Examining the Core Components
The .308 Winchester: A Versatile Cartridge
The Ruger American Rifle has become a mainstay in the world of affordable and reliable bolt-action rifles. Its popularity is undeniable, and for good reason. It delivers impressive accuracy, handles well, and comes at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters. But Ruger didn’t rest on its laurels. Recognizing the need for continued improvement and innovation, they released the Gen 2 version of the Ruger American, promising even greater refinement and enhanced performance. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the Ruger American Gen 2 chambered in the versatile .308 Winchester, exploring its features, accuracy, handling, and whether it truly lives up to the hype.
The .308 Winchester is a venerable cartridge, a true workhorse in the world of firearms. Developed in the 1950s as a military round, it quickly gained popularity among hunters and sport shooters alike. Its popularity stems from its excellent ballistic performance, its ability to deliver significant downrange energy, and its relatively manageable recoil. The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge, suitable for a wide range of applications, from hunting medium to large game to target shooting at extended distances. This chambering makes the Ruger American Gen 2 a compelling choice for anyone seeking a rifle that can handle a variety of shooting scenarios.
Bolt-Action Reliability
At its heart, the Ruger American Gen 2 is a bolt-action rifle, a design renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy. The bolt-action system uses a cylindrical bolt that is manually operated to load, extract, and eject spent cartridges. This design is inherently strong and contributes to the rifle’s inherent accuracy because it provides a secure lockup of the cartridge within the chamber. The Gen 2 utilizes a smooth-cycling bolt with a three-lug design for enhanced lockup and improved bolt lift, contributing to faster follow-up shots. This makes the Ruger American Gen 2 a pleasure to operate, even under pressure.
The Barrel’s Importance
The barrel is a crucial component of any rifle, and the Ruger American Gen 2 sports a high-quality barrel designed for accuracy. The barrel is made of a durable steel, known for its longevity and resistance to wear. Available in varying lengths, the shooter can choose an option that best suits their needs. Typically, shorter barrels provide better maneuverability, while longer barrels can offer higher muzzle velocity and increased accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The barrel’s twist rate is carefully engineered to stabilize .308 Winchester projectiles effectively. This ensures that bullets fly true and deliver consistent performance. Many models of the Ruger American Gen 2 .308 also include a threaded muzzle, allowing for the easy attachment of a suppressor or muzzle brake, adding versatility for various shooting conditions or user preferences.
Stock Design and Features
The stock plays a significant role in the overall handling and ergonomics of a rifle. The Gen 2 model introduces significant upgrades to the stock design. It is now constructed from a more robust and ergonomic material, improving both feel and durability. The updated design provides a more comfortable and secure grip, facilitating better control and allowing for more precise shot placement. The stock design incorporates user-adjustable features, such as a cheek riser, which helps ensure proper eye alignment with the scope. It also allows for length-of-pull adjustments to suit individual shooter preferences, enhancing comfort and improving shooting performance, no matter the shooter’s size or build.
The Trigger’s Role
The trigger mechanism is critical to accuracy. The Ruger American Gen 2 is equipped with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger. This trigger is known for its clean break and crisp feel. The pull weight is adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune the trigger to their liking. A lighter trigger pull often allows for more consistent shot placement, but it’s crucial to maintain safety and a controlled firing sequence. The adjustability and overall quality of the trigger make the Ruger American Gen 2 a pleasure to shoot, even during extended range sessions.
Magazine Mechanics
The magazine system is another area where functionality is paramount. The Ruger American Gen 2 typically utilizes a detachable box magazine. The magazine is made of a durable polymer or metal material and is designed for reliable feeding. The capacity of the magazine varies depending on the model, but the common configurations provide ample rounds for hunting or target shooting. The detachable magazine facilitates quick and easy reloading, making it a practical choice for various shooting scenarios. The consistent and reliable feeding is key to avoiding malfunctions in the field.
Weight and Overall Length
Weight and overall length influence the rifle’s handling characteristics. The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is designed with an emphasis on a balance between weight and maneuverability. The weight is kept reasonable to facilitate comfortable carrying, while the overall length is optimized to make the rifle easy to handle in various environments. This balance is especially important for hunters who may need to carry the rifle for extended periods or for target shooters who value quick target acquisition and follow-up shots.
The Picatinny Rail
To further enhance the user experience, the Ruger American Gen 2 is equipped with a Picatinny rail. This standardized rail system provides a versatile platform for mounting various optics, from scopes to red dot sights. The Picatinny rail allows shooters to easily customize their rifle with the optic of their choice, further enhancing its versatility and suitability for a variety of shooting applications.
A Closer Look at the Next Generation Enhancements
Stock Improvements
The Gen 2 designation signals meaningful improvements over the original Ruger American Rifle. The most apparent change is the refined stock. The new stock features enhanced ergonomics, designed to improve comfort and handling. The stock’s shape, grip texture, and overall design contribute to a more secure and comfortable shooting experience. These enhancements are immediately noticeable when handling and shooting the rifle.
Trigger Refinements
The Gen 2 also incorporates updates to the trigger mechanism. While the Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger was already a strong point, the Gen 2 may feature minor enhancements to the trigger pull and reset. These adjustments refine the overall trigger experience, making it even smoother and more predictable. This improved trigger performance contributes directly to improved accuracy.
