Ruger American Gen II Update

The Ruger American Gen 2 is an excellent bolt action rifle. In this update video I share some of the factory adjustments I have made to my rifle. Currently I have fired around 100 rounds and have been impressed with the reliability and accuracy of this new offering from Ruger.
Notice - videos are recorded on private shooting ranges under professional supervision.
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© 2024 TheGearTester. All rights reserved.

[@firegrunt03]

keep making videos. tell people to stfu sometimes. lol

[@TheGearTester]

Ok!

[@tufftrucker40]

One thing about your review that kind of burns my butt, you spent the first few minutes apologizing to people that were crying about the way you did things on the initial review of this rifle. In my opinion they should get off thier ass and go buy the gun and make they're own video. Please don't apologize to people that for the most part are to lazy to make they're own videos. You do a fine job on the review and you got the point across to most people that watched..you're doing a good job .

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks……there were so many complaints and unhelpful comments that I wanted to try and address them. I appreciate your perspective and advice.

[@invictus-23peacekeeper72]

@@TheGearTester apologizing to woke commies takes away from your dedicated reviews. please let them stew in their own vomit

[@phxamigo]

Like another commenter stated, quit wasting your time apologizing to others, if you don't like the gun, it's simple, don't buy it!

[@TheGearTester]

Good point!

[@denniscraig6022]

I'm 70 years old, and for most of my life, a lite wait rifle capable of 1 to two MOA would cost a month and a half salary. Now we pay more for the ammo and the optics than the gun .

[@TheGearTester]

Good point. Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience!

[@Adrian-jh5cr]

So true they make rifles with less accuracy and make it up by adding better optics and ammo. I personally prefer iron sights and it's so hard to find a rifle with them.

[@ryhtkj6681]

I like the last round hold open very much. In Australia it is a aud$1000 plus rifle. I also like a tang safety. Some people aren’t happy unless they have something to complain about.

[@whereswaldo5740]

I wanted one of these in 5.56 and had to wait being retired and on a fixed income. Good thing. Now they have the Gen II. I filled in the support web in the fore end by using 5 minute epoxy plumbers putty. Kneaded it up pressed it in smeared the excess in. And ground off with a Dremel 1/2 inch drum sander. Relieved around the mag release to totally expose it and make it easier to work it. Rattle canned it ODG after removing butt pad riser and studs. Looks great Feels great. Stiffer than even Gen I before. But even better now. And in the color I wanted. Leatherwood Hi-Lux 6-30x56 and it’s a tack driver. Removing the muzzle brake for a flash hider that accepts a can. Or a thread adapter for a different lighter can. If the last round block indicator bothers you grind it off the follower. Sacrifice the P mag. I bought 3 stainless steel 20 rounders. Better mags anyways. Heavy lifter para cord sling in black/OD green and we’re done. Cheers

[@TheGearTester]

Excellent job modifying it and making it your own. Thanks for taking the time to leave a detailed comment. If you want to send me pictures of your rifle I would be glad to include them in one of my upcoming videos.

[@waxhawcreek1717]

How do you feel about how hard it is to adjust the trigger weight and what pound was your trigger?

[@sexytopramen]

​@@waxhawcreek1717 it takes 3 minutes to adjust the trigger. Remove two bolts from stock, and then twist the trigger weight screw counter clockwise a few turns with an Allen wrench.

[@allanarndt3047]

I have to leave a comment on the top tang safety people complained about,I have been shooting for around 58 years & love the tang safety! It works great for left & right hand shooters,it works great while wearing gloves out hunting in cold weather. Ruger has done a fantastic job building guns that work well for most hunters & their sales numbers show this! Savage also has built their rifles with tang safeties forever! Second this is NOT a bench rest rifle where those shooters single load. Third 223/556 magazines used in AR-15 rifles have last round hold open so I’m guessing that it where this came from. Your review is an honest spot on review. Great job on a great rifle!

[@fly1327]

My 556 Ranch Gen 2 waiting for pickup. Just a 2 MOA red dot and a sling, offhand reaching out to maybe 200 yards. Nice review.

