Ruger American Gen 2 | Arken EPL-4

[@davidthurman2267]

These budget builds have me all warm and fuzzy

[@brodygilchuk907]

IMO your reviews are the gold standard. You take the time and actually test a rifle before making a comments on it. Unlike most the others on KZbin that unbox it throw an optic on and review. Keep up the great content man.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Thanks we appreciate it.

[@jefferyking116]

God Bless America! I can't believe that another knowledgeable shooter gave Arken a thumbs up. For the cost, these are great scopes. I have several and I like to put them on rifles while I'm still deciding on the final configuration. I also like to put them on hunting rifles that I might handle roughly. And they do have them in MIL, MOA, and with Christmas tree reticles if you like. Customer service is great too.

[@threesisterspaintingllc7551]

Ran the Arken sh4 24x50 on a benchrest rifle out to 1200 and another sh4 16x50 on an AR for quantified performance matches out to 600. Loved it on the benchrest rifle but was a little bulky running it on positional shooting with the AR. I go back and forth between vortex and Arken. Prefer the dials on Arken products but vortex has some nice configurations

[@jankegerreis7748]

Thank you Wade for your info on the 6 ARC and Ruger American gen 2. Due to your enthusiasm I now have a Ranch and Standard model in that chambering. Not disappointed and my boys are pleased.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Nice

[@TheBlackTrapper]

I got the arken SH4 and honestly other then juat how friggen big it is i love it

[@EzekielsVisionOfAbominations]

Arken is the shit. I have the lh-4, basically their cheapest scope, and I love it. For a 5.56 spr it is perfect, you use it like a more capable lpvo because it has low profile capped turrets. It has zero reset and the glass is fantastic. They are also one of the only companies that sensibly puts the lowest power throw lever position on the right side of the scope, and you spin the tube counter clockwise rather than clockwise. This is a no brainer. I love my Plx-c but with the throw lever installed it always bumps on my gear if I let my rifle hang by the sling. Arken fixed that. I also have the ep-5 gen 1 5-25 and it is also incredible. Their mil tree reticles are perfect imo. As close as most people want to get to something like a tremor. I don't see any reason to ever spend thousands on glass again with arken on the market.

[@ronws2007]

I have some Arken scopes. The turrets would spin freely after a day at the range because the vibration of firing a rifle would cause the set screws to back out. Tech support at Arken suggested Vibra Tite VC-3 thread locker, which seems to work. My Vortex scopes that I normally use don't need thread locker for that turrets, let alone the zero stop. But Arken glass seems okay.

[@isaacsalinas2859]

I have 3 Arkens and thought I was the only one that this happened too. Even on my 22LR setup that elevation turret starts spinning freely. I like the price and quality at the price though.

[@ronws2007]

@@isaacsalinas2859 I had another video in mind but this guy explains it, as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4XLhWmuitigrJI FWIW, I think it is a design problem, not necessarily an Arken problem, though scrimping on metal might have an effect.

[@cyborg2048]

Chicom glass.

[@ronws2007]

@@cyborg2048 Arken glass is installed in China but no documentation that the chinese made the glass. Could you give a citation? The Vortex I use was made in the Phillipines, which is not China. You can consult a map for that, I am sure.

[@djmcdonald5508]

​@ronws2007 the epl4 and ep5 and sh4j all have japanese glass. Assembled in china

[@craigjentsch]

Thanks for the video, I have a mdt field stock put a tikka t3x in it and I do like it. I also just purchased a arken LH-4 4 BY 16 and it has been a pleasant surprise a good scope. Waiting on the ruger american in 6 CM. Thanks again for the video

[@txpredatorhunting]

Good deal, thanks for watching.

[@MTDub99]

That is the same set up I am thinking. Looking at the KRG Echo chassis as well. How do you like it??

[@adamschuster6749]

Sweet setup! I've also got the same gen2 ranch 5.56 and it's in an MDT LSS-XL that uses AR-15 mags and have it currently setup with a sightmark wraith hd for night hunting. I also have a gen1 ruger predator 22" in 6.5 creedmoor in the same fde MDT XRS chassis and a gen1 predator 18" 308 in MDT field stock. MDT makes great chassis options and make the Ruger Americans a fantastic budget option.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Awesome

[@GreyGooser-uh5ez]

I have this optic on my 6 Arc, but I have the 6-24 version. I wanted to have an optic that fit both hunting and long range shooting. This one checks all the boxes.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Y’all be sure and watch yesterday’s episode of On the Hunt. Some great footage . Thanks for watching. Go getcha a t shirt!😉

[@CaptainMikesAdventures]

Any bipod drops anytime soon?

