You're are good, honest man who gives a real review for all of us who can't afford the top of the line rigs you see some people shooting. I started off on a Ruger with my dad forty years ago and I still love their rifles. The new version ticks all the right boxes and looks a treat. Can't takee to see how it shoots and groups and of course your first hunt with it.
I like the gen 2 rifles better. Both of my ruger American rifles are in mdt chassis. The weak part of the ruger American stock is actually through the grip area. But people have to realize the ruger American is one of the middle of the road hunting rifles and are capable of shooting small groups if you don’t bear down on the stock and torque it out of spec. I will still take that ruger over some other brands.
@edwardh1591 I am looking at either the Gen 1 or Gen 2 in 308. Either way it’s going into a MDT field stock, so the stock and magazine differences will not be an issue. That leaves the differences pretty minimal I think. Any real reason to get the Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I think the Gen 1 is about $200 less.
Ruger has fixed all of the things I did not like about the Ge I American. Bolt body has been smoothed. Definite stock upgrades, LOP adjustable, threaded bolt handle, comb height adjustment, it does have cool factor. Spiral fluted barrel, not on the 450 BM.
I don't care about the capacity as much - I'd prefer it to still be flush fit though. I never load more than 2 rounds into my bolt gun when hunting anyways.
Yep, I bought the 5 and 10 rounders for my Gen 1 predator! The three round mag works great for 3 shot groups, the 5 is perfect for hunting and the 10 is perfect for all my snipery situations
My barrel on my gen one would touch the stock with just the weight of the scoped rifle on shooting stick. I restocked it with Magpul and love it. The gen 2 seems to have fixed the issue so I can have that lighter weight rifle.
I appreciate all things Magpul. It would be awesome if they expanded into optics and triggers, etc. Sort of like the Walmart of guns, only higher quality domestic goodies. MAGA
Proof of the pudding is in the size of the shooting groups as well as the trigger squeeze, smoothness of the action between shots and how well it can shoot well with different types of ammo.
Got gen 1 in 450 love it might have get gen 2 in 350 for the money don't think you can beat them. Never thought the stock was a problem if you are leaning on it so hard it is flexing stock is not your problem lol. Great presentation as always.
Getting a gen ll soon as they release it in 400 legend I have a 350 predator in stainless love it im blown away by the new look and design of the gen ll cant wait to get one here in Ohio we can only use straight wall rifles
Looks really good but that short of a barrel might discourage me from buying. It would depend on application. If just a moderate range deer rifle in a typical short action caliber, I might be fine with it. If it is an elk rifle and a larger caliber I would want all the powder potential I could get.
I agree with you - I think the stock on the original RAR is fine, although I only have the Ranch and Predator models which might have a heavier stock. I think a less than 20" barrel is a bit short for 7mm-08 but I would be ok with an 20" barrel for something like 308 Win.
Great video, My Friend! As always. So just a quick observation. The Cerakote finish is $150 aftermarket. So, without ever actually holding a Gen 2, Im thinking it's a pretty good upgrade for the money. God Bless!
@WHO_TEE_WHO - did you by chance get to see Davidson GoG - did a tour of the Ruger American Gen 2 factory - explains and shows the assembly process for Gen 2's really a GREAT to watch - I am with you I love the RA's and I am going to be getting one also myself - cant wait to see how they shoot - THANKS for all you do and KEEP up the GREAT CONTENT !!!!!!!!!
You said after the first video to stay tuned …. I like this video, but I am staying tuned for the items I requested for comparison. 👍. But thank you for this info. You answered a few other questions I had! 🙌🏼
Ilike the gen2 model, however, with all rhese changes to make it a modern boolot slinger, where is the vertical grip. That change would make this a great entry level competition slinger. And still effective for deer catching. Why put a krg bravo on it if you didn’t have to. Just my 02. Great video.
I wondered why no RUclips channel or viewer here or person on Reddit mentioned there was no upgrade to the grip. I like that Tikka gives the option of swapping out for a vertical grip.
