Well done sir. For a hunting rifle I'd take the tight mag fit over an easier to reload rattle box. Ruger did a really good job with options of rifles and calibers too. Something for everyone 🍻
I recently bought this same rifle in 223. I love it,a major upgrade from the Gen 1. With Fiocchi 40gr VMax it shoots 1/2" to 5/8" at 100yds. But some ammo,it doesn't like at all. Pretty ammo specific. It also uses AR mags. I was hoping they would do the same with the 308 but not yet I guess. Over-all a nice rifle.
I prefer when a hunting rifle is flush at the magazine/floor plate area. I bought a new Gen 1 6.5CM (Big Rock Sports limited run with Cerakote and 26” fairly light sporter barrel, model 26919) last year. It shoots as well as my Tikka’s, but with the flush mag I need to load one in chamber first and then just two in mag in order to have 100% feeding reliability. I’ll take that trade off in order to use flush mags. It shoots as well as my best Tikka’s and when I checked zero from last year, it was dead on. The action screws came very tight from factory. I did remount the factory base in order to ensure it was centered well and tightened to my liking. Great review!
They make a flush mag for this. I've also seen an aftermarket version. In time, lots of aftermarket options will be available. Stock & chassis makers are already on the ball, such as MDT.
I'll take reliable feeding over whether or not it fits flush with the stock. Magazine fitting flush with the stock is irrelevant to anything including carrying it.
@Mike-xi4zt I agree. It only applies when I'm moving the rifle around a few short steps while picking up or setting down other gear. Other than that, it's either slung or I'm using two hand ready carry.
I see this rifle not as a good budget rifle (it has the issues as you said) but as a good foundation for a chassis gun. The accuracy and reliability is there, as you saw, and your issues were entirely with the stock, which can be replaced with a chassis that takes AICS magazines, which then makes this an extremely compelling sub $1000 precision rifle, which you basically can't beat.
I like the Gen II stock. I pressed 5 minute plumbers epoxy into the forearm matrix and once good and hard blended it down to the top of the ribs with a Dremel. 16” barrel 5.56 model is tan so rattle canned it OD Green after removing cheek riser butt pad and studs. Also relieved stock more above mag button.
I did this with a 6arc in a gen 2. Jard trigger, mdt field stock and a 26" shillen barrel in a heavy palma contour. Wasn't planned, just kinda happened. Lol. It's an incredible rifle, now..
I own a Gen 1 in 5.56, and it shoots great! The barrel now looks like the inside of a burned out dumpster, but it keeps shooting 1" groups...24.2 gn of CFE223 under a 75 gn BTHP does the trick!
I liked seeing both the 7mm-08 Rem😮 and 243 Win had barrel twist at a full 1:9" and that is a plus in my opinion. Especially in the Predator model the 243 Win is gonna be a go-to coyote, deer and wolf rifle😊
@@58harwood yes! Browning Xbolt has some long action models with a 1:8" or 1:7.5" (can't remember), like 270 Win, 7mm Rem mag and 300 Win mag. There's more too, 6.8 Western (short action), 300 WSM (short action), and probably some more. The 270 Win with 150 grain pointed tip I love, and its outdated 1:10" still shoots the 165 grain ABLR straight and true. My first high power rifle was the 243 Win, and I would love getting another with at least a 1:9" twist or like you said a 1:8" would be wonderful.
One suggestion about the magazine. I bet if functions much better with the bolt back. More than likely like the old argument on fully loaded mag or down load 2 in an ar platform. But i did notice that even an empty mag at the bench it seems the feed lips on mag are tight to bottom of the bolt ot action. I noticed when you where at the range and inserted it it went smooth and easy while your bolt was open and you even commented on it. Plastic mags are pretty trash and can be sanded down on sides to get rid of mold lines and smooth up against the entry into the stock
Funny that they used a 3 position safety to theoretically stop you from losing a single round but added a big magazine catch so you could lose all but a single round.
I love a 3 position safety/locking bolt. I hate these stupid magazines though. I much prefer the old flush mags but I think a blind mag or hinged floor plate is more than enough for a hunting rifle for most use cases.
The magazine release is behind the mag for exactly that reason. When you shove the rifle up against a tree or other improvised shooting rest in the field, a forward mounted (and rear ward activating) mag release will accidentally release the magazine. The rear-mounted release lever on this Gen 2 prevents that from happening.
Read the manual. It specifies a torque range for the action screws. Off the top of my head, it's somewhere around 45-85 in-lbs. I saw another video where the presenter tightened his action screws to 65 in-lb. It made a big, positive difference. I did the same to my 16" barrel. It made a huge difference in tightening my groups. I have tested 7 different manufacturers to include cheap Bass Pro Herters ammo and various bullet weights. I have yet to find a bad load for my rifle. A couple of exceptional loads, one being Sig Sauer Open Tip Match (OTM) in 175 grain (I believe).
My Gen 2 7mm-08 standard manual specifies action screw torque at 60 to 70 in lbs. I split the difference and torqued them to 65. It shoots sub moa with factory ammo.
Well done! I like my Gen 1 Ranch in 450 BM for hunting in the Maine woods. I see no compelling reason to switch to the Gen 2. I prefer the slim stock that does not look like a big boat paddle, the finish on the barrel and receiver and I do not need a 3 position safety. However, the new barrel does look cool. I think the finish on the Gen 1 will hold up better over time than the Cerakote on the new one. Your mileage may vary.
I have a gen 1 450 bm and just got the gen 2 in 450 bm sold the gen 1 I prefer the gen 2 stock to me is way better texture of the stock and comb feel really nice but that’s me I like a good scout rifle/ brush gun and the stock helps with quick shots in the brush. And gen 1 won’t last as long as the Cerakote barrel js do your research your barrel will rust and degrade faster cerakote will make it last way longer trust me
@@GaryDaSnail01 I do like the Gen 2 stock for adjustability. As a weightlifter with shorter stocky arms and shoulders, I prefer the shorter length of pull. I have a contact at Ruger and they were kind enough to send me a "compact" stock several years ago. I would get the Gen 2 stock if I did not have it. I have shot several whitetails with it and two hang on my wall. As my son pointed out, the gun has sentimental value to him now along with my Browning A bolt. Regarding rust and degrading, that may be true for others but not for someone like me who takes excellent care of their hunting and duty weapons. If I was in the market for a new one, I would grab the Gen 2 with no problems. Happy hunting!
