Ruger American Ranch 5.56 Best Budget Preparedness rifle?

Is the Ruger American the best bang for the buck SHTF/Preparedness rifle?
I think it's certainly a good candidate.
Edit: The barrel is in fact cold hammered forged. Thanks for the comments.
Jump to 20:42 for range footage.
Please find me on Instagram at ‪@SagedCivilian‬

[@Subtlenimbus]

The barrels on these ARE cold-hammer forged. Cold-hammer forging is how the bore and rifling are shaped, and has nothing to do with the threads for the muzzle device. The threads are just machined into the barrel after the forging process.

[@SagedCivilian]

Updated my description to add this, I appreciate the clarifcation!

[@lrlapua8035]

Hammer forging is condensing the metal so to speak to make it denser hence stronger.

[@nicks2581]

Great video. I own a 5.56 Ruger American Ranch as well and it is a great option for SHTF in a low priced bolt action category. I strongly recommend that you get the Skinner Scout rail. It has an integral ghost ring iron sight and allows you to mount red dots or long eye relief scopes as optic options.

[@lookarabbit2888]

I've got one, works good out the box. Very low maintenance, and availability of ammo and mags is great. Am always tempted to stick a big drum mag on it just to be silly.

[@BrandonE-ri4km]

Seems like a good option to have while road tripping. No drama driving through certain states

[@Thizlamic]

California checking in....BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. Great compliment to my AR and M1A platforms. AWESOME PLINKER TOO

[@ryankerrigan1463]

You're my favorite new KZbinr

[@ricblic901]

I own this rifle for home defense, a 55grain 556 FMJ is the round you want cheap and effective. The 16 inch barrel is quick, inside ones home the target is feet away not yards. A round traveling 3000fps+ out of the barrel will eliminate the threat but not over penetrate like a green tip, which is a steel tipped bullet designed to penetrate hard targets, your intruder doesn't fall under that description. You do not want a round that will literally poke a hole in a soft target, it will not feel good and if a major organ is in it's way then it's lethal. But that round is still lethal after it passes through the intruder.

[@Sanguivore]

Great video! Thanks for all the info!

[@wildweasel6898]

I would also add that valve grinding compound is great on cheap rifles done exactly how he said but don't do that with a tikka or similar rifle because they have better tolerances and it can effect reliability. Probably void your warranty too. Ive done what he did on a savage and got great results.

[@glmorten]

I love my 300blk out version due to it still being 30cal and is movie quiet with subs suppressed.

[@kfsrmn]

I have the American Ranch in 7.62x39 which pairs with my Mini 30. Both use the same magazines. Very accurate rifle. A lot less maintenance than an AR with DI. I have been watching for the ranch in 5.56x45. Good to have options.

[@shidandfard9976]

lol wut, AR maintenance is just putting CLP on the BCG every few hundred rounds

[@marsiloficino5060]

@@shidandfard9976 I suppose you’re right if you only shoot once a month less than 500 rounds. Come across some crappy white box Winchester from the early 2000s and good luck with that.

[@shidandfard9976]

@@marsiloficino5060 lmao, train more

[@Alaska610ish]

Nice rifle! Keep growing the channel.

[@davidc8527]

I use old school GI 20 round mags (Just change/upgrade the followers) on mine they are short and make it more managable, best thing about the Ranch is reliabilty and pratical as a second rifle.....

[@TMFShooting]

Luv the Ruger Ranch ,Great Rifle , Great Video 💯💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@wildweasel6898]

Great video. One correction I have is that contrary to popular belief the objective has nothing to do with FOV. A wide angled eye piece will increase FOV but requires more sophisticated glass polished and coated to avoid a cloudy view. This is why FOV is generally the same on scopes under 800 bucks or so. If you're FOV is better on cheaper scopes your sacrificing clarity. March makes excellent and expensive scopes with good FOV. There are LPVO with better FOV over the $800 range that maintain decent clarity. Hope this helps. I learned this lesson the hard way because I heard a bigger objective got better FOV. All that does is make the scope brighter which can make a wide angled eyepiece seem clearer than it is but only in lower light scenarios. Basically even an expensive scope with wide angled eyepiece would be clearer if it didn't have one. Your sacrificing one quality or another either way. Spending more will help cover that sacrifice a bit. Great work brother. Loved your video

[@ChickenTendies03]

Just subscribed because it was an awesome video. Idk why but now I want a 5.56 Ruger American over a 243 if I do decide to get a rifle next I know what to get this rifle or a Bergara but I’ll probably end up getting a Glock 45/17/19.