Price point will be an issue here in Australia the the ruger american is seen as a great budget rifle and price rises will push it into proven higher quality rifle territory like tikka who has fantastic after market support here
@@chrisb9478 Bergara gets a lot of publicity in the US they could try it on here in Auz and see how they go, I don't see them much here. If marketed right could be good.
Ruger makes great firearms...I have a model 77 in 270 I bought twenty yrs ago....no need to upgrade on this one...they don't make them any better than the older model 77...made to last lifetimes
Even if the stock was made of steel you could probably still flex it into the barrel, that is the power of long leverage. Mount your bipod further back.
Not true. I have an aluminum MDT chassis for one of my rifles and when I grip the end of the stock and barrel and pinch it hard it does not move even a tiny bit.
@@Mike_858 Steel will still flex even if you think you can't see it, the Ruger American was always intended to be a hunting rifle not a bench supported target rifle achieving consistently tight groups. They do very well considering though.
This! Is about to be a really fun video.... love that intro man, it never gets old... I know when I hear it I'm in for some good stuff! Looking for either a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor and definitely considering the new Ruger American Gen 2.
A little slip of the tongue but both only carry one in the pipe, but 3 or 4 in the magazine. Thanks for sharing this side by side comparison with the chart and the sweet discount. Even though I am left eye dominant I am interested in one in 7mm PRC and either 350 L or the new 400 L.
Love the new barrel, bolt, stock. As the mag only holdong three my flish mount does malfunction when i have 4 in it so i always just load it with 3. So not a big deal with the mag only holding 3, but the 20 barrel i dont care for. With that being said looks like ruger knocked it out of the park! Great video man!
My only complaint about my current RA is that it rusts fairly easily. Otherwise it’s a nice little rifle. Killed plenty of deer in WI. I like the new models upgrades but we will see what price they sell for…
The cerekote on the gen 2 should help with that, otherwise i try and wipe em down with a remoil wipe after i'm done for the day. Michigan here, so we get similar weather in the UP.
That 18.750” barrel is a concern though for a caliber like the 7mm-08. The ballistics for long range work take a hit 20” is minimum 22” is even better and 1 less round in the magazine.
I’m very much contemplating picking one up especially since it seems like the feeding issues are fixed according to Jim from Backfire. The only thing that concerns me is the shorter barrels. I understand because it seems like suppressors are more common, but it still takes a hurt on velocity.
I think I should talk to doctor Peterson bc every time I buy a 7mm mag I think I should have got it in 308 and every time I buy a 308 I think I should have got it in 7mm.
I think it's really a wash. If you have a gen 1, I don't see any major reason to upgrade to gen 2. If you are in the market specifically for a Ruger American, I think it comes down to price and availability more than anything.
I don't hunt with a supresser so I would like to see the full 22 inch barrel, plus the muzzle break. I would be interested to see a chronograph test between the old and new generation. Cartridges like the .243 and other magnums need the extra barely length to get close to the posted velocity on the box. Otherwise it could throw off your long range ballistics.
I have the Gen I in 'Go Wild', don't consider the stock flimsy. Now, the Savage Axis II, that I consider flimsy. Only reason I swapped to the Magpul hunter stock was for the cheek riser. I want to get the Gen II when the 30:06 becomes available.
I would have liked to know what calibers the new rifle is in and if in bigger calibers is the barrel going to be longer? Another great and informative video Buddy, Thank You!
Seems like when you preload a bipod it would pull the stock away from the barrel instead of push it into it. You don’t exert downward pressure or pulling force which would be what’s needed to flex the stock into the barrel when using a bipod. But maybe I’m wrong 🤷♂️
Hey Adam, huge fan! Watch everything you post. You don't happen to have a factor stock for a original savage axis rh for a s.a. .223 do you? I broke mine and find a factory one?
I have a rugar gen 1 . Only gun i had to send in for warranty. They fixed it. Extractor wouldn't close. Id probably throw the extra 400 and buy another tikka.
