang their nice shiny works of art rifles in the rack of a sporty side by side headed to a “condominium “sized shooting house overlooking a 10 acre biologic field, this is probably not your piece but if your a guy like me and leave your truck on foot to navigate briar and bramble in search of whitetail, this is a perfect tool!! My weapon
are for GO not SHOW. The only impressing I’m interested in is how tasty the venison is
I wanted a light weight gun that could get banged up in the elements and not have to worry about. I went with the Ruger American in 308 I took it to Canada deer hunting and I was not disappointed with the gun over all except for the magazine fell out of my hand and with it being -20 it broke. I had to super glue it back together and away I went. I took a 4 x 5 heavy buck at 230 yard with a Barnes vortex 165 grain. I will take it back again this year with a backup Mag.
I hate sporter stocks. Those long exposed barrels are just begging to be bent in a fall. I know about the accuracy and weight issue but I don’t care. Also, it is 2013. A gun without a synthetic stock and all stainless steel is not worth a second look. Or a rifle without a ten rd. capacity. Blasphemy to many, I know, but on the other hand I won’t give the time of day to a rifle that doesn’t have fixed sights. Relying on scopes only is a bad idea. The same with detachable mags. If it can’t also be top loaded the rifle is extremely limited. There isn’t a single bolt action on the market I like. Not one. The gun companies never get it quite right. Very annoyed.