Ruger American Gen 2 308 Review and First Shots Part 1

[@xxshiftlockxx]

Just a tip to help with bore sighting when you don't have one is to remove the bolt from the rifle, look through the barrel and adjust the gun till you can see the target through the bore. Once the rifle is in position where you can see the target through the bore, without moving the rifle adjust the reticle on the scope so it's centered to the target. This should get you pretty close right off the bat.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

That sounds much smarter than what I do haha. It's what I have always done and no one has ever told me different. Appreciate the comment.

[@freddyt86]

I’ve done that before and it’ll definitely get you to a good starting point. Saves some ammo.

[@BBeanie072]

I also will pull the bolt out and put a small flashlight (brighter the better) up to the rear of the action and shine it on a wall in a dark room. Not quite as good as a bore sighter but close enough. I've used the pull the bolt and line it up with a spot on the wall method too.

[@208SledHead]

Great lookin rig man! Ruger is knockin it outta the park with their American line

[@johnlong7504]

Thanks for your ammo-tips, I have bought the same rifle in .308 and I do like Arken very much too. Keep shooting safe and take care!

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Thanks for watching! Hope you are able to watch and enjoy our other content as well.

[@jeremyfrix522]

In my opinion everyone should sight their own guns in their own way i always do what works best for me 👍🏻👍🏻💯

[@damienmidanik9680]

Best way I have found to zero a gun is to vise it down, take a shot, then move the crosshairs to the bullet hole. The second shot should be pretty close to dead on if the gun is vised properly and doesn’t move. I have used this method of walking it in that you are using as well. It works just as good but you use more rounds getting to zero. At the end of the day, try a couple different methods and decide what works best for you. If you get it shooting where you aim, you didn’t do anything wrong.

[@davidpeterson6147]

the consistent rounds next to each other followed by a couple an inch away from the touching impacts indicates a stock to action fitment issue. Could be some uneven paint inside of the stock where the action stock bedding area interface.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Interesting insight. I'll have to take a look

[@rustyjohnson9558]

No, the problem is that he did the "dollar" check for free floating, but had to use 4 quarters and left them in there......

[@randallflores-qr8cs]

It's not the stock to action issue, it has bedding pillars back there, it's the flex in the forward 1/4 or so of the fore end. I have the same rifle/caliber in gen 1. The stock is more rigid further back. I place my shooting bag just forward of the magazine. I get really consistent accuracy.

[@TheHooliganOutdoors]

I've had the same results with that remington ammo. It will always group 3 pretty well then throws a couple several inches off, not a fan of it. Nice rifle, I have the gen II 7.62x39 and plan to get the gen II 308 as well. I've always had good luck with the federal fusion ammo and it's good for hunting. You might give that a try. I watched your part 2 video as well, good comparison. 👍

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Glad you liked it. Part three is in the works and I went out 300 yards results were interesting.

[@unieke3]

federal gold sierra match has best for me so far havent shot hornady yet

[@Wcs69rat]

I second that on the ammo. Never had great luck with the Remington in either one of my Accumarks. The Federal Fusion groups very well in my .270 Win and 300 Win Mag.

[@unieke3]

ive been waiting for this i have had luck with federal gold sierra match 168gr so far

[@jeffpacetti5800]

I’ve heard others having success with that same round on this GEN two. It seems most have success with 168 grain as opposed to 150 grain or 180 grain ammo.

[@jdrollason]

That scope allows you to measure how far you need to make adjustments. If in the situation again, measure with the reticle and make adjustments off of the reticle. The Arken scopes have really amazing tracking for the price. Also quit wasting ammo 😅 start all your sight ins with a bire sight down the barrel and shoot at 100

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Is it really a waste if it's still fun? I hear you. Learning new tricks all the time.

[@JAEUFM]

I have a Gen I Ruger in .308. It absolutely loves Norma Dedicated Hunting in 150 Grain. Sad that Norma quit making those particular bullets to go with the new 'tipped style'. Price jumped up as well with the new style.

