Don't know how many of you saw this but Ruger just came out with a bolt action .22lr that uses 10/22 mags and has a modular stock system. The stock can be swapped out for high (scopes) or low comb and length of pull.
Basically two versions, the standard rifle has a 22" bbl, the compact an 18" one. Also in .22 mag.
For scope mounting, It has 3/8" top grove for .22 scope, tapped for a weaver rail or you can use Ruger scope rings.
http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRimfire/index.html
MSR is $329 but street price is around $250 and is already being sold for that price.
The front sight looks removable so there is hope to get tech sights in it. Who knows the Marlin version might even fit...
HHHMMM Rear sight in the rear portion of the scope rail, RDS in the front portion of the rail, full co-witness ... I might get one
It looks like a winner especially at that price.....O.L.
Yes, I think they did. It is a huge inprovement on the price front the 77/22 was about double that price. Now to find out how well it shoots and what the trigger is like.
On my radar.. Wish they'd ditch the 10/22 rear sight, but I guess most people are going to scope it anyhow... Price point is right... If the reviews are good, I might change my mind on getting a CZ (for awhile anyway)... BeSwift
With tech sights it would be great. O0
They finally added studs for real sling options and did not use that silly curved butt plate design that is so common on their other models.
Quote from: BeSwift on September 01, 2013, 02:13:12 PM
On my radar.. Wish they'd ditch the 10/22 rear sight, but I guess most people are going to scope it anyhow... Price point is right... If the reviews are good, I might change my mind on getting a CZ (for awhile anyway)... BeSwift
Exactly. If it approaches the legendary accuracy of the CZ, it's a no brainer and may fill the gap left by the discontinuing of the CZ452 MTR at a much lower price point. Will be interesting to see how successful they'll be in rimfire sporter next year. Lot's of great features on this design. The shorter buttstock insert on the standard rifle might be a good combo for cycling the bolt without losing cheek weld for us smaller guys. Will have to try it out and see how it feels.
Apparently the trigger is adjustable and they are in the hands of some shooters already. They are getting good marks on fit, finish and accuracy. Of course the buzz is still high on it so time will tell.
Ky gun company had them in stock the last couple days for $250 with free shipping. Sold out today though.
Personally I would have liked to see a 20" bbl for the rifle and 16" for the compact version. Not sure the point of a 22" bbl was.
I have several old bolt action 22s which I explored using to try and shoot Rifleman with, non were really suitable in terms of mags, mag releases, sights or scope mounting. This new Ruger looks like the perfect bolt action LTR.
(I would like one in both 22 and 22 mag) O0
Does the instructor discount apply? >:D I'm supposed to move before I buy another gun. &)
a review:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ruger-american-rimfire-new-gun-review/
trigger is similar to Savage accu-trigers, which would put it about the same level of "nice" as a CZ 452 trigger, in my experience.
the article states best accuracy was 1 inch at 50 yards, 2 MOA by my calculations
another (in-depth) review here:
http://www.gunsumerreports.com/review_ruger_american_rimfire_p1.php
k
Theres a lot of talk about this rifle already. Cant wait to check one out locally.
Big price difference between these and the 77/22.
That long barrel with irons would be the ticket, LONG sight radius is GOOD! :)...O.L.
Quote from: Stand on September 01, 2013, 05:27:59 PM
Does the instructor discount apply? >:D I'm supposed to move before I buy another gun. &)
Even if it's an "early Christmas present"? Sometimes that works with Ev. >:D
Just sent in a big order to Ruger on their Instructor's discount program. This rifle was NOT on the list of discounted guns.
tk
You can add a Karsten adjustable cheek piece and a limbsaver buttplate to a Savage MK II and shoot Rifleman scores all day for less $ than the Ruger. You can even get a threaded barrel for a suppressor and still spend less.
Not trying to rain on the Ruger parade, just saying there are other options for less money that might even be better.
Quote from: Niskibum on September 02, 2013, 01:43:53 PM
You can add a Karsten adjustable cheek piece and a limbsaver buttplate to a Savage MK II and shoot Rifleman scores all day for less $ than the Ruger. You can even get a threaded barrel for a suppressor and still spend less.
Not trying to rain on the Ruger parade, just saying there are other options for less money that might even be better.
A savage MK II is fine rifle plauged by a troublesome magazine.
The Ruger is intresting because of the 10-22 mag.