[@TheGearTester]

I think you will be very happy with your decision to pick one up. Just got done shooting my Ranch Rifle a bunch in the last couple days. Working on range report 1. A red dot will keep your rifle light and maneuverable.

[@ZildjianMan30]

A well said presentation. The features on this rifle are there for good reasons. Too many people have too many things to complain about.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

The original Ruger M77 design with tang safety was a push feed with a claw extractor and pin ejector. The M77 bolt face has a ring all the way around the front, therefore the rear of the cartridge case cannot slide up under the extractor during feeding. CRF started with the M77 MK II or M77 Hawkeye.

[@landonwood3977]

I love this rifle! People who dont like the bolt grittyness or even the shorter fluted barrel. But, the most important thing to remember is a bolt gun is designed for accuracy and simplicity. So long as the weapon shoots like a laser (safely) and loads the cartridge with ease- youre golden. Mine is a little stiff but its a laser

[@TheGearTester]

Excellent point!

[@superdave2112]

I have the same rifle. I also have a Gen 1 in 300 AAC Blackout. I am ridiculously pleased with both. I have a Vortex 1-6 Strike Eagle on the 300 and a 1-8 on the 556. I actually prefer the Gen 1 stock, so I removed the spacer and cheek rest. I'm not tall, and less is more! Now I need that Scout!

[@dubletreltinc.367]

Have this in 7.62x39. Love the fit and feel of the gen 2 stock. Perfect length of pull for my build right out the box. Its a great rifle and does what I need it to. Paired it with a primary arms sfp 1-6 lpvo with the Aurora acss reticle calibrated for 7.62x39 and couldn't be happier. Let all those grumpy people buy something else and don't worry about them. Thanks for the videos.

[@dougd959]

I'm on the fence about 556 vs 7.62x39. I could talk myself into either. I have a .243 for a primary hunting rifle (all the power I need here in Texas) so this would be more for fun and general utility. The 556 model using AR mags and 556/223 makes a ton of sense, but I also like the added oomph of 7.62x39 at short range and the fact that the tapered cartridge makes it more forgiving when feeding crappy cheap ammo.

[@garyturner8898]

Thank you for the follow up review on the Ruger Gen II. At sub $700 Ruger has hit another one out of the park. My only complaint, Ruger needs to hurry up with a left-handed Gen II Standard in 6mm Creedmoor! In your next shooting episode with the 5.56, please try some of the 77 grain offerings from Sig, Nosler, etc... With the 1:8 twist in your 5.56 Ranch Rifle, your groups should tighten up nicely. Thanks again, all the best.

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a detailed comment.

[@rogerpemberton79]

I recently got this same rifle in a trade. I haven't shot it yet but has turned into a full blown project that is far from budget. Not being able to throw a round in the ejection port for a fast follow up shot reload is a little irritating. I can live with it though. I highly recommend the Timney trigger. It's night and day difference compared to the factory trigger. I have mine set at 2 lbs and it a dream. With a sling, bipod, and Area 419 Hellfire muzzle brake it needs the Ruger factory weight system to balance it out in my opinion. At any rate, if it shoots as good as I suspect it will, it'll be a handy rifle. As a side note, it will accept Magpul 30 and 40 round magazines with Magpul magazine couplers. The coupled magazines don't rub the stock and the rifle still feeds reliably. I fully suspect I'll use Magpul 20 rounds P-mag Gen 3's.

[@wolfgangsereinig5305]

The gen2 is really a great,clever desiged beautiful rifle for the price :)

[@joethearcticfox]

I've had a Ruger M77 Mk2 in 30-06 for 23 years, and have single fed way more rounds than I have fed from the internal box magazine. The extractor has a bevel which allows it to "jump" into position when the bolt closes. Last round hold open is a hard no from me on a bolt action, magazine fed or not.

[@davidwarren3433]

Magazine, not the gun.

[@williamgaines9784]

​@@davidwarren3433I would imagine getting a different follower for the magazine would cure that problem. I recall my 15 round 30 carbine mags had no bolt hold featurs, but the 30 rounders did

[@thelongestday64]

Excellent review!

