Kid At Christmas:Ruger American Ranch Rifle 300Blkout Review

Mr.RevolverGuy · June 14, 2015, 10:31 PM

I can't believe after 3 years I finally got my hands on one. Over the last couple of weeks I have spent 3 days on the range shooting up to 12 loads across the chronograph. This is only day one.
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4781

mxsailor803 · June 15, 2015, 05:51 AM

There is just something about this little rifle in .300BO that makes me want it more and more. I can't put my finger on it but man do I want one.

smee78 · June 15, 2015, 06:47 AM

That looks like a nice little setup there, I have though about one but haven pulled the trigger yet. I had one of thoes in my hand the other day but chambered in 223 and it was a nice light package that was already threaded. Have you shot any sub sonic ammo through it yet? If so how did it do?

kraigwy · June 15, 2015, 11:13 AM

A tiny bit off topic but still about the Ruger American Rifle

I don't have one, nor do I know much about them except they are a moderately priced hunting rifle put out by Ruger.

Yesterday I was watching a show on one of the outdoor channels where they took some guys on a long range hog hunt.

Before the hunt they had a couple military sniper instructors give a short class on long range shooting.

The rifle all were using was the Ruger American. I forgot the caliber but they were toped with a economical priced scope.

These guys were wacking hogs out to 750 yards.

This tells me you don't need a multi thousand dollar rifle to have a long range shooter. The Ruger Americans I've see were selling, new, for less then $400.

Palmetto-Pride · June 15, 2015, 08:41 PM

Glad you got what you wanted and I am truly not trying to rain on your parade, but unless you are going to suppress the rifle (especially a bolt action) I just don't get why anyone would want to push a 30cal bullet that slow other than maybe being sensitive to recoil. I had a 300BLK in a AR15 rifle. At the time I wanted to shoot a 30 cal bullet out of a AR15 rifle for deer hunting and it filled that niche for me until I got a M&P10 308 for deer hunting then I figured why not just go with the 308........

I am not knocking you at all we all have our reason for our wants........half the guns in my safe I don't really need

tobnpr · June 17, 2015, 06:45 AM

They're capable. Dan Newberry had a thread here a long time ago about a student using one for long-range (1000 yard) instruction.

They've been discussed here many times- probably the most accurate of the "entry level" rifles (and often more accurate than those costing much more).

taylorce1 · June 17, 2015, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.RevolverGuy

I can't believe after 3 years I finally got my hands on one.

3 years? The Ruger American Ranch .300 BLK was a new rifle and cartridge for 2014. Do you have a special hookup at Ruger to let you know what is on their drawing board? If so hook a brother up!

Anyway the Ruger American Ranch and Predator are both on my radar. I want both cartridges offered in the Ranch and the 6.5 Creedmoor in the Predator. I think Ruger has finally got ahead of Savage as the go to budget rifle.

ndking1126 · June 17, 2015, 08:32 AM

Mr.RevolverGuy,

I don't understand what the allure of 300BO in a bolt is. Can you explain what drew you to it? Thanks.

taylorce1 · June 17, 2015, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndking1126

Mr.RevolverGuy,

I don't understand what the allure of 300BO in a bolt is. Can you explain what drew you to it? Thanks.

I'll take a shot at this one if you don't mind.

1. The .300 BLK with 125 grain supersonic loads is about like a .30-30 or 7.62X39. Suitable for up to deer sized games at ranges you would normally shoot with either of these other two rifles. Plus the Ruger is lighter to carry than an AR with 16" barrel for hunting.

2. Bolt actions significantly slow your rate of fire down. Since the .300 BLK is quite a bit more expensive in the long run than a .223 and a bolt action saves you money at the end of the day.

3. If you want to try this cartridge the Ruger cost quite a bit less than a complete upper for an AR. If you want to invest in an upper later you can probably recoup most of your money if you want to sell the Ruger to fund your build. They sell really fast and easy right now.

4. Lastly some people just prefer a bolt action rifle to all other platforms.

**Tom Servo** · June 17, 2015, 08:28 PM

Quote:

I'll take a shot at this one if you don't mind.

Two other benefits spring to mind if using a silencer: suppression will be slightly better than with an automatic rifle, and there are no feeding issues with subsonic ammunition.

Mr.RevolverGuy · June 17, 2015, 09:40 PM

The ranch rifle was introduced in 2012 the 300 blkout variant was introduced in 2014.

The attraction --- suppression. I have witnessed and fired 300blkout in an AR with suppression and the difference is night and day.

psalm7 · June 17, 2015, 09:53 PM

Nice . I have a Rem 700 in BO . Fun to shoot and there is alot of good loads that can be worked up for them . From hot varmit round to brush busters . I think I am wanting one of the Ranch rifles now .

taylorce1 · June 18, 2015, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.RevolverGuy

The ranch rifle was introduced in 2012 the 300 blkout variant was introduced in 2014.

Nope the Ruger American Rifle was introduced in 2012. The Ruger American Ranch in 5.56/.223 and .300 BLK wasn't introduced until Sep 2014, and there are only those two variants of that rifle currently. The Ruger American Predator was also released in 2014.

