Ruger American unbox and range report.

I don't see the point in spending good money on a good quality rifle and then leaving it in the safe and hunting with a lesser quality rifle. I get more enjoyment out of the good stuff. Cheap gun to leave in the back of your pick up to drive around with makes sense, but no way I'm going to grab a Stevens or Ruger American to go hunting with when I have a better quality gun sitting right beside it in the safe. Guns don't fall apart with a little rough use, but they will fall apart from neglect.

Then again, I don't buy guns to gingerly remove form the safe, admire and gush over- I buy them to shoot and hunt with. YMMV ;)
 
I always thought the M77 was a good budget rifle, and are often seen for $500-$700 and already have rings. I guess it depends on what you think cheap is..
 
This reminds me of the guys who buy a 60,000$ truck, never take it off road, and then buy a beater to go hunting, run the risk of a breakdown with said old beater when the fancy one which is fully capable of going out to play just sits in the driveway looking pretty.

Guns were meant to be used, wether it's a 10,000 fine double, or something a bit more down to earth, use 'em! I don't mind spending good money once, but I do hate spending it twice, because the first purchase was not up to the task. Play accordingly, YMMV!
 
blargon said:
I always thought the M77 was a good budget rifle, and are often seen for $500-$700 and already have rings. I guess it depends on what you think cheap is..
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I was looking at a new Weatherby Vanguard this afternoon. It strikes me as being an excellent compromise between the cheap rifles and the "quality" rifles. At $549 it seems like a bargain to me!
 
762shooter said:
I was looking at a new Weatherby Vanguard this afternoon. It strikes me as being an excellent compromise between the cheap rifles and the "quality" rifles. At $549 it seems like a bargain to me!
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Solid rifle and all steel. Haven't tried the new trigger, but supposed to be very good...
 
I had ring issues but finally got her scoped up. Burris full field 3-9x40 sitting in millet steel rings. These are low rings but still could be lower..
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Pretty short range report as there was no drama. I have shot a total of 60 round thru her with no hiccups whatsoever. Was super quick to sight in. I ran PMC 147gr factory stuff as I don't reload for rifle rounds ATM.

This gun feeds really smoothly. In fact, at times it feels like it hasn't stripped a round out of the mag at all but it did everytime.

After shooting from standing for a while I went back to the bench to do some ''groups". I am far from a rifle shooter but I think it grouped acceptably. I am positive a better long gun shooter could tighten these up. Was shot from bipod, bench at 100.
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Shoots and works just like it should. It isn't quite up to the level of, say, a WBY vanguard and if the price differential was small I would recommend the BEE over this. Biggest draw back in my books is the stock. It has what I consider to be too much ''flex''.

Overall, I think there is value in this rifle and would say, if you are interested in it, go for it.

I am planning on getting some 180gr ammo and trying that in her. Will report back soon.
 
DILLIGAF said:
^ Im the total opposite from you... Last year I took my 2500$ savage hunting... Biggest mistake i could of made,,,, I now have a nice scratch in the stock and a nice ding on my scope...

That's Exactly why i purchased mt Ruger american .270, To stop the destruction of my savage....
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I like Savage, don't get me wrong. But a $2500 Savage? What is this intriguing creature?
 
I don't get it. It is an inexpensive gun which is not trying to compete with the expensive ones. It shoots well, and functions as it should. It is made in America, but for some reason because they used CNC technology to the max, in part to keep the price down, but also to improve accuracy, lower weight etc., people put it down as a sign of anti-union, anti-American? It is an innovative product, designed and produced in America, for a market segment which is ever expanding.

I don't hear anyone complaining about their line of ultra cheap 10/22 rifles? Arguably the best .22 semi-auto out there, and it is dirt cheap.

When I am ready to buy one, I think this Canadian will pick up one of these Americans and enjoy it for hunting, and shooting at the range, just as I like wearing my "Sergio Walmarto" clothes, which also does the job just fine.
 
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Good thread....though a little sidetracked. Thanks for the effort in review and range report. I would consider a cheaper rifle like this as I still have hunting gear to buy. I would prefer a Sako, Browning, etc but this would get me by just fine. I could spend more on a better scope, and later, put that scope on a better rifle. The cheaper rifle could then be used as a backup or given to one of my kids as they get older. I think I would likely buy a Savage as I continue to hear that they shoot well but you never know.

Thanks again.
 
Looks to be as keeper. As for budget rifles they have been around for a long time, any body remember the Rem 788 and before that CIL sold rifles much cheaper than a model 70 Win cost. Nothing new with all the low cost rifles just another way to sell some product.
 
I bought my ruger american in .308 from ellwoodepps a couple weeks ago. Im just waiting for my sightron 10x50 to show up! I have a leupold ar mark 4 3x9 i plan to use come hunting season. To lazy to take it off my 9mm JR Carbine at the moment. My first impressions with the rifle are good! Im very pleased with the quality and fit and finish. The trigger is super crisp and light! I havent tried adjusting it yet. Will post pictures of the range report when i get the signtron mounted! Guessing 1moa with reloads is totally doable!
 
What a crock the "american"......they ripped off the savage axis likely because the axis will out sell and out shoot the m77.. That's right I said it and I don't even own and axis or a m77... ruger should be ashamed. Its an Savage Axis right down to the trigger.. even the firggen stock looks the same!!!
I'll bet if you look hard enough you can find the Savage Indian head on it the "American" somewhere......LOL

Oh well I guess what they say is true........ imitation is the highest form of flattery!!!!

Sorry about your luck Ruger I guess your about 4 years less inventive than Savage!!!!!
IMHOP!!!!!!!!!
 
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