[@adamadams6740]

Did you see Ruger just dropped the second Gen? They have the new stock and fluted barrels looks kinda cool,I wish they would do the Ranch in .350 legend looks like can only get in 20inch.i love the .223 bolt action with AR mag,great set up!

[@jameszywicki5814]

I’ve put the Magpul stock on this same caliber rifle, as well as a Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 scope. Performs well.

[@bjellison905]

I got the 308 version with the same scope. Do you like the stock ?

[@jameszywicki5814]

@@bjellison905 the stock is awesome! The factory stock was showing an off-set in regards to free float( almost touching on one side and 1/8" gap on the other side. ) Put a standard 1/2x28 A2 flash hider on barrel. Sighted in at 50 yards currently. Most groups between 1/2 and 3/4" and bullet weights from 55 to 62 to 69 grains. I live in the Communist State of Illinois so this is SOMEWHAT of a compromise as it uses STANAG magazines (how convenient? 😎)

[@mr.fancypants698]

.556nato, accurate up to 600yrds. I'm sure it can go further, if maybe you had a longer barrel, but the bullet starts doing weird things past 600yrds.

[@joshyow7545]

Great video keep it up

[@Valorius]

A certain Aussie named Jobeeeee we are mutual friends with sent me your way. have a +1 from a fellow small gun tuber. And congrats on the view explosion on this video! Well done!

[@bunk95]

Bullpup bolt actions urban jungle guns. Conversion kit for a specific nostalgia in some.

[@ThePirwbb]

Sick patch.

[@Cincinnatis]

Best kept “secret” in the game

[@nurse-dude]

🤙 looks like a handy little rifle man.

[@FunkYoLifeUp]

Great video thanks! As a Canadian options are limited. I’ve been looking at this Ruger as my 556 platform.

[@SagedCivilian]

For sure man. Im happy to answer any questions you may have. But this make an excellent 556 platform for preparedness, defense, hunting etc... Especially since you are so restricted. Just make sure to stock up on magazines sooner rather than later. Let me know how it goes!

[@FunkYoLifeUp]

@@SagedCivilian definitely for shooting training for me. And god forbid, some shtf zombie apocalypse. We have these mags called cross mags. I’ll be stocking up on them. They technically are an ar pistol mag and as such are allowed to hold 10 rounds. Rifles mags in Canada are pinned to 5 rounds. But the cross mags fit into any ar 15 mag compatible firearm so it’s legal to use in rifles. Canada has weird firearms laws.

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

Hey buddy I've got a Ruger Ranch wood stock 2000 year and a 2023 Ruger Mini Tactical and none of these are a AR. The tactical is what you want! The difference is Tactical has threaded barrel w flash depressor Ranch don't have threaded barrel. Tactical is polymer stock and Rugers new upgrade barrel. Now listen I don't want you to waste money! NO AR mags will work in any Ruger Mini 14's! Not in Ruger Ranch Mini14 or Tactical and Ruger mags are the only mags except for one other mags manufacturer that I can't remember is the only mags that will work! The other off brands won't cycle right. And HE bought his used for 400 but i promise you if you buy a new one or fairly new it's going to cost alot more than 400. Don't know about canada but the US i paid 1250.00 for mine brand new and a wooden stock Ranch Miñi14 brand new is round 1200. I hope that will help you and save you money on mags.

[@FunkYoLifeUp]

the newer models of "Ruger America ranch in 5.56" can take ar-15 mags. they also have a threaded barrel. Ruger mini 14 and all ar-15's are currently banned in Canada. and yes. its an $850 CAN rifle up here. Ruger has similar names for a few models... i think that's where there was some confusion.@@Tommy-rr7ez

[@AlexT-md9df]

@@FunkYoLifeUpzombies won’t care if the pin somehow falls out of a full sized mag just sayin

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

My RAR is a pretty good rifle, my only complaint is it's a gen 1. I have filled the butt with fiberglass resin to help give it a bit of weight, along with a kympex cheek riser. I run a 4-12 Scorpion optic

[@badas45]

Very cool I've had my eye on a Mossberg MVP 556 for a few years

[@josephlipnickas8148]

Me too but hard to find

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

While I like Tikka more, these are good to go, nice dude!

[@northman77]

Agree!