The mag is the best feature of Ruger's 10-22.
Quote from: Mark Davis on September 02, 2013, 02:40:28 PM
Quote from: Niskibum on September 02, 2013, 01:43:53 PM
You can add a Karsten adjustable cheek piece and a limbsaver buttplate to a Savage MK II and shoot Rifleman scores all day for less $ than the Ruger. You can even get a threaded barrel for a suppressor and still spend less.
Not trying to rain on the Ruger parade, just saying there are other options for less money that might even be better.
A savage MK II is fine rifle plauged by a troublesome magazine.
The Ruger is intresting because of the 10-22 mag.
The mag is the best feature of Ruger's 10-22.
mag problems on the Savage Mk II ?
I haven't seen any, please elaborate.
I have seen plenty of RM scores shot with the Savage.
k
hmm, a little googling says there are mag problems, mostly w/ the blued ones, less w/ stainless ones
apparently the feed lips may need some tweeking
still haven't seen it on any of the ones that have turned up at shoots
Quote from: malabar on September 02, 2013, 12:16:39 PM
Just sent in a big order to Ruger on their Instructor's discount program. This rifle was NOT on the list of discounted guns.
tk
I would guess that this will be on the instructor program eventually. On the other hand some of the prices on the instructor program isn't all that less if at all if you shop around.
Savage magazine problem: Sometimes the tennons are not peined enough and the top of the magazine can split apart at the corners. Take the magazine apart revove all oil and super glue or solder the joint or pein the tennons so they hold.
The feed lips are also weak. It is just stamped steel. Some times they spread and the rounds just shoot out the top. The look on my daughters face the first time it happened was priceless. Less so when it happened a couple more times and she was getting upset. (lefty bolt)
Quote from: Stand on September 02, 2013, 08:43:36 PM
Savage magazine problem: Sometimes the tennons are not peined enough and the top of the magazine can split apart at the corners. Take the magazine apart revove all oil and super glue or solder the joint or lien the tennons so they hold.
The feed lips are alos weak. It is just stamped steel. Some times they spread and the rounds just shoot out the top. The look on my daughters face the first time it happened was priceless. Less so when it happened a couple more times and she was getting upset. (lefty bolt)
Are there any decent aftermarket options for the Savage mags? We use the CMP single shot / peep sight versions for our range's beginner light rifle program, and I've helped a couple of new shooters sight in Mk II package guns (w/mag & scope) that they've bought. Nice trigger, very accurate, a lot of gun for the money.
Quote from: Kosciusko on September 02, 2013, 05:51:50 PM
Quote from: Mark Davis on September 02, 2013, 02:40:28 PM
Quote from: Niskibum on September 02, 2013, 01:43:53 PM
You can add a Karsten adjustable cheek piece and a limbsaver buttplate to a Savage MK II and shoot Rifleman scores all day for less $ than the Ruger. You can even get a threaded barrel for a suppressor and still spend less.
Not trying to rain on the Ruger parade, just saying there are other options for less money that might even be better.
A savage MK II is fine rifle plauged by a troublesome magazine.
The Ruger is intresting because of the 10-22 mag.
The mag is the best feature of Ruger's 10-22.
mag problems on the Savage Mk II ?
I haven't seen any, please elaborate.
I have seen plenty of RM scores shot with the Savage.
k
hmm, a little googling says there are mag problems, mostly w/ the blued ones, less w/ stainless ones
apparently the feed lips may need some tweeking
still haven't seen it on any of the ones that have turned up at shoots
I have several MK II mags. Enough do not want to feed the last round that I just prep 3 and 9.
The bolt catches the rim, the cartridge slides forward, the bullet hangs up at the edge of the chamber.
Got plenty of time to stick my pinkie in the action to get the last round to feed on stage one and four.
I have not experienced any mag problems yet with mine, but I've only had the rifle 6 or 7 months now. Could these problems start to appear as they get old?
I have had issues with some of my 10/22 mags, mostly rounds getting hung up down in the mag and you have to smack it in the palm of your hand to get them to pop up. This has occurred mostly with subs, but sometimes with high velocity rounds too. I have taken apart the mags and cleaned them, but I still have the issue with the subs mostly. I think they need the recoil for the rounds to feed well. Never happens with the Savage mags, they have always fed no matter what they are loaded with.