“It’s a really hot day today, it’s 85 degrees” I’m guessing ND? It was just 110 degrees here with 60% humidity the other day, thank God it’s starting to finally cool off.
Bought a Gen II in 5.56 and I love it. Bought for the reasons you dislike it. 16” barrel with suppressor is highly desirable. There are 5 shot AR mags. But I like the higher capacity. 16” barrel is great in brush too. In PA red bush and mountain laurel are the reasons.
Well. You can go back to easy to drop mag on the old generation 1 ruger. It falls out in the bushes super easy. Thanks. SC Navy veteran. 1965. 🇺🇸👩🏻🚒🙂 2:11. TiKa moss berg,and many others have the easy to drop in the bushes magazine.
I own 2 of the new Ruger’s. One 16 inch ranch in 22arc and one like this one in 6.5 Creedmoor. Any new rifle I get I completely dissasemble, clean and re torque everything to spec. Mine have both shot very well. I have not used the factory mag in the Creedmoor. I have several Aics metal mags and those are just better.
Agreed. Also, the Ruger mags get better the more you use them (I also bought 3 of the 10-rounders. If I'm reloading quickly, I slap in the mag. I'm not concerned with noise at that point.
Sometimes with polymer mags you have to do some filing to make them fit properly, I have several mags for my 308 and I had to dress up 2 of them with a file to make them fit better, metal mags work awesome from MDT
Mine's in 204 and I've only got one problem with it. Who puts a muzzle brake on a 204? 2 more inches of barrel is what it really needs. Painful and unnecessarily loud.
The magazine is a 3 round magazine and this is not a 3+1 rifle. If you leave the bolt open as recommended, you will not have a problem loading the magazine into the rifle's mag well. It will then lock in with no problem.
Exactly, if im gonna get a cheaper rifle im gonna get a Vanguard, it blows rugers and savages out of the water. I love Rugers rimfire offerings, but their centerfires leave alot to be desired.
@@rickestrick1213 the bolts arent crazy smooth, nothing like a Tikka. The Vanguards bolts dont bind up, but theyre sticky feeling for some reason as you work the action. Theyre solid as a rock though. For a 5 to 600 dollar rifle its good to go
Agree.I buy Vanguards and 1500's. Best value and rifles. Just would like to see all stainless steel metal. Companies have turned their backs on stainless steel.
I wanted to purchase the American Gen 2 but I waited until my friend got one and I met him at the range last wknd. We shot his new .308 and couldn't group well at all at 100. Best group was 1.3" with 3 different ammo, Federal 168gr Sierra MKing, Remington 150gr Core-Lokt, and Hornady 165gr Interlock. Worse was 2.4". We checked stock screws, removed the brake (which resulted in about 1/4" better groups), not much difference. Also had the same issues with the magazine. He got his Savage 110 Trail Hunter out also in .308 (he loves .308 cal) and we shot sub-MOA groups consistently with all 3 ammo! I am sold on the Savage now even though I am big time Ruger fan. I own at least 10 Ruger rifles and pistols. Having shot and handled both rifles back to back I was actually impressed with the Savage and liked its bolt and action a little better. The Ruger felt like sometimes you had to fight it to lock, but the 110 was more of 1 seamless action that felt a little smoother. Also the added 1 pound (7.2lbs I think) of the 110 TH seemed to make it a better/more stable platform and shoot more accurately, although both guns had heavy Arken scopes on them that added 2+ pounds on each rifle. BTW, I do not own any Savage deer rifles. The only Savage I own is an old MKII .22LR and none of the Savage models were on my shopping list. The only guns on my list were the Winchester XPR Hunter and Ruger American Gen II, both priced about the same. Now I see the 110 Hunter is also in the same exact price range so it's probably what I am going for, unless I can shoot someone's XPR first :-)
Check your scope and rifles, rail etc any play can throw it off I have 7 gen 1 and 3 gen 2 Americans all will hit same hole at 100 yards so something is off
Well for starters, you have to shoot at lest 10 shots of each ammo brand to aculate the barrel. Switching from brand to brand. Each brand of ammo has different powders. For tighter groups, this has to be done. Just my 2 cents
Its a very nice very light good rifle. Sometimes you have to man up and just put the clip in. clip is not made to put in from a chair while gun is horizontal to you in a gun rest above you.
The first gen was a fail for me. Five trips back to Ruger. They were awesome enough to replace it with a different model. The cheap soft alloy they used is horrible. The pins for the trigger group and bolt stop hogged out after two range sessions with my 450bm. Mages were dropping out when shooting. The optic came loose four times till I realized the mating surface between the factory provided optic rail and receiver were only coming in contact in the edges. Last trip there the ammo wasn’t ejecting. They told me the bolt group needed to be replaced. I’m sure it’s a great first gun for somebody….That’s never gonna shoot more than three or four 20 round boxes of ammo through it in their lifetime. I was told this directly from Ruger. I would assume that’s probably why they switched over to the gen 2 to try and fix the issues. I have to say, Ruger customer service is awesome! They swapped me out to a gunsight scout and I only had to pay 110 bucks. It showed up with a crack stock, unfortunately. It wasn’t from shipping. It was done that way from whoever made the stock and they filled the crack in with clear epoxy. I sent it back immediately and they sent it back with a few extra magazines and a gift certificate for the additional money I paid to use on their website. So even though they make products that fail that company is A1 in my book for customer service because they go out of the way to fix the issue, even though there shouldn’t be issues to begin with and my opinion. Unfortunately they use cheap dollar store quality materials to make the American line and quality suffers. They are super accurate out of the box but don't hold up. Taught me not to buy a plastic mag bolt gun. Looks cheap and feels cheap. It they made a blind box mag with metal parts like the Remington 700's that have a release lever it would be a million percent improvement. Imo no need for a removable magazine in a bolt action hunting gun. It would probably make it a little more ridged as well.