[@txpredatorhunting]

@@CaptainMikesAdventures do them every week. Fixing to dramatically up the amount though.

[@luissantana5261]

I’d go get a shirt if y’all had big boy sizes need me a 2x or 3 if they shrink

[@txpredatorhunting]

@@luissantana5261 check all the SKUs

[@IamONaLIST]

My first Arken was the SH-4 4-16X50. It is a bigger target focused optic with a christmas tree reticle. I have it on a Uintah Precision bolt action AR in 6mmARC with 22in barrel. I did take it hunting and got a doe at 100yds, it was overkill for that purpose. I also have the Arken Zulus HD 5-20X on an 8.6Blk, a EP-8 1-8X28 on a 5.56. I am looking to get a LH or EPL for more hunting options. Hoping they will do 2-10, 2-12, 3-12, 3-15 or something along those lines

[@plumbbobslim9313]

I bought the Predator model in 6 Arc put it in a Magpul stock and have been enjoying it thoroughly. Actually bought the Vortex 4-16 (forgot which model) scope first because it was on sale for a good price from Midway, and was waiting for the predators in 6 arc to hit the market.

[@MattWaller04]

Ruger American is the gold standard for budget bolt guns. Quite accurate and they come in every caliber you could ever want.

[@matthewblumenthal804]

They aren't making the one I want yet. I sent them a whining email about it.

[@djmcdonald5508]

Id much rather buy a howa.

[@matthewblumenthal804]

@@djmcdonald5508 Howa makes a good rifle too. You do you!

[@MattWaller04]

@@matthewblumenthal804 which one do you want?

[@matthewblumenthal804]

@@MattWaller04 One? I want many. Different calibers and configurations.

[@brazzy1467]

About the Arken optic I have 4 of the 1-8's and like them a lot. Now I have 2 of the EP4's genII 6-24 one on my 6.5 Creed and the other on my 308 long range bolt gun. My 6-24's have Christmas tree reticles and they are mil/mil.

[@michaelturner2691]

I have the Ep5 on a CVA 223 and the sh-j4 on a 6mm Arc upper I built with a preferred barrel and so far I'm really liking them being they are my first experience with a first focal plane scope😊

[@lobo7107]

I have two Ruger Gen2 Rifles. One in 556 and the other in 22 ARC. Both have the Arken EPL 4 4-16 Mil scopes. I have a EPL 5x25 on my Kid 22. I also have the 1x8 on my 308 AR. I have nothing but positive thoughts on those three optics. Are they the best no. I would not compare the EPL5 to my Kahles. But for $2100 dollars less it would be stupid to try IMO. I do want to upgrade the stocks down the road. My 556 prints .35 inches at 100 yards with my hand loaded 75 Grain AMax. Which I loaded for a completely different rifle. I don’t have any feed back to report on the 22 ARC yet. In conclusion I would recommend both the Ruger and the Arken. Hope this helps someone who is considering either.

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

The epl4 has been on sale from arken for months at $300, you could have got their mil vhr reticle for the same price as that used moa but glad it didn't disappoint as I'm looking at one myself for my 6arc.

[@mikekilfoyle8891]

Try the M Carbo spring to get a better trigger on the cheap. I have a Arken 4 and it performs favorably compared to my Vortex Venom. Both 5-25x, similar reticle.

[@justinmcbee8881]

EP5 and EPL-4 are good entry point optics. When you have experience with QUALITY glass you are able to see the differences quick. Going from Walmart $70-$100 glass it is a huge jump in improvement for most shooters. The EPL-4 is a great choice for a good hunting optic and entry level precision ish shooting.

[@eliaswebster937]

Arken SH4 6-24x50. Like you said they punch way above their price point. For all the features they come with along with the glass quality. Not to mention they're pretty skuukum.

[@MmmMikeyLikey]

I love the budget build videos! Been here since the original ugly stick and your first gen ruger budget build with the bushnell trophy xtreme!

[@txpredatorhunting]

💯 OG

[@jamesg4711]

Running a gen 2 6arc in a mdt field stock with a jard 20oz trigger and a 26" heavy palma shilen barrel from crown ridge barrel works. Currently has a vortex venom on it and the thing is absolutely stupid accurate. Funny how it turned into what it is. But its a .25" rifle with handloads allllll day.