Although the Savage mags seem kind of flimsy I like them better than the 10/22 because they take up a lot less room with the single stack configuration, and I have yet to have one fail to feed. The only problems I have had with the MK II is when I short stroked the bolt during some AQTs, but that was my fault, not the rifles.
The accuracy with the Savage is by far superior to the 10/22, even after replacing the horrible trigger on the 10/22, but that doesn't mean that this new Ruger isn't more accurate as well.
Could be I got a bad lot of MK II mags when I purchased several at one time.
I'm going to look at my mags and see if soldering will help.
10-22 mags are not flawless, besides cleaning and spring tension, some do need bits of excess plastic from moulding sanded off to work right,
a little dry moly or graphite lube on rotor end helps out too.
Despit the bulkiness of 10-22 mags they are easy to fix, and take a lot more abuse before they are destroyed.
One of the great features of the 10/22 (and this new Ruger American) is the flush mount of the mag, IMO. Great for those with shorter arms that like to keep the support hand up against the trigger guard in offhand.
So far though, the preliminary accuracy reports are not very impressive. Hopefully one of ours will get their hands on one soon and give a better evaluation than what's out there right now.
Cabela's is showing them on their site for $290 and list it as "MOA" accurate.
CZ452's have cleaned up in CMP rimfire sporter over the last few years, so they're obviously quite capable in an AQT and would therefore seem to be the reigning "perfect" bolt action LTR, especially considering the military style sights, barrel length and heft. Look forward to someone doing a head to head comparison.
Whichever bolt action you choose I highly recommend shooting some AQTs with one. After you spend a day running the bolt and trying to get all your shots off in time it will seem like you have all kinds of time when you go back to a semi. O0
I've promised myself the next bolt action will be a CZ-452 Ultra Lux. I've seen what that 28" barrel will do and I want one (I've already purchased the Tech Sights for it).
I picked up one of the Ruger Americans this past Sunday. I'll be taking it down to the Appleseed in Myakka, Fl and let my fellow Instructors beat on to see how suitable it is for shooting AQT's with out of the box. I'll post a summery of our impressions.
Quote from: stoneknives on September 04, 2013, 02:03:38 PM
I picked up one of the Ruger Americans this past Sunday. I'll be taking it down to the Appleseed in Myakka, Fl and let my fellow Instructors beat on to see how suitable it is for shooting AQT's with out of the box. I'll post a summery of our impressions.
Oh boy, o boy, o boy! Looking forward to hearing about it.
As soon as I see Tech-Sights available, I'll definitely be picking one up. Maybe two...
Field Report on the new Ruger American 10/22 for my fellow Appleseeder's.
Some quick impressions of the new rifle. I'll post a bench style accuracy report soon.
I'll start with the pluses from the Butt and work toward the muzzle.
• Stock shape with the interchangeable modules for Pull and Comb Height works generally well for most humans from 12 to 100 years old.
• Stock is generally stiff. (unlike many plastic stocks)
• The metal V-block bedding system with 2 screws works well.
• The interchangeable stock system is sturdy and easy to change.
• Pistol grip is well shaped and is comfortable for most hands with good texture on the grip.
• The forend has a good shape also and was long enough to fit those folks with longer arms .
• Factory sling swivels are a plus.
• Safety is positive and well marked.
• Trigger on mine broke at just under 3 3/4 lbs on my gage and had a clean break with no OT.
• Extended Magazine release worked as advertised, just like a Ruger 10/22 semi-auto.
• Bolt is pretty darn smooth, exceptional in this $ range, the bolt release on the left side acts as a extra bolt guide.
• Bolt handle position while not a Lee Enfield is better than average.
• The 60 degree bolt lift clears a Low Mounted, standard size scope easily.
• Positive feeding and extraction no FTF's or FTE's.
• Fit and finish is Ruger Standard Quality.
• Accuracy is nice. Under 1-MOA prone position 25m with Federal 40gr Standard Velocity lead. (with 2X scope)
• Drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 bases or can use 2 regular rimfire scope rings.
• Reliable and Inexpensive 10/22 mags. Huuzzzaaa
Now for me to nit-pick.
