A few days ago, a friend asked me to sight-in and check-out his new Ruger American, in .308 Win, a gift from his son. Cabelas had "installed" a Leupold VX-2 on it, but not well-positioned for him. I decided to re-install it, finding one base not firmly tightened, so it was removed and re-installed with Locktitie, turning it 180* to better support the rear of the scope after moving it back about a half-inch.
The trigger was over 5 lbs, so he wanted it lighter. It took several turns to get it down to 3.5 lbs, but it ended up smooth, with a safe amount of pre-travel and minimal backlash.
The recoil pad is similar to Limb-Saver types.
I was very impressed with the V-Block bedding system, which tightened-down as firmly as other pillar or aluminum-block bedding systems, using a hex wrench.
The scope was bore-sighted at 50 feet to be about 1 1/4" above bore line, using a Sweeny-Site-Align card, (but not the Laser). First shot was about 3" high at 30 yards, then cranking the scope down, next shot, 3" high at 100 yds, cranking down 12 clicks to center and the next two shots with Federal 150s went into the center, 1/2" apart, one almost dead center. Federals were the only name brand he could find.
The guy wanted to use Rem Core-Locts, but they are unavailable. We both looked for some at three stores and couldn't find them. I had a half-box of older ones lying around for many years, so I tried them and they went into the 3" bull also, but an inch to the right and a quarter-inch low, an inch apart vertically.
The rifle is very accurate, has a good trigger, solid bedding, nicely designed action. The bolt lift is a bit hard, but it should get easier after break-in. Cleaning the bore, I noticed a nice tightening as the patch got within a few inches of the muzzle...a perfect situation, one that is typical of the Tikkas, Sakos and most custom barrels. The rotary magazine fed flawlessly.
Bottom line: I won't hesitate recommending this rifle, especially to people who are looking for a decent, new rifle, at relatively low cost. They were advertised recently for just over $300 at a chain store. I'm more impressed with the American than recent Rem 700 ADLs seen recently at a local store.
I'd like to have shot the rifle more, but with the scarcity of .308 Win ammo, decided it was fine. The guy said he hasn't shot a deer over 100 yards in his area and wanted it zeroed there. (The BDC on his scope will allow him to adjust easily, should a longer shot be presented.)
The trigger was over 5 lbs, so he wanted it lighter. It took several turns to get it down to 3.5 lbs, but it ended up smooth, with a safe amount of pre-travel and minimal backlash.
The recoil pad is similar to Limb-Saver types.
I was very impressed with the V-Block bedding system, which tightened-down as firmly as other pillar or aluminum-block bedding systems, using a hex wrench.
The scope was bore-sighted at 50 feet to be about 1 1/4" above bore line, using a Sweeny-Site-Align card, (but not the Laser). First shot was about 3" high at 30 yards, then cranking the scope down, next shot, 3" high at 100 yds, cranking down 12 clicks to center and the next two shots with Federal 150s went into the center, 1/2" apart, one almost dead center. Federals were the only name brand he could find.
The guy wanted to use Rem Core-Locts, but they are unavailable. We both looked for some at three stores and couldn't find them. I had a half-box of older ones lying around for many years, so I tried them and they went into the 3" bull also, but an inch to the right and a quarter-inch low, an inch apart vertically.
The rifle is very accurate, has a good trigger, solid bedding, nicely designed action. The bolt lift is a bit hard, but it should get easier after break-in. Cleaning the bore, I noticed a nice tightening as the patch got within a few inches of the muzzle...a perfect situation, one that is typical of the Tikkas, Sakos and most custom barrels. The rotary magazine fed flawlessly.
Bottom line: I won't hesitate recommending this rifle, especially to people who are looking for a decent, new rifle, at relatively low cost. They were advertised recently for just over $300 at a chain store. I'm more impressed with the American than recent Rem 700 ADLs seen recently at a local store.
I'd like to have shot the rifle more, but with the scarcity of .308 Win ammo, decided it was fine. The guy said he hasn't shot a deer over 100 yards in his area and wanted it zeroed there. (The BDC on his scope will allow him to adjust easily, should a longer shot be presented.)