[@TrashPanda71]

I added iron sights and a A2 butt pad to use the open area in the stock.. perfect backup to an AR, you can hand it off to someone and not worry they will burn up to much ammo. I also opened up from around the mag release button. So yeah it's a great SHTF homestead type rifle. I've also hand loaded some 60gr cast lead subsonic rounds, keep a 10 round mag loaded and you can actually take small game with it. I'm also in Florida and had worked at the local gun shop, just east of Tallahassee. Be safe and have fun.

[@twcnz3570]

Interesting that you've worked up subs. Potentially very useful for subsistence hunting and "hush puppy".

[@thatoneguy3590]

How did you add the irons? Did you do it yourself or did it require a gunsmith?

[@TrashPanda71]

@thatoneguy3590 I did it myself, work on all my own stuff, rear is a Williams and it was just drilled and tapped, front ramp was silver soldered on.

[@chronicandironic8701]

they make these in 7.62x39 if that’s up your alley too

[@dvanblaricom]

You can get a mini-14 in CA and other ban states. You can also get an "ar" with no gas system and have a straight pull bolt action that could be converted with a few parts in the event the gov ceased to be a consideration.

[@bencovington1121]

Mini 14 would be my choice if it took AR15 mags.

[@TrashPanda71]

Would be awesome to SBR it justat the end of the forearm, be no different than an AR truck gun, that way with the suppressor it would be about normal length. Still have enough velocity for 200 yard shots if needed.

[@ABlindHilbily]

It's a great rifle no doubt. I'd still rather have an AR-10 and a Remington 700 chambered in .308. Just personal preference for the 4 legged critters in my area. Love the channel and I've just subscribed❤.

[@Furiouspenguin27]

.308 is unreasonable if you’re anything but stationary

[@wehrwxlf]

@@Furiouspenguin27idk a 308 as a do all rifle serves a good purpose. I.e. hunting bigger game & such

[@Furiouspenguin27]

@@wehrwxlf maybe, but price, weight, and performance are terrible compared to 5.56 generally

[@wehrwxlf]

@@Furiouspenguin27 sell a kidney, lift more weights & again can take larger game than any 5.56x45 loads can which in a one rifle does all adequately well it’s worth the sacrifice. I’m talking about scar17s & hk417s here no fudd rifles do weights not super terrible in comparison to a decked out ar15 platform

[@Furiouspenguin27]

@@wehrwxlf none of that changes the fact of what I’ve said, you just mentioned things you can use to compensate

[@teddyrasputin3850]

Being cross eye dominant, I prefer shooting longarm firearms from the left side. How's it been operating this as a lefty? Any issues, concerns or suggested mods for left shooters?

[@MrRedrooster53]

Noice. Big dubs.

[@tonyrafaelviamonte2114]

Nuevo sub y me encanta el 223 como calibre principal por el tema de prepper💪😎🇦🇷👍👍

[@daviddavey1727]

Same rifle in 7.62x39mm for me !

[@mattbrodeur7416]

Look at a Mini 30 7.62x39 and identical

[@leochin2443]

Nice first video but not a first choice for a "oh S" gun but the platform is solid. I like Rugers.

[@jeffpaul8260]

I have one in coyote brown. I use 10 round mags. not really worried about the capacity, as i am old an not looking for anything except saving my bacon and getting out to the next hide out spot. am looking for a inexpensive scope with quick detach mounts though. know of any? I also have the mossberg mvp thunder ranch in 308.

[@andyhwell8419]

I bet the left would still call this a full semi auto assault rifle because of the camo. They would probably see the bipod and think its a grenade launcher hahaha

[@Brett235]

I am hearing a lot of common sense in this video, which is not so common on KZbin these days. Very practical setup for the average everyday citizen. I have several scary rifles but these bolt action rifles in these smaller calibers are very effective for just about every use. Thanks for the video.

[@perrym6937]

i have 2 of them great gun

[@zacharyberes8150]

What range is that? Not trying to dox, just curious.

[@dylano7242]

I have couple ruger bolt action in 556, 762x39 for a back up guns or worst case scenario guns for others to shoot. I also have new henry lever action in 556 that takes ar mags because I live in the marxist colorado republic of California. Where many guns are to become illegal very soon.

[@juandudero2838]

Is this the 30 rounds mags MAGPUL PMAG 30 GEN M3 FOR AR15 - .223/5.56, 30/5-ROUND you got?

[@ashtontuel9472]

I wish they made a left handed version

[@estacon1]

Nice video !!! Beautiful Hundred Bolivar bills from Venezuela, so sad that all of it worth less than one dollar.

[@gregz4249]

Ruger if you’re listening make the mini 14 with this mag setup

[@lyonknives1784]

Fill the stock with foam to stop that hollow, scratchy sound.

[@dacovich]

And the Bolivares are to buy ammo? hahaha Nice video!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Shtf I would want a rifle that will punch holes in an engine block. Mad Max if he had a 308 to punch holes in engine blocks it would be a short movie.

[@supa_sets8636]

This is cool but An AR platform is the only way to go if you wanna be prepared. I love all guns and collect many but it’s the truth

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

This would be the thing to have if your doomsday scenario played out. There'll be 5.56 ammo and M16 clips all over the place and seriously, if you get in a situation where semi-auto fire makes a difference, you're going to die anyway.

[@donaldwagner6012]

So with a 5.56 cal. Will it shoot .223?

[@Odysseusnobody]

Could shoot lead bullets with this no gas systen to clog

[@johnnyadams1755]

I love the RAR but I will state the obvious, an AR can be had for the same price (at least in the American States) and is a better choice for SHTF. If you want a good second rifle pick up the RAR in 308. That is a good all around rifle. But that's just my opinion.

[@landonwood3977]

Thats true and untrue. I bought the RAR Gen II because I wanted laser accuracy and simplistic function. As somebody with literal boxes of parts, tools and even spare kits for my AR, I admire the tried and true classic bolt gun. My logic is that reliability and sustainability are key. This bolt gun just so happens to have this but its also in the most American cartridge- 556.

[@barneygo2010]

My 556 Ruger ARanch loves the 68 grain handloads and it thinks it’s a precision rifle at 100 yards. Whats not to like? Peace Be The Journey!

[@adw2182]

Well I wish I would have bought this instead of a remington 700 in 223. better features and a lower price for basically the same gun

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

Sorry to tell you he is big time way off on price way off. There is no way he checked any prices!

[@adw2182]

It's a 16.5" 300blk barrel. Basically I did the build here but way back before the Ruger was on my radar.@@forreststump11

[@adw2182]

He said he got it for $400...a quick google search shows it for sub $500 from several retailers. It's not a stretch to be able to find a used one in the low to mid $400s.@@Tommy-rr7ez

[@johnlicon2472]

Are you planning on an update video? Range Video?

[@andrewschneider4618]

Check out tfb TV he has one of these in 300 black he runs the snot out of it and he and his he has about the same thing to say it's a good rifle. I'm debating on getting this one too much for myself but here's the thing I'll get it in 300 blackout cuz if you want quiet one of these with it and subs with a 300 blackout it's there

[@Blueknight1960]

This is good if you don't already own an AR-15 or 2 or 3 or 4.

[@taylorcleblanc]

It is cold hammer forged

[@Crayoneaterprepper]

Semi autos aren't band in Cali though idk why people keep thinking that.

[@ChristopherBrusa]

I dog it bro. 👍🏻

[@uncompliant]

let me have that m57 firing device 😩

[@arjuna13]

Like a video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@larrymosher814]

how did you paint this pattern???

[@francisfrank8325]

why added music noise in to mess up the audio ?

[@syn4057]

Barrel is cold hammer forged. One of the reasons I purchased the .300 blk rifle. Changing my stock, for more clearance on the bolt; I’m left handed. .556 will blow up a squirrel. Don’t ask.

[@4coopdawg]

Did it come camouflage?

[@Schnippen_Schnappen1]

Does it take AR clipazines?

[@tripplebeards3427]

They are accurate rifles BUT the alloy used in the actions is as soft as cheap aluminum. My bolt stop and trigger pins hogged out after a couple hundred rounds. The Gun was replaced by Ruger with a better model.

[@jclackston813]

what model did they upgrade you to?

[@tripplebeards3427]

@@jclackston813 Ruger let me pick ANY rifle or pistol they offered! I picked the gunsite scout in 450BM. I had to pay only $110 out of pocket for the upgrade. I was excited to get twice the gun for basically a hundred bucks till it came with a cracked Stock that was repaired with some kind of epoxy filled in where the crack was. Also it had bluing missing in spots on the receiver. I sent it back the day it arrived. It took over 2 months for it to be sent back. It was re blued and a replacement stock. They aloe sent a couple extra magazines and a gift card of what spent for the upgrade to be used in their Ruger web store. Haven’t shot it yet. Still a bad taste in my mouth. It still sits NIB.