Only other thing I'd like to see is how it shoots and feeds / extracts, I'm basically already sold but that would be nice to and I'm sure that'll be coming up.
The new ones are AICS mags, so if you want 5 or 10 rounders they are available.
You're are good, honest man who gives a real review for all of us who can't afford the top of the line rigs you see some people shooting.
I started off on a Ruger with my dad forty years ago and I still love their rifles.
The new version ticks all the right boxes and looks a treat. Can't takee to see how it shoots and groups and of course your first hunt with it.
Great comparison WTW, enjoyed watching! I have the Gen 1 Ruger American in .243.
This rifle just took budget rifles to the next level!🤙🏻
I like the gen 2 rifles better. Both of my ruger American rifles are in mdt chassis. The weak part of the ruger American stock is actually through the grip area. But people have to realize the ruger American is one of the middle of the road hunting rifles and are capable of shooting small groups if you don’t bear down on the stock and torque it out of spec. I will still take that ruger over some other brands.
Yoo R rite, Brother Scissor-hands. The stock is a bit flimsy, but overall, an accurate rifle for the beans expended.
Is the gen two the same footprint as the gen one
@edwardh1591 I am looking at either the Gen 1 or Gen 2 in 308. Either way it’s going into a MDT field stock, so the stock and magazine differences will not be an issue.
That leaves the differences pretty minimal I think. Any real reason to get the Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I think the Gen 1 is about $200 less.
Ruger has fixed all of the things I did not like about the Ge I American. Bolt body has been smoothed. Definite stock upgrades, LOP adjustable, threaded bolt handle, comb height adjustment, it does have cool factor. Spiral fluted barrel, not on the 450 BM.
My problem with the stock was more about the thin polymer. By that, I mean it felt like a Daisy BB gun. Hopefully, they just beefed up the design.
What about when trying slide round in chamber got kinda force bolt down but doesn’t do it when I’m not trying to cycle a round
it looks like the gen2 runs AICS style mags, so you'll potentially be able to run other AICS mags if you want.@@LucasAlex-g1x
I took your advice and visited Tolivers in Manchester TN. They are good people and are well stocked for what ever you need.
Enjoy the video as always Adam look forward to seeing the Gen 2 at the range
I would consider the lower capacity magazine a lesser concern. Being the AICS style, it should be easy enough to get 5 and 10 round mags.
True
I was thinking that too
I don't care about the capacity as much - I'd prefer it to still be flush fit though. I never load more than 2 rounds into my bolt gun when hunting anyways.
Yep, I bought the 5 and 10 rounders for my Gen 1 predator! The three round mag works great for 3 shot groups, the 5 is perfect for hunting and the 10 is perfect for all my snipery situations
I gave $290.00 & freight for my 6906 American 7mm-08 on G-Broker about 6 years ago. Shoots great and keeping it!
My barrel on my gen one would touch the stock with just the weight of the scoped rifle on shooting stick. I restocked it with Magpul and love it. The gen 2 seems to have fixed the issue so I can have that lighter weight rifle.
I appreciate all things Magpul. It would be awesome if they expanded into optics and triggers, etc. Sort of like the Walmart of guns, only higher quality domestic goodies. MAGA
Proof of the pudding is in the size of the shooting groups as well as the trigger squeeze, smoothness of the action between shots and how well it can shoot well with different types of ammo.
Not crazy about the magazine on all calibers. But that is the trend now. Still prefer a floorplate.
There are floorplate conversions for AICS mag wells.
I wish the Gen 2 would come standard with 22 inch barrels. Mine was an All Weather stainless steel version in 7mm 08. Bought it for my youngest son.
I agree
They do! The Ruger American Predator has a 22” barrel.
Why? You only lose about 25 fps per inch.
Got gen 1 in 450 love it might have get gen 2 in 350 for the money don't think you can beat them. Never thought the stock was a problem if you are leaning on it so hard it is flexing stock is not your problem lol. Great presentation as always.
Enjoy the video as always look forward to seeing it at the range
Stay tuned!
