Maybe another option for an entry level rifle - Ruger

[Trent]

The Ruger "American" seems like a pretty nice rifle for $329. Has removable butt/cheek rest sections and can be replaced with higher cheek combs. Seems to be pretty accurate!

http://www.realguns.com/articles/535.htm
http://www.ruger.com/products/americanR ... index.html





100yd groups... nice.

[ppkny]

Trent, Can you elaborate on the 3/8 groups. Is this a group of shoots within a bigger group?
ppkny

[BCloninger]

Answers!

Looks like a lot of potential! I wonder if it shares any parts with their centerfire model, or just maintains similar lines? No shared parts, just similar lines.
Is the barrel threaded? Pressed & Pinned! Much better than drop in and easier to manufacture than threaded. Ruger doesn't say - so far - but review articles likely will.

[Jerry G]

Thnat's his 20 foot groop.

[BCloninger]

Thnat's his 20 foot groop.

Lies, damned lies, and test targets? Or is it golf scores?

[Trent]

Trent, Can you elaborate on the 3/8 groups. Is this a group of shoots within a bigger group?
ppkny

Those aren't my groups. They are from the article/blog that I linked to above. It appears to be a straight up 5-shot group though.

Seems like a nice rifle for $329.

[JNW]

Lets see. With an msrp of $329 it will sell for less than than $300 after its been out several months. It is better finished than a CZ. With bulk ammo will shoot with an Anschutz or Lilja barreled rifle and outshoot them all with midlevel match ammo AT 100 YARDS! All that with a 3-5# trigger. Grab your 1712s by the barrels boys and chuck 'em into the swamp. This is obviously the finest .22 rifle ever made.
Regards
Jeff
P.S. Instead of just throwing your now outdated Anschutzs into a swamp and polluting it I will trade you even up for a new Ruger wonder rifle.

[BCloninger]

Lets see. With an msrp of $329 it will sell for less than than $300 after its been out several months. It is better finished than a CZ. With bulk ammo will shoot with an Anschutz or Lilja barreled rifle and outshoot them all with midlevel match ammo AT 100 YARDS! All that with a 3-5# trigger. Grab your 1712s by the barrels boys and chuck 'em into the swamp. This is obviously the finest .22 rifle ever made.
Regards
Jeff
P.S. Instead of just throwing your now outdated Anschutzs into a swamp and polluting it I will trade you even up for a new Ruger wonder rifle.

I like the idea of a US made, entry level rifle that might compete with CZ. We should hear field reports from real shooters with real production units - as opposed to tuned up review units - pretty soon since they are out there already.

[boats]

It's possible Ruger could make a rifle that will shoot Silhouette, not likely but possible.

Boats

[Innocent]

Aw come on Boats, take a 77/22 or even a 10/22 and change out enough parts and put only top grade ammo in it with a top shooter behind it and you can win with a Ruger.

Innocent

[snaketail2]

I like the idea of producing a good entry level rifle - this sport can use some new participants. But, I'll watch this rifle closely for a while - gotta determine if it's really that good - or did they hire a good ad firm. I hope its a good rifle, but will hold judgement until I see it "in-action."

Michael

[BCloninger]

I like the idea of producing a good entry level rifle - this sport can use some new participants. But, I'll watch this rifle closely for a while - gotta determine if it's really that good - or did they hire a good ad firm. I hope its a good rifle, but will hold judgement until I see it "in-action."

Michael

Yup, what he said.

[Trent]

I've been following the "Real Guns" blog that I linked to in my 1st post and he doesn't seem to pull any punches. His reviews and opinions are very straight forward and he doesn't appear to pump out the same old "paid for" drudgery that the magazine put out. When he finds flaws he points them out very clearly.

I'm don't think this rifle is going to compete with any of the top end rifles we shoot (obviously), but it easily looks like it can compete with the CZs that are available. Also, at $329 this could be a fantastic entry level rifle that isn't just a piece of crap. It is a nice looking rifle that easily fits all the rules for Hunter/Standard silhouette classes and with a 10-shot rotary magazine it would be a great squirrel gun the rest of the time. It's a very nice looking action. I think I might sell my varmint barreled Savage and buy one of these Rugers. The savage has been out of the safe probably twice in the past 4 years because it's too heavy for my wife to use.

Just another option guys. I know any options that threaten the CZ fan boys can end up ruffling their feathers though.

[Trent]

Well, 10 minute drive and $259 later I'm now the proud owner of a Ruger American 22 Long rifle. I am hopefully going to go shooting tomorrow and I'll report back. So far I am actually very impressed with the quality of the rifle. It feels very solidly built and the bolt is pretty smooth with a nice side bolt release feature. The open sights are nice all metal with a fold-down rear sight. Also for the $259 price tag it comes with both butt stocks which was a pleasant surprise.

It looks like I'll be posting my heavy barrel Savage up for sale soon. The wife will be happy to shoot something a little lighter when I talk her into shorting matches, and the squirrels will be run'n for their holes when I head for the woods.

[Bigfoot]

I'm really interested to hear how it shoots Trent. Let us know what rings/optics you try it out with. At that price I wouldn't mind gettin one or two for loaner guns down at tacoma sportmen's club as we get the curious on looker popping by on our practice match Saturday's each month. Me thinks some folks would feel more inclined to "give silhoutte a shot" if they weren't intimidated by using one of the gangs fancy pants custom anschutz.

You're doing a public service sir! Good show!!!