[@unieke3]

i did the trigger spring and mdt field stock coming soon try 168gr

[@kennethpark8397]

Thanks

[@TexasThiele]

Great video, I just recently got this gun. Thanks for helping with my research.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Thank you! Glad I could help.

[@Ariel-x1x]

The first 5 rounds with any new barrel will always change its point of impact. Maybe 10 more rounds to foul it consistently, to stabilize an impact point, then it's ready for an initial zero. The point of impact zeroing will continue to very slightly drift for at least another 200 rounds.

[@robertclary1230]

I think your barrel is getting hot. Might look at letting it cool more between groups. I've found significant changes after multiple rounds were fired. Remember, in a hunting scenario, it will be cold bore shots 99% of the time.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Yes that is very true about the cold bore shot when hunting. You hope your in range that the inconstancy of the first shot doesn't make you miss your target.

[@mr.mr.3301]

I’ve read then Ron Spomer tested it. If you hold the fore end with your left hand groups may tighten up. Oddly after he tested this, he went back not doing it

[@norrisjames747]

I'm glad I bought 1 of those

[@1crispypickle]

Can u do a lead free comp. Please?

[@Mark94891]

Hello I see that you have not done Lapping a cannon? During firing sequences of more than 4 cartridges, be sure to let the cannon cool for about a minute with the breech open between each shot, so as not to “ignite” it. Once this process has been completed, a few “plumbing” strokes will be necessary to obtain optimal precision from the gun.you have a good grouping of cartridges GOOD JOBB

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Between 5 shot groups I did take time to swap out targets and get set up for the next 5 shots off camera, so there was cool down between 5 shot groups. Probably not long enough, but there was some down time.

[@unieke3]

havent shot the hornady yet but ihave a box of it in 168gr

[@doctexas1666]

Zeroing will go quicker if after the first shot, hold the crosshairs where you aimed, then move the reticle to the impact. Just a fyi. Thanks for the vid.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

See, these are the things I haven't thought of. Thank you for the insight! Shows how much I don't know even though I try to make it seem like I know a lot. Haha

[@mrnukeduster]

Never assume from such small groups that it was "just you" when 3 of them are touching and 2 are "flyers" unless you truly felt like you pulled the shots. If you're experienced enough to know you didn't, then the overall group is what it is. Edit: I also have this rifle and honestly have been unimpressed with the accuracy with 165 though 178gr bullets. Still haven't found anything that shoots the 1 moa which people said it was capable of.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Since this video was a while ago for me at this point, I couldn't say whether or not I know if I pulled or didn't. I can say since then I've gone and shot quite a few more times and I have found that my gun likes federal law enforcement tactical tipped matchking bullets. I shot 5 shot groups at 300 yards with them and grouped under 3 inches 4 out of 5 times and I can say with assurance that the 5th time was me causing a flyer. I was getting too ancy my final five shots. But with that said I had as small as 2 inch groups as big as 2.9 inch groups at 300 4 out of 5 times. Hope this helps. I know the same ammo won't shoot the same out of every gun, but this has been my experience.

[@benthere404]

Have you tried Barnes through it yet? Just curious, as all my savages love it after proper break in. Was looking at these but may save for Tikka ctr.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Have not tried the Barnes but I am happy with the ammo I have found

[@ballsyau1974]

I'd say the polymer stock is the issue. It was with the old paddle stock my 77mk2 in 30-06. I could shoot offhand fine. Benching it you had to put the front rest just in front of the magazine floor plate. Outer wise you could throw shots up to a foot

[@lydiasienicki7743]

Just wondering where you got the extended mag for your .308? I’m looking at getting this exact gun/caliber but not being able to find a bigger magazine is my only turn off. Did you have to convert it? Any info is appreciated!

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

It is a ruger ai style magazine. As long as you are searching for and finding ruger ai style mags it should be correct. They will say 308 on the mag as well.