@@user1ix22 you know its not when Ruger customer service told me the the American rifle line was not made for Target shooting and plinking. I was told fr customer service it was designed for the person who will shoot 4 boxes of ammo through it in their lifetime. There is a reason they were $300 when they first came to market years ago. Same with the pot metal and aluminum wrangler line. It's cheap for a reason and serves a purpose. I know dozens of people who have had and sold off their Americans. To bad. They are super accurate out of the box. They would be a great rifle with some quality alloys and a blind magazine.
Don't like spiral flutes on barrel. Metal heating up tend to twist as it expands, high price for the cool look. Kinda tired of the style too. Detaching magazine uncomfortable to carry in hand. What makes you think you have many follow on shots with a bolt action? Just give me a medium taper barrel, well designed aluminum mounting block with a good trigger.
I have the same rifle and just about can’t find ammo it won’t shoot under or around 1” groups. Production rifles, it’s all about the particular copy you have.
I’m not a big fan of “budget” guns(with a couple exceptions). Decided to roll the dice on a gen 2 in 308. Threw an Arken on top of it and went to zero it in. 3 different brands and 3 different weights of ammo. And 2 shooters later it wouldn’t group any less than 6”. You would have a couple shots pretty tight then it’d throw one randomly. It done that constantly. Also the downstroke was superrrr stiff so maybe headspace? The mag release also sucks, feeding was bad, free float is crooked, stiff mag lock in if bolt is closed. Contacted Ruger and got it sent back now waiting “2-4 weeks” for a response. Not happy with the product or customer support wait times. If you’re considering this gun just spend the extra $100 and get a CVA Cascade they’re light years ahead of Ruger
The tight magazine on a hunting rifle I don’t mind, no rattling and good seal. Same reason I don’t mind the Remington adl bljnd magazines (before the bankruptcy and QC went to shit) Good bench rest or hunting rifle. But this thing isn’t going to war
The difference in loading the magazines occurs from if they are a single stack FEED or a double stack FEED. Double stack feeding mags retain the next round with only one feed lip and are wider allowing a straight down push on the round to load it into the mag. The feed lips on a single stack feed has not spare room as both feed lips retain and guide the round, so they require the cartridge to be depressed and slid in under the feed lips. The AICS mag system sucks so bad it's used essentially universally on PRS systems, is the current standard on chassis for bolt action rifles, and was designed off of the AK mag retention system. Only 100 million AKs using that mag retention system out there. Better get used to it. It's easier for manufacturers to just use the AICS mag in new guns than re-design and make specific mags. There will be a lot more companies and models going to these mags. Also any gunsmith worth his salt can remove the latch and take a few strokes on the latch face and lessen the tension a little it's just too heavy for you. A moderately efficient reload is pretty simple with a little applied practice. Your accuracy issues are weird. They were consistently inconsistent regardless of ammo. I believe other poster's may be correct in you needing to check your action screws. If you do and find a setting (use a torque wrench) that works for the gun to shoot accurate, write the settings on the stock next to the screw with sharpie.
Won one once was a 22-250 on box had it registered got home had a 308 in the box gun shop told me we need that gun back. I gave it back and got the 22-250 didn’t need another deer rifle
Take it apart and clean up the inside of the stock especially the plastic around the v lugs and take some sand paper to the barrel channel also cut a loop or two off the trigger spring amd then make sure everything is tourqed properly amd mine does under an inch at 100 yards i have the gen 2 ranch 308and 7.62x39. Love both of them deer catchers but really the clean up on the stock and trigger spring cut my accuracy in half
When you showed the rifle clamped in your tripod on your desk, what ball head and clamp is that? What tripod is that as well ? I just don't want to have to arca rail all my rifles . That looked better built than the bog
@Bullets4Bucks thank you very much. I apologize for asking the same question as in earlier comments. I didn't see it until I asked! I must have skimmed over it. Again thank you. I'll be grabbing one. I hate the bog I have. How do u like the sunway?
Yeah the groups aren’t great but I’d say it’s more the choice of ammunition than the rifle. Run some Sierra Match King rounds through there and I bet your groups tighten up. Last time I sighted in my Ruger American .308 I started with Hornady Match and switched to the Federal which made a world of a difference for my groups.
Yup some guns also like the cheap stuff and not the more expensive ammo depends on the rifle I have some that with shoot 4 to 5 inch groups at 100 with sierra’s but give it some Remington core lok and it will put holes in the same hole.
I, too, carry the rifle there when still hunting, pushes, etc. It’s not the only position I’ll carry it in when hunting that style, but a lot of the time it is. Flush mount is a positive in those instances. They went away from flush mount in large part due to the AICS feeding so much better. To make the flush mount feed well, the only long-term option is to get one in the chamber and have only two in the flush mount magazine.
I don't have a ruger american but why would it be a fail or why you put on your video it's a fail for the cost of 600.00 to 700.00 dollars I am pretty sure I could reload for it and get it to shoot extremely well . 8:14 you sounds like you are reviewing a 5000.00 dollar rifle
I’ve watch this guy before he likes the bitch and moan about guns under $1000 but praises $1000 plus and expensive equipment I have 7 gen 1 rugers and 3 gen 2’s all shoot under a inch most will hit the same hole no issues. Companies sometimes let a bad one slip it happens I had two howas and 3 tikka rifles that were junk wouldn’t group got ride of them. But it happens but the gen 2 Americans are great guns people just like to bitch and I bet something is just off on his gun.
