Ruger American Predator: Most Accurate Budget Rifle

[@lancemclean5700]

I have this in a Magpul stock. Consistently prints sub moa with Federal non typical rounds. Love it. Cheap rifle + cheap rounds = accurate.

[@glhx2112]

Hopefully Ruger does not axe the entire Gen 1 Ruger American series Because of the just announced Gen 2 Ruger Ranches. Spiral fluted barrels and other fancy stuff defeats the purpose of the no-frill (and cheaper ) Gen 1 rifles.

[@JeremyP-121]

I think they will discontinue the gen 1. But there are a lot of gen 1 out there so you will see them for sale for a long time. They announced the new standard gen 2 along with the ranch. The predator will follow next year im sure.

[@trumpsagenius6914]

And that new mag sucks ass

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

​@@trumpsagenius6914 It only sucks when a moron from Canada is using it.

[@Wanderer21766]

I was just got one ordered today, glad I got it before they did.

[@stoicodysseys6352]

I am going to be picking this up. Great Review. Now to find a scope.

[@Wanderer21766]

Did you ever find one? My friend who’s a gun nut recommended a Maven CRS.2 scope.

[@Xavieus]

@@Wanderer21766 Arken makes good stuff

[@Bill_DeBerry]

just picked up on of these rifles today in 223. The guys behind the counter told me they each have one and they feed it 5.56 almost exclusively, so I figured I would test it (safely of course). I have to say, it ate it like a champ and asked for more. Printed fairly decent groups with hornady 55 grain, aguila 62 grain, and remington 55 grain, all of which were 5.56. I only fed it 30- rounds of winchester 55 grain in 223, but it printed a good groups of those as well. I'm impressed with it's performance considering it's price point. Next range day I'm going to test some winchester 62 grain m855, just because I'm curious.

[@Bill_DeBerry]

Made it to the range again earlier today, and it printed a good grouping with m855 too. Very impressed with this budget rifle, especially considering the fact that it's not a picky eater.

[@GuacIsExtra99]

Seems risky shooting 224 bc I though these were dedicated 223 barrels. But if it’s working then more power to you

[@FenderFiend]

​@@GuacIsExtra99 .223 rem loads use a .224 bullet. The diameter between rifling is .223 and diameter between grooves is .224

[@BIGDEZUL]

Isn’t that an issue due to the increased pressures of 5.56? I’ve wanted to try but to worried I’ll blow my face off

[@FenderFiend]

@BIGDEZUL I agree with you on that. 5.56 is higher pressure than 223, so the risks are present since 223 rem chambers aren't meant to face the pressures 5.56 rounds put out. Bolt actions tend to be more robust than semi autos, but I'm not one willing to push their limits.

[@kcender3771]

Nice video. Thanks!

[@acushley1]

Funny timing since I dropped my Ruger American Predator in .223 into an MDT LSS XL Gen2 SA AR chassis last night. I mainly bought it since it took AR mags or likely would have just gone with a Tikka T3X CTR. On the .223 version of the Predator the mag release is on the side like an AR and the action screws are not hidden. I plan to upgrade the trigger eventually, but I really didn't see any other options for a .223/5.56 mm bolt gun that could take AR mags and had a decent threaded, long, heavy barreled action for decent accuracy. MRX bison and Blackcreek labs products seemed too short, too light and very hit and miss in terms of quality.

[@jsaquatics1871]

I’d like to see a pic of that set up

[@acushley1]

@@jsaquatics1871 Can't post photos on youtube. email?

[@nedkarp8468]

You should look into a Howa barreled action though Brownell's. I got one in a 24" #6 heavy barrel .308 that I dropped into a KRG Bravo chassis and topped with an Arken EP 5-25 x 56 all for under two grand. With an Atlas bipod and an Ultradyne Apollo Max muzzle brake.

[@acushley1]

@@nedkarp8468The whole point of this build was a .223 that could take AR mags. I don't believe the Howa actions work with AR (or AICS) mags. When I bought my last 6.5 CM I was going to get a Howa, but ended up going with a Bergara B14 BMP instead.

[@xX_XannyDeVito_Xx]

YoDave and MCarbo both sell replace my trigger return springs for like 13$ that drop the trigger down to around 2pd. Worth while upgrade

[@hidesinlonggrass3229]

I'm looking forward to the Predator Gen2.

[@AttackorAdapt]

I got my gf this rifle in a lefty a few years ago, shes super short, so I threw a brake on as well as a Riton optic on it. After load dev on both hunting and match bullets, its pretty consistent with under 1/2" groups at 100yrds. Ive also got a 6mm CM that I put in an Oryx, and a 308win I put into a Field Stock that I'll do load dev for when it's not -30C. Great rifles for the price point. Id like to see your review on the MDT Field Stock, as a budget upgrade to the short action ruger american or rem700 footprint.

[@ChrisEdling]

How does your American shoot withe mdt stock? Thinking about getting one.

[@AttackorAdapt]

@ChrisEdling haven't taken it out to the range yet. Tomorrow is supposed to hit -30C. I imagine it'll shoot better than in the factory stock, and I was getting good 3/4MOA groups with handloads

[@daporter84]

Cheek piece was very low on mine had to use some goofy sock pack to make it work

[@jamesbond7455]

I sold my Predator buy another it would be flush non drop mag. because of the trigger issues, I would replace the stock with Magpul or ORYX Rifle Chassis that does have drop mag, I like the wider forend less likely to rotate on you. There a after market trigger spring that easy to install, that should be around 2 1/2 pounds. Ruger put the rail on tight to tight use hair dryer and heat up the screw then crack them. The V block is good but front and rear are not connected and the stock flexes that why I loctite the action screws at 50 inch pounds. Accuracy adding a can or beefy muzzle break can help sometimes with accuracy. My Ruger Ranch Rifle was giving me accuracy problems the stock trigger really sucked so I replaced the trigger, did not know about the after market spring, groups improved a lot. Feeding issues get a pencil put some fine steel wool over the eraser rubber band it and polish the feeding ramp. Don't try that with a pistol with aluminum feeding ramp.

[@alanrahko8406]

Try the Mcarbo spring kit, stunning change in the trigger. Absolutely worth the $15.

[@raftr1]

I polished the bolt it cures the grab

[@AustinIvory]

Hay man I know I am six months late but when you did that was it at more smooth?

[@RambosandRadios]

Do a review on the NEW Ruger American gen 2. Sweet looking rifle!!

[@EpikArms]

will do when it gets to Canada

[@Juliang61]

Is this called Epik arms because you have large biceps?

[@EpikArms]

no not really, it was more because i needs a name that covered a few more things than "affordable Optics and rifle reviews) so Epik Arms is more generalized. I got loads of comment "this isnt and Affordable rifle/ Optics and the arms referenced in this name is more a reference to small arms,

[@Juliang61]

Sorry, just my silly British humor!! I love your videos and look forward to the update on this one with the Gen 2 they just released@@EpikArms

[@hidesinlonggrass3229]

😂🤣😂😆😅😁😄🤣😂😆🤣 Well played.

[@ajalvarez3111]

I had a good laugh, too.

[@dominickbinetti3876]

Bro do that rifle a favor and get a trigger spring from M Carbo. It will thank you sir.

[@ryanstines9748]

IMHO: Putting a 20 MOA rail isn’t ideal for people doing 500 yards and less, however. Just because a standard scope may still zero at 100 yards, scopes most people are putting on these view better and retain zero better (especially standard 1” scopes) when closer to the center of their adjustment range.

[@jerand8767]

Great rifle. Mounted mine into an MDT chassis, 20 moa rail, took advantage of threaded barell and mounted a brake (308), changed bolt handle, 6×24 scope, 34mm tube. Alk in all, less than $1100 in it. .375 moa. Shooting in par with my buddy's 6.5Cmoor custom build up to 1k yds.. after that 308 kinda gets loose. But he has $2800+ ..twice mine. Using basically factory ammo. Under 500 yds, its flat out boring..

[@slowguy66]

Mine takes AR mags it operates pretty smoothly, it’s no Mauser but I can’t complain considering the cost.

[@chrisb9478]

And now the Gen2 is out 👍🏻

[@arminkowitz2726]

Check out the 308 Ruger Hunter

[@joeconklin1275]

Ruger has the BEST customer service in the industry

[@RandallSchwed]

Good video at this price point...........

[@Thetankguy308]

Definitely need to review the new ruger american version 2!

[@EpikArms]

when it arrives to Canada I will

[@Thetankguy308]

@@EpikArms hopefully it doesn't take too long for them to get to you. I own 4 rugers and they did miss one big fale and that is the trigger..they are total garbage. And now with the ai style mag release its a pain to get it out of the stock to throw a timney in it.

[@Snailz5]

Gen II, gen 2, Gen two, Jen Tu!!!!!!

[@EpikArms]

literally as i finished the editing on this i found out about the GENII. LOL im pissed!

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

Check the barrel crown for a bur. That gun should give better groups than that.

[@killerrush77]

but can it do 1,000 yards?

[@EpikArms]

Yep

[@killerrush77]

@@EpikArms ugh, FML. 😞

[@fishingwithchue7701]

What scope ring are those?

[@TemplarMedic]

I think I missed what caliber you were using?

[@EpikArms]

6.5 creed

[@troythompson1621]

How would you compare this to the Stevens 334?

[@EpikArms]

@troythompson1621 the trigger is better on the predator. The action feels a bit better. Unless you get the Steven's 334 stainless bolt. Accuracy wise they are close

[@troythompson1621]

@@EpikArms thank you. I just found your videos. I appreciate the clear, concise delivery.

[@farleyjj1]

Do not like that you have to remove the magazine latch in order to take the barrel and action out of the stock. Poor design and they did not include the assist tool in my box.

[@elkhuntr2816]

How does accuracy of the predator compare to the standard ruger american with the black stock? The black stock version is a little lighter, handles a little bit better. But accuracy is very important too. I know the predator will handle heating up better, but how do the first 5 shots on a cold barrel compare?

[@EpikArms]

@elkhuntr2816 likely there the same quality barrel and the variacenis randomness. But if I recall the original predator performed better

[@michaellewis5624]

Your groups may get better in a lead sled or similar rifle rest. I have 2 in 6.5cm and they shoot amazing groups!

[@almostontimehero5415]

Merry Christmas! Also, this KZbin channel called Backfiretv said the CVA Cascade was the best budget rifle. But they backed up this claim by comparing it to ten other budget rifles, with tests and numbers to reference. In your opinion does that rifle match up? What youtube channels do you like when you do research?

[@EpikArms]

yeah BAckfire has pretty good stuff. he is one that I watch. i havent reviewed th CVA cascade yet but its on my list, and its owned by the same company as bergara, so id have high expectations. then again its about 850$ CAD so its working its way out of the budget category for Canadians. i just recently picked up the Frnachi momentum. no idea how well it shoots just got my overpriced fair for it today (150$!!!! for a rail! is nuts)

[@hunterpittman8504]

For bench rest shooting and tripod shooting left handed bolt gun for right handed folks! Trigger hand stays on the gun while left hand works the bolt and change mags . Watching you struggle and constantly taking hand off gun to run the bolt is painful! Your not alone, try a lefty gun to see if you like it better. Gas guns are different animals when it comes to ejection

[@nedkarp8468]

Have you ever looked at the Mossberg Patriot in 7 or 300 PRC?

[@EpikArms]

only in 6.5 and it perfomed ok

[@李梁正-f8w]

Should be! Straight - Pull,Ruger American!Why not!

[@李梁正-f8w]

Why! Should be Strange - Pull, Ruger American?

[@thomasguerrero7289]

Not sure but I never herd what the rifle was chambered in ? I wasn’t going to watch the video again . Good luck with your channel

[@mattcomchoc2957]

they just released a gen 2 of this rifle. the original has been out for many years. bad timing.

[@EpikArms]

Lol I literally saw that as I finalized the edit last night

[@almostontimehero5415]

Ooof. But our Maple bro works on his own income so he cant cycle through dozens of rifles a month. His thorough reviews are better than 5x bigger channels.

[@EpikArms]

thanks man!

[@hidesinlonggrass3229]

Now review the Gen2. Ruger is a company that makes things better each time. Unlike the old Remington.

[@bluenovacorgi8230]

Im looking for a hunting rifle to go hunt hogs, im ona budget so this one looks good enough to do the job i hope. New gun owner, just got a savage 22 rifle few weeks ago love it, n shot a lever action but those are way outa my price range 😅

[@shauno7582]

There’s only one rifle that’s “Second to None” brother 😉😉

[@EpikArms]

oh I sure do agree! you know it!

[@shauno7582]

@@EpikArms 😁😁

[@TDKOUTDOORS]

They don't accept true AICS mags. Only Ruger's "AICS Style" mags.

[@Red-Dog7]

What do I need to look up to find compatible mags? I have this rifle, the Ruger American Predator .308. I don’t want to waste money getting mags that won’t work. Are they just normal Rug. Amer. mags or are they something different? I’m new to bolt actions.

[@jamesclark4]

Oof my axis 2 gets better groups with cheap ammo