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks!

[@SalamiCellar]

Picked up a ruger american gen 2 right before hunting season starts here in PA for ~400 bucks, cant wait to go pick it up! Great vid man, screw the haters

[@briandenton2097]

Ruger makes a single shot adapter for the gen 2 on their website for those who want to be able to load one at a time, for certain calibers. Also the stock, it is bedded in to metal. For the price, getting a bedded stock is amazing.

[@Westerner_]

I saw a review of this rifle and they were pretty deflated that it wasn’t an out of the box prs rifle. I couldn’t believe their perspective on the rifle given it’s a sub $600 rifle that’s already so packed with features you would have had to pay twice that amount 10 years ago to get something similar. I suppose they could throw in the shim instead of making you buy is separately but it’s really not a big deal. They’re trying to get their price point down as far as possible out of the box.

[@TheGearTester]

I think people need to be more realistic and forsake their totally unrealistic expectations. I think Ruger really did a great job of believing a high value rifle with lots of excellent features at a reasonable price.

[@johninphx9360]

I upgraded my gen 1 ranch with a boyds spike camp laminate thumbhole stock but this gen 2 stock looks like it's much better. I just ordered 5.56 gen 2 ranch for $525 at Tombstone Tactical.

[@TheGearTester]

Awsome!

[@wisemencompany]

I just reviewed this gun. For the money there really isn’t a lot to complain about. Mine ran as advertised. No you won’t win any PRS matches with this rifle.

[@Fehrman21114]

Amen on the length of pull. I'm 6'0". But, I still prefer to go with a shorter length of pull to accommodate thicker clothes during the winter months and hunting season. As far as the forearm touching the barrel goes, I have a Marlin 336C in 30-30 that has a barrel band connecting the forearm to the barrel and the barrel is not even free floated. Yet, I consistently shoot MOA with that rifle, as well as with other Marlin lever guns. There is conventional wisdom about gun making that is wise to heed. But, it does not always have to be followed. There are sometimes exceptions to the rules, and I would not be surprised if the Gen II American is one of them. It's got me interested, and do not even like rifles at this price point.

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience!

[@anthonykeller2760]

I have the gen 1 in 556, suppressed and I added a Mathew’s adjustable comb and a 3x9 Leupold scope. Mine shoots 5/8” with 77g black hills ammo. Best coyote gun I have for shooting in the woods.

[@tommystratpaul]

People are getting their panties is a twist over a budget rifle not having custom rifle features… 😂 great review mate, those people are the problem, not the rifle

[@TheGearTester]

@@tommystratpaul Thanks!

[@CapnMoonlite]

Great video. Thanks for the info

[@TheGearTester]

You are welcome!

[@DreamConundrum]

I like DBM for hunting from tree stands because it makes loading and clearing a little simpler. A CZ 550 in a short action is an example of a DBM CRF action. Many people prefer the CRF actions for feed and extraction in general, nothing to do with the dangerous game straw man. Push feeds gained popularity because they're cheaper and easier to produce, not because they were better. I like both action styles. I own a variety of rifles and I am interested in this Gen 2, which is a tempting value proposition.

[@aaronwilcox6417]

It has some interesting features. Just wondering if you would ever do an Ruger scout vs Sig cross for use in terrain. It would be interesting to see rifles go head to head in some high angle terrain in mountains.

[@TheGearTester]

Ill take some time to think about this. It’s a great idea.

[@hedgemowerman]

This rifle is amazing. I have it in 6.5 Grendel. What silencer did you use?

[@yourface3154]

Sir, we don't call them that.

[@markhenderson2896]

I think people worry to much about your set up. You do you I enjoy the video

[@TheGearTester]

Good point!