• Butt plate is too smooth and slips very easily in the shoulder pocket. Major PIA for me in prone. (problem pretty simple to rectify with stippling, deck tape or other)
• The stock release is the rear sling swivel (good idea) but even when you get it just snuggled down, it gets pretty low into the stock. Some swivels wont quite fit. ( I will try a couple small washers for a fix)
• The bolt that holds the butt on falls out to be lost easily. (I remedied with a piece of tape)
• Would like to see XL size stock module from Ruger. ( US males are not Year 1900 size anymore)
• The forend does flex some and might cause a barrel contact issue for the folk who sling up TIGHT. (I will be opening the channel and possibly epoxing a aluminum piece of channel in mine)
• The forend bottom is slick when it's a standard 90-90 Summer day in Florida. (something that can be fixed with deck tape or stippling) Ruger put all the texture up on the topby the barrel. It probably works well if you need an emergency boat paddle.
• The trigger release blade is a little gritty. (the actual trigger is a crisp 3 3/4 lbs, I'll give it a little fluff-n-buff)
• The tipoff scope grooves on the rear half of the receiver Do Not go all the way across the rear of the receiver. This will be an issue for you folks that like the 1 Piece HD airgun style mounts. Otherwise it's strictly 2 Piece Style mounts using the grooves or Weaver #12 bases.
• The mag release seamed stiff to me, but worked well.
• The Ft sight is a Fiber, easy to pick up, blows for precision work. Fine for killing cans or as a BUIS but NG for AppleSeed AQT. At least with my 55year issue eyeballs.
All in all very happy with the purchase so far, . Once I tune it for my build it should be a great addition to the household.
I made an inquiry to TechSight as to the availably of sights for the new model and the was the reply.
"We don't know what sight will fit the Ruger American Rimfire yet. We have to get our hands on one and do some testing. It appears that our MXT200 sight package may be a close fit. Check back in the future and we may know more then.
Thank you for being an Appleseed Instructor and for the great compliments.
Sincerely,
Erik Nesseth"
Nice... wish they'd had this when I bought my last Ruger rifle. They have added what I had to rig myself. Very cool. I have the American Rifle in .308 and it was perfect right out of the box. Have a bunch of others but Ruger is one of my favs, especially for Appleseed.
Tech Sights for Ruger 10/22 AMERICAN
The great folk's at TechSights sent me a Answer to the 10/22 American sight question.
"We have tested our sights on the new Ruger American Rimfire rifle. We found that the sight components we use in the MXT200 (Marlin bolt action sights) sight package will fit the Ruger with one exception. The factory front sight is held on with one screw which uses a different thread pitch than our sight package. The easiest solution is to use the original Ruger front sight screw to attach our front sight to the barrel instead of the screw that comes with our MXT200 sight.
Until we get specific instructions and packaging made for the Ruger sight package, and until we get the new sight package listed on our web page, the MXT200 sight package is the correct sight for use with the Ruger American Rimfire rifle.
Attached is a quick image showing our sights on the rifle.
Thank you for your interest in our products.
Sincerely,
Erik Nesseth"
A thing of beauty. Sold!
Thanks for the review. O0
Hi guys, I can't wait to buy a bolt-action Ruger American .22! But, I will probably attend my first Appleseed shoot before that. This November in New Philadelphia, OH.
My .22 of choice is a well loved '68 Savage Springfield 120A.
I don't know if there is an emphasis on speed at Appleseed. I suppose there is a rapid-fire string to shoot. Will my vintage hand-loader be a pain?
My teenager will shoot his 10/22
Best wishes,
Steve
Steve,
Rifleman scores have been shot on the AQT with single shot bolt rifles...by extremely experienced Appleseed instructors. So, it can be done. If you simply want to learn the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and want to learn about your heritage and history, come with your Savage. Most every Shoot Boss and most instructors bring loaner rifles as well.
UL
Quote from: Fixxer on October 24, 2013, 08:55:39 PM
I don't know if there is an emphasis on speed at Appleseed. I suppose there is a rapid-fire string to shoot. Will my vintage hand-loader be a pain?
The emphasis is on proper technique, not speed, but there are two stages of the Army Qualification Target course of fire that are rapid fire: sitting or kneeling rapid, and prone rapid. 10 shot in 50 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively, transitioning from the unloaded standing condition, meaning the clock is running while you are getting into position and loading. A single-shot rifle will definitely be a handicap during those stages, as it is a push even with a bolt-action repeater or other non-self-loaders. But don't let that keep you from going, learning all you can, shooting your best, and having fun. Figure out some techniques ahead of time to minimize the single shot penalty, like having a way to have your ammo super easy to access, such as a block with generous spacing around each round.
Thanks Guys, I guess I've never been in much of a hurry when shooting the .22
My son on the other hand wishes his .22 was a Tommy Gun :~
I'm certain to enjoy myself at Appleseed no matter what, but I'm still surfing the gun shops for a .22 American :)
Steve
PS BTW: Vote Gary
Bought a standard (long) barrel Ruger American Rimfire yesterday, and ordered TechSights for it last night. I like that it shoots quiets and subsonic ammo without complaining :) I shot about 50 rounds during our winter rain yesterday, but with fresh snow on the ground this morning I may not get out...besides I hate the stock sights. It just makes it hard to enjoy precision shooting trying to balance a glowing green dot on a white diamond #)
I'll report again after more shooting,
Fixxer
Realguns.com did a very nice (and very favorable) review of the American rimfire. They replied to me via FB, that they found it more accurate than the CZ 455 in their testing. Given the lighter weight (which would allow a scoped version to make the 7.5lb. CMP rimfire sporter limit), I think we'll be seeing a lot of them at Camp Perry this summer:
http://www.realguns.com/articles/535.htm
Picked up the rifle version yesterday. The trigger sold me on it..VERY nice... Very excited to try it out this weekend. Ordered all items needed to mount a scope to it. Going to try it out at Camp Butner CMP Rimfire Sporter, so we'll see how it goes... BeSwift
UPDATE: Tried it out with 3 different kinds of ammo on the "squares" target at 25 yrds off the bench.. Using stock Ruger iron sights, was UGLY.. Definitely Minute Of Beercan... If you get one of these you're going to HAVE TO do Tech Sites or glass for any kind of precision shooting. Best group was about 1", with most averaging closer to 2"... I'll update again once I have glass on the rifle..
I have sold several of these rifles and have yet to hear a complaint about it. Granted, the majority of the customers I sold them have not been the competition type or have gone to an Appleseed (yet... it's still to damn cold here in WI!).
The CZ-452 was already the perfect bolt action LTR... I have to try hard NOT to shoot Expert with mine, lol... but the Ruger is certainly a more affordable option. It has big shoes to fill if it hopes to compete with the Savage bolt guns, which are both extremely accurate and extremely cheap... but the fact that it takes 10/22 mags is a huge selling point. I have only seen one on the firing line so far... a kid was trying to make do with the factory irons and was not doing well. He ended up switching out for a Tech Sighted loaner to finish the course. I did get to handle the rifle, and it seemed to be of high quality. I have no doubt it will be a great Rifleman making machine with the addition of Tech Sights or a scope.
Almost above freezing on this Presidents Day...time to go celebrate Liberty O0
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/12391199893_872e8e086b_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixxer/12391199893/)
RAR3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixxer/12391199893/) by FX'r (http://www.flickr.com/people/fixxer/), on Flickr
Quote from: BeSwift on February 06, 2014, 10:31:08 AM
Picked up the rifle version yesterday. The trigger sold me on it..VERY nice... Very excited to try it out this weekend. Ordered all items needed to mount a scope to it. Going to try it out at Camp Butner CMP Rimfire Sporter, so we'll see how it goes... BeSwift
UPDATE: Tried it out with 3 different kinds of ammo on the "squares" target at 25 yrds off the bench.. Using stock Ruger iron sights, was UGLY.. Definitely Minute Of Beercan... If you get one of these you're going to HAVE TO do Tech Sites or glass for any kind of precision shooting. Best group was about 1", with most averaging closer to 2"... I'll update again once I have glass on the rifle..
Update II: Got glass on the rifle. (Nikon 3x AR scope).. Now putting 10 shots in 1 ragged hole at 25 meters with CCI standard velocity. Purchasing the shorter length of pull stock module for proper eye relief with this glass... (this is a poor scope choice for this rifle btw...)
I have an email into EGW asking if they have a scope rail to fit this rifle yet. Sounds like one of these rifle will be entering my stable.
I had some fun yesterday trying different ammo I had around. Nothing scientific. It was cold out but I bundled up and enjoyed myself for an hour or so. All shot prone at 25 meters. 5 shots at each square except the center targets were 10. The right center target I was trying to see if I could get a shot off for each breath. I am new at precision shooting so I figured I better start practicing if I am ever going to shoot Rifleman with this bolt rifle.
