Ruger American rifle in 308 review - Page 3

Metal god · September 22, 2012, 03:30 PM

That should be a great cal. for them . The .308 , 30-06 can beat you up a bit but the recoil pad helps . When you get the rifle look through all the papers . There is one that has a code for a free cheek pad .

learningcurve · October 11, 2012, 09:59 AM

Just got that free check pad ordered yesterday, now to look around for a decent scope. I just really want one that lets in a lot of light because there are times that I dont have a lot of light on the range I use. I got a simmons scope for a 22lr that when the light is not perfect at the range the scope is useless. I want to avoid that mistake this time around, does that tasco allow for low light shooting? Thanks for the advice.

Rifleman1776 · October 11, 2012, 10:06 AM

Good review. To the point. Sounds like a great rifle value.
I question the need for more magnification. My choice in hunting scopes is about 1.5X5. After all that brings a 500 yard critter to within the equivalent of 100 yards, an open sight shot. But, that's me.

Metal god · October 11, 2012, 03:59 PM

I'm sorry but I have not used the scope in low light yet . The range I go to is out doors and I've only been there while the sun was out . I'm in San Diego so the sun is always out

I've played around looking through the scope around dusk and at night . Although the light is good it is not great for sure . You may want to consider getting the Oversized 50mm lens . Tasco does make a 3-9x50 world class scope http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-World-3-...d+class+3-9x50

As for needing more magnification . Your right , the range I go to has targets at 300 yards . With the tasco 3-9x40 I have no problem seeing the target at 300 yards . I shot a 3 1/2 " three shot group at 300 yards so it is plenty of scope . If and or when I go hunting I now know that scope will be fine . It's also not likely I'll be trying to take down any game any farther then that .

barefoot · October 12, 2012, 12:48 PM

As a neophyte gun guy, and one with a big, wide pragmatic streak, this rifle appeals to me. My other rifles are milsurp, minute-of-man types, and I feel the need to add an MOA gun to the mix. What I'm wondering about the American is if it will be a durable, long-wearing gun - will it hold up to 20 seasons of hunting (or 20 years in the safe as an inexpensive, just-in-case gun)?

I'm not sure of course, but this may be shaping up to be one of those products that the experts will look at like a calf at a new gate, but that intrepid souls will buy and reap the benefits of getting in on the ground floor of a line that slowly and steadily gains acceptance and increased value. After all, we've established that it's fully capable of tight groups ....

Thoughts?

Metal god · October 12, 2012, 01:34 PM

Quote:

What I'm wondering about the American is if it will be a durable, long-wearing gun - will it hold up to 20 seasons of hunting (or 20 years in the safe as an inexpensive, just-in-case gun)?

Cus it's a brand new design know one will really know for a while . The only concern I really have is the bedding system . Over a longer period of time and a few thousand rounds . Will those stainlees steel blocks get loose in the stock . How ever if you plan is to put less then a thousound rounds through it for the life of the gun I think your good to go .

Quote:

this may be shaping up to be one of those products that the experts will look at like a calf at a new gate, but that intrepid souls will buy and reap the benefits of getting in on the ground floor of a line that slowly and steadily gains acceptance and increased value.

IMO this is where we are headed . I sure hope so . After market parts ( stocks , barrels ) in the future would be great

Mannlicher · October 14, 2012, 02:01 PM

I picked up a new American in .308 Winchester a couple of weeks ago, at the Bass Pro in Birmingham.
With a new Redfield Revolution 3-9X mounted, and using Federal factory 150 grain ammunition, it gave me a three group best of .75 inches. Every group was under an inch.
The scope tracks beautifully, and stays on zero when set. Even got a $30 rebate on the scope, making it an even better deal.
The rifle was a bargain, on sale at $379, and then a discount for using a new Bass Pro Visa card, and $65 in Bass Pro points taken off.
Ruger sent me a free cheek piece as well. I am very pleased,

Metal god · November 1, 2012, 06:51 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 .

Metal god · November 5, 2012, 03:35 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 .

September 22, 2012, 03:30 PM	#51
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	That should be a great cal. for them . The .308 , 30-06 can beat you up a bit but the recoil pad helps . When you get the rifle look through all the papers . There is one that has a code for a free cheek pad . __________________ 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 11, 2012, 03:59 PM	#54
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	I'm sorry but I have not used the scope in low light yet . The range I go to is out doors and I've only been there while the sun was out . I'm in San Diego so the sun is always out I've played around looking through the scope around dusk and at night . Although the light is good it is not great for sure . You may want to consider getting the Oversized 50mm lens . Tasco does make a 3-9x50 world class scope http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-World-3-...d+class+3-9x50 As for needing more magnification . Your right , the range I go to has targets at 300 yards . With the tasco 3-9x40 I have no problem seeing the target at 300 yards . I shot a 3 1/2 " three shot group at 300 yards so it is plenty of scope . If and or when I go hunting I now know that scope will be fine . It's also not likely I'll be trying to take down any game any farther then that . __________________ 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 14, 2012, 02:01 PM	#57
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,239	I picked up a new American in .308 Winchester a couple of weeks ago, at the Bass Pro in Birmingham. With a new Redfield Revolution 3-9X mounted, and using Federal factory 150 grain ammunition, it gave me a three group best of .75 inches. Every group was under an inch. The scope tracks beautifully, and stays on zero when set. Even got a $30 rebate on the scope, making it an even better deal. The rifle was a bargain, on sale at $379, and then a discount for using a new Bass Pro Visa card, and $65 in Bass Pro points taken off. Ruger sent me a free cheek piece as well. I am very pleased, __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

November 1, 2012, 06:51 AM	#58
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	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 .

November 5, 2012, 03:35 AM	#59
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	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 .

October 11, 2012, 09:59 AM	#52
learningcurve Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 87	Just got that free check pad ordered yesterday, now to look around for a decent scope. I just really want one that lets in a lot of light because there are times that I dont have a lot of light on the range I use. I got a simmons scope for a 22lr that when the light is not perfect at the range the scope is useless. I want to avoid that mistake this time around, does that tasco allow for low light shooting? Thanks for the advice.

October 11, 2012, 10:06 AM	#53
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Good review. To the point. Sounds like a great rifle value. I question the need for more magnification. My choice in hunting scopes is about 1.5X5. After all that brings a 500 yard critter to within the equivalent of 100 yards, an open sight shot. But, that's me.

October 12, 2012, 12:48 PM	#55
barefoot Member Join Date: January 4, 2011 Posts: 63	As a neophyte gun guy, and one with a big, wide pragmatic streak, this rifle appeals to me. My other rifles are milsurp, minute-of-man types, and I feel the need to add an MOA gun to the mix. What I'm wondering about the American is if it will be a durable, long-wearing gun - will it hold up to 20 seasons of hunting (or 20 years in the safe as an inexpensive, just-in-case gun)? I'm not sure of course, but this may be shaping up to be one of those products that the experts will look at like a calf at a new gate, but that intrepid souls will buy and reap the benefits of getting in on the ground floor of a line that slowly and steadily gains acceptance and increased value. After all, we've established that it's fully capable of tight groups .... Thoughts?