[@pasqualinoiannelli4275]

First time watching your channel. Well produced, well thought out, simply good content. Really appreciated. As for this specific subject, I have to still agree with those who choose to stay away from anything Ruger. They simply have a poor reputation for overpriced, subpar quality firearms compared to other companies. I really hope that would've stopped being the case with the Gen 2 American, ESPECIALLY the 7.62x39 Ranch, because I really wanted an American made 7.62x39 bolt action with a 16" barrel for medium game hunting and affordable plinking out to 30 yards. I'd rather invest a couple hundred more and get a Savage 110, Howa 1500, or a pre-Colt CZ. Simply better quality firearms out of the box. People need to stop talking about budget rifles that don't meet the mid-tier or better grade. Save up a couple hundred more and get something you can pass down to someone. If I can't trust my life to it, it doesn't go in my safe. I'd rather own 3 mid to high tier rifles that I can trust as opposed to 10 subpar, unreliable guns that MAY have issues. We need to do better as a community and emphasize better quality.

[@mjacobs711]

Just picked one up in 308. I wasn't able to get the muzzle break off to add a suppressor. Going to need to take it to someone with a barrel vise. I tried adding heat, but they must use Chuck Norris to torque these on.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I have an earlier Gen 1 Ruger American and its stock is not nearly as nice as these newer ones. It doesnt have adjustable length of pull spacers, or risers, and the front of it was much, much, worse! It wasn't really free floated in most situations it flexed so bad. (IMHO) This Inexpensive new Gen 2 stock seems So MUCH better than the Gen 1. I ended up buying a MDT chassis it bothered me so much on my old gen 1 Predator. I am So glad I wont have to do that again if I Buy a Gen 2 Ruger American and I have been eyeing one for sometime now, so I probably will be a buyer! Great Video !

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Hope to see more on this. I use the lefty Ruger scout.

[@chazcarter2599]

The last round hold open is a mag feature not the rifle. You can get at mags that don’t hold the bolt open.

[@TheGearTester]

You are technically correct! However, it is inherently a feature that exists because of the choice to employ the magazines into the design of the rifle.

[@johnnyadams1755]

Or you can easily modify a mag so it doesn't hold open. I personally like the feature. I feel I can reach for a new mag as quickly as a single round. I know it sucks changing mags in the prone position...but I don't shoot prone very often. YMMV.

[@FishKepr]

The bolt actually locks open on the top of the follower, not the tab at the back. Because of this, Lancer magazines will not lock the bolt open since the top of the follower is sloped.

[@teardrop662]

I have the gen 1. Looking to get gen 2 as will. Since you test the gun does it still have issue of the gen 1. Biggest issue i have with the gen 1 is when you load the bolt it get jam up the first round if you havent use the gun for while. But once you get that 1st round in everything work smoothly.

[@TheGearTester]

Interesting, I have not encountered that problem with either the Gen 1 or Gen 2 Ranch Rifles.

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

When shooting from the bench, many shooters, myself included, prefer to load one round at a time, and having to use the magazine would be a frustration

[@SLFYSH]

It sounds like you were harassed a bit, but your results for conditions sounds good. Appreciate what you presented. Good set up, i would consider a suppressor. I really enjoyed the benefit on mine. The benefit of controlled round feeding is real in that only one round can be on the face of the bolt at any time, and reagrdless of debris or position the round is c9ntrolled from mag to chamber, and chamber to ejection. Stove pipes, double feeds are not possible. That is the point of CRF.

[@RichValentine1972]

Thanks for a great video I personally own a GEN 1, I did remove the factory stock and put it on a mag pul chassis. Mine is the go wild with a 22 inch barrel. One thing I don’t like about the Gen 1, is the mag release. It’s nice to see they changed that. I might have to buy a Gen 2. Thinking I need to pick one up. 7pr this time. I really love the looks of the Gen 2.

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a thoughtful and productive comment.

