Ruger american

EMN89 · October 29, 2012, 05:51 PM

I am strongly considering getting a ruger American in .243 win. I looked at one today along with a savage axis and the ruger seemed to be a lot better quality for only $50 more. If anyone has any experience with these rifles I would appreciate your thoughts on the rifle.

Metal god · October 29, 2012, 06:36 PM

Hey I do , and I love mine . Here is a target I shot at 100 yards and a review I did a few months ago . Im going out on Wednesday to shoot it at the 300 yard range if I do well I'll post the pictures of the targets .

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492169

It's just as accurate as the axis and has a way better trigger .

Ruger American Rifle .308 , 168 gr Fed gold metal match at 100 yards
Center of impact to center of impact 3/4 MOA

warbirdlover · October 29, 2012, 07:16 PM

Nice group! I don't think you can beat them for the money. Wondered about how good the trigger was since every one I've seen has a trigger lock on it.

EMN89 · October 29, 2012, 09:42 PM

The rifle I looked at had a trigger that was similar to the accu trigger.

Metal god · October 29, 2012, 09:57 PM

As far as I know the axis does not come with the accu-trigger . IMO the accu-trigger is a fantastic trigger . The Ruger Americans trigger is just a notch below that . The cheapest savage in 243 with the accu-trigger is $600 or so . If you were able to dry fire them both and you like the Axis trigger just as much as the American . You should get which ever one feels the most comfortable to you . I can tell you this the Ruger does not come from the factory at its lightest setting but the Axis is what it is .

I hope this helps . They are both good low end rifles . you will not go wrong with either .

EMN89 · October 29, 2012, 10:17 PM

When I mentioned the accu trigger I was referring to the ruger, I was not aware that ruger had an adjustable trigger but I do like the accu trigger so I'm sure I will like rugers design. The axis did not have an adjustable trigger, it was just there standard trigger. To me the axis felt cheaper and just not as solid as the American, the grip was very slim and did not feel natural, overall the ruger just seemed like a much better rifle for just a little bit more.

PTS1 · October 31, 2012, 09:41 AM

Code:

 To me the axis felt cheaper and just not as solid as the American, the grip was very slim and did not feel natural, overall the ruger just seemed like a much better rifle for just a little bit more.

I think you already have your answer. If it feels better, your gonna shoot it better.

EMN89 · October 31, 2012, 09:47 AM

I have made my decision, I am going to get the ruger next week. Thanks for the input I will let you all know how she shoots.

Metal god · November 1, 2012, 05:41 AM

Just got back from the range and was reaching a bit today . I started out making sure the gun was zeroed @ 100yds . I started out using my friends rest/sled/POS http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Stead...words=gun+rest
here are my first shots @ 100yds using the rest

I was getting very frustrated at the grouping (I shoot better then that ) . Then I noticed the way the front of the stock had to sit on the rest . The stock was making contact with the barrel when I was shooting . So I stopped using that rest and used some carpeted blocks of wood from there forward . I had the gun resting on the blocks almost at the magwell area . This kept all presures off the barrel and I shot this group with the next shots I took

Now that I new it was not me I started to reach out to the 300yd target . This is my 2nd try the first was a joke

After that I adjusted my scope 4 clicks up and shot again . There was a little wind out there but I did not compensate for it . here is that target . It does look like I was shooting a little right in all the shots . I may not have had the scoped zeroed perfect .

I wrote In my original review of this rifle that the stock can make contact with the barrel and may effect your accuracy . I now can say it WILL make contact when you rest the rifle up at the front of the stock . I have not used a bypod with this rifle yet . It apears if you do not charge the bi-pod and just let the gun rest on it . The stock will make contact with the barrel and it WILL effect your accuracy . Im not even sure I charging it will work . I do have a bi-pod on my Savage . I think the next time I take the American out I will try it with a bi-pod and see if it's any better .

All-in-all I'm still very happy with the rifle and do recommend it .

warbirdlover · November 1, 2012, 09:16 AM

Very interesting. So the flimsy front part of the stock offsets the bedding block advantage. Wonder why they couldn't "mold" in a steel rod in the front part of that stock.

EMN89 · November 1, 2012, 09:26 AM

That is very interesting thanks for the info, those are very good groups for a rifle of that price range and factory ammo. I think you have definitely sold me on this rifle. This rifle will be used for deer hunting at 300 yards and under, and it appears that it is more than capable.

hooligan1 · November 1, 2012, 09:52 AM

Warbird, that's why it's cheap, they save that step in the manufacture prcess to save cost, and overall they feel light to touch, but very flimsy at the fore end. I much like you would like to see them reinforce the forearm.

Fusion · November 1, 2012, 11:11 PM

Quote:

The cheapest savage in 243 with the accu-trigger is $600 or so

If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse nearby, they have the Savage 11's with the accu trigger and a Nikon BDC scope for $489.

If not, Walmart has the model 10's with a Bushnell scope for $449.

IMO this is the way to go over the majority of the budget rifles out there, but the Ruger is certainly nice if you don't want to spend the extra on the Model 10 or 11 from Savage.

Metal god · November 5, 2012, 02:40 AM

Well I just got done sanding the heck out of the inside of the barrel chanel of my stock When I was done I had given the barrel an extra 1/6 to 3/32 of space all the way around . I think this will work . It definitely has a bigger gap between the barrel and the stock and is is still ridgid when handling the rifle . I used 1/2" flexable ruber conduit as a sanding block . Started with 80gr to 150gr to 220gr to 320gr . Sorry I forgot to take a before picture. Trust me the stock was almost touching the barrel in some areas .

