Range Report Ruger America Ranch 7.62X39

[gunman5646]

I have had mine for a couple of weeks. The fact that it used the mini-30 mags clinched the deal. I have two other Ruger Americans and a mini-30, so I had some idea of what I was getting.
I have only fired brass cased ammo, the steel core stuff is strictly a no,no at my club, due to wild fire concerns. As soon as we get our first rains, I'll be giving that a try as well. All my loads have been with H335 and results are mixed. The vmax 123 has been producing consistant 1 1/2" groups at 100, but I'm sure it can do better.

[jetinteriorguy]

Accurate 1680 is the biz for 7.62x39. It is literally made for it and works great. Tuff to find though, that's why I grabbed 16 lbs when I found some locally for $160.00/jug. Out of my AR47 with 123gr soft points I'm getting sub 2 MOA with my red dot. I bet when I get my scope mounted it will be closer to MOA. I just got my first bolt rifle a month ago, a Savage 12FV in 6.5 Creedmoor that is dead nuts accurate. I sighted it at 300 yds and was easily busting clay pigeons, and at 100 yds my best was a .5" 3 shot group. So now that I've been bit by the bolt action bug and since I just love the 7.62x39 round for some weird reason, I'm going to have to try one of these Rugers.

[gunman5646]

I put a compact 2-7 on both my RAR's 7.62 and 5.56. Cheap scope but works well and looks like it was made for it.
[IMG]jpg[/IMG]

[CarJunkieLS1]

The BIZ for the 7.62x39 is CFE BLK...it has surpassed all other powders I've tried for accuracy and velocity. I keep seeing AA1680 as THE powder but my results with it were 'meh tried CFE BLK and I won't shoot any other powder in it.

[weblance]

ATCDoktor... I appreciate your effort with this thread. After reading your detailed comments, it helped make my decision easier. I picked up MY new American Ranch Rifle x39 today. Wont get a chance for a week to make some noise with it, but at least I got it...

[the possum]

What kinda scope is that, gunman5646?

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by gunman5646

I put a compact 2-7 on both my RAR's 7.62 and 5.56. Cheap scope but works well and looks like it was made for it.
[IMG]jpg[/IMG]

Nice, I like that setup. Small, light scope makes the rifle easier to carry and the low power means it's okay for closer ranges. Very nice alternative Scout Rifle package.

Which is pretty much what I would like to have in the 7.62 RAR I'll get next year.

[gunman5646]

I was going to put a Nikon prostaff on both of my Ruger American Ranch rifles(I have the 5,56 version as well), but was browsing Through Amazon and noticed these little compacts in the color of the rifle. For $79 bucks I thought "why not!"
They performed well at the range, positive clicks, always moved positively the correct amount. I was able to get the rifle to perform well out to 300 yds, which is about max for me and this cartridge(7.62X39). Only fly in the ointment is its 1/2 " clicks, but this isn't for a varmint rifle.[IMG]jpg[/IMG]
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[gunman5646]

Spent a few hours this AM putting my 7.62X39 ranch rifle through its paces. Tried out three different bullets using H335. First bullet was a 123 gr. plated flat point from Xtreme. Grouped just ok(2" at 100), seemed to handle 2100fps, but the flat point design doesn't feed well. The second was the Hornady 123 gr. soft , which grouped around 1 1/2" with a 11 round string.The last was the Hornady VMAX 123 with yellow plastic tip. My grandson calls them Zombie killers. Out of a 10 rd string 6 clustered under a 1/2", all were under 1 1/2 for all 10. I may push the Vmax a little faster to see if the accuracy is at a slightly higher level. As the primers were not even close to being flattened.The little Monstrum scope while only a 7 power with fairly thick crosshairs, did well, looked good, has absolutely postive clicks. A bargain for under $79.[IMG]jpg[/IMG]

[armoredman]

CarJunkieLS1, do you have any cast bullet load data for CFE BLK in 7.62x39mm?

[CarJunkieLS1]

Originally Posted by armoredman

CarJunkieLS1, do you have any cast bullet load data for CFE BLK in 7.62x39mm?

I do not. I pulled my data straight from Hodgdon's annual reloading manual.

[smee78]

Thanks for sharing your review of this rifle, I have had my eye out and was hoping it would do well with both ammo choices. Now to save up a few pennies and pick one up. Anyone care to share the street value they are seeing these for?

[gunman5646]

I must admit that I'm very pleased with this little rifle. It shoots way above what its price range might suggest. The caliber is far more useful than I anticipated.The ability to use milsurp ammo that is economical, is a big plus for more practice at the range.The use of the mini 30 magazine system was a stroke of genius, which should be copied on the 5.56 model (either mini14 or AR would do)
The shortness and fast handling, make it almost as quick as a revolver to get into action. It weighs practically nothing, but still handles the Russian round comfortably.
In summary: I'm glad I bought it and say yes to anyone asking if its worth a try. It has eclipsed my mini 30 as my utility rifle(truck gun).

[ATCDoktor]

I took mine out coyote hunting last week and it performed as well as I expected.



Over the course of a single days hunting I carried approximately 8 miles and and was a pleasure carry in the field as compared to some of my larger varmint rifles.

My prediction is that Ruger will sell every single one they build.

[reynolds357]

"My prediction is that Ruger will sell every single one they build"
They usually do that. Manufacturers don't keep warehouses full of merchandise indefinitely.

[weblance]

Anyone care to share the street value they are seeing these for?

I paid $440 + tax for mine.

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by weblance

I paid $440 + tax for mine.

And if they prove to be as popular as we all think they will be, the 7.62 RAR will drop to the same prices the .223 and .308 American rifles are.

My guess? Come this time next year the 7.62 RAR will be selling around $350.

[gunman5646]

I'm only hoping they take a lesson from the sales, and upgrade the 5.56 RAR to use the mini-14 mags.

[Old Stony]

Mine is in 6.5 Creedmore and I love it! Cheap crappy made mag, but it hasn't given me problems...YET. I removed the blade from the trigger, adjusted it down and ended up a little under 3 lbs., with no creep.
It rides in my truck daily and takes a beating, but every time I fire it at a target to make sure the scope is still on, it puts the shot just where it should be.