[@TheCodyO]

I have the RA Gen 1 Go Wild with the MDT field stock and MCARBO trigger job. I have killed a lot if game with it and I do love that rifle.

[@grantjefferis1270]

I have the ranch in 6.5 Grendel with a 2-16 power sight mark wraith and a omega 300 it shoots great. Running 123gr. SST Hornady custom

[@gandalfman6]

Bought a 22 ARC in the Ruger American Ranch configuration. Totally love the short barrel. Running an AB Suppressor its been a fun rig so far. Seems to like the 75 gr eldm Hornady Black Ammo.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Awesome

[@gandalfman6]

@@txpredatorhunting thanks for making informative content with a good sense of humor. I've been enjoying your podcast for about a year and a half now.

[@txpredatorhunting]

@@gandalfman6 awesome, we certainly appreciate it.

[@brandongriffin1990]

Probably my favorite budget optic hands down I have personally taken a lot of critters with this optic!

[@jefferyking116]

You're going to make me try the Ruger American in 7 PRC. I'm starting to believe. I've just gotten so fixed on shooting chassis rifle with a more vertical grip . . . That aren't plastic. But I did put my last Ruger American 300 BLK into a more tactical stock and it shot great.

[@paulklescht1029]

I just picked up gen 1 in 6.5 grendel and so far on the bench it's been an "ok" rifle for its price point. Really impressed with the 6.5 grendel round only shot factory hornady ammo so far after hunting season gonna decide the gun/calibers fate would've of definitely probably opted for 6 mm arc if ammo variety was better

[@farmfresh3370]

I have two sh4 gen 2 4-16x50 they are heavy but for what you are getting for the low price is crazy to me. I don’t think you can go wrong with the sh4 I will be trying the ep5 next

[@samsgreen1]

I love my 6arc ranch, my arken didn't track unfortunately. Bought a 1x10 PA and haven't looked back.

[@18wheelsandadozen6shooters5]

I have several arkens, they do offer a Christmas tree reticle which I’ve shot out to 1200yd and worked just fine. There is always discount codes out there and their rings are decent too

[@txpredatorhunting]

Yes , this scope however does not. Dumping it to get one that does.

[@18wheelsandadozen6shooters5]

@@txpredatorhunting I will tell you their sh and ep line of target scopes are fairly heavy. I personally don’t care about the weight for a target rifle but the epl line is what I run on my coyote gun. The LPVO is a little chunky but I have it on a AR308 and really like it. I think your boy mullet has a code for their website.

[@B_mount]

Oh boy, a video for the poors! Im in.

[@Tony_Seed]

Arken scopes rock

[@entryleveltactics]

Nice review, man! You've got a sub

[@txpredatorhunting]

Thanks for watching.

[@kevinmartin2096]

I have this in a 243 win in the MDT field stock and for what it is, it’s amazing

[@kaceyweaver8073]

About how much does your setup weigh? I’m looking at building out a lightweight 22 ARC or maybe 6 ARC for my son for varmint hunting and possibly the occasional whitetail

[@kevinmartin2096]

@@kaceyweaver8073 sub 9lbs if I remember correctly without the suppressor on there

[@kaceyweaver8073]

@@kevinmartin2096 good deal man. I can probably cut the weight for him if needed, but that’s not bad. We’ll both be running suppressors. He just turned 8 and this will be his first year hunting with me regularly. It’s time to build him out his first centerfire rifle

[@joshjspice]

I just bought the gray gen 2 20in in 243. It feels like a Tikka or better... like a $1500+ rifle. Yes, i wish there was a lightweight varmint style stock option that wasnt nearly the cost of the rifle. 243 cuz it's the fastest smaller caliber with the largest bullet weight in the ammo commonly available in Alaska.

[@kerryhall6170]

I'd like to see you deck out and test the RAR in the 6 ARC and see what your opinion on it. I really like Arken for the price but I wish they would come out with a EPL4 in a 3-18x44 and a 2-12x44

[@MrMcguffin007]

I have an Arken SH4 gen 2 and EP5 both under 7 hundo. They do the job and then some. I remember the only budget scope being an SWFA or Nikon Pro Staff. Can we please see the grouping differences between the stock and chassis? This is where Backfire has you beat😂😂.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Then watch his vid. Range content is coming. When I’m not sure. I’m not going out with a cell phone and playing around. I have a camera guy to coordinate with etc.

[@MrMcguffin007]

@@txpredatorhuntingGot Cha🤣!! Just messing with yah. Thanks for all that you do! I watched and listened for the last year. Dope interviews and content. Just been waiting to see action footage. All good if that's not your style. I know you are plenty busy. Question, have you thought of doing a Howa Competition build? What are your thoughts on bedding chassis stock. Is it necessary? I noticed you run a bunch of KRG bravos. Can you elaborate on why, pro, cons. Thanks in advance. Arken has a VPR Xmas tree reticle.

[@txpredatorhunting]

@@MrMcguffin007 stocks video is on the list for podcast as well as on the bench. I’ll look into the howa idea. Bedding chassis question for rifle builders. I don’t fool with it.

[@Obstreperous1]

I'm looking at the ruger vrs the howa vrs the savage for a 22arc or 6arc based kids and me match gun. Any reason to pick one over another in your experience?

[@MelMacfarlane-zi5ph]

I have several Arken optics. Great valve for the price point.

[@cjrodriguez34]

Hornady .223 in 53gr varmit if you can get them (Cabelas), it’s seems like these Gen2 love them.

[@tw1st3dw1ll7]

Arken SH-4J 6-24 34mm. Hard to beat for Japanese glass at that price.

[@tonyarnold4109]

I have a Arken EP5 on a 6 creed and really like it in low light had the same issue with the turret cap coming loose have to get some VC-3 locker. Any updates on the 6 Max any time soon?

[@txpredatorhunting]

Not any time soon.

[@sc6802]

Savage trail hunter lite 5.56 has a 20” barrel and arguably a sturdier action. food for thought….

[@txpredatorhunting]

Please elaborate on what you mean a “sturdier action “?

[@sc6802]

⁠i mean, ruger has no recoil lug and thinner wall thickness.

[@txpredatorhunting]

@@sc6802 ruger’s v block act as a recoil lug . Not that the recoil lug really has anything to do with action rigidity. I’d argue rugers v block design is far superior to two action screws and a slim recoil lug. For more than one reason we can explore soon . As to your second statement about “wall thickness “ . I’d have to actually measure some . I am curious, what do you think having a “sturdier “ action does for you ?

[@sc6802]

barrel rigidity would be my thought process. more material holding the barrel. I think the v block should be inverse on the bottom of the action in the block and bolts.

[@jaymiller393]

XRS FTW!

[@Sg16-]

Arken does have a Christmas tree reticle

[@txpredatorhunting]

I’m aware, and getting one. That arken does not.

[@KretinD]

The epl4 and ep5 are the best scopes arken makes. The only thing that bothers me about the epl4 (in mils) is that it has 8 mils per revolution rather than 10. Try an EP5 or a epl4 6-24.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Noted

[@uncletom1986]

The stock between gen 1and 2 is night and day difference while it still may not be up to par is far superior than the gen 1

[@txpredatorhunting]

I don’t know if I’d get that carried away with it. Lol

[@djmcdonald5508]

So the vortex venom 3-15 vs the epl4 4-16? Roughly same cost, which one would you choose?

[@brianumbarger9790]

Did anyone else notice slight eco in the end when he was talking about the optic? I do really like the video.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Yea, that bench is in a huge shop floor . Audio isn’t easy to get that out . Working on solutions that don’t mess up work area .

[@806Guns]

Check out indian creek design chassis !

[@parkermanuell4072]

How did you pick the 556 over the 6 ARC?

[@txpredatorhunting]

5.56 was available first. Started this some time ago . Have a 6 arc put together and am currently in break in stage for it.

[@jkosinski4148]

You dont.

[@flynnryder7798]

Probably only bc he already has 20 6 arcs lol

[@derekbaggett189]

I’m looking at this exact rifle and caliber for hunting coyotes and hogs at night via thermal here in Georgia. I’m looking at the MDT oryx or field stock as my upgrade. Are you going to record the process for changing out the trigger to the Timney?

[@txpredatorhunting]

Definitely can ,if KZbin will let me post it , to be determined.

[@arizonaangler_2A]

yesterday I found one used for cheap so i got it, Ruger American ranch in 6mm arc, i am torn between the magpul hunter stock and this MDT field stock, any suggestions? I'm set on trying out an arken optic also, likely the EPL-4 so its crazy I stumbled across this video.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Currently, my fav is krg

[@alphadogpredators]

I picked up a gen 2 450BM for ohio. Inital impressions are it feels better than the previous gen as far as the action goes, the trigger is spongy and cheap the stock meh I think for a carry woods rifle it's fine but It doesn't feel like your holding something quality. That being said it shoots tight ! I have only ran handloads through it but I can push 250 ftx's at 2500fps into .75 moa groups which looks like a one hole group when your shooting .452 dia bullets. Idk it kinda reminds me of a glock of the rifle world it works it's accurate the trigger is meh it's cheap it gets the job done. I keep wanting to pick up a gen 2 6arc 16in but I just built a nice light 6 creed lol

[@BIGDEZUL]

Is this bolt and feeding smoother than the gen 1? Worth the upgrade?

[@leeviwerner4629]

I think you need to test the 1-8 LPVO

[@txpredatorhunting]

I don’t care for the reticle option.

[@clintivy623]

Have you ever messed with the Indian creek design chassis or sharps bros? I'm wondering how "light n handy" you could make a ruger American ranch with one of those.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Sharps yes, it’s not light by any means . We will take a look at that one soon enough.

[@justinmeese26]

Got the Ruger gen 2 in 22 arc is there any after market stocks and mags that would work on it?

[@ranierrentas4818]

I've been looking into the Ruger American Ranch Gen II It Would be my first bolt action rifle. The reviews I've seen are good! Now I'm on the fence of which caliber. .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Do you have an opinion on it??

[@NHamel123]

Wade really likes .308s

[@LuizNewlands]

O have this exact setup on 22 ARC. AICS MDT MAG$$$$ and still feeds like crap. Any mag suggestions are welcome.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Interesting, I have the 22 arc , just haven’t t started on it yet. I will say my 6 arc is feeding flawless.

[@luissantana5261]

Can you do a video on factory 6mm arc bolt rifles like the ruger gen 2 6 arc

[@txpredatorhunting]

In testing stage now .

[@WellDressedCaveman]

Have a Gen1 in 7.62x39...looking for a scope recommendation. I thought a 1x6 would be good????

[@txpredatorhunting]

Just depends … your need set . But 1-6 is probably what I’d stick on it.

[@WellDressedCaveman]

@@txpredatorhunting thanks man!

[@Papawsaurus]

I’d like to know what stock you decide on.

[@txpredatorhunting]

It’ll make a return to the channel . Once that is decided.

[@jonathanmiller5701]

coletac woobie rear bag?

[@txpredatorhunting]

Yes sir

[@jonathanmiller5701]

@@txpredatorhunting dang I really need to get one! how do they work with shorter bipods like the the harris 6-9

[@joelmorr28]

Judge Wade has come down from his high court to give us peasants a video.

[@txpredatorhunting]

😂 gosh damn

[@arielsetnomariv7675]

Ruger AMerican G2 or Tikka .223 16"

[@txpredatorhunting]

With no other parameters applied, probably the tikka.

[@arielsetnomariv7675]

@@txpredatorhunting i was leaning towards the Tikka most shots at coyote's are less than 200 meters. THAT Ruger in 22 ARC is quite tempting tho.

[@M0onM0nkey]

Just wondering..at what point is a bought rifle still said rifle when someone swaps stock, trigger, barrel, bolt, chassis, action...etc.? Maybe stock rifles should be judged against others and aftermarket parts judged likewise.

[@txpredatorhunting]

There’s folks who do that , and some I will leave alone .

[@Michaeldpress14]

Moa for lyfe

[@txpredatorhunting]

🤮

[@TheBlackTrapper]

Woah woah woah....... ARKEN AND RUGER AMERICAN? Wade you ok man ? Not used to seeing this type of POOR from you 🤣 jk so happy to see something I could comfortably afford

[@txpredatorhunting]

We’ve actually always covered equipment across the board of price points.

[@chadperry4021]

Agreed I just watched Gavin’s new video. I felt so poor.

[@jaycupples4362]

Truck gun I’m thinking

[@LukePayne-q8z]

Agree!

[@Holyspiritrecieved]

wtf is wrong......just buy a Bergara premier and be done with it... this is insane...once you hit $1k you might as well go to $2k and get a really good gun... this insane amount of tossing the money in the trash I will never understand

[@txpredatorhunting]

I have a handful of those as well.

[@KevinMcGrath-g3z]

😅😅 Gotta love this channel I'm the only one that has the common sense to tell you to stop wasting all your money on a piece of shit stock rifle.When you're going to take everything off of it and replace it and throw it in the garbage, you just wasted all your money Just build a custom from the get.Go and be done with it Friends don't let friends by rugers

[@txpredatorhunting]

Meh yes and no.