October 29, 2012, 05:51 PM	#1
EMN89 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 136	Ruger american I am strongly considering getting a ruger American in .243 win. I looked at one today along with a savage axis and the ruger seemed to be a lot better quality for only $50 more. If anyone has any experience with these rifles I would appreciate your thoughts on the rifle. Last edited by EMN89; October 29, 2012 at 05:57 PM.

October 29, 2012, 06:36 PM	#2
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Hey I do , and I love mine . Here is a target I shot at 100 yards and a review I did a few months ago . Im going out on Wednesday to shoot it at the 300 yard range if I do well I'll post the pictures of the targets . http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492169 It's just as accurate as the axis and has a way better trigger . Ruger American Rifle .308 , 168 gr Fed gold metal match at 100 yards Center of impact to center of impact 3/4 MOA __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . Last edited by Metal god; October 29, 2012 at 06:42 PM.

October 29, 2012, 09:57 PM	#5
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	As far as I know the axis does not come with the accu-trigger . IMO the accu-trigger is a fantastic trigger . The Ruger Americans trigger is just a notch below that . The cheapest savage in 243 with the accu-trigger is $600 or so . If you were able to dry fire them both and you like the Axis trigger just as much as the American . You should get which ever one feels the most comfortable to you . I can tell you this the Ruger does not come from the factory at its lightest setting but the Axis is what it is . I hope this helps . They are both good low end rifles . you will not go wrong with either . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

October 29, 2012, 10:17 PM	#6
EMN89 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 136	to clarify When I mentioned the accu trigger I was referring to the ruger, I was not aware that ruger had an adjustable trigger but I do like the accu trigger so I'm sure I will like rugers design. The axis did not have an adjustable trigger, it was just there standard trigger. To me the axis felt cheaper and just not as solid as the American, the grip was very slim and did not feel natural, overall the ruger just seemed like a much better rifle for just a little bit more.

October 31, 2012, 09:41 AM	#7
PTS1 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2006 Posts: 246	Code: To me the axis felt cheaper and just not as solid as the American, the grip was very slim and did not feel natural, overall the ruger just seemed like a much better rifle for just a little bit more. I think you already have your answer. If it feels better, your gonna shoot it better.

October 29, 2012, 07:16 PM	#3
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,324	Nice group! I don't think you can beat them for the money. Wondered about how good the trigger was since every one I've seen has a trigger lock on it.

October 29, 2012, 09:42 PM	#4
EMN89 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 136	The rifle I looked at had a trigger that was similar to the accu trigger.

October 31, 2012, 09:47 AM	#8
EMN89 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 136	I have made my decision, I am going to get the ruger next week. Thanks for the input I will let you all know how she shoots.

November 1, 2012, 05:41 AM	#9
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Shooting 300 yards Just got back from the range and was reaching a bit today . I started out making sure the gun was zeroed @ 100yds . I started out using my friends rest/sled/POS http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Stead...words=gun+rest here are my first shots @ 100yds using the rest I was getting very frustrated at the grouping (I shoot better then that ) . Then I noticed the way the front of the stock had to sit on the rest . The stock was making contact with the barrel when I was shooting . So I stopped using that rest and used some carpeted blocks of wood from there forward . I had the gun resting on the blocks almost at the magwell area . This kept all presures off the barrel and I shot this group with the next shots I took Now that I new it was not me I started to reach out to the 300yd target . This is my 2nd try the first was a joke After that I adjusted my scope 4 clicks up and shot again . There was a little wind out there but I did not compensate for it . here is that target . It does look like I was shooting a little right in all the shots . I may not have had the scoped zeroed perfect . I wrote In my original review of this rifle that the stock can make contact with the barrel and may effect your accuracy . I now can say it WILL make contact when you rest the rifle up at the front of the stock . I have not used a bypod with this rifle yet . It apears if you do not charge the bi-pod and just let the gun rest on it . The stock will make contact with the barrel and it WILL effect your accuracy . Im not even sure I charging it will work . I do have a bi-pod on my Savage . I think the next time I take the American out I will try it with a bi-pod and see if it's any better . All-in-all I'm still very happy with the rifle and do recommend it . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . Last edited by Metal god; November 1, 2012 at 05:49 AM.

November 1, 2012, 09:16 AM	#10
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,324	Very interesting. So the flimsy front part of the stock offsets the bedding block advantage. Wonder why they couldn't "mold" in a steel rod in the front part of that stock.

November 1, 2012, 09:26 AM	#11
EMN89 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 136	That is very interesting thanks for the info, those are very good groups for a rifle of that price range and factory ammo. I think you have definitely sold me on this rifle. This rifle will be used for deer hunting at 300 yards and under, and it appears that it is more than capable.

November 1, 2012, 09:52 AM	#12
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	Warbird, that's why it's cheap, they save that step in the manufacture prcess to save cost, and overall they feel light to touch, but very flimsy at the fore end. I much like you would like to see them reinforce the forearm. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

November 5, 2012, 02:40 AM	#14
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Well I just got done sanding the heck out of the inside of the barrel chanel of my stock When I was done I had given the barrel an extra 1/6 to 3/32 of space all the way around . I think this will work . It definitely has a bigger gap between the barrel and the stock and is is still ridgid when handling the rifle . I used 1/2" flexable ruber conduit as a sanding block . Started with 80gr to 150gr to 220gr to 320gr . Sorry I forgot to take a before picture. Trust me the stock was almost touching the barrel in some areas . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .