New Ruger “American Rifle”
Ruger has taken a step in a new direction by introducing its new “American Rifle”. The reason behind the name is that the rifle is made entirely in the USA and its design does not resemble the popular M77/Hawkeye series. The rifle is going to be released in mid-January but it will take some extra time to reach Australian shores.
The trigger is adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds and is said to be clean and crisp when it breaks. The trigger resembles the famous Accu-Trigger by Savage but only time will tell as to how it compares.
The stock is your typical plastic one that often comes with budget priced rifles. It does however have integral Bedding Blocks which has been given the name “Power Bedding”. Hopefully they function as well as they are marketed. The stock has a length of pull at 13.75 inches and comes fitted with a soft recoil pad.
The bolt has three locking lugs which gives it a nice and low 70 degree lift. The bolt is full diameter and has dual cocking cams.
The barrels are hammer forged and are 22 inches long. I personally prefer 24 inch barrels but it seems that I’m in the minority as most new rifles these days are being standardised at 22 inches.
The “American Rifle” has a Tang Safety which reminds me of the early M77 rifles. Many shooters were put off by the M77 Mk2 because of the lack of a Tang Safety. I don’t use the Safeties on my rifles so my opinions are limited.
The magazine is a Rotary Design which Ruger made famous with their 22LR rifles. They will hold four rounds and the magazine is a flush fit with the stock.
The “American Rifle” comes drilled and tapped with no open sights. Scope bases are included with the rifle but the buyer will have to purchase his own rings separately.
The rifle will be initially available in .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield. As the rifle gains popularity, I’m sure there’ll be more cartridges added to the line-up.
The suggested American retail price will be $449.00 which is significantly cheaper than Ruger’s Hawkeye models. As usual, you can never quite predict the Australian price as there always seems to be “unseen” variables.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the “American Rifle” performs. The design is something new for Ruger so it’ll be interesting to see what the Australian market thinks of it. My guess is that Ruger are relying on their solid reputation to help sell the “American Rifle” as an affordable alternative to the Hawkeye models.
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Category: Articles, Hunting Rifles, Jason Lownds
Good to see new actions being designed. It does have a Tikka look about it, I wonder if it will shoot like a Tikka?
I hope it does.
I’m excited to check this rifle out.
I like the look of the rifle. The stock is very T3 in styling and the recoil pad looks quite effective. Action looks very solid with a clean finish.
My guess is that Ruger is trying to compete against the Savage Edge/Axis, Marlin, and Savage low price point rifles. The US RRP is about the same as the others.
Meanwhile… Keith, how’s the Ruger GSR Scout test going?
Being old fashioned I can’t get too excited about those Accu triggers used on the new Savage and Marlin rifles and now this one. Can’t see how this one will top the Tikka T3 except for maybe price.
The “Accutrigger” name as used by Savage implies an accuracy benefit (perhaps trigger control?) but I’ve no idea how/if it works.
Importantly, similarly styled triggers on other brands may function differently. We’ll have to wait for Ruger to tell us more about their trigger…
I do know the Marlin version of this trigger style (found on the XS7 and XL7 range) is basically an added safety device. The central blade prevents the rifle firing if the trigger alone is pulled BUT, it’s near impossible to touch one without the other. As such, I can’t see how it would give added protection against accidental discharges.
Whether this style of trigger is beneficial is up to you. In use, the Marlin trigger is just as easy to use as a conventional style. When hunting you’re unlikely to be distracted by it. I’d speculate similar systems are just as unobtrusive.
The Ruger American looks like a beautiful rifle, far better than some of its competitors (wish my Marlin looked this good). Ruger’s addition of the trigger blade is likely the result of smart marketing rather than an actual need. Similarly priced rifles from other makers have this feature, so Ruger included it.
Does anyone know if the Ruger trigger is adjustable like its competitors?
Thanks for the comprehensive info Scott. I just can’t go past my Timney, 20 year old tuned Rem 700 triggers or Tikka T3/Tikka M55 triggers for feel and practicality.
yep !!
Tikka T3 clone……….. ‘working class rifle’-
working to a ‘price -point’
given the strength of the Aussie dollar right now, they’d land here about the same price as the US………
no iron sights? wouldn’t buy one without, its like driving a car with no spare tyre………