Ruger American hunting rifle

Old Hunter

Old Hunter

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Sep 6, 2022
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Crystal Coast of NC
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I mostly hunt with older rifles (Ruger M77 & Winchester M70 & M88) but wanted to try one of the modern value-priced rifles that have become popular, I also wanted to get another 243 WIN because I have plenty of components from former rifles. Late last July I bought a basic Ruger American in 243 WIN at Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston and topped it with a Redfield 2-7x33 that I had in the closet. I started working up a deer hunting load but couldn't get enough cool weather to fine tune it prior to hunting season, so I found some of the Federal 100 grain Power-Shok (blue box) factory loads and got it zeroed with that. I have shot one 85 lbs. doe so far and plan to shoot another this coming week. The rifle has been up to snuff and equal to the good reviews I read online about them. Mine came with the newer, non-rotary magazine, and it has fed over 80 rounds fine. I also found one of the old rotary ones (original style) in stock at a gun dealer in Wilmington, so far it has fed fine as well. I think the trigger is pretty good for a cheap rifle, breaks cleanly and repeatedly the same. OH

OSHC 11-9-22 85 lbs doe - plate altered.jpg

Ruger American 243 WIN with Vero Vellini sling 11-16-22.jpg
 
45/70fan said:
I have the same rifle in 22-250 with the faster than standard 1:10 twist. It shoots 60 gr Hornady's into tiny groups and hammers deer hard.
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Now that is a good idea. I have a mid-1960's M70 chambered for the 225 WIN that shoots the 55 grain V-MAX very well. I need to check the barrel twist, but it would be fun to use a modern deer bullet in that case and take it hunting. OH
 
You'll find me promoting the Ruger 26965 model all over CFF.

The AR mag version in 5.56 has been my favorite for a few years. It has a Nikon P223 3x9x40 and a YHM Turbo can. It shredded the lungs on this fine 2020 Northern Michigan buck at 85 yds.


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Picked up the Ruger American Standard model in .308 at Gander in Winston a few years ago. They were going out of business, had a 20% off / no tax sale. With my Good Sam discount stacked on top of that, I walked out the door with it for <$250. Only thing I’ve done to it is glass (Leupold VX3 4-12), a Magpul Hunter stock and a little trigger adjustment.

7BCE300C-EAFF-42A1-B064-574AA62A6B6D.jpeg

.610

5 shots / 100 yards
168 Sierra BTHPM
38.5gr IMR 4064
 
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Dale Gribble said:
Picked up the Ruger American Standard model in .308 at Gander in Winston a few years ago. They were going out of business, had a 20% off / no tax sale. With my Good Sam discount stacked on top of that, I walked out the door with it for <$250. Only thing I’ve done to it is glass (Leupold VX3 4-12), a Magpul Hunter stock and a little trigger adjustment.

View attachment 552835

.610

5 shots / 100 yards
168 Sierra BTHPM
38.5gr IMR 4064
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Nice shooting!
 
Dale Gribble said:
Thanks!

Considering what I paid for it, I believe the rifle performs well…definitely got my money’s worth and then some.
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They were a well kept secret for several years and could be had at great prices. The secret has been out for awhile now and the prices have really increased. Still a nice value, but not the smoking deal they once were.
 
MacEntyre said:
6.5 creedmore, or full power 300 blk? Which one o' dese?

...mebbe both?
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For 300BLK/223/6.5Grendel/7.62x39/450 Bushmaster I’d look for a mini action. The gun will be lighter, and about an inch shorter, providing better balance as well.
I picked up a Howa mini 450BM, I’d love to have a CZ mini action.
 
Nice post. Certainly seems there are some good options for lower priced deer rifles with good accuracy and performance. Gun Digest did a nice article in their September issue on ‘5 Blue Collar Deer Rifles’.
 
Get Off My Lawn said:
For 300BLK... I’d look for a mini action. The gun will be lighter, and about an inch shorter, providing better balance as well.
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Oops... found a Rare As Hen's Teeth NIB Ruger Amercan Ranch Rifle in 300 BLK at a LGS, so I bought it. If I run across a mini action in 300 BLK, I'll get it and mebbe sell the Ruger, since everyone is searchin' for 'em!
 
Mines a first year of production 308. Taken many deer with it and 150gr 30-30 projos from Hornady and Sierra. Most dead right there. Good light carbine to take into the bush.
 
MacEntyre said:
Oops... found a Rare As Hen's Teeth NIB Ruger Amercan Ranch Rifle in 300 BLK at a LGS, so I bought it. If I run across a mini action in 300 BLK, I'll get it and mebbe sell the Ruger, since everyone is searchin' for 'em!
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While the howa mini action is a nice rifle, the magazine system is hot barbage. would consider using the howa mini before selling the Ruger ranch 300 blk. There are some aftermarket solutions but theyre pricy. Unfortunately it seems one of the best 300 blk bolt options out there is the Ruger.
 
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92G said:
While the howa mini action is a nice rifle, the magazine system is hot barbage. would consider using the howa mini before selling the Ruger ranch 300 blk. There are some aftermarket solutions but theyre pricy. Unfortunately it seems one of the best 300 blk bolt options out there is the Ruger.
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Get the Howa mini and buy the bottom metal I have in the BST.

Brownells has several Howa barrelled actions. That's what I got for the 6.5 Grendel.

Bought my daughter the Ruger American in 243. Nice rifle.
 
1075tech said:
Get the Howa mini and buy the bottom metal I have in the BST.

Brownells has several Howa barrelled actions. That's what I got for the 6.5 Grendel.

Bought my daughter the Ruger American in 243. Nice rifle.
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Yes most of my howa short action builds started life as a barreled action from Brownells.

what bottom metal are you recommending for the howa mini? Not sure what is meant by BST. My howa mini 223 required a bottom metal from Wayne York (oregunsmithing) to be worth a damn. Great upgrade but the rifle gets expensive quickly for what it is.

Oregunsmithing LLC - Pendleton, OR

Oregunsmithing, LLC - We build custom rifles, Pendleton Composite Stocks, offer reboring and relining, custom services, Howa Mini Bottom Metal
www.oregunsmithingllc.com

Jefferson Outdoors has good reputation for similar product although they have an option to run cz magazines which looks mighty nice. Back when I purchased mine Jefferson Outdoors was completely out of stock otherwise I’d have considered it.

Bottom Metal - jeffersonoutdoor.com

jeffersonoutdoor.com jeffersonoutdoor.com
 
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92G said:
Yes most of my howa short action builds started life as a barreled action from Brownells.

what bottom metal are you recommending for the howa mini? Not sure what is meant by BST. My howa mini 223 required a bottom metal from Wayne York (oregunsmithing) to be worth a damn. Great upgrade but the rifle gets expensive quickly for what it is.

Oregunsmithing LLC - Pendleton, OR

Oregunsmithing, LLC - We build custom rifles, Pendleton Composite Stocks, offer reboring and relining, custom services, Howa Mini Bottom Metal
www.oregunsmithingllc.com

Jefferson Outdoors has good reputation for similar product although they have an option to run cz magazines which looks mighty nice. Back when I purchased mine Jefferson Outdoors was completely out of stock otherwise I’d have considered it.

Bottom Metal - jeffersonoutdoor.com

jeffersonoutdoor.com jeffersonoutdoor.com
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I have the DIP bottom metal in the buy/sell/trade.

I'm upgrading to the oregunsmithing. I would have rather gotten the Jefferson but he only does a couple of limited runs a year. I can never get one.

Put mine in a Bell and Carlson M40 stock
 
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