Best wishes,
Fixxer
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/12612711235_e28c5e7186_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixxer/12612711235/)
ammomisc (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixxer/12612711235/) by FX'r (http://www.flickr.com/people/fixxer/), on Flickr
Some good groups there Fixxer, it never ceases to amaze me the difference in size of groups with different ammo.
Here is my first attempt at timed 10 rounds with my new RAR compact using CCI SV. I think this rifle is a keeper....
Very nice Tex! I love this rifle too. As a relative beginner my shooting is inconsistent, so I can't say group size is based entirely on ammo selection. The CCI SVs sure looked good though. If it was warmer out I may have been able to settle in and feel more confident in my shooting. I'll keep at it as the snow melts :)
Fixxer
I just received an email from EGW and they should have a scope rail out for the Rimfire American in a month or so. I hope it is by the end of March I might convince the finance department this would be a good birthday present. >:D
The Ruger sure enjoyed the cci standard vel. I assume they are 40 grn. Nice group and good shooting !
My experience with 22s seems to indicate the 40 grn bullets group better .
I had never heard of the Rifleman's Challenge:
http://www.riflemanschallenge.com/appleseed.html
My goal will be to accomplish it sans scope.
Thanks!
Fixxer
I picked up the compact model the other day. If I can move the sight 2 MOA with out going over I think I will be able to hold sub 4 MOA with the stock sights. I will scope it when funds are available as open sight are only good for me to punch paper and I still am not thrilled.
EGW does have a zero MOA rail out now. I would like a 20 MOA rail to stretch it out a little.
The trigger on mine breaks right at 3# right out of the box. I find if I'm truly focused on the front site the fiber optic dot becomes very aimable and smaller. If I'm not focused on it it balloons into a green blur. (did I mention I have had bifocals from 4th grade :( )
The mags drop free.
I think this will be a very popular rifle at CMP. Does anyone know if the sights off of a Ruger Mark II pistol will work on this? It may be a good option for the open sights class if they do.
I'll post some pick after some more quality time with a hammer and the rear sight.
My conversation with the Ruger execs at the NRA convention mentioned making a bolt action version of the 50th Anniversary Contest 10/22 rifle, i.e, peep sights, rail, FH etc. Kind of a mini scout rifle. They thought it would be a natural evolution of their American Rimfire. Just talk at this point but notes were taken and discussed.
I shot Rbuckles at the crawfordsville shoot a while back and it was a great little set up. first time picking it up I shot a 211 with it. the bolt is smooth and ran very well.
I think it would be a great Appleseed rifle with the exception of the stock open sights. The rear leaf especially. A good peep/ghost ring is really needed. The rear on the 50th anniversary 10-22 while a better option than the folding leaf, is just not good enough for this program IMO. I have the Nodak sight set up on my old carbine and it is MUCH better than the sights on the anniversary model.
There are people that could make rifleman with the stock American BA sight setup, but I'm not one of them. At least not anymore.
I have a Remington 33 with peep sights and it is amazing what that little rifle can do. But being a single shot, it is too much of a handicap.
If I had what I wanted in a bolt action .22 for Appleseed, it would be a CZ 452 Military trainer with at least the ghost ring leaf for the rear sight. Might want to get one to try on my FS. The trainer is better because of the longer sight radius. The Ultra Lux with the 28" barrel would be even better for precision, but I've never had the opportunity to try one to see how it handles.
I like the American series of rifles even if the stock is plastic; they feel perfect. Ruger's plastic design team did a great job with them. They fit me very well and when I'm looking at the sights over the barrel, I can't see the plastic stock. A very nice, economical rifle that shoots well. It's a winner and so will the 50th anniversary 10-22 rifle; maybe it will become a standard catalog item for Ruger. I hope so.
EJ
Rumor has it that River is going to come out with the RAR set up like my contest 10\22 with peeps.
Thought I would throw my 2 cents into this post. I have two Ruger American. My frist one was the .270 WIN (long action I believe). This was my first bolt gun and nice to shoot. I wish it had the module butt stock, but what are you going to do. The second was the .22 LR, which I shot in the Battle Creek Appleseed event June 7/8 2013. It had a good time at the event and running the bolt. Surprisingly enough, another Appleseed shooter had the Ruger American .22 LR as well, but his was the scout model I believe (shorter barrel).