[@lucass4758]

Forgive me for not remembering the specs but the shortest length of pull is achieved by using NO shim at all. You just remove whatever shim is in place and then put the buttpad up against the stock without a shim. Not sure if that is what you tried or not. Also the “bolt lock open” is a feature of the AR15 magazine, not a feature of the rifle itself. For those concerned about it, it is a simple matter of taking a file to the rear side of the magazine follower and filing the follower at an angle on the section that grabs the bolt lug. Filing at an angle allows the bolt lug to push down on the follower, ride over the top of the follower, to close the bolt on an empty magazine

[@TheGearTester]

I tried to attach the butted to the stock with no shim. I could not get it to work. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@aaroncottle8538]

Thanks for the review. To your comment about single feeding and controlled round feed… I would disagree with you. I hunt a couple-few times a year, but mostly shoot at the bench, steel and on paper. I also have a gen 1 Ruger American that I’ve modified the trigger, stock, sling and a couple others, but enjoy single feeding as I do with all my bolt guns at the bench or target shooting. I was heavily considering a gen II but that changes my mind as I hate feeding mags when I don’t have to… also, as far as controlled round feed goes, I have 9 or ten rifles w/the feature and I absolutely can/do single feed them every time. Not trying to nit pick, but broad opinions don’t really apply to everybody, and we shooters want what we want… the more I shoot, the more I know exactly what I want…

[@yukon4545]

Folks might search " single shot sled". They're made for various internal and external magazines.

[@Artie6937]

I I’ve got the gen1 love the rifle but the safety is a bit noisy for my liking, might get one of these, Can you slide the safety to fire quietly?

[@TheGearTester]

You can slide the safety of slowly. There is an audible little click. Not any louder than any other safety I have on my other hunting firearms.

[@thanielsommers4500]

Hmm not sure some of that info is correct. The m77 I have you can put a cartridge in the chamber without pushing it down in the box mag and slide the bolt forward with zero issues. Sounds like the people complaining about the last shot hold open are probably hunters, most of us will only likely cary 1 mag out hunting and like the option of laying a cartridge in and closing the bolt. For hunting I honestly don’t like the mag protruding below the bottom of the rifle I much prefer flush or a simple box mag. Only reason I’m somewhat interested in the ruger American gen 2 is because it’s coming out in 400 legend and there are not a lot of options in that caliber.

[@Mrelindio42]

For most hunters, three rounds are usually one too many!

[@mikeholley4488]

An A2 flash hider is much quieter than a straight barrel IME. I compared them side by side using a 16" AR

[@OtiumBorealis]

Is it possible to not use the last shim piece and only use the recoil pad? It looks like that would remove the last 0.75" if you wanted to get down to 12" lop. Great video btw.

[@phild9813]

From what I’ve read, I believe that’s true. I’d like to know for sure also. It would make this a phenomenal option for very small shooters.

[@Twofingers00]

I did it with mine. I got a 300blk and put a fixed 3x prism scope that had very short eye relief. I was able to remove the stock spacer all together and put the recoil pad directly on the stock.

[@TheGearTester]

I tried to attach the butt pad with no stock shim. I could not figure out how to get it to work. Other people are claiming that they made it work. Ill have to give it a try.

[@williamlucas1174]

Do you have a link to the thread protector you have?

[@thelongestday64]

On the ruger website in one of their videos they say and show that the buttpad can attach directly onto the buttstock of the rifle without any shims?

[@TheGearTester]

Ill have to look for that. I couldn’t get it to work.

[@godslittleman5451]

Great review - pondering a 350 legend

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks! What is motivating you to choose the 350 legend? Im just curious as to your thought process.

[@godslittleman5451]

@@TheGearTester indiana allows pistol calibers on state grounds for one. Otherwise, my neighbor kills a lot of deer and he says they hardly kick, they aren’t loud and he’s good out to 200 yards.

[@TheGearTester]

@@godslittleman5451 Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@pozouli]

I agree. You are right about everything

[@TheGearTester]

Please share this information with my wife! Thanks for the words of affirmation and encouragement.

[@PassivePortfolios]

Several other testers got lousy groups with the Gen 2. Send the rifle back to Ruger to see if they can fix it.

[@TheGearTester]

The size of my groups were a product of my poor shooting. Ill do some more work with a higher power magnification scope.

[@trentroberdeau1462]

Na, not really

[@homeinthewhiteoaks]

I always am amazed when people think that everyone can hold one moa with a low power optic. I'm and old man now and off a dead rest need about 10X to hold under an inch. Once I'm at that kind of power I can still test a rifle, but with a low power setting 1x-4x I'm only about minute of groundhog...

[@rickymaynard4880]

I'm about to die waiting for the Gen 2 in 22 ARC; its supposed to be produced anytime now in 2024....I have custom rifles I've got 3K in....3 to be exact! But I LIKE this Gen 2!

[@AnarchyOutdoorsOfficial]

Want to try out our handle upgrade?

[@ottovonapps]

Agree with you

[@TheGearTester]

@@ottovonapps Thanks! What is the most interesting thing to you about the Ruger American?

[@ottovonapps]

@@TheGearTester don't have one, but I agree it is what it is and I like the concept for people who already have ars. I plan on getting one to put a scope on for prairie dog hunting and yotes because I don't want to change my lower powered optic. Secondly, the size is awesome for a truck and easy to maneuver. I don't have one hence why I was watching your review 👍. Thanks for your review

[@TheGearTester]

@@ottovonapps Thanks for providing more context and sharing your thought process.

[@GaryDaSnail01]

I just got a Ruger American ranch Gen 2 in 450 bushmaster and shoots great and great for the money will make a great brush gun for them close shots and black bear! And your groups are great for standing in the cold with a tri pod I’ve done it got the same results and I agree get extra mags I got 3 extra mags two for hunting and one for backup. And about the tang safety I prefer it very easy and good for fast brush shots but Don’t apologize great review people just like to bitch is all! And if you have to use more then two shot then you need to work on your aim…. But Keep up the good work!

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks for talking the time to share your experience! Happy Hunting!

[@MRxr400]

don't worry about all the expert keyboard warriors, do it your way.

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks!

[@devonvaughn7133]

People upset about the bolt lock on the last round and not being able to single round feed the gun don’t understand that it is a pmag feature I have a gen one 5.56 ranch and with metal ASC and Colt magazines I can single round load and close the bolt on an empty magazine but I cannot close the bolt on an empty magpul pmag if you don’t like the open bolt on an empty mag spend the extra $2 on metal magazines

[@HookLineSinger]

5:00 You absolutely can drop in a single round with control round feed, no problem.

[@brianmorrow6355]

The hold open is caused by using standard AR 15 magazines its not the rifle. I bet people would be pissed if they made a proprietary magazine as well

[@joemisak7925]

am not a fan of last shot hold open I like to single round feed lol I also think Ruger should include the lop spacers

[@TheGearTester]

To each his own….including the spacers would be a nice touch!

[@timothyperkins6847]

It takes concentration on every single function of the rifle every time you use it

[@lukewesson44]

The bolt hold open isn't a feature of the gun, it is inherent to the design of the mag followers. People can complain about Ruger all they want, but they will have to wait until they get to heaven to ask Eugene Stoner why he designed a bolt hold open in AR mags.

[@TheGearTester]

Correct! Last shot hold open is a design feature that is a carry over stemming from the decision to use AR15 pattern magazines.

[@user-gi8ji4xv9e]

You can get a mag that you can still close the bolt while it’s empty.

[@jaked.5145]

Wow! I still can’t believe that people are passing on this misinformation on single feeding Ruger CRF actions. You CAN single feed them without any problems! The claw is made to slide over the cartridge, you can see where it’s beveled if you look at it! I’ve never had a problem doing it with any of my Rugers and I’ve owned 6 from tang safeties to MK IIs and Hawkeyes. Stop spreading this misinformation please! It was only true for the original Mausers!

[@jacobrohlinger9038]

Ruger makes 1 round mags so you can single load. Idk why you would want to do that anyway

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Always some folks that want to rain on others parade. Dont pay attention to that small percentage. (If its a huge amount it may warrant some reflection.) Otherwise Keep doing what your doing! There seems to be a HUGE amount of armchair quarterbacks these days. hhhhNice Video ! 1st one I have seen from you and you have a new Sub. Congrats brother!

[@johnulanowski3612]

is the gun-free floated

[@TheGearTester]

Yea

[@hblegal8309]

Well said!

[@Sean-xm5sp]

Best $3500.00 ive ever spent!!..........I ummmm have more than one of them lol......

[@bayardocaldera]

Is the rifle made for left hand shooters

[@TheGearTester]

Currently, I think it is only being produced in a right hand configuration.

[@bayardocaldera]

@@TheGearTester thank you for the videos they are very informative and helpful, I was just checking Ruger website and so far no left handed bolt action.

[@TheGearTester]

Im glad you found my video useful!

[@juliogonzo2718]

@@bayardocaldera I'm left handed, and I'm so used to running right handed firearms left handed, I don't know if I would be able to run a left hand one 😂

[@danieldunham9978]

People do the same to the Ruger RPR they wine about its flaws like its a $6000 custom long range rifle.

[@TheGearTester]

Good point! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@TAWier]

I have other guns that allow you to do both. Ruger has made a few advancements with this rifle over their previous models, but the bolt hold open definitely isn't one of them! Any modern bolt gun should have detachable magazines but also allow you to single feed if you wish. The other thing is going to shorter barrels. That should be an option with offerings in various barrel lengths under various names like the Ranch, Predator, and Standard models, or they can come up with some new names but offer them in various barrel lengths. Lastly, your shot group is good at 100 yards and can be expected to improve with the better magnification of that new scope, but wrapping your thumb over the barrel is likely affecting your accuracy. It's not like an AR that has the barrel protected from contact by the handguard. I think your channel has potential, but you sound a little cranky about the criticism. Some of that criticism is from amateurs who don't know what they're talking about, but some of it is objective, and it would do you good to get that figured out.

[@Fisherhunt56]

Even a 9x magnification is questionable when testing groups.

[@williamolliges2622]

If it is minute of clay pigeon at 400 meters like I’ve seen videos of, add a big scope, and you’ve got a good cat gun.

[@michaelgraham8854]

People want Mossberg shotguns for the safety. Put it on a Rifle and it is wrong ??

[@trentroberdeau1462]

The people that think you need to single round feed can pound sand, to hell with the Remington 700. And the deal with the stiff stock I’ve never needed that. In fact, I hate heavier guns and heavier stocks. They’re no good to me so all of the Karen’s out there complaining about the Ruger GEN two can fuck off lol.

[@KevinBrown-r7d]

How short are you?

[@TheGearTester]

You would be surprised!

[@chico5366]

do they make this 556 gen II in a 20' in barrel and will all mil spec standard AR Magazines work in the rifle? good video , I am sure that new scope will put your accuracy over the top. I have to agree with some others here and say don't waste your time apologizing to assh*les ...that probably don't shoot as well as you in the first place...

[@jacobrohlinger9038]

The .223 has a 20” barrel

[@roadsidecamper]

Ya think if people wanted to single load they'd get a lever rifle with a loading gate not a bolt action with a mag.

[@TheGearTester]

Great point!

[@kluper1157]

Leeupold? come on Leupold!

[@RTphotoandvideo]

Really jealous of you folks that have suppressors. I’m here in commiefornia. Really thought I wanted this rifle, but I held the 7.62 chambered version at the range and didn’t realize how short the entire rifle actually is. Does anyone have the predator or the regular American which I think is a 22” barrel? I have longer arms and think I just want more real estate to grab on to, but keep the 5.56 for the mag option.

[@LameWolff]

First off this is a very good rifle for the price. Second, opinions are like butt holes and everybody now of days seems to have one. As for opinionated people they usually know little about the subject they are speaking on most of the time anyway. The way you do something may not be the way I would do it but you paid for it so run it ever how you want too.

[@TheGearTester]

@@LameWolff Good points!

[@JohnTitor-K22]

Am I the only one whos prefers the aesthetics of the gen 1?

[@juliogonzo2718]

I haven't seen a gen 2 in person, but honestly for the price I don't think I buy one over the gen 1

[@hugofonseca4705]

I want one of these puppies

[@hugofonseca4705]

But so hard to get

[@TheGearTester]

I think they will became more available over the next 4-5 months.

[@jeff0nyschuk670]

As far as I am concerned anything that has the clip locked into the stock instead of the bottom of the back of the chamber,,Is just,,Sorry!