I think the write up was pretty good. However, searching "seven dealers for three years" for this particular rifle is a bit of a "fish story" when they've only been available for less than a year. I was hinting that that part of your blog needed fixed in a kind of tounge in cheek way, but I guess you missed it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.RevolverGuy

The fun all but came to a halt when Ruger announced the introduction of the Ruger American Ranch Rifle chambered for 300 Blackout. I just had to have one, little did I know it was going to take 3 years of searching, being on 7 dealers waiting list only by coincidence to finally be able to lay my eyes on one.

Your other thread on the same "unicorn rifle" stated a more realistic nine months on a waiting list at your dealers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy

After some searching I figured it out. It is a RARR in 300BLK, or could be called RARE for how few can be found. Considering I have been on every local shops waiting list for the last 9 months and considering the events that took place during the purchase I figured this had to be a unicorn.

ndking1126 · June 18, 2015, 09:36 PM

Taylorce1,

I'm a bolt guy so I get what you are saying. I think the RA being cheaper than an upper is a pretry solid idea I hadnt thought of. The idea of creating a new cartridge to match the ballistics of an older cartridge doesnt make sense to me, though.

I also get wanting to suppress. I would love to suppress my 260 Rem, but it's not at the top of my list right now.

I still don't see the allure of this particular combination... but no issues, I can't say every one of my gun purchases made sense other than at the time that's what I wanted. Happy shooting!

9x19 · June 19, 2015, 12:34 AM

My complete upper was only $400, and my Ranch was $360 so not a huge difference, but add a dedicated lower and the price climbs.

taylorce1 · June 19, 2015, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9x19

My complete upper was only $400, and my Ranch was $360 so not a huge difference, but add a dedicated lower and the price climbs.

Did you assemble the upper yourself or buy it and are you using the same BCG with both uppers? There are ways to cut cost for sure, and assembling the upper yourself is a good way to do it, if you've already invested in the tools to do so. I've not seen very many complete uppers in the $400 range but I haven't looked very hard either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndking1126

The idea of creating a new cartridge to match the ballistics of an older cartridge doesnt make sense to me, though.

Well then most cartridges won't make sense to you like 7mm WSM, .300 WSM, 26 Nosler and 375 Ruger just to name a few. Every cartridge out there matches ballistics or overlaps another cartridge in some shape or form. The shooting public prefers new things even if it's an old cartridge in a new package.

The thing is the .300 BLK was designed to shoot suppressed rounds in an AR platform everyone knows this if they take 3 minutes to read wikipedia. However, being able to utilize it in the same manner as another established cartridge just adds to the flexibility of the round. My current .300 BLK is a single shot rifle and I doubt I ever buy an upper for it, but my kid loves to shoot it and wants to sit in the deer blind with it this fall.

Mr.RevolverGuy · June 19, 2015, 02:18 AM

We are saying the same thing, it wasn't meant to be a

Quote:

fish story

. The Ruger American was introduced in 2012. I have wanted one since 2012 when I got to fire the Micro7. Though it was ok, it did not fit a guy like me with my wing span. Back then I spoke with someone at Ruger and was told there were many cartridges in the works for the "Ruger American" but couldn't give me the specifics on the release dates. That's when I made up my mind to wait.

I better spell this out because anyone that knows me would know I am not that great of a fisherman.

jmr40 · June 19, 2015, 01:37 PM

On a similar note. I bought one of the 1st compacts in 223 that I saw and love it. I've been wanting one of the Predators in 308 ever since they came out and bought the 1st one I saw 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I put a Burris FF-II on it that I had and have only had it to the range once.

These are shots 2-4. I fired 1 shot at 50 yards with some FMJ handloads I threw together. Adjusted the scope and fire these 3.

I made another adjustment and fired the 2 shots on the bottom (right), More adjustment and the 2 shots on the top (left). Other than the 1st shot to get on paper I have 7 consecutive shots with holes touching from a $399 rifle.

I've since replaced the scope with a 2-7X23 Redfield but haven't had a chance to shoot it. I think I have a new woods gun that is capable of longer shots if needed. It is 7.25 lbs as pictured. 7 lbs even with the smaller scope. These cheap guns shoot!!!

Ibmikey · July 1, 2015, 07:49 PM

I built several AR's in 300 BO, a pistol, and was given a Handi Rifle in that caliber. The Handi is a great hog hunter in the East Texas woods and a 125 gr TNT will put down the biggest of them ( yes i dun it) and is super manuverable in heavy cover. The AR's are fun shooters and using pulled 147 gr bullets i shoot for the same price as my .223's. I load only supersonic as i have no interest in suppressing the round for my uses. I shoot it (300 BO) because it is accurate and fun.

Palmetto-Pride · July 2, 2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

The attraction --- suppression. I have witnessed and fired 300blkout in an AR with suppression and the difference is night and day.

