The Ruger American .308, a good first hunting rifle?

B

BearChillz

Member
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
Location
Edmonton
Hey there

I'm new to the forum and to hunting. I think I've arrived at the decision to purchase the Ruger American. Seems like good value, and I'm very satisfied with my 10/22. What do you folks think? Has anyone had good experiences with the rifle? Would you reccomend a different .308?

Let me know,

Bear
 
had one for about 3 weeks lol, not a bad rifle to start with, you might be better off to get a used Remington 700, Ruger M77, Winchester M70, Browning A-bolt, weatherby vanguard, your 10/22 is considered by some to be one of best 22's out there, a Ruger American will never be in that category
 
Should work just fine. Spend a few hundred $ on a good 3-9x40 in some quality scope mounts and you'll be well set for most hunting needs
 
Dilligaf: asking around at work, the boss man had said the same thing. It seems like a reasonable value

SWM: I suppose the 10/22 wasn't the best benchmark to compare to. I am just happy with the workmanship and figure it would carry across the rest of Rugers products. I had heard the Remington 700's where no good as of late, can you confirm any legitimacy to those claims?
 
Remington 700 is not what it used to be for sure, still a decent rifle, Nikon are pretty good scope, a friend tried to get warranty work done to his and was very surprized that they would not take it because he did not have proof of purchase, leupold has the best warranty and service, my 2cents lol
 
6.5x55swm said:
Remington 700 is not what it used to be for sure, still a decent rifle, Nikon are pretty good scope, a friend tried to get warranty work done to his and was very surprized that they would not take it because he did not have proof of purchase, leupold has the best warranty and service, my 2cents lol
Click to expand...

Especially with the bankruptcy that gives me some apprehensions about Remington haha. I'll have to keep that in mind when it comes to Nikon, warranty is really important, especially when it comes in to the bush with me. Leupolds are really nice, but that $$$ is so much.
 
I had one, bought online from a reputable CGN dealer, biggest piece of #### I'd ever seen. Bolt face came pre-scored from proof testing with loose primer pockets, tool marks were everywhere... sliding the bolt back and forth sounded like opening a sleeping bag zipper, exterior of the barrel looked like a machine screw from tooling.
But even if that was a lemon for steel work, the stock is still Savage Axis plastic quality, and the mags are cheaply made plastic garbage. If you are dead set on one check it out in person, I learned a $50 lesson sending that junk back for refund.
Want something decent quality all around in a brand new budget rifle? Howa or Vanguard as already mentioned, or $650 shipping included an AB3 https://www.alflahertys.com/products/browning-ab3-composite-stalker-rifles?variant=610501623824

Found the pics of it....lol.
DSCF1921_zpsslvwrivz.jpg

DSCF1923_zpsoggvyigq.jpg

DSCF1924_zpsge9mywfo.jpg

DSCF1932_zpsy4xjsqr5.jpg

DSCF1929_zpssgogqvje.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have used most of the "budget guns" offered in the last few years and the Ruger American is just fine. put some decent glass on it and you should be able to fill your freezer with it no problem. For what it may be worth..I recently owned a Remington 783 in 308..great gun, no issues, filled my freezer the last two seasons..kinda regret selling that gun.
 
I've owned 7 , they are a entry level rifle all were accurate and functioned well
If you like the feel of the Ruger buy it if there is something is wrong with it Ruger will look after you .
Howa/Weatherby are Heavy. Tikka are nice but more money, Savages are also an option.

357
 
Hitzy said:
I had one, bought online from a reputable CGN dealer, biggest piece of #### I'd ever seen. Bolt face came pre-scored from proof testing with loose primer pockets, tool marks were everywhere... sliding the bolt back and forth sounded like opening a sleeping bag zipper, exterior of the barrel looked like a machine screw from tooling.
But even if that was a lemon for steel work, the stock is still Savage Axis plastic quality, and the mags are cheaply made plastic garbage. If you are dead set on one check it out in person, I learned a $50 lesson sending that junk back for refund.
Want something decent quality all around in a brand new budget rifle? Howa or Vanguard as already mentioned, or $650 shipping included an AB3 https://www.alflahertys.com/products/browning-ab3-composite-stalker-rifles?variant=610501623824
Click to expand...

Hey I appreciate the candid response. I was certainly leaning that way, but I'll be certain to head to my local gun shop and hold one before I pull the trigger (pun fully intended). I'm not too set on buying new, but I'll have to look in to the others as well. I'm stoked on all the options you guys have given me. Upon searching google I could only find lists of mostly Savages (and the Ruger). For some reason I'm not big on Savage.
 
A ruger 10-22 is far from the gold standard of 22's. They might be ok once you're spent about the same as the rifle cost on upfits... but straight out of the box a 10-22 is very underwhelming. I think that a Ruger American or a Ruger Predator is further ahead out of the box than a 10-22 is. All they need is good glass.
 
My hunting buddy has a Ruger American in 7-08 and is happy with it but you can't go wrong with 308.
I'm more into the Weatherby Vanguard line of rifles myself.
 
My advice would be to check out tradex. They have a ton of high quality mauser sporters in .308 and .30-06 for sale for under $500. Going to be twice the gun any new budget rifle will be. I dealt with them on a m96 swede and Im super happy.
 
x2 on tradex, Model 1600 huskey is 30-06 would last you a life time if you take reasonable care of it, I dropped the mag for my American on my toe, I was wearing a rubber boot and the mag fell apart in 3 pieces, ruger did send me a new one
 
I have a 243 American, yes the quality of the machining is not that great, but it goes bang every time I pull the trigger with a round in the chamber and is more accurate than I am.
I think it is a great starter rifle and I have had many rifles in the last 50 years.
I know it is as accurate as my Kimber 84L in 270, and I am not afraid to take it into the bush in any type of weather.

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom