ruger american

M

MNDH 1007

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Does anyone have first hand experience with this rifle... Considering buying one in 270 in oct... How accurate are they for the value of the rifle? Shouldered one at my local Joes and it seems 2 feel good in my hands:). Also debating scope feeling Nikon Buckmaster or Vari X 1. Trying not 2 spend the extra $$$ but also considering the T3 lite... Thanks:)
 
The American is a great rifle for the money but the Tikka T3 is miles ahead of it. If you can save up for the Tikka that's what I'd do.

As for scopes I'd rather Have the Nikon Buckmaster out of the two you listed, but also consider the Burris Fullfield E1.
 
I agree with Steve on the rifle, the T3 is an excellent rifle.
I disagree with Steve on the scopes. I would get the VX1 over the Nikon any day. Better warranty, should you need it. Leupold, to me, is the better optic and manufacturer...

I have a Tikka T3 lite in .308 and my scope choice was a VX1 4-12x40. I've had the rifle and scope for 8 years now and never an ounce of trouble from either. Taken some nice deer and a few hogs with it over the past 8 years.
 
Is Nikon's warranty for the original purchaser only?

To the OP, if you can swing around $500 for the rifle, take a look at the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. You won't be disappointed.
 
Actually i dont remember I bought all my Nikon scopes a while ago. However i have a feeling maybe thats where precision shooter is coming from.
 
I think Leupold is a fine company with a fine warranty, I just think you're paying for the name (and maybe also the warranty) more than anything when you buy a Leupold. IMO there are better scopes in the same price range as the VX-1. But some (not all) Leupold owners continue to prefer the Leupolds for reasons like "my grand-daddy had one and that's all my my dad ever used and I've heard for years and years they are the best scope and that's what Jack O'Conner used",and so on. And back in those days, they were head-and-shoulders above a lot of the other brands. But optics in general have come a long way since then, and it's a lot more competitive market than it used to be. Don't get me wrong, Leupold makes great scopes, I just consider them a little over-priced for what you actually get.
 
Probably has a little bit to do with the fact that they are made in the USA compared to being made overseas and shipped to the USA. Those pesky labor laws get in the way of price every time...
 
Very true about the labor laws. Most of the scopes I prefer are made in Japan or the Phillipines. Just steer clear of "Made in China" and you should be fine. I like the idea of buying American made products but paying more for less just doesn't make sense to me. So I'm off to the hunting spot in my Toyota truck pulling my Honda ATV and I've got my Howa rifle with a Burris scope on it. :o
 
I have a Ruger American in .30-06 with a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9 x 40 with Ballistic Drop Compensating reticle.

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The Nikon ballistic program said that using 180 grain Remington Core-Lokt's that I should zero about 3/4" high at 50 yards to be dead on at 200 yards.

I zeroed the rifle and on my last group I fired three rounds touching with the center about 3/4" high.

I put four clay pigeons on a rock outcropping at 200 yards and busted them all four with four shots firing from prone, sling supported. If you notice the rifle has a GI web sling.

Since the clay pigeons are 4 1/4" in diameter and I busted each of them with one shot aiming center mass, I figured that my zero was confirmed and that I had found an accurate load for it.

So my Ruger American in .30-06 with a Nikon Buckmaster shoots within about 1 MOA with factory 180 grain Remington Core-Lokt ammunition.

I am happy with that.
 
ok my friend has one. ive helped him buy and set it up so i have some knowledge


the new ones come with a rail system to mount scopes(not the weird ruger barrel mounts anymore)

its very accurate and light. but as my buddies is a 30 06 it kicks hard due to this. a recoil pad, and a cheek raiser have fixed most of his issues. ive put a bunch of rounds dead center overlapping at 100. ive never shot it past 100yrads but i think hes moved to 200 with it

overall its a good tight package, but he states he'd wished hed gotten it in 308, for the shorter pull back.

other than that its a perfect rifle and has been awarded rifle of the year

heres a reference of size when compared to my mosin nagant

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My sister-in-law has the .243 version. It's been accurate with factory and hand loaded ammo, and it's light weight (and low recoil chambering) make it easy for her and her kids to shoot.

The fit and finish could be a little better, the stock is a bit ugly, and the magazine, although it works just fine, seems to be kinda flimsy and ready to fall out all the time............but it's not a $900 Remmington or Winchester, and it's not really fair to compare it to the higher priced rifles like some people do. It seems to be a good, relatively inexpensive no frills rifle. For the $320 my brother paid for it, I think its a pretty good deal.

After handling and shooting one, I am looking for one for myself, a compact .243 (wish they would make a .257 version).
 
I have one in 270. With a Redfield 2-7x scope, it has decent hunting accuracy with both 130 and 150 gr bullets. It is light and has a decent somewhat adjustable trigger.
I have a lot if other rifles, but this one gets shot more than the others. (I have a lot of 270 bullets for reloading).
 
I don't really like the Prostaff scopes but for not much more there are some great deals on the Buckmaster's scopes out there and they are FANTASTIC for the money. The Buckmaster's line has a more pleasing image to my eyes than Leupold VX1 and VX2 scopes and are just as good in low light, IME. The one thing I like about the Leupolds and dislike in the Nikon scopes is the "tunnel" effect where you see a lot of black around the image. The Leupold's image is right out to the edge.
 
Nikon vs. Leupold

I have one of each. The Nikon is a Monarch series and is very clear and has "positive" clicks when you have to adjust it (sighting in).

The Leupold is a VX 1. It is also very clear BUT it does NOT have "positive" clicks when adjusting. It is much more difficult to adjust than the Nikon.

Both have excellent warranties and IMHO are equal in scope clarity and holding zero.

Now, IMHO my Minox scope is even clearer than either of these scopes. It also has a lifetime warranty should something go wrong. Minox is not as well known as the others but they are fantastic glass. Camerland of NY is a supporter/contributor on this site and has excellent pricing on all 3 of these scopes plus others. Hope this helps you out.
 
I'm debating the compact version more and more and wish they had one in the 300 RCM... What does everyone think 308 or 7mm-08 for deer. Feeling the 308
 
Between the two, 7-08 all day long. A little less recoil, bullet weights better suited for deer hunting, a little flatter shooting.

I'd still rather have the .243 than either, but that's just me. All three will kill a deer just as dead with proper shot placement.

The same can be said for most centerfire rifle cartridges.
 
My nephew's American in .243 is very accurate. Sub-MOA groups from a bench and not picky about it's ammo. The manufacturer saves money on fit & finish, and it shows. But if you want a good working gun at a reasonable price then the American is a good choice.

As far as the scopes go, I only have direct experience with the Nikon Buckmaster. I have it mounted on a Savage .223, and it works very well. The optics are clear and it holds zero well. The only thing I would like to change would be the eye relief, it seems a bit short.
 
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