Ruger American in .223 - opinions please

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goneb4u

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Hi folks, brother and I are looking at hunting wolves this winter in Ontario, like the American All Weather, seems after searching threads here there is a lot of negative comments towards Ruger in general, all youtube reviews are very positive for this gun, however now second guessing our choice. Do not want a cosmetic queen, spent enough money on those in my life only to leave in the safe if the weather is bad, want functionality, dependability, and decent quality at low budget...would appreciate factual comments from those who have one please...thanks in advance.
 
Shouldnt be commenting too soon, but my mate just bought one and cant get it to group better than 2-3". Told him to pull it to pieces and check the bedding and possibly stabilise the tupperwear stock, but he doesnt see why he should on a new rifle. You pays for what you gets!
 
I have heard generally good reviews of the Ruger American, with only really a question of it's durability in the long run. Frankly it sounds like a pretty good choice for what you are asking of it. If I were in the market for a budget rifle to suit that purpose, it would be on my short list.
 
goneb4u said:
Hi folks, brother and I are looking at hunting wolves this winter in Ontario, like the American All Weather, seems after searching threads here there is a lot of negative comments towards Ruger in general, all youtube reviews are very positive for this gun, however now second guessing our choice. Do not want a cosmetic queen, spent enough money on those in my life only to leave in the safe if the weather is bad, want functionality, dependability, and decent quality at low budget...would appreciate factual comments from those who have one please...thanks in advance.
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Hogwash. I own three Rugers and they are top notch. From 25 years old to less then a year.
 
I have an American in .243 and I say buy with confidence. This thing will group cheap blue box federal 100 gr like a lot of rifles will only do with hand loads. I took the action out of stock upon receiving it from LeBaron and adjusted the trigger, I then put it back together and torqued the action bolts to the recommended value and "voila"!
 
I am a Ruger fan! I have many & have had lots of others. I would look at a 243 with 87gr bullets for wolves. They can take a hit & still make some distance. I do not think I would hesitate getting an American. There are lots of very good used 77s for sale too.
 
I have never had a bad ruger (I have owned at least 12 and still have 4. ) I can't stand the 10/22 but other than that, I love Rugers. Even the handguns they make are good. I do not (yet) own an American , but I have scoped and help zero two of my friends. Both of the guns (a .30-06 and a .22-250 were awesome. Both shot under 1.5" for 5 shot groups, (with 2 kinds of factory ammo) and when I broke out my old favorite .30-06 handloads, the Ruger cut a 0.76" five-shot group. I WILL eventually own an American rifle, but I already have almost have a gun in every caliber I can possibly use, and won't be picking up any "new" guns until I move a few along.
 
Just for the record.... my previous post indicates I have heard mixed reviews.... I hear mixed reviews on lots of things on these forums... I also own several ruger firearms to great satisfaction....

I would still recommend the 243 for wolves though...
 
thanks for all the feedback, brush wolves is what we will be hunting, they are the size of a dog more or less, my buddy takes them out with his .223, that is how I arrived at the caliber.
 
Your talking about coyotes... and a .223 will do fine. I don't own and American and have not shot one, but have handled and worked the bolt and dry fired them on snap caps... they seem a solidly made rifle... far better than the Savage Axis IMO. As for Ruger's in general, I own a couple dozen No.1's and MKII'S and the quality and accuracy are excellent on all of them.
 
On a side note Ruger has just announced that they have now released the American in LEFT Hand bolt action. Who knows how long it will take before they hit the market in Canada.
 
goneb4u said:
thanks for all the feedback, brush wolves is what we will be hunting, they are the size of a dog more or less, my buddy takes them out with his .223, that is how I arrived at the caliber.
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I think you will be well served with the 223, its my first choice for hunting Coyotes and Ruger has done the right thing by using a 1 in 8 " barrel twist, that allows you to use a heavier bullet.
My only experience with the Ruger American was actually with a 243 that a chap brought to our local range and it shot and functioned very well, so much so that as soon as my Dear Wife goes on vacation I'm sneaking one into the gun safe. ( Shhhhh ! )
As others have said a 243 is also a great choice as well as being an excellent Deer round, so in the end the choice would be up to you...
 
Kevan said:
I think you will be well served with the 223, its my first choice for hunting Coyotes and Ruger has done the right thing by using a 1 in 8 " barrel twist, that allows you to use a heavier bullet.
My only experience with the Ruger American was actually with a 243 that a chap brought to our local range and it shot and functioned very well, so much so that as soon as my Dear Wife goes on vacation I'm sneaking one into the gun safe. ( Shhhhh ! )
As others have said a 243 is also a great choice as well as being an excellent Deer round, so in the end the choice would be up to you...
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I just got one today sent to me from Jo Brooks in 22-250 i am mounting up a 4-12 Vortex on it in Vortex rings - we will see how she shoots soon ! Price was CHEAP from Travis at Jo Brooks ! ;) Cheers :D RJ
 
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