The rifle is junk you have to remove the lever by driving the pin out and not easy to put together. To the get the action screw out. Ruger cheap stock flexes you have to put some thread lock on both action screws. The forend with light pressure touches the barrel. The first generation you could use one spring kit to get the trigger pull down to 2-2.5 pounds. the second generation you have to buy and replacement trigger. Magpul stock no problem in removing the action screws. If I am going to have to buy a new stock and trigger I would start off with an 700 or SAV 110 TRAIL HUNTER not the light model I like the thicker barrels. I had heard some good things about the savage 110 trail hunter. $490 price you not getting aluminum full bedding but pillar bedding. From the looks of it the forend is wider at the bottom and I like that.
@@Bullets4Bucks, first off, your review was excellent. Should’ve given more praise before the ribbing. I wasn’t hating. Second, I don’t need to come back when I was doing it long ago before a PRC ever existed tho. Some of us grew up running magnum calibers from a young age. Rem 700 in 7mag. Learned to shoot long with it and killed my first deer with it at 8 (I was a porky ass kid so that helped back then haha). Don’t be salty, it was an accurate comment! I’d tell myself the same. Your review and depth in review was very good. Just a little ribbing to go along with the appreciation of the review.
Garbage Ruger American Gen II my sons in 243 will not feed right outta the box. Have not been able to take a single shot with it. Had a scope put on too and now i guess it has to go back to Ruger. what a big disappointment! 😊
I have always been a fan of Ruger and own a few of Ruger rifles, including a Gen 1 American and I love them and they are all super accurate but I can not do the new American because of that hideous fluting. I moved away from savage because they started fluting the 110 on all the models that I would want now Ruger has turned me off of the American. You give up too much with fluting and since most people who will be hunting with these rifles are not hiking in for miles the weight savings dont really mean much to the avg buyer but you are giving up potential performance.
amateur range rifle great for showing off at local shooting gallery just like a guy with a hot chevy camaro thinks it's fast - until he runs into a pro
look you are just net picking because you just took it out and loaded it when you were shooting it and had no problems and your in acrace when you where not on target you blamed it on the gun and then blamed it on your shoulder and then blamed it on the wind come on you are better than that.
Where to begin? Rough finish with cheap, rust prone bluing. Extractor recessed in bolt lug making it prone to breakage. Tikka has shown 3 lug bolts can be smoothe - this thing is a Rem 770 tribute, and grittier. Priced the same as a Howa, a far superior rifle, but Ruger junk is all overpriced. Then some strange metrosexual gender confused designer began dirt trap fluting of the barrel and bolt. Yeah, a Magpul Tupperware copy stock is not a Magpul stock. Just say no. The Gen 1 is nicer but still suffers from the same design defects.
I don't think your shooting is a good idea of what that rifle can do. You said you are really flinchy and fatigued....not a great review. I think alot of these type of videos are limited by someone that talks well and shoots poor
I call magazine clips all the time whe n I'm referring to clips as magazines and it's as mag release. But then again, I also to blame my shooting on the equipment at hand so I usually go to the bank and see if I can't drop more money to male myself feel better.
Well done sir. For a hunting rifle I'd take the tight mag fit over an easier to reload rattle box. Ruger did a really good job with options of rifles and calibers too. Something for everyone 🍻
I recently bought this same rifle in 223. I love it,a major upgrade from the Gen 1. With Fiocchi 40gr VMax it shoots 1/2" to 5/8" at 100yds. But some ammo,it doesn't like at all. Pretty ammo specific. It also uses AR mags. I was hoping they would do the same with the 308 but not yet I guess. Over-all a nice rifle.
Rank ot between 1 and 10
I prefer when a hunting rifle is flush at the magazine/floor plate area. I bought a new Gen 1 6.5CM (Big Rock Sports limited run with Cerakote and 26” fairly light sporter barrel, model 26919) last year. It shoots as well as my Tikka’s, but with the flush mag I need to load one in chamber first and then just two in mag in order to have 100% feeding reliability. I’ll take that trade off in order to use flush mags. It shoots as well as my best Tikka’s and when I checked zero from last year, it was dead on. The action screws came very tight from factory. I did remount the factory base in order to ensure it was centered well and tightened to my liking. Great review!
They make a flush mag for this. I've also seen an aftermarket version. In time, lots of aftermarket options will be available. Stock & chassis makers are already on the ball, such as MDT.
I'll take reliable feeding over whether or not it fits flush with the stock. Magazine fitting flush with the stock is irrelevant to anything including carrying it.
@Mike-xi4zt I agree. It only applies when I'm moving the rifle around a few short steps while picking up or setting down other gear. Other than that, it's either slung or I'm using two hand ready carry.
I see this rifle not as a good budget rifle (it has the issues as you said) but as a good foundation for a chassis gun. The accuracy and reliability is there, as you saw, and your issues were entirely with the stock, which can be replaced with a chassis that takes AICS magazines, which then makes this an extremely compelling sub $1000 precision rifle, which you basically can't beat.
I like the Gen II stock.
I pressed 5 minute plumbers epoxy into the forearm matrix and once good and hard blended it down to the top of the ribs with a Dremel.
16” barrel 5.56 model is tan so rattle canned it OD Green after removing cheek riser butt pad and studs.
Also relieved stock more above mag button.
I did this with a 6arc in a gen 2. Jard trigger, mdt field stock and a 26" shillen barrel in a heavy palma contour. Wasn't planned, just kinda happened. Lol. It's an incredible rifle, now..
This is an awesome rife my buddy has one in 308 and we get consistent 1/2 inch groups with it. Great rifle especially for the money.
Nice
Can you rank the gen 2 between 1 and 10
I own a Gen 1 in 5.56, and it shoots great! The barrel now looks like the inside of a burned out dumpster, but it keeps shooting 1" groups...24.2 gn of CFE223 under a 75 gn BTHP does the trick!
I have one in 308 also, the magazine locks into place easily when the bolt is to the rear.
I liked seeing both the 7mm-08 Rem😮 and 243 Win had barrel twist at a full 1:9" and that is a plus in my opinion. Especially in the Predator model the 243 Win is gonna be a go-to coyote, deer and wolf rifle😊
Where do you live where you have a wolf rifle? Aren't they protected in most places?
I don’t know why everybody just doesn’t update the 243 and go with a 1/8 twist! I see Sako has a 1//8 243 now, hopefully Tikka won’t be far behind!
@@58harwood yes! Browning Xbolt has some long action models with a 1:8" or 1:7.5" (can't remember), like 270 Win, 7mm Rem mag and 300 Win mag. There's more too, 6.8 Western (short action), 300 WSM (short action), and probably some more. The 270 Win with 150 grain pointed tip I love, and its outdated 1:10" still shoots the 165 grain ABLR straight and true. My first high power rifle was the 243 Win, and I would love getting another with at least a 1:9" twist or like you said a 1:8" would be wonderful.
Good review. I do like that they added the 3 position safety.
Howa 1500. LESS than 1moa, $500. Great value. Functionally way better. 😀👍👍👏
Agreed!
One suggestion about the magazine. I bet if functions much better with the bolt back. More than likely like the old argument on fully loaded mag or down load 2 in an ar platform. But i did notice that even an empty mag at the bench it seems the feed lips on mag are tight to bottom of the bolt ot action. I noticed when you where at the range and inserted it it went smooth and easy while your bolt was open and you even commented on it. Plastic mags are pretty trash and can be sanded down on sides to get rid of mold lines and smooth up against the entry into the stock
Yes, but these reviewers never mention that, yet they show it.
Funny that they used a 3 position safety to theoretically stop you from losing a single round but added a big magazine catch so you could lose all but a single round.
I love a 3 position safety/locking bolt. I hate these stupid magazines though. I much prefer the old flush mags but I think a blind mag or hinged floor plate is more than enough for a hunting rifle for most use cases.
@@phild9813
Depends on what you hunt!
The magazine release is behind the mag for exactly that reason. When you shove the rifle up against a tree or other improvised shooting rest in the field, a forward mounted (and rear ward activating) mag release will accidentally release the magazine. The rear-mounted release lever on this Gen 2 prevents that from happening.
Read the manual. It specifies a torque range for the action screws. Off the top of my head, it's somewhere around 45-85 in-lbs. I saw another video where the presenter tightened his action screws to 65 in-lb. It made a big, positive difference. I did the same to my 16" barrel. It made a huge difference in tightening my groups. I have tested 7 different manufacturers to include cheap Bass Pro Herters ammo and various bullet weights. I have yet to find a bad load for my rifle. A couple of exceptional loads, one being Sig Sauer Open Tip Match (OTM) in 175 grain (I believe).
My Gen 2 7mm-08 standard manual specifies action screw torque at 60 to 70 in lbs. I split the difference and torqued them to 65.
It shoots sub moa with factory ammo.
Well done! I like my Gen 1 Ranch in 450 BM for hunting in the Maine woods. I see no compelling reason to switch to the Gen 2. I prefer the slim stock that does not look like a big boat paddle, the finish on the barrel and receiver and I do not need a 3 position safety. However, the new barrel does look cool. I think the finish on the Gen 1 will hold up better over time than the Cerakote on the new one. Your mileage may vary.
I have a gen 1 450 bm and just got the gen 2 in 450 bm sold the gen 1 I prefer the gen 2 stock to me is way better texture of the stock and comb feel really nice but that’s me I like a good scout rifle/ brush gun and the stock helps with quick shots in the brush. And gen 1 won’t last as long as the Cerakote barrel js do your research your barrel will rust and degrade faster cerakote will make it last way longer trust me
@@GaryDaSnail01 I do like the Gen 2 stock for adjustability. As a weightlifter with shorter stocky arms and shoulders, I prefer the shorter length of pull. I have a contact at Ruger and they were kind enough to send me a "compact" stock several years ago. I would get the Gen 2 stock if I did not have it. I have shot several whitetails with it and two hang on my wall. As my son pointed out, the gun has sentimental value to him now along with my Browning A bolt. Regarding rust and degrading, that may be true for others but not for someone like me who takes excellent care of their hunting and duty weapons. If I was in the market for a new one, I would grab the Gen 2 with no problems. Happy hunting!
@3:12 It's an extremely hot day at 85 degrees? 😆
Boy, I would love to have dry at 85 then my 95 in humidity
Well for me it is lol
“It’s a really hot day today, it’s 85 degrees” I’m guessing ND? It was just 110 degrees here with 60% humidity the other day, thank God it’s starting to finally cool off.
Lol
Wyoming
Nice improvments over gen.1 , but carbine barrel and non flush fiting mag. is a deal breaker for me i'll pass.
Agreed
Bought a Gen II in 5.56 and I love it. Bought for the reasons you dislike it.
16” barrel with suppressor is highly desirable. There are 5 shot AR mags. But I like the higher capacity.
16” barrel is great in brush too. In PA red bush and mountain laurel are the reasons.
Well. You can go back to easy to drop mag on the old generation 1 ruger. It falls out in the bushes super easy. Thanks. SC Navy veteran. 1965. 🇺🇸👩🏻🚒🙂 2:11. TiKa moss berg,and many others have the easy to drop in the bushes magazine.
I own 2 of the new Ruger’s. One 16 inch ranch in 22arc and one like this one in 6.5 Creedmoor. Any new rifle I get I completely dissasemble, clean and re torque everything to spec. Mine have both shot very well. I have not used the factory mag in the Creedmoor. I have several Aics metal mags and those are just better.
Agreed. Also, the Ruger mags get better the more you use them (I also bought 3 of the 10-rounders. If I'm reloading quickly, I slap in the mag. I'm not concerned with noise at that point.
Sometimes with polymer mags you have to do some filing to make them fit properly, I have several mags for my 308 and I had to dress up 2 of them with a file to make them fit better, metal mags work awesome from MDT
I have A RUGER SCOUT LOVE IT THE MAG IS GOOD AND TIGHT
I WILL BUY A GEN 2
Mine's in 204 and I've only got one problem with it. Who puts a muzzle brake on a 204? 2 more inches of barrel is what it really needs. Painful and unnecessarily loud.