Can’t wait to see how it groups. So far this new Ruger looks 🔥
Stay tuned
Getting a gen ll soon as they release it in 400 legend I have a 350 predator in stainless love it im blown away by the new look and design of the gen ll cant wait to get one here in Ohio we can only use straight wall rifles
Looks really good but that short of a barrel might discourage me from buying. It would depend on application. If just a moderate range deer rifle in a typical short action caliber, I might be fine with it. If it is an elk rifle and a larger caliber I would want all the powder potential I could get.
From what I heard they’re doing a predator model with longer barrels, just not announced yet…SHOT shot is coming maybe they’ll announce it then
20” a deal breaker for me.
Staying with my personalized customized 1st gen.
I agree with you - I think the stock on the original RAR is fine, although I only have the Ranch and Predator models which might have a heavier stock. I think a less than 20" barrel is a bit short for 7mm-08 but I would be ok with an 20" barrel for something like 308 Win.
Great video, My Friend! As always. So just a quick observation. The Cerakote finish is $150 aftermarket. So, without ever actually holding a Gen 2, Im thinking it's a pretty good upgrade for the money. God Bless!
Also add in getting a Gen 1 threaded and add a $50 brake and you’re another $150 deep, so $300 right from the gate
If that gen 2 mag is aics pattern like ruger says then you could use a larger 10 round magpul aics pattern mag for your rifle.
Ten round magazines are for hunters who are lousy shots!
@@brianklamer3328or for people who just want options on the range lol
@brianklamer3328 I never said I was using a 10 round mag for hunting, but at the range yes I would
It's not supply and demand that's the problem. It's inflation.
Bolt knobs are threaded also for easy knob swaps.
@WHO_TEE_WHO - did you by chance get to see Davidson GoG - did a tour of the Ruger American Gen 2 factory - explains and shows the assembly process for Gen 2's really a GREAT to watch - I am with you I love the RA's and I am going to be getting one also myself - cant wait to see how they shoot - THANKS for all you do and KEEP up the GREAT CONTENT !!!!!!!!!
Nope haven't seen it. I don't watch much of anything. I just make the videos 😆
Great comparison. Thank you. I was mistaken, I thought the twist rate was different. Thanks for clearing that up.
Thanks for watching
Not wild about that shorter barrel...but they didnt ask me.😄
You said after the first video to stay tuned …. I like this video, but I am staying tuned for the items I requested for comparison. 👍. But thank you for this info. You answered a few other questions I had! 🙌🏼
Ilike the gen2 model, however, with all rhese changes to make it a modern boolot slinger, where is the vertical grip. That change would make this a great entry level competition slinger. And still effective for deer catching. Why put a krg bravo on it if you didn’t have to. Just my 02. Great video.
I wondered why no RUclips channel or viewer here or person on Reddit mentioned there was no upgrade to the grip. I like that Tikka gives the option of swapping out for a vertical grip.
Not a fan of a magazine that isn't flush in my deer hunting rifles. Really like the looks of the gen to except that. Great video .
Price point will be an issue here in Australia the the ruger american is seen as a great budget rifle and price rises will push it into proven higher quality rifle territory like tikka who has fantastic after market support here
Exactly my thoughts. Fan of both but for around the same $ it’s Tikka every time.
Yah for around $100 more you can have a Tikka. Doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that one out.
Or a base model Bergara
@@chrisb9478 Bergara gets a lot of publicity in the US they could try it on here in Auz and see how they go, I don't see them much here. If marketed right could be good.
Barrel length is measured from the breach to the muzzle. A little over an inch is threaded into the action.
Thanks for sharing another great review 👍
Thanks for watching!
Ruger makes great firearms...I have a model 77 in 270 I bought twenty yrs ago....no need to upgrade on this one...they don't make them any better than the older model 77...made to last lifetimes
Congratulations WTW you deserve it brother GOD BLESS
Even if the stock was made of steel you could probably still flex it into the barrel, that is the power of long leverage. Mount your bipod further back.
