The Ruger American rifle series has always been known for delivering solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
The new Generation II (Gen 2) model continues this tradition with several noteworthy enhancements. Pete Moore from PCM Guns recently took the Ruger American Gen 2 for a test drive and shared his thoughts on this updated iteration of the popular rifle. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this rifle a compelling choice for hunters and shooters alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG7cHd2HrcU
An Overview of the Ruger American Gen 2
The original Ruger American rifle was introduced as an entry-level, budget-friendly option, but the Gen 2 model has taken things up a notch while maintaining its affordability. This rifle now sports a more attractive design with several shooter-friendly features, making it a strong contender in the competitive market for affordable hunting rifles.
One of the first things Pete notes about the Ruger American Gen 2 is its synthetic stock, which is not made from fibreglass but rather a type of blown plastic. While this material may not be as robust as some higher-end options, it keeps the rifle lightweight and budget-friendly. The stock includes replaceable comb sections, allowing shooters to adjust the height to achieve optimal head positioning. Additionally, the adjustable length of pull ensures a more personalised fit, making it comfortable for shooters of varying sizes.
Key Features and Improvements
A significant upgrade in the Gen 2 model is the introduction of the T-hang safety, a three-position safety system that provides an additional layer of security and ease of use. This feature is borrowed from Ruger’s M77 series and represents a thoughtful addition to the American line, which previously had a two-position safety.
The Ruger American Gen 2 comes with a 20-inch medium-weight barrel that is spiral-fluted. These deep flutes not only add a visually striking element to the rifle but also reduce weight, which can improve handling. The barrel is paired with a Picatinny rail as standard, a welcome addition that allows for easy mounting of optics.
The rifle’s feed system uses a three-round box magazine, which is a bit unconventional due to its single-column design. While this design ensures reliable feeding, it does mean that rounds cannot be loaded through the ejection port. However, the magazine’s robust polymer construction and thick feed lips should provide long-term durability.
The Marksman trigger is another highlight, drawing comparisons to the Savage AccuTrigger. It’s adjustable for weight, ranging between 3 and 5 pounds, which allows shooters to fine-tune it to their preference. While the trigger isn’t revolutionary, it offers a crisp enough break for accurate shooting, especially given the rifle’s price point.
Performance and Handling
At 6.2 pounds, the Ruger American Gen 2 is a handy and manoeuvrable rifle. Pete found it to be well-suited for various shooting positions, including off a bipod. The 41.25-inch overall length and the option to adjust the comb height and length of pull make it versatile for different users and shooting scenarios.
The Gen 2 also features Ruger’s Power Bedding system, which uses moulded V-blocks in the stock to engage with the receiver, ensuring consistent bedding and enhancing accuracy. This is a clever way to maintain performance in a budget rifle, offering shooters confidence that the action is securely bedded.
During testing, Pete fired a variety of ammunition through the Ruger American Gen 2, including Hornady Full Boar, Remington Core-Lokt, and Norma Tipstrike. The rifle consistently delivered sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups, particularly with the Remington Core-Lokt, which produced an impressive 0.757-inch group at 100 yards. This level of accuracy, combined with the rifle’s other features, positions it as a strong performer in its price range.
Value for Money
With a retail price hovering around £800, the Ruger American Gen 2 offers exceptional value. It competes well with rifles that cost significantly more, thanks to its combination of practical features, reliable performance, and decent aesthetics. Pete particularly appreciated the fluted barrel and the overall adjustability of the rifle, both of which contribute to its versatility and appeal.
For hunters looking for a reliable rifle that won’t break the bank, the Ruger American Gen 2 is a solid option. It’s capable of handling all the deer species in the UK and can even be used for larger game overseas when chambered in calibres like .308 Winchester. Moreover, the rifle’s lightweight and manoeuvrability make it a great choice for those who spend long hours in the field.
Final Thoughts
Pete Moore’s review of the Ruger American Gen 2 highlights the rifle’s strengths as a well-rounded, budget-friendly option for hunters and target shooters. Its upgraded features, like the three-position safety, Power Bedding system, and fluted barrel, add value without significantly increasing the price. While there are minor areas where the rifle could improve, such as the trigger and magazine design, these do not detract from its overall appeal. For anyone in the market for an affordable and capable rifle, the Ruger American Gen 2 is well worth considering.
