Ruger American Gen Ii
The Ruger American Rifle, now in its second generation, has become a popular choice among hunters and recreational shooters. With its modern design, reliable performance, and affordable price tag, it offers an attractive package for those seeking a versatile bolt-action rifle. In this blog post, we will delve into the features, specifications, and performance of the Ruger American Gen II, exploring why it has gained such a strong following.
Design and Construction
The Ruger American Gen II boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, incorporating several improvements over its predecessor. The rifle features a one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70-degree throw, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. The bolt handle is fluted, providing a comfortable grip and aiding in manipulation, especially when wearing gloves.
The receiver is constructed from lightweight yet durable aircraft-grade aluminum, contributing to the rifle's overall weight of approximately 6.8 pounds. This makes it well-balanced and easy to carry, even on extended hunting trips. The bolt is made from stainless steel, adding to the rifle's overall strength and corrosion resistance.
One notable design feature is the Power Bedding integral bedding system, which consists of two front-mounted pillars and a rear heel mount. This system effectively eliminates bedding compounds, providing a secure and stable platform for the action and promoting accuracy. The free-floated barrel further enhances accuracy by allowing the barrel to vibrate freely, resulting in consistent and precise shots.
Barrel and Action
The Ruger American Gen II offers a cold hammer-forged barrel, known for its exceptional accuracy and durability. The barrel is available in various lengths and contours, depending on the model, providing options for different shooting scenarios. The cold hammer-forging process ensures a long-lasting barrel with minimal wear and tear, making it suitable for high-volume shooting.
The action of the rifle is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The Mark-4 locking lugs provide a secure and strong lock-up, ensuring reliable cycling and reducing the chances of malfunctions. The bolt lift is minimal, making it quick and easy to operate, especially when shooting in rapid succession. Additionally, the integrated scope base provides a stable mounting platform for optics, eliminating the need for separate bases or rings.
Trigger and Safety
The Ruger American Gen II features a patented, adjustable trigger system, offering a crisp and consistent pull. The trigger is user-adjustable for pull weight, making it customizable to the shooter's preferences. This feature is particularly beneficial for hunters who require a light, responsive trigger for accurate shot placement.
For safety, the rifle incorporates a tang-mounted safety that is easily accessible and provides a positive lock when engaged. The safety is designed to prevent accidental discharges, offering peace of mind to shooters. Additionally, the manual cocking indicator provides visual confirmation of the rifle's status, ensuring safe handling and storage.
Stock and Ergonomics
The Ruger American Gen II comes with a synthetic stock, known for its durability and resistance to environmental factors. The stock is designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind, featuring a Monte Carlo comb and a Superfit® grip. The comb provides a natural cheek weld, ensuring consistent eye alignment with the scope, while the grip offers a secure and comfortable hold, promoting accuracy and control.
The stock is also equipped with sling swivel studs, allowing for the attachment of a sling for easy carry and improved stability when shooting from different positions. The stock's length of pull can be adjusted to fit shooters of various sizes, ensuring a personalized fit and enhanced shooting experience.
Caliber Options and Performance
The Ruger American Gen II is available in a wide range of calibers, catering to various hunting and shooting disciplines. Some of the popular options include .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Magnum. The rifle's versatility allows shooters to choose the caliber that best suits their needs, whether it's for medium-sized game hunting or long-range target shooting.
The Ruger American Gen II delivers impressive accuracy and performance, thanks to its combination of a free-floated barrel, Power Bedding system, and quality construction. The rifle consistently delivers tight groups at various distances, making it a reliable choice for precision shooting. Its ability to handle a wide range of calibers also makes it adaptable to different shooting scenarios and environments.
Accessories and Customization
Ruger offers a range of accessories and upgrades to further enhance the Ruger American Gen II. These include different stock options, such as the Magpul® Hunter™ stock, which provides a modern aesthetic and additional features. Ruger also offers a rifle case specifically designed for the American Rifle, providing a secure and protective storage solution.
Additionally, the rifle is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, including different scope mounts, bipods, and muzzle devices. This flexibility allows shooters to customize their Ruger American Gen II to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized shooting experience.
Note: When choosing accessories, ensure they are compatible with the specific model and caliber of your Ruger American Gen II.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Ruger American Gen II. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, especially after shooting or exposure to harsh environments. Ruger provides a detailed owner's manual that outlines the recommended maintenance procedures and offers guidance on disassembly and reassembly.
It is important to use the appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants, as recommended by Ruger, to maintain the rifle's performance and prevent any potential damage. Additionally, storing the rifle in a dry and secure location will help preserve its condition and extend its lifespan.
Real-World Performance and Feedback
The Ruger American Gen II has received positive feedback from hunters and shooters alike. Its reliability, accuracy, and affordable price point have made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and capable rifle. Many users appreciate the rifle's ergonomic design, smooth bolt operation, and consistent performance across various calibers.
Hunters have reported successful hunts with the Ruger American Gen II, praising its accuracy and dependability in the field. The rifle's ability to handle different calibers and shooting conditions has made it a go-to option for those seeking a reliable hunting companion. Its reputation for accuracy and precision has also made it a favorite among competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Ruger American Gen II offers an excellent combination of features, performance, and value. Its modern design, reliable action, and accurate shooting capabilities have earned it a reputation as a top choice for hunters and recreational shooters. With its versatile caliber options, customizable accessories, and user-friendly features, the Ruger American Gen II provides an exceptional shooting experience at an affordable price point.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a novice shooter, the Ruger American Gen II is a rifle that delivers on its promises. Its lightweight construction, ergonomic stock, and adjustable trigger make it comfortable to shoot, while its free-floated barrel and Power Bedding system ensure accuracy and consistency. With proper care and maintenance, this rifle will serve you well for years to come, providing countless memorable shooting experiences.
What are the available calibers for the Ruger American Gen II?
+The Ruger American Gen II is available in a wide range of calibers, including .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum, and many more. Ruger offers a diverse selection to cater to various hunting and shooting needs.
Can I customize the stock of the Ruger American Gen II?
+Yes, Ruger offers different stock options for the American Rifle, including the Magpul® Hunter™ stock. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of aftermarket stocks to further personalize your rifle.
Is the Ruger American Gen II suitable for long-range shooting?
+Absolutely! The Ruger American Gen II is known for its impressive accuracy and precision, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. Its free-floated barrel and Power Bedding system contribute to its ability to deliver consistent and accurate shots at extended distances.
How often should I clean and maintain my Ruger American Gen II?
+Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your rifle. It is recommended to clean and lubricate your Ruger American Gen II after every shooting session or at least once a month. Follow the maintenance procedures outlined in the owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Are there any aftermarket accessories recommended for the Ruger American Gen II?
+There are numerous aftermarket accessories available for the Ruger American Gen II, including scope mounts, bipods, muzzle brakes, and more. These accessories can enhance the rifle’s performance and customize it to your specific needs. Research and choose accessories that are compatible with your rifle’s model and caliber.