Not true. I have an aluminum MDT chassis for one of my rifles and when I grip the end of the stock and barrel and pinch it hard it does not move even a tiny bit.
Most pods for traditional rifles attach to the sling swivel. You get what you get.
@@Mike_858 Steel will still flex even if you think you can't see it, the Ruger American was always intended to be a hunting rifle not a bench supported target rifle achieving consistently tight groups. They do very well considering though.
@@matthewbeaver5026 very true and lightweight polymer stocks are not optimised for loaded up bipods anyway.
We all knew it was gonna cost more. Glad I got a Gen 1. Still shoots like a lazer!
Ready to see the groups!!! Thx!!!
Me too
Great video WTW. I’d love to see you Chronograph the velocity with the Gen2.
Coming soon!
Excellent video as always!! Can’t wait to see how the new one “slings ‘em” 💯💯💯
The inlet of the stock for the barrel is molded larger for the Gen II American.
This! Is about to be a really fun video.... love that intro man, it never gets old... I know when I hear it I'm in for some good stuff! Looking for either a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor and definitely considering the new Ruger American Gen 2.
Thanks for watching
A little slip of the tongue but both only carry one in the pipe, but 3 or 4 in the magazine.
Thanks for sharing this side by side comparison with the chart and the sweet discount. Even though I am left eye dominant I am interested in one in 7mm PRC and either 350 L or the new 400 L.
Thanks for watching
@@WHOTEEWHO you welcome 🙏 I usually don’t miss too many videos. Thanks for pumping out great content for the folks
Love the new barrel, bolt, stock. As the mag only holdong three my flish mount does malfunction when i have 4 in it so i always just load it with 3. So not a big deal with the mag only holding 3, but the 20 barrel i dont care for. With that being said looks like ruger knocked it out of the park! Great video man!
My only complaint about my current RA is that it rusts fairly easily. Otherwise it’s a nice little rifle. Killed plenty of deer in WI. I like the new models upgrades but we will see what price they sell for…
The cerekote on the gen 2 should help with that, otherwise i try and wipe em down with a remoil wipe after i'm done for the day. Michigan here, so we get similar weather in the UP.
That 18.750” barrel is a concern though for a caliber like the 7mm-08. The ballistics for long range work take a hit 20” is minimum 22” is even better and 1 less round in the magazine.
@harlequin2280there’s no way that’s true without getting into some trouble with the ATF
Yes they do make left hand I have one in the predator model
I've see left handed 450 bushmaster ruger americans on gunbroker, but I think they were something exclusive not a regular factory rifle
In very, very, very limited QTYs. Not easy to get. And not even listed on Ruger's website for 7mm-08
I have a standard left hand in 243 made in 2017. You can see where they plugged the cut out from the right handed stock.
My predator model is in 7mm-08
I personally like the flush mags better but everything else I like
cant wait to see groups!!
Ready to see a range video with the new Ruger.
Me too!
Thank you for demonstrating the stock stiffness!!!
The question is.
“Is it worth the upgrade?”
No
I see a 450 Bushmaster in my future with a shoosher can and slinging Big subsonics down range. Thx for the work.
Enjoyed the vid and the comments. Thanks, all.
Thanks for watching!
got the gen 2 in 7mm 08 and 243. love them great job on them. no stiff bolt like the gowild i had which was junk
I’m looking forward to the zeroing video.
Stay tuned
I’m very much contemplating picking one up especially since it seems like the feeding issues are fixed according to Jim from Backfire. The only thing that concerns me is the shorter barrels. I understand because it seems like suppressors are more common, but it still takes a hurt on velocity.
I hope the southpaw versions are coming along soon.
Hopefully, you get 1 of the Ruger Ranch gen 2, that's something I'm wanting to add to my collection.
Also, I don't like the zip noise that the bolt makes.
I think I should talk to doctor Peterson bc
every time I buy a 7mm mag I think I should have got it in 308 and every time I buy a 308 I think I should have got it in 7mm.