The magazine is a 3 round magazine and this is not a 3+1 rifle. If you leave the bolt open as recommended, you will not have a problem loading the magazine into the rifle's mag well. It will then lock in with no problem.
I mtself was wondering that very thing.
Not sure why I'd buy the Ruger while the HOWA rifles are still available
Race training loser
Exactly, if im gonna get a cheaper rifle im gonna get a Vanguard, it blows rugers and savages out of the water. I love Rugers rimfire offerings, but their centerfires leave alot to be desired.
@@whiteyfisk9769is the bolt as smooth though. I feel like the savage has a extra hiccup
@@rickestrick1213 the bolts arent crazy smooth, nothing like a Tikka. The Vanguards bolts dont bind up, but theyre sticky feeling for some reason as you work the action. Theyre solid as a rock though. For a 5 to 600 dollar rifle its good to go
Agree.I buy Vanguards and 1500's. Best value and rifles. Just would like to see all stainless steel metal. Companies have turned their backs on stainless steel.
I wanted to purchase the American Gen 2 but I waited until my friend got one and I met him at the range last wknd. We shot his new .308 and couldn't group well at all at 100. Best group was 1.3" with 3 different ammo, Federal 168gr Sierra MKing, Remington 150gr Core-Lokt, and Hornady 165gr Interlock. Worse was 2.4". We checked stock screws, removed the brake (which resulted in about 1/4" better groups), not much difference. Also had the same issues with the magazine. He got his Savage 110 Trail Hunter out also in .308 (he loves .308 cal) and we shot sub-MOA groups consistently with all 3 ammo! I am sold on the Savage now even though I am big time Ruger fan. I own at least 10 Ruger rifles and pistols. Having shot and handled both rifles back to back I was actually impressed with the Savage and liked its bolt and action a little better. The Ruger felt like sometimes you had to fight it to lock, but the 110 was more of 1 seamless action that felt a little smoother. Also the added 1 pound (7.2lbs I think) of the 110 TH seemed to make it a better/more stable platform and shoot more accurately, although both guns had heavy Arken scopes on them that added 2+ pounds on each rifle. BTW, I do not own any Savage deer rifles. The only Savage I own is an old MKII .22LR and none of the Savage models were on my shopping list. The only guns on my list were the Winchester XPR Hunter and Ruger American Gen II, both priced about the same. Now I see the 110 Hunter is also in the same exact price range so it's probably what I am going for, unless I can shoot someone's XPR first :-)
You check the nut behind the stock?
Check your scope and rifles, rail etc any play can throw it off I have 7 gen 1 and 3 gen 2 Americans all will hit same hole at 100 yards so something is off
Well for starters, you have to shoot at lest 10 shots of each ammo brand to aculate the barrel. Switching from brand to brand. Each brand of ammo has different powders. For tighter groups, this has to be done. Just my 2 cents
Its a very nice very light good rifle. Sometimes you have to man up and just put the clip in. clip is not made to put in from a chair while gun is horizontal to you in a gun rest above you.
lol its not a clip
The first gen was a fail for me. Five trips back to Ruger. They were awesome enough to replace it with a different model. The cheap soft alloy they used is horrible. The pins for the trigger group and bolt stop hogged out after two range sessions with my 450bm. Mages were dropping out when shooting. The optic came loose four times till I realized the mating surface between the factory provided optic rail and receiver were only coming in contact in the edges. Last trip there the ammo wasn’t ejecting. They told me the bolt group needed to be replaced. I’m sure it’s a great first gun for somebody….That’s never gonna shoot more than three or four 20 round boxes of ammo through it in their lifetime. I was told this directly from Ruger. I would assume that’s probably why they switched over to the gen 2 to try and fix the issues. I have to say, Ruger customer service is awesome! They swapped me out to a gunsight scout and I only had to pay 110 bucks. It showed up with a crack stock, unfortunately. It wasn’t from shipping. It was done that way from whoever made the stock and they filled the crack in with clear epoxy. I sent it back immediately and they sent it back with a few extra magazines and a gift certificate for the additional money I paid to use on their website. So even though they make products that fail that company is A1 in my book for customer service because they go out of the way to fix the issue, even though there shouldn’t be issues to begin with and my opinion. Unfortunately they use cheap dollar store quality materials to make the American line and quality suffers. They are super accurate out of the box but don't hold up. Taught me not to buy a plastic mag bolt gun. Looks cheap and feels cheap. It they made a blind box mag with metal parts like the Remington 700's that have a release lever it would be a million percent improvement. Imo no need for a removable magazine in a bolt action hunting gun. It would probably make it a little more ridged as well.
@@user1ix22 you know its not when Ruger customer service told me the the American rifle line was not made for Target shooting and plinking. I was told fr customer service it was designed for the person who will shoot 4 boxes of ammo through it in their lifetime. There is a reason they were $300 when they first came to market years ago. Same with the pot metal and aluminum wrangler line. It's cheap for a reason and serves a purpose. I know dozens of people who have had and sold off their Americans. To bad. They are super accurate out of the box. They would be a great rifle with some quality alloys and a blind magazine.
Don't like spiral flutes on barrel. Metal heating up tend to twist as it expands, high price for the cool look. Kinda tired of the style too. Detaching magazine uncomfortable to carry in hand. What makes you think you have many follow on shots with a bolt action? Just give me a medium taper barrel, well designed aluminum mounting block with a good trigger.
I hear you
Theres no way youre shooting a bolt action fast enough to heat the barrel that much unless youre doing it on purpose
Ohh, an aristocrat, lol
I have the same rifle and just about can’t find ammo it won’t shoot under or around 1” groups. Production rifles, it’s all about the particular copy you have.
Dang
I’m not a big fan of “budget” guns(with a couple exceptions). Decided to roll the dice on a gen 2 in 308. Threw an Arken on top of it and went to zero it in. 3 different brands and 3 different weights of ammo. And 2 shooters later it wouldn’t group any less than 6”. You would have a couple shots pretty tight then it’d throw one randomly. It done that constantly. Also the downstroke was superrrr stiff so maybe headspace? The mag release also sucks, feeding was bad, free float is crooked, stiff mag lock in if bolt is closed. Contacted Ruger and got it sent back now waiting “2-4 weeks” for a response. Not happy with the product or customer support wait times. If you’re considering this gun just spend the extra $100 and get a CVA Cascade they’re light years ahead of Ruger
Have the same mag issues with mine. Really a pain.