[@damienmidanik9680]

Gun mag warehouse has factory Ruger 10 round magazines for this rifle for a little over thirty bucks each. I believe the Magpul AICS magazines will fit as well however they are a little more expensive than the Ruger factory mags. I haven’t seen anything larger than 10 rounds in capacity but that is a decent amount for a bolt gun. The 3, 5, and 10 round mags are pretty readily available though. Hope this helps you out some.

[@BrianOsborn-bs8ef]

First let me say, you delivered an excellent video review of the rifle. Just some advice to pass on to you, every time you squeezed that trigger your shooting platform shifted a good inch or more back. Having a much steadier platform to shoot off of may improve your groups. I would also recommend you use a rear butt stock sand bag to assist in getting a much better steady hold. When you are grouping try to take your time between shots, your barrel heats up very quickly, I prefer grouping with a cool barrel. I normally will fire 2-3 rounds let it sit out of the sun for 15 min then finish up that group. Always try your best to obtain the same Cheeck to Stock placement every time, if your not this can spread your group out. Aim small miss small.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

You may already have thought of this, but just to mention it editing makes it look like I'm not waiting in between. It does take time to go down and replace the target each time and reset the cameras. Not sure if it's enough cool down for the barrel but it does cool down between targets.

[@fattigla]

It may help to pick a target with a smaller point of aim. I just use cardboard with a small sharpie marker square. You can aim at a corner and get a small point of aim. Good shooting.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

That could help. That red spot in the center is big. Stay tuned I shoot all the ammo again after adjusting some parts suggested in the comments AND it's suppressed. Comes out Friday.

[@Lookingoutthere]

Great video thinking of getting the same setup what height rings did you use on your Arken. And what tube is it 30mm or 34mm and is it mil or moa

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Low rings, 30mm for this particular scope

[@Lookingoutthere]

@ Thank You for the info and your time ! Keep them coming-great video

[@bjmckay8988]

Excellent job

[@ItumelengGobusamang]

That was great group

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Thanks! We hope you enjoyed the video.

[@donaldwagner6012]

Which reticle do you have in that scope VHR or VPR?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

VHR for this one.

[@zizlimo]

@@BaldGuysWithGuns What height of rings are on it?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Low rings from arken

[@randallflores-qr8cs]

I have the gen 1 in .308. Mine shoots best with 150 grain loads. I can usually have three rounds touching with different loads. BTW the fore end is kind of flimsy toward the end. I place my forward shooting bag just forward of the magazine where the stock is more rigid.

[@StevenShifler]

Is it a 1 in 10 twist?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Yes it is.

[@freddyt86]

One thing I noticed is how much you move the rifle in between shots. It introduces more inconsistency, which may be the cause of some of those flyers. Had some really good shots in there though. I’m really interested in the Gen II Ranch in 308. Seem like great guns for the money.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Yeah that shooting rest is crap. Investing in a lead sled. Also probably would have been better off with a bipod and rear bag instead.

[@freddyt86]

@@BaldGuysWithGuns just watched part 2 and saw your comments about the rest. Hopefully the lead sled works out better for you. I’m not a big fan of rests and sleds. Prefer to be prone, but it’s what I’m used to. Regardless, consistency is king.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Thanks for watching the videos hope you enjoy our content. We are filming what we hope to be a really fun video for everyone to watch. Hope to release it next Friday.

[@peca136r]

Pls Sellier&Bellot SP 180grs

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

At this point I'm not sure I'll be buying any other brands. If I do I won't be making another video. But, if I happen to get those, I will find this comment and update you.

[@peca136r]

@@BaldGuysWithGuns Ruger American Predator gen1 308win. Sellier&Bellot SP180grs 300/500m. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i36zk397rr6WjpYsi=RLlGEHOuBxdtfLZF

[@donaldwagner6012]

Did your scope come with a sun shade?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Yes it did

[@ecobasetech4558]

It looks to me like your shooting platform isn't very stable and may be why you are having flyers. Have you considered using the prone position? You would likely get better/consistent results. I'm no professional either. In fact I've never even held a bolt action rifle but this is just my observation.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Everything is more stable by part 4. It took some time and $ for me to aquire better stuff

[@unieke3]

mine seems to like 168gr

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Yeah it seems to be the grain for sure.