I think you should treat yourself to both.
Very cool looking Bing bang dude I like the new design I would be buying a few
Great video,good information
Thanks for watching!
You don't want the stock touching the barrel.
That's called a free floating barrel and that is better for accuracy.
I think it's really a wash. If you have a gen 1, I don't see any major reason to upgrade to gen 2. If you are in the market specifically for a Ruger American, I think it comes down to price and availability more than anything.
I have a Gen 1 with a 9.25 " twist. I bought a Go Wild version because it has an 8.5" to shoot heavier bullets.
Don't forget that the bolt handle is bigger than the original.
Lots of upgrades. but I like the look of the old simple one.
Thanks for the video. Cant wait for the 6 arc ranch model. Are there multiple cheek riser and stock adjustments included?
No extra included. Thanks for watching
I don't hunt with a supresser so I would like to see the full 22 inch barrel, plus the muzzle break. I would be interested to see a chronograph test between the old and new generation. Cartridges like the .243 and other magnums need the extra barely length to get close to the posted velocity on the box. Otherwise it could throw off your long range ballistics.
Uh, I have a gen 1 RAR 308 in lefty. They made lots of them. Hoping a lefty version of the gen 2 comes out. Will get one for sure.
Really like the Go Wild. My 243 is a real shooter.
I have the Gen I in 'Go Wild', don't consider the stock flimsy. Now, the Savage Axis II, that I consider flimsy. Only reason I swapped to the Magpul hunter stock was for the cheek riser. I want to get the Gen II when the 30:06 becomes available.
Great show and thanks again for the info 👍👍👍👍😀👍 and your show is the best 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🤑🤑
Thanks for watching!
I would have liked to know what calibers the new rifle is in and if in bigger calibers is the barrel going to be longer? Another great and informative video Buddy, Thank You!
Thanks for the details
Thanks for watching
Safety is three position and last position locks the bolt body.
Yup. Show that in the video
Seems like when you preload a bipod it would pull the stock away from the barrel instead of push it into it. You don’t exert downward pressure or pulling force which would be what’s needed to flex the stock into the barrel when using a bipod. But maybe I’m wrong 🤷♂️
We're ready for the sight in!!!!!!
Me too
The Ruger Gen 2 has a stainless steel bolt of 416 stainless steel and the Gen 1 is just carbon steel.
I missed last night’s episode I fell asleep before it started.
Great video brother!
🙏🙏🙏
Hey Adam, huge fan! Watch everything you post. You don't happen to have a factor stock for a original savage axis rh for a s.a. .223 do you? I broke mine and find a factory one?
doesn't seem like an upgrade to me. Don't like twisted flute barrels. Straight flute not to bad. Good video as always.
Thanks for watching
My neighbor is a gun smith and can thread barrels , lucky me lol
Is that the new Ruger Savage? With a loud saftey and a purty spiral barrel? Just kidding I like both savage and ruger. They both make dam good rifles.
Happy new year!
I have shot a Ruger American gen1 that is a left-handed 223 model . They discontinued them almost as soon as they started making them.
That Gen 2 looks great
I have a rugar gen 1 . Only gun i had to send in for warranty. They fixed it. Extractor wouldn't close. Id probably throw the extra 400 and buy another tikka.
It's called a free floating barrel. A whole lot of different company's make rifles like this.
The AI magazine is industry standard available in lots of capacities.
Im sure they will come out with a predator version, which should have longer barrels. Hopefully...
Why shorter
Thanks for sharing the info and video. 👍🇺🇸
Only other thing I'd like to see is how it shoots and feeds / extracts, I'm basically already sold but that would be nice to and I'm sure that'll be coming up.
Stay tuned
My 7.62 Ruger American came with a forend that was cooked touching the barrel. Shoots inch groups at 100 yards anyways.
Good video thank you Is the for arm on it any wider than the standard?
Love the vids xden
The Gen 2 being AICS mag compatible INSTANTLY makes it superior 🤷♂️