TexasCHLforum.com

Went to the local Academy armed with a sale flier. I've been looking for a nice, entry-level hunting rifle for my wife, and had read a lot of excellent reviews on the new Ruger American. Expected them to be sold out, but they had a .243 and the scope (Nikon Prostaff 3-9X50 BDC) i wanted in stock. Snagged them both, had it bore sighted, and off we went. It's actually a slick little rig. It is light, fits my--I mean HER--hands well, and has a trigger very similar to the Savage Accutrigger. Will strip and clean it before taking it out this weekend, but think I'm more excited to shoot it than she is. I really want it now, but she's already latched on! It would make a sweet coyote slayer, but I'm probably better off earning the brownie points giving it to the little lady. Hope it shoots as well as it looks/feels.

My wife bought me a Ruger American chambered in .30-06. I like the rifle. The bolt is fairly smooth. I even got a buttcuff from Ruger (free) that helps align your face to the scope better. I put a Redfield Revolution 3-9x42 scope on it. I've been able to take it to the range for two sessions so far, though I've been itching to find time to go back again since I put a bi-pod on it. Hope y'all enjoy yours, I'll bet it shoots pretty sweet in .243.

.243 is a good caliber with moderate recoil, you, I mean your wife should like it . I have a Ruger Hawkeye bolt gun in .270 that will easily shoot a 1" group.

Love the pro staff 3x9x50. Have one on a youth model .243 Wetherby that my youngest son shoots.

I picked up a Compact American in 7mm08 a while back for a walking around rifle. I like it, it's light enough to carry all day and is quite accurate.

Just stripped it & cleaned it. It was filthy, probably due to the factory packing. It really is a slick little rig. The only thing that concerns me is the magazine & well. The magazine well walls are very thin, & the magazine seems kind of cheap. It has one thin plastic tab that secures it in the weapon...hope it doesn't snap. Also, with the 50mm scope on it, the mounts are obviously high making it difficult to see through the scope with a proper check roll. Any one have any recommendations on a slip on cheek rest? It probably needs to be close to an inch thick at the top of the stock.

dleiwig wrote:Just stripped it & cleaned it. It was filthy, probably due to the factory packing. It really is a slick little rig. The only thing that concerns me is the magazine & well. The magazine well walls are very thin, & the magazine seems kind of cheap. It has one thin plastic tab that secures it in the weapon...hope it doesn't snap. Also, with the 50mm scope on it, the mounts are obviously high making it difficult to see through the scope with a proper check roll. Any one have any recommendations on a slip on cheek rest? It probably needs to be close to an inch thick at the top of the stock.

What height scope rings did you get? Mine are Warne Maxima 201M, Medium Height. With the Ruger buttcuff/cheekrest, it lines me up just about perfect. And I didn't even pay for the cheekrest, Ruger sent it to me (it did take a long time to come in, though). Good luck in your search.

I read a review tonight in gun digest that spoke very highly of them. the only thing that throws me off is the tab on the backside of the trigger. they are affordable and american made i would like to own one.

Just got back from hunting & sighted it in...shoots like a dream! Only took a few shots to get it dialed in, and let the wife finish the box. Unfortunately, she likes it & told me "paws off"! Guess I'll have to wait a while & get one of my own for a coyote slayer. Highly recommend this rifle--inexpensive, high quality, & shoots great!

How was the trigger? I've read some reviews (albeit older ones) that complained that the trigger wasn't very good. I'm tempted to look into one of these rifles but nothing has pushed me "over the edge" yet.

The trigger was actually very light. Book said it's adjustable from 3 to 5 lbs, but I thought it was perfect. It's very similar to Savage's Accutrigger. As soon as you press the pin flush with the trigger, it fires. Really eliminates play or excessive trigger pull. I'm not sure what size rings are on it, but they are tall enough to accommodate the 50 mm scope. I think a 3/4" or 1" rise would do the trick. I need to contact Ruger about their cheek rest...can't beat the price!

Sounds interesting. I guess light isn't as important as "crisp" or "clean" though.............