New Video Alert! Ruger American Rifle Gen II Predator .308 | Review & First Impressions

GorillaGunworks · June 9, 2025, 03:41 PM

Hey everyone,

Just dropped a new video over on my YouTube channel The Hobby Gunsmith! This one’s all about the Ruger American Rifle Gen II Predator in .308 — I give my honest first impressions, go over the specs, and break down the build quality from a gunsmith’s perspective.

If you're thinking about picking one up or just curious about the rifle, I’d really appreciate it if you checked it out and let me know what you think!

Thanks for the support — range footage and some mods coming soon!

https://youtu.be/QJB-UD9Jft8?si=6pUWhG9MlV1ko0ye

bamaranger · June 9, 2025, 09:48 PM

Dunno about the Gen II, but I picked up a blem .308 Predator Gen I , in .308 4-5 yrs ago and am well pleased. I bought the 18" carbine model, which carries and handles like a dream, and shoots better than it ought too.

GorillaGunworks · June 9, 2025, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaranger

Dunno about the Gen II, but I picked up a blem .308 Predator Gen I , in .308 4-5 yrs ago and am well pleased. I bought the 18" carbine model, which carries and handles like a dream, and shoots better than it ought too.

Yea, honestly I am surprised at the quality, specs, and potential precision on this rifle especially at its price point.

bamaranger · June 10, 2025, 11:37 AM

When the American series launched, and the M77-II series began to decline, I was chagrined and not a fan of the poly stocked, price point American. It screamed "cheap" in appearance and paled in the light of my walnut and blue steel rifles. I stated in print here that Bill Ruger would not have made it.
Classic case of "don't judge a book by its cover". The bladed trigger took some getting use to, but aids in good shooting once you get accustomed to it. And shoot the little rifle does. It shoots as well or better than my other sporters . In my circle of hunting acquaintances, every Ruger American shoots well. I hunt my little carbine a bit every season now.
The Gen I rifles had some teething problems, the magazines could be wonky, the early rotary style were problematic. Not sure but I think Ruger went with a traditional staggered feed at some point in production. Some complain of too much flex in the stock. But for the price, the Ruger Americans are a bargain.
I have not examined the GenII rifles, but if they are indeed an improvement on the GenI, they should be great guns.

June 9, 2025, 03:41 PM	#1
GorillaGunworks Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2013 Posts: 150	New Video Alert! Ruger American Rifle Gen II Predator .308 \| Review & First Impressions Hey everyone, Just dropped a new video over on my YouTube channel The Hobby Gunsmith! This one’s all about the Ruger American Rifle Gen II Predator in .308 — I give my honest first impressions, go over the specs, and break down the build quality from a gunsmith’s perspective. If you're thinking about picking one up or just curious about the rifle, I’d really appreciate it if you checked it out and let me know what you think! Thanks for the support — range footage and some mods coming soon! https://youtu.be/QJB-UD9Jft8?si=6pUWhG9MlV1ko0ye __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." - Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Constitution, Draft 1, 1776 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1b...RUE9AMVlI88MrQ

June 9, 2025, 09:48 PM	#2
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,788	predator Dunno about the Gen II, but I picked up a blem .308 Predator Gen I , in .308 4-5 yrs ago and am well pleased. I bought the 18" carbine model, which carries and handles like a dream, and shoots better than it ought too.

June 10, 2025, 11:37 AM	#4
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,788	potential When the American series launched, and the M77-II series began to decline, I was chagrined and not a fan of the poly stocked, price point American. It screamed "cheap" in appearance and paled in the light of my walnut and blue steel rifles. I stated in print here that Bill Ruger would not have made it. Classic case of "don't judge a book by its cover". The bladed trigger took some getting use to, but aids in good shooting once you get accustomed to it. And shoot the little rifle does. It shoots as well or better than my other sporters . In my circle of hunting acquaintances, every Ruger American shoots well. I hunt my little carbine a bit every season now. The Gen I rifles had some teething problems, the magazines could be wonky, the early rotary style were problematic. Not sure but I think Ruger went with a traditional staggered feed at some point in production. Some complain of too much flex in the stock. But for the price, the Ruger Americans are a bargain. I have not examined the GenII rifles, but if they are indeed an improvement on the GenI, they should be great guns.

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