I knew it had to be for suppression I mean what other logical explanation could there have been for wanting a 300BLK in a bolt action

June 14, 2015, 10:31 PM	#1
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Kid At Christmas:Ruger American Ranch Rifle 300Blkout Review I can't believe after 3 years I finally got my hands on one. Over the last couple of weeks I have spent 3 days on the range shooting up to 12 loads across the chronograph. This is only day one. http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4781 __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

June 15, 2015, 06:47 AM	#3
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	That looks like a nice little setup there, I have though about one but haven pulled the trigger yet. I had one of thoes in my hand the other day but chambered in 223 and it was a nice light package that was already threaded. Have you shot any sub sonic ammo through it yet? If so how did it do? __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

June 15, 2015, 11:13 AM	#4
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	A tiny bit off topic but still about the Ruger American Rifle I don't have one, nor do I know much about them except they are a moderately priced hunting rifle put out by Ruger. Yesterday I was watching a show on one of the outdoor channels where they took some guys on a long range hog hunt. Before the hunt they had a couple military sniper instructors give a short class on long range shooting. The rifle all were using was the Ruger American. I forgot the caliber but they were toped with a economical priced scope. These guys were wacking hogs out to 750 yards. This tells me you don't need a multi thousand dollar rifle to have a long range shooter. The Ruger Americans I've see were selling, new, for less then $400. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

June 15, 2015, 08:41 PM	#5
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	Glad you got what you wanted and I am truly not trying to rain on your parade, but unless you are going to suppress the rifle (especially a bolt action) I just don't get why anyone would want to push a 30cal bullet that slow other than maybe being sensitive to recoil. I had a 300BLK in a AR15 rifle. At the time I wanted to shoot a 30 cal bullet out of a AR15 rifle for deer hunting and it filled that niche for me until I got a M&P10 308 for deer hunting then I figured why not just go with the 308........ I am not knocking you at all we all have our reason for our wants........half the guns in my safe I don't really need __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

June 17, 2015, 06:45 AM	#6
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	They're capable. Dan Newberry had a thread here a long time ago about a student using one for long-range (1000 yard) instruction. They've been discussed here many times- probably the most accurate of the "entry level" rifles (and often more accurate than those costing much more). __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

June 15, 2015, 05:51 AM	#2
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	There is just something about this little rifle in .300BO that makes me want it more and more. I can't put my finger on it but man do I want one.

June 17, 2015, 08:32 AM	#8
ndking1126 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 1,932	Mr.RevolverGuy, I don't understand what the allure of 300BO in a bolt is. Can you explain what drew you to it? Thanks.

June 17, 2015, 09:40 PM	#11
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	The ranch rifle was introduced in 2012 the 300 blkout variant was introduced in 2014. The attraction --- suppression. I have witnessed and fired 300blkout in an AR with suppression and the difference is night and day. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

June 17, 2015, 09:53 PM	#12
psalm7 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2014 Location: Middle TN Posts: 543	Nice . I have a Rem 700 in BO . Fun to shoot and there is alot of good loads that can be worked up for them . From hot varmit round to brush busters . I think I am wanting one of the Ranch rifles now .

June 18, 2015, 09:36 PM	#14
ndking1126 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 1,932	Taylorce1, I'm a bolt guy so I get what you are saying. I think the RA being cheaper than an upper is a pretry solid idea I hadnt thought of. The idea of creating a new cartridge to match the ballistics of an older cartridge doesnt make sense to me, though. I also get wanting to suppress. I would love to suppress my 260 Rem, but it's not at the top of my list right now. I still don't see the allure of this particular combination... but no issues, I can't say every one of my gun purchases made sense other than at the time that's what I wanted. Happy shooting!

June 19, 2015, 12:34 AM	#15
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	My complete upper was only $400, and my Ranch was $360 so not a huge difference, but add a dedicated lower and the price climbs. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

June 19, 2015, 01:37 PM	#18
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	On a similar note. I bought one of the 1st compacts in 223 that I saw and love it. I've been wanting one of the Predators in 308 ever since they came out and bought the 1st one I saw 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I put a Burris FF-II on it that I had and have only had it to the range once. These are shots 2-4. I fired 1 shot at 50 yards with some FMJ handloads I threw together. Adjusted the scope and fire these 3. I made another adjustment and fired the 2 shots on the bottom (right), More adjustment and the 2 shots on the top (left). Other than the 1st shot to get on paper I have 7 consecutive shots with holes touching from a $399 rifle. I've since replaced the scope with a 2-7X23 Redfield but haven't had a chance to shoot it. I think I have a new woods gun that is capable of longer shots if needed. It is 7.25 lbs as pictured. 7 lbs even with the smaller scope. These cheap guns shoot!!!

July 1, 2015, 07:49 PM	#19
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I built several AR's in 300 BO, a pistol, and was given a Handi Rifle in that caliber. The Handi is a great hog hunter in the East Texas woods and a 125 gr TNT will put down the biggest of them ( yes i dun it) and is super manuverable in heavy cover. The AR's are fun shooters and using pulled 147 gr bullets i shoot for the same price as my .223's. I load only supersonic as i have no interest in suppressing the round for my uses. I shoot it (300 BO) because it is accurate and fun. Last edited by Ibmikey; July 5, 2015 at 04:43 PM.