During the event, I didn't have any issues. I was't able to work the bolt fast enough on the two rounds of the AQT where you have less then a minute with a mag change. The closest I came was cambering the last round when they called time. For being my first time, and with a bolt gun, I was shooting pretty concistenly in my score (after the first couple, I was always hitting a little shy of Rifleman). I also had some tight groups on the red coats and hitting the metal plate at 100 yards. To also note, I didn't clean the rifle after the first day of Appleseed (I cleaned it before the event and after the second day, but not inbetween) and was using CCI Standard Ammo, lead nose. There was a lot of lead build up on the mags, bolt, and camber, but it still ran like a champ. Took a little longer to clean it though. ;D
Before the event, I was working on getting the scope sighted and had some chambering issues. I have the 3 mag adapter (that puts three 10/22 mags together in a triangle form) and I think that was causing the issue ( if the front comes down too much, it has trouble chambering lead rounds). That was the only trouble. When I ran the mags normal, no issue. Just something to keep in mind. And the 10/22 bananna mags will work, might be a little hard for prone though.
They don't have many after market parts for the American (like the 10/22), but the 10/22 mag release should work if it is the long one.If you get the short with the paddles on the end, you won't be able to use it (due to the way the release is setup, it is in a removal block and you can't fit the paddle in the cut out to reinstall it).
All and all, a great bolt action for having fun with.
I know for a fact you can take the patch with this gun - because I have done it twice. Stone stock "full sized" setup w/Nikon 3-9 BDC (set to 4x), CCI SV ammo. Shot a 230 in 39 shots; and a 224 with 40.
I have since added a Williams peep to the rear and a Lyman globe to the front (had a gunsmith friend at the club dovetail the front) and am using that for the rimfire/irons matches my club shoots, where I am shooting 100 out of 150 on a (I want to say t-03?) Standard nra smallbore target at 50yrds standing offhand, unslung.
I don't have the pics (on my phone), but it will keep a 10 round clover leaf off the sled at 50 with CCI SV under ideal conditions. The irons setup with the scope on Leopold rimfire rings and the interchangeable butts means I can dial both sight setups in and all I have to do is swap inserts amd I am good to go.
A note about the accuracy: I may have lucked out with this one. There have been a number of QA/QC problems thag folks have brought up on RFC. I *LITERALLY* got one of the first ones available from my lgs here in NH, less than a week after they where announced. As far as I can tell from forum posts it is as or more accurate as any others anyone has posted about. That said, Ruger seems to have all the same issues with sub-par guns making it out the door as any other reasonably priced gun maker has. The difference, of course, is that they have what may be the best CS in the field.
In my ~30 years as a Ruger owner and shooter I have had exactly one issue. That issue was not only resolved right away, but to an even higher standard that I expected from them - but that is a story for another thread.
Quote from: NH-GP100 on July 15, 2014, 04:46:59 AM
That said, Ruger seems to have all the same issues with sub-par guns making it out the door as any other reasonably priced gun maker has. The difference, of course, is that they have what may be the best CS in the field.
Don't get me wrong, I like Ruger and I own several of their rifles and handguns, but I have never equated the name Ruger with high accuracy. As far as reasonably priced gun makers go, I believe Savage is pretty tough, if not impossible, to beat for out of the box accuracy. My avatar was shot with a Savage bolt action 22 at 25yds off the bench, and that's 10 shots in pretty much the same hole. Once you take me out of the equation that gun flat out shoots.
I didn't have any trouble shooting a Rifleman score with my American Rimfire either (I'm not inexperienced, though), so it certainly can be done. If I recall, I saved a round on one or maybe both of the rapids (it was some months back), but as we all know 9 good shots are much better than 10 poor shots.
Like some others, I found the accuracy of this rifle to be unimpressive. It shoots as well if not slightly better than my 10/22's for accuracy, but for a bolt action rifle that's not stellar, especially when compared to other bolt action .22's out there. I do really like the trigger, though, and the adjustable stock is pretty cool.
The point of the thread was to look at the RAR as the best out of the box LTR, not necessarily the best bolt action .22 rifle. The combination of the convertible stock and 10/22 magazine makes it a good contender. When/if Ruger comes up with a RAR with the peep and post sights like the 10/22 Contest Winning rifle then it might even be better.