Yep it is a pain
I have it on 5.56 and takes pmags works great
The tight magazine on a hunting rifle I don’t mind, no rattling and good seal. Same reason I don’t mind the Remington adl bljnd magazines (before the bankruptcy and QC went to shit)
Good bench rest or hunting rifle. But this thing isn’t going to war
open the bolt and insert the mag
They screwed up not throwing 24” barrels on these things 😢
They have the Ruger American Gen 2 Predator with a 22" barrel.
The difference in loading the magazines occurs from if they are a single stack FEED or a double stack FEED. Double stack feeding mags retain the next round with only one feed lip and are wider allowing a straight down push on the round to load it into the mag. The feed lips on a single stack feed has not spare room as both feed lips retain and guide the round, so they require the cartridge to be depressed and slid in under the feed lips. The AICS mag system sucks so bad it's used essentially universally on PRS systems, is the current standard on chassis for bolt action rifles, and was designed off of the AK mag retention system. Only 100 million AKs using that mag retention system out there. Better get used to it. It's easier for manufacturers to just use the AICS mag in new guns than re-design and make specific mags. There will be a lot more companies and models going to these mags. Also any gunsmith worth his salt can remove the latch and take a few strokes on the latch face and lessen the tension a little it's just too heavy for you. A moderately efficient reload is pretty simple with a little applied practice. Your accuracy issues are weird. They were consistently inconsistent regardless of ammo. I believe other poster's may be correct in you needing to check your action screws. If you do and find a setting (use a torque wrench) that works for the gun to shoot accurate, write the settings on the stock next to the screw with sharpie.
Ruger should stop with the cosmetic gimmicks and concentrate on accuracy and functionality.
Agreed
Col Townsend Whelen said it best, Only accurate rifles are interesting.
@@nmelkhunter1 A great man who knew guns very well.
@@PassivePortfolios Yes sir.
@@Bullets4Bucks The accuracy was good! .6 MOA What do you expect for a production rifle?
Great review! Well done, Sir
Thank you kindly!
Man that looks like the Big Horns, what a beautiful place.
So it’s a very nice rifle and like the way it shoots? So why in the heading it says that it failed? Which is it?
?
The guy wants to hate just to hate lol. Also brings in views. Many reviews with guys shooting good groups. It’s 100% user error.
Won one once was a 22-250 on box had it registered got home had a 308 in the box gun shop told me we need that gun back. I gave it back and got the 22-250 didn’t need another deer rifle
Take it apart and clean up the inside of the stock especially the plastic around the v lugs and take some sand paper to the barrel channel also cut a loop or two off the trigger spring amd then make sure everything is tourqed properly amd mine does under an inch at 100 yards i have the gen 2 ranch 308and 7.62x39. Love both of them deer catchers but really the clean up on the stock and trigger spring cut my accuracy in half
Also I forgot take off the scope rail and clean oil from under it amd lock tight ot back on
Are you going to do the New Gen 2 Savage Axis anytime soon?
When you showed the rifle clamped in your tripod on your desk, what ball head and clamp is that? What tripod is that as well ? I just don't want to have to arca rail all my rifles . That looked better built than the bog
Sunwayfoto save 5% use code b4b or bullets4bucks
@Bullets4Bucks thank you very much. I apologize for asking the same question as in earlier comments. I didn't see it until I asked! I must have skimmed over it. Again thank you. I'll be grabbing one. I hate the bog I have. How do u like the sunway?
Yeah the groups aren’t great but I’d say it’s more the choice of ammunition than the rifle. Run some Sierra Match King rounds through there and I bet your groups tighten up. Last time I sighted in my Ruger American .308 I started with Hornady Match and switched to the Federal which made a world of a difference for my groups.
Yup some guns also like the cheap stuff and not the more expensive ammo depends on the rifle I have some that with shoot 4 to 5 inch groups at 100 with sierra’s but give it some Remington core lok and it will put holes in the same hole.
Hallo.habe 2 Jahre auf eine Ruger gewartet.. hat sich gelohnt..6,5 prc...top....
Give me the gen 1. I can always thread the barrel if needed.
Thanks, man!
Great review I have the same gun same complaints
Glad to hear I am not alone
Saw this review and went and bought one.
Nice!
Any plans on reviewing Mauser rifles?
One day I hope
I have the 350 legend generation 2 and ruger didn't fix the feeding problem either! Also, had the magazine problem too!
450 bm gen 2 no issues
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Mine shoot sub moa with the Hornaday American white tail 150 grain. I had about the same results with the ballistic tip rounds and the heavier rounds
I hate my Tikka because the magazine is not event close to flush. That area is where I want to carry the rifle.
Interesting
I, too, carry the rifle there when still hunting, pushes, etc. It’s not the only position I’ll carry it in when hunting that style, but a lot of the time it is. Flush mount is a positive in those instances. They went away from flush mount in large part due to the AICS feeding so much better. To make the flush mount feed well, the only long-term option is to get one in the chamber and have only two in the flush mount magazine.
I have looked at the RA Gen 2 and also did not like the box magazine. Great minds think alike I guess
Right on
Good thing you wore your camo out there that silhouette mighta seen you.
That magazine is a deal breaker
Agreed
The ruger mag sucks but it you have other aics pattern mags its not a big deal
@@longrangeredneck1335 the fact that the magazine and release are not flush is a deal breaker for me, even if it were reliable.
I wish 85° was extremely hot in Texas.
To me, these rifles look bulky. I prefer the M77 series.
There light as hell m77 nice rifle but heavy as hell
Maybe this is why I see the gen II's on sale already..If you cant make it group decent the rest of us will definitely have our hands full..
I don't have a ruger american but why would it be a fail or why you put on your video it's a fail for the cost of 600.00 to 700.00 dollars I am pretty sure I could reload for it and get it to shoot extremely well . 8:14 you sounds like you are reviewing a 5000.00 dollar rifle
I’ve watch this guy before he likes the bitch and moan about guns under $1000 but praises $1000 plus and expensive equipment I have 7 gen 1 rugers and 3 gen 2’s all shoot under a inch most will hit the same hole no issues. Companies sometimes let a bad one slip it happens I had two howas and 3 tikka rifles that were junk wouldn’t group got ride of them. But it happens but the gen 2 Americans are great guns people just like to bitch and I bet something is just off on his gun.
Are you able to test a Sauer 100?
I hope to but I'd have to buy it
A nice video, good job!
Thank you very much!
The rifle is junk you have to remove the lever by driving the pin out and not easy to put together. To the get the action screw out. Ruger cheap stock flexes you have to put some thread lock on both action screws. The forend with light pressure touches the barrel. The first generation you could use one spring kit to get the trigger pull down to 2-2.5 pounds. the second generation you have to buy and replacement trigger. Magpul stock no problem in removing the action screws. If I am going to have to buy a new stock and trigger I would start off with an 700 or SAV 110 TRAIL HUNTER not the light model I like the thicker barrels. I had heard some good things about the savage 110 trail hunter. $490 price you not getting aluminum full bedding but pillar bedding. From the looks of it the forend is wider at the bottom and I like that.
Were you able to hit the target at 975?
Take ur time actual results are wat we are after
Are these available in Left hand yet?
I doubt it’s the rifle lol my predator gen 1” is sub moa accurate with 150sst
Good review. But flinching at 900+ yards 😂. Don’t need to be shooting distance if you’re flinching lol
Shooting 40 rounds of 300 prc in a hunting rifle in the same afternoon and get back to me
@@Bullets4Bucks, first off, your review was excellent. Should’ve given more praise before the ribbing. I wasn’t hating. Second, I don’t need to come back when I was doing it long ago before a PRC ever existed tho. Some of us grew up running magnum calibers from a young age. Rem 700 in 7mag. Learned to shoot long with it and killed my first deer with it at 8 (I was a porky ass kid so that helped back then haha).
Don’t be salty, it was an accurate comment! I’d tell myself the same. Your review and depth in review was very good. Just a little ribbing to go along with the appreciation of the review.
I agree about the mag..pain in the a.s
Yep
Take off break. Your groups will tighten up
Garbage Ruger American Gen II my sons in 243 will not feed right outta the box. Have not been able to take a single shot with it. Had a scope put on too and now i guess it has to go back to Ruger. what a big disappointment! 😊
How could you score th8s tifle. 1-10
What tripod and clamp are you using during the review?
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never used and AK mag?
Savage, mossberg and Winchester are better rifles for the money
Idk about mossberg
I have always been a fan of Ruger and own a few of Ruger rifles, including a Gen 1 American and I love them and they are all super accurate but I can not do the new American because of that hideous fluting. I moved away from savage because they started fluting the 110 on all the models that I would want now Ruger has turned me off of the American. You give up too much with fluting and since most people who will be hunting with these rifles are not hiking in for miles the weight savings dont really mean much to the avg buyer but you are giving up potential performance.
My gen one shoots sub moa
Ugh. Another style complaint. It’s a 500 dollar rifle and even though you “like it” you click bait the thumb nail.
Thanks.
Hasn't Hornaday paid you guys to say the 7prc is way better than the 7mm rem mag like most of the other utube yappers yet
No
Imagine using a brake on a .308 lol
LMFGDFAO even
The Ruger churro rifle
Scope?
Vortex viper hd
@@Bullets4Bucks Thank you.
amateur range rifle
great for showing off at local shooting gallery
just like a guy with a hot chevy camaro thinks it's fast - until he runs into a pro
Lol
@@Bullets4Bucksmy camaro is faster than yours, lol
I cannot stand the magazine also i will never buy one
Yep
people talking about for about stuff that doesn't relate to the area. that's your realize what a small market they are
Overpriced
Kinda
Just get a tikka lol
look you are just net picking because you just took it out and loaded it when you were shooting it and had no problems and your in acrace when you where not on target you blamed it on the gun and then blamed it on your shoulder and then blamed it on the wind come on you are better than that.
Nice
Thanks
Where to begin? Rough finish with cheap, rust prone bluing. Extractor recessed in bolt lug making it prone to breakage. Tikka has shown 3 lug bolts can be smoothe - this thing is a Rem 770 tribute, and grittier. Priced the same as a Howa, a far superior rifle, but Ruger junk is all overpriced. Then some strange metrosexual gender confused designer began dirt trap fluting of the barrel and bolt. Yeah, a Magpul Tupperware copy stock is not a Magpul stock. Just say no. The Gen 1 is nicer but still suffers from the same design defects.
I don't think your shooting is a good idea of what that rifle can do. You said you are really flinchy and fatigued....not a great review. I think alot of these type of videos are limited by someone that talks well and shoots poor
I definitely don't talk good
Mine shoots very accurately but it feeds like dog poo
Sounds about right for a ruger american
Dude bought all the Kleenex during covid
Mine is easy. You must have a handicap or something
I have had 10 surgeries and have some serious medical issues but nope those arnt the cause
looks like your just a bad shot
Some days I'm good some says not so good. Maybe you just a ruger simp or maybe you just get off being a keyboard critic
@@Bullets4Bucks nah man ive had same groups as you, then my buddy tries and gets .6 with the same rifle... shootings just not for me
You called a magazine a clip. You're the problem, not the weapon.
What's the timestamp on that?
I believe I'm talking about the clip that holds the magazine in if you actually listen, not referring to the magazine being a clip.
I call magazine clips all the time whe n I'm referring to clips as magazines and it's as mag release. But then again, I also to blame my shooting on the equipment at hand so I usually go to the bank and see if I can't drop more money to male myself feel better.