[@Revbone450]

I wish I had a nice round head like yours.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

I tell myself that's why I went bald. Haha

[@alex-cf4dy]

Cost of that setup alltogether?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

$950 gun and scope. Arken epl4 goes for $350 on sale all the time. So $600 gun and $350 scope

[@alex-cf4dy]

@@BaldGuysWithGuns excellent

[@theleopard3900]

What magazine are you using here?

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

A 5 round mag. Ruger gives you a 3 rounder with the gun, but I wanted a 5. Ruger makes a 5 and a 10 in the ai style mags

[@sfnvids9776]

Anyone know what mags work with the gen 2 in .308? I want to get a 5 and 10 round mag. If anyone has any links or anything please hit me up.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Search for ruger ai style mags. I had to buy my five round mag and it took a bit of searching to figure it out. But the ai style mag is the one you want.

[@joeramirez7879]

Maybe barrel is getting hot

[@mattlopez5418]

Need to let barrel cool in between ammo

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

We do. We just cut scenes so it’s quicker to watch. Typically after 3-5 shots we’ll let it cool down.

[@languagesource355]

Thank you for sharing those results. I wish you would've grouped those cheapo AAC 150gr FMJ-BT. They are a good economical round for target work and I've made hits out to 700 yards with 18". And AAC also has soft point hunting loads. Not the best, but far from worst. Certainly the cheapest. Cheaper than steel case Tula, etc. I've switched to AAC for all my hunting and plinking needs, leaving only Underwood for stuff like dangerous game.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Apologies. I grouped them off camera and didn't like the group with the 150's. The 168's from aac did well at 100.

[@languagesource355]

@@BaldGuysWithGuns ah, ok, thanks. Truly each barrel likes different things :)

[@ecobasetech4558]

BTW, your comments are turned off in your part 2 video!

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

Thank you. Don't know how that happened. Never noticed. They are on now.

[@djl0fne]

The barrel will heat up after 3 shots need to let it cool down

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

I appreciate the feedback. I will say based on my research, others comments, and my own general knowledge of the subject, if a barrel is made that poorly that it can't go 5 to 10 shots before a cool down it's not worth buying. Competition shooters take as many as 20 or more shots without a cool down. I did let the barrel cool, but after about 10 shots.

[@RMM--uv7uk]

Wrong! These barrels are Sporter barrels. very thin.. Competition are shooting very heavy barrels like a Bartline. These hunting rifles need to be cooled down at 3 shots. And most importantly you want to know where your cold bore shot is hitting.

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

This may be the case, but if you notice I'm wearing a jacket in this video. It was cool outside and the fluted barrel on this gun helps it cool faster. I was able to grab and hold the barrel up to about my tenth firing. Then it was too hot to hold. But it only took a couple minutes to cool due to the outside tempuratures. I have noticed during the summer it got hot faster and stayed hot longer. Just keep in mind I do check, but it is just off camera.

[@virgilpalmer2427]

Your target is blowing all over .. 😂

[@unieke3]

you def need some better target mounts they are all over the place

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

I use what I have. Lol. Would love to upgrade but... Money🤷

[@timgreer6738]

cant hunt with match ammo anyway

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

The federal law enforcement tactical tipped matchking turned out to be this guns favorite. Based on ballistic testing it's a pretty good round for hunting. Or sniping if you are in law enforcement.

[@randyemenhiser2573]

Great; another guntuber that says Hornaday instead of Hornady (Horn-a-dee).

[@BaldGuysWithGuns]

If you pay attention you will catch me saying it both ways. Cuz I honestly wasn't sure how to pronounce it for the exact reason you are commenting.

[@BradLivingston-hn7hp]

Be aware of hot barrel