Ruger American Predator rifle

[Gadfly]

Anyone have any experience with the Ruger American Rifle? The threaded version is the "predator" model.

I got to handle one today, a 16" .308 w TB. Light, handy, and low price. No a great trigger, but a decent trigger. I have been looking for a bolt gun to supress. I was thinking rem 700 AAC or Savage hog hunter. But I liked the Ruger and the price was good.

This would be a fun gun, not a sniper rifle. Under 200yrd for hunting, probably out to 600 max for fun and ringing steel...

Any info on this gun?

[Sean O]

The predator barrel should be 18" in 308, not that it matters honestly. I currently have the regular american compact that also has an 18" barrel, just the shorter stock. I have it set up as a pig gun with 1-4 VXR. With a Leupold, Talley rings and a cheek riser (you will need a cheek riser for it) the loaded weight comes in right at 7 lbs. A 5 shot group with 168gr TSX was right about 1.5". I am not very good with a rifle, but was very happy with the guns capability for the cost. Nothing that will blow you away, but as a tool it seems to work well.

Also, the trigger is adjustable and will go from being 'okay' to 'pretty decent'. I set mine where I'm happy, breaks smoothly at 4 lbs consistently. Again, nothing to brag about but very workable. I am content enough with the compact that I plan to pick up a predator and put higher magnification glass on it, throw the Harvester on and go find some deer.