[@dannydivine7699]

The Ruger M77 is SAFE to single feed, its a HYBRID Mauser action The last round bolt hold open is a function of the AR magazine. Period Stop

[@juliogonzo2718]

I have the gen 1 in 7.62x39. I put a stanag magwell magpul hunter on it so I could run duramag x39 mags and the bolt doesn't hang up on the follower if the mag is empty. It definately has some resistance but it still closes. Can't get mini 30 mags that hold more than 5 in Canada, but 10rd stanag are legal as long as it is for a pistol. This was my reason for running stanag stock on it.

[@Littl3RayOfSunshine]

No irons does it in for me.

[@darylnd]

"These aren't $1,200 guns." They get closer to it here in CA, with our 9.75% sales tax; the new, 11% excise tax on guns and ammo (the "Gavin (Newsom) Tax" is how my local store writes it on the receipt); and the $49.50 firearms transfer fee. I'll give some credence to those complaining about your accuracy tests. If a reviewer is going to do accuracy tests, I do believe it's incumbent upon him to control variables as best he can, even if that means waiting for better weather. The rest is just ignorant whining. I'm not a gambling man, but I'd be willing to bet these are the same kind of shooters who (if they come to the range at all) can't hold a pie plate at 100 yards, always want to go back to their bench during the cease fire, fan the line with their guns when they're taking them out of the case or putting them back in, handle their guns by the triggers, etc. As you said, "Hollywood." For my part, I'm looking forward to my Predator version in .308 Winchester. Something in me dislikes the tang safety--aesthetics, I think--but it's the last thing from a deal breaker. Like you, I have no use for the brake (and can't have a can here, nooo) so I'll put on the thread protector. As an aside, I have my own story about length of pull. The first time I shot a CMP match with a 1903 Springfield, I butt-stroked myself on the 600 yard prone stage. The stock on the 1903 was sized for the shortest man in the Army in 1903, a time when the average American man stood about 5'4" or 5'5". I'm 5'10". I didn't have the butt tucked tightly enough into my shoulder--remember, this also is a straight stock. I touched off the first round, the rifle but whipped around, and BAM! "How'd you get that bruise on your jaw?" "Butt stroked myself... "

[@aapottaone]

I sure hope they fixed the mag stops. otherwise ruger american is nothing more than a boat anchor

[@TheGearTester]

What are you talking about? Are you expecting reliability issues? Failure to feed etc…..

[@USMCM16A2]

I have a Gen1 and the stock is perfect. With a bipod.

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

Rugers would be good rifles at the prices they sold for a few years ago but in my area you can get a tikka for the price of a gen 2 american rifle..

[@allenrosesr.8480]

Cut down the pace in the magazine now i work it empty

[@cfnaround1585]

People are always happy to complain.

[@TheGearTester]

Very True!

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Maybe people are just jealous and miserable

[@TheGearTester]

True!

[@coyotiess]

That safety is stupid in my thoughts! safe on safe off!

[@juliogonzo2718]

Yeah I agree.

[@timothyperkins6847]

The ruger American was not built for children and not built for dangerous game!

[@TheGearTester]

The Ruger American was specifically designed with the ability to shorten the length of pull to accommodate small framed Homo sapiens. A 12 inch length of pull is designed to accommodate humans who are under 5 feet tall. The Ruger American was not specifically designed to be a children’s firearm. However, it was designed to flex into that role.

[@nastysoda9212]

5.56? why...

[@dalejulian989]

Why in the hell would anyone pick 5.56 in a bolt gun.

[@TheGearTester]

@@dalejulian989 Because that is what I wanted!

[@dalejulian989]

@@TheGearTester I just don't see the point of it when you can just get an ar15. I like big calibers in my bolt guns just my opinion though.

[@TheGearTester]

@@dalejulian989 It takes AR 15 Patent magazines. The 5.56 is lightweight, affordable and accurate. I already have larger caliber bolt action rifles.

[@teardrop662]

​@@dalejulian989 bolt gun run better on suppressor then semi auto on ar15 and quieter too.

[@capnb0b578]

You're pushing down on a free floated barrel with your hand. That's probably why your groups suck. 😂