[@coyotiess]

How do you purchase?

[@johnlicon2472]

How can one check if the barrel is cold hammered forged?

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

Somewhere around 2017 or 2018 Ruger redone the barrels and upgraded several things. The newer ones don't have the pencil barrels anymore. I hope that will help. I've got the new 2023 model for Coyotes and i love it! I got the Mini 14 w threaded barrel and comes w flash depressor.

[@johnlicon2472]

@@Tommy-rr7ez That does help. I am picking up a used one originally purchased in 2020.

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

@johnlicon2472 Good deal buddy! But remember AR mags will NOT work in a Mini 14 and except for one manufavture

[@johnlicon2472]

@@Tommy-rr7ez I am only picking up the Ruger American Ranch 556. A Mini 14 would be cool.

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

@johnlicon2472 Good deal buddy! You should be in good shape w a 2020. And don't forget AR mags will NOT work in a mini 14! Ruger and one after market manufacturer that I can't remember, sorry, is the only mags that will work others won't cycle. I coyote hunt w mine and I love it.

[@danielplainview5085]

What, if any are the advantages of a bolt rifle?.. Why not just have a semi auto SHTF rifle?

[@NateAllen-kt1xr]

They are quieter than a semi auto.. less moving parts, less likely to jam.. and they aren’t scary looking assault rifles.

[@landonwood3977]

The function doesnt rely on a gas inpindgement or piston design. Its just the shooter and the target.

[@buckclouse4888]

Does it take Glock magazines?

[@wes1903]

Idk you can get a new ar15 for like 350 whereas this rifle is bolt and around 550

[@StephenShreds]

300blk is the only caliber to get this rifle in.

[@StephenShreds]

@@timberlandone4054 no

[@didiergiraldo8606]

Por qué el fajo de billetes en bolívares!?

[@mrsmel269]

deff love our girl

[@ryanduckering]

Why does everyone dry fire their firearms?? The ruger american and alot ofnother bolt action rifles have a soft decocking method to avoid dry firing. Use it.

[@MBbeme]

No way. Build a budget AR15. Offers u more capabilities and price would be similar

[@grizzle31]

Who the heck pronounces the K in knife?

[@fcadcock]

How is a $1k 5.56 bolt action rifle the best SHTF rifle? Lol. Even as a backup rifle, a second AR-15 is still a better choice in every way. You can get one that will be just as reliable as anything Ruger makes for less than 1k, and it will be semi auto. The only possible situation where a bolt action 5.56 is better than an AR is where S has not HTF yet and you are still worried about gun laws in restrictive states and haven't heard about straight pull conversions for ARs yet.

[@fro-yo-momma7082]

Takes ar15 mags?

[@mcb2757]

nobody want a bolt gun for shtf too slow.

[@anracker3798]

ratslayer irl

[@bjellison905]

Theres no field sights.

[@shidandfard9976]

670$ for a bolt action in an intermediate cartridge? nah

[@justinbiller6683]

i got the 308 version great rifle shit mags

[@jefferymccargar4174]

I will stick with my BB gun thank you.

[@hershfam]

You can buy a PSA Ar for cheaper than this

[@GlasbanGorm]

No. Just get an AR for the same price or less.

[@plaiddad276]

First they don't even make these in Left Handed. Second it is comparatively overpriced for what you are getting for the money. Third the stocks are very poor and remind me of a canoe paddle at best. They are not the worst but are far from the best in my opinion.

[@daggarflynn9637]

Nice rifle, wrong caliber.

[@BuffinTime-lx6hc]

Why is that?

[@raymondpexton5440]

For shit hit the fan, a bolt is the most reliable besides a single shot. 100 to 300 yards is plenty, most people couldnt see that far anyway, and stick to NATO ammo, easier to find, 55 grain to 77 grain will drop any bad guy at 100 yards. Dont complicate firearms.

[@samuraijones439]

I dont know. 600+ for a bolt action when you can get an ar from psa for 400. Sure its higher quality but youll be outmatched in a fight with a bolt action.

[@landonwood3977]

Thats not true. Tactics are everything

[@supertom8552]

I see your left handed 😢 so sorry .

[@leochin2443]

More reason to get the semi auto Ranch Rifle instead of a bolt.