Ruger American Predator Review
1000 Yard Rifle for less than $500
There are many rifles that can shoot at 1000 yard, here’s a few popular ones thats out there:
- .300 Winchester Magnum
- 338 Lapua Magnum
- 408 CheyTac
- 50 BMG
Oh, wait a minute, we’re looking for something under $500 range.
Well, check out Ruger American Predator rifle.
Its true that most F-class shooters rigs are customized and goes well into the thousands of dollars.
With the Predator, you can customize it till your broke or you can just get this at the bare minimum. This Predator can reach out and touch something at 1000 yards out. Another thing to note is that in this segment we won’t go into the scopes, this is for next time.
Here’s the Predator specs:
- Barrel Length: 22 inches. 1:8”RH Twist. 5/8”x24 Muzzle Threads
- Overall Length: 42 inches
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Trigger Pull: Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger™
- The rifle tested measured 3# 6.5oz from the factory
- Capacity: Detachable Rotary Magazine: 3+1
- Weight: 6.6 Pounds. As tested with scope and muzzle brake: 8.4 pounds
- Stock: Lightweight synthetic with Power Bedding® integral bedding block system and soft rubber recoil pad. Also includes sling swivel studs.
- Sights: None. Comes with factory installed rail.
Here’s the overall impression of shooting a Predator from a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the best:
Ergonomics – 4/5
The rifle has a very trim feel to it. There are some raised and textured ridges on the forearm and grip that provide for a positive grip. The recoil pad is very soft and grippy so it doesn’t slip on your shoulder. The bolt is easy to operate from the bench or other positions without lifting your head off the stock. The forend is built like a sporting rifle, not a bench rest gun, so some may not feel it is stable enough on the bench.
Accuracy – 5/5
Ruger fans can attest its reputation that this this gun shoots very well out of the box. Whatever else Ruger is doing, they are building great barrels for the American Predator series of rifles. To have a box stock rifle shoot ½ MOA groups with factory ammo and no break in is incredible.
Reliability – 5/5
No issues from anyhone. The cycling of feeding, extracting and firing are A plus. The safety functions as it should and the rifle can be easily single-loaded as well as fed from the magazine.
Customization – 5/5
The Predator rifles shoot and make a great rifle for those new to long-range shooting and for the seasoned as well. If you want a lighter trigger you can upgrade to a Timney trigger that also allows you to adjust take-up and over travel.
Looks – 4/5
Personally, the looks of the Predator is very cool. Some think the stock is too narrow and flimsy. Others don’t think the barrel is heavy enough. Remember, this is an economy rifle that shoots very well. It is trim enough to carry in the woods and accurate enough to give anyone with a custom long-range rifle a run for their money.
Price – 5/5
For a rifle with the features the Predator has and the accuracy this rifle exhibits you are getting a great deal in the $400-480 range. I would not hesitate to buy this rifle to build up a great little back country hunting rifle.
Overall Rating – 5/5
The money this is just an outstanding rifle. Period. Hunting, plinking, or getting your feet wet in long-range precision shooting, Ruger has delivered a great rifle at a competitive price point.
6.5 or 6mm?
Most long range shooters are familiar shooting the Ruger American Predator with a 6.5 Creedmoor, but most aren’t familiar with the 6mm.
Whats the differences?
With the 6mm there is less felt recoil, which allows the shooter to follow bullet trace and impact with greater ease.
The Ruger American Predator has an adjustable trigger, threaded muzzle, 5R rifling and patented Ruger Power Bedding, this rifle redefines out of the box value experience.
Regardless of your intent, the Predator will likely meet the accuracy standards of many shooters.
The Predator has a fairly light barrel and the stock is probably not as stiff as some would like. The barrel is free-floated, accurate and it’s threaded to accept muzzle brakes or suppressors.
Ruger stock model Marksman Adjustable trigger system can adjust from three to five pounds.
Final Shot
With all the great cartridges, bullets, and rifles being built today that allow for accurate long-range shooting there is no reason to stand on the sidelines and watch.
The Ruger American Predator and a quality scope (Vortex) combination allows any shooter serious about learning the intricacies of long-range shooting a viable platform to start from without spending thousands of dollars.