Bolt Action Updates
The bolt action itself has undergone refinements. These improvements focus on streamlining the cycling process and improving reliability. The modifications enhance the bolt’s smooth operation and consistency, which ensures the rifle is ready to fire, round after round, when the shooter needs it. The bolt action’s refined engineering adds another layer of dependability to this already proven design.
Enhanced Finish and Durability
The Gen 2 design often includes a more durable finish, which is intended to enhance its resistance to wear and corrosion, safeguarding its visual appeal and extending the lifespan of the rifle. This upgrade not only improves the aesthetics but also adds to the rifle’s overall durability, ensuring that the Ruger American Gen 2 performs reliably under diverse environmental conditions.
Assessing Performance and Accuracy on the Range
Accuracy Testing Procedures
Testing the Ruger American Gen 2 .308 involves evaluating its accuracy capabilities. This is typically performed by shooting groups at varying distances using a variety of ammunition types. This process allows shooters to observe the performance of the rifle across multiple factors. This testing provides a clear picture of the rifle’s potential, allowing shooters to understand the type of accuracy they can expect to achieve. The use of different ammunition types is also important. Different bullet weights, construction, and powder loads impact ballistics.
Group Sizes and Expectations
Accuracy results are expressed in group sizes, which indicate the spread of the shots on a target. The smaller the group, the more accurate the rifle. The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is known for its accuracy, often capable of producing impressive groups at both short and long-range distances. The rifle’s inherent accuracy is further enhanced by the quality barrel and consistent trigger pull, leading to more predictable and more precise shot placement. The rifle is capable of producing groups that measure less than one minute of angle (MOA), indicating a high level of accuracy.
Recoil Management
The recoil is another important factor to consider. The .308 Winchester cartridge generates a noticeable level of recoil, but the design of the Ruger American Gen 2 helps to mitigate this. The stock design, combined with the rifle’s weight, absorbs a significant portion of the recoil, making the rifle comfortable to shoot, even during extended range sessions. The controlled recoil allows for faster follow-up shots and reduces shooter fatigue.
Evaluating Handling and the Shooter Experience
Ergonomics and Feel
The way a rifle feels in hand has a significant impact on its shooting performance. The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is designed to be comfortable and easy to handle. The ergonomic stock design fits comfortably in the shoulder, and the grip provides a secure and natural feel. This enhances shooter confidence.
Control Placement and Functionality
The controls are thoughtfully placed, contributing to easy and intuitive use. The bolt handle is easy to reach and operate. The safety is easily accessible, allowing for quick and safe operation. All controls are placed for effortless accessibility. The overall layout promotes comfortable handling and reduces the time it takes to master the rifle.
Maneuverability and Portability
The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is easy to carry and maneuver. This feature is important, especially for hunters who may need to navigate rugged terrain or for target shooters who want to practice in various conditions. The rifle’s manageable weight and overall balance make it easy to carry and maneuver, whether in the field or on the range.
Weighing the Good and the Not-So-Good
Positive Aspects
The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 has many positive attributes. The rifle is accurate. It is accurate out of the box, meaning that many shooters can achieve excellent groups without significant modifications. It offers exceptional value for the price, providing high-quality features at a competitive price point. The Ruger American Gen 2 is renowned for its reliability. The design is proven, the components are well-made, and the rifle is capable of withstanding heavy use. The ergonomics also enhance the shooter’s experience by providing a comfortable and secure grip. Finally, the rifle benefits from substantial upgrades from the initial generation, refining and improving upon the prior design.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Ruger American Gen 2 .308 excels in many areas, it’s important to note any potential drawbacks. While the stock materials are improved, it might not feel as premium as some more expensive rifles. Shooters looking for a high-end feel may want to look elsewhere.
Comparing the Rifle to the Competition
Competitive Landscape
The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 competes with other bolt-action rifles in the budget-friendly category, and other competitors may include the Savage Axis II, the Thompson/Center Compass, and various offerings from Howa. The Ruger American Gen 2 often stands out due to its exceptional accuracy, comfortable ergonomics, and overall value. It offers a combination of features and performance that can be difficult to match at this price point. The Ruger American is widely known for its reliability, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced shooters.
Putting the Rifle to Work: Its Ideal Applications
Hunting Applications
The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is a versatile rifle suitable for a range of applications. It’s an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game. The .308 Winchester cartridge has proven its effectiveness on deer, elk, and other similar-sized animals. Its accuracy and reliable performance make it a great tool for field use. The Ruger American Gen 2 is a solid performer for target shooting. Shooters of all experience levels enjoy the rifle’s high level of accuracy. The rifle’s long-range potential makes it a fun and effective option for enthusiasts. While not primarily designed for home defense, it could serve that purpose.
Concluding Thoughts on the Ruger American Gen 2 .308
Summary of Strengths
In conclusion, the Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is a well-rounded and capable rifle that delivers exceptional value. Its accuracy, reliability, and ergonomic design make it a great choice for hunters, target shooters, and anyone seeking a versatile bolt-action rifle. The enhancements introduced in the Gen 2 model have further improved an already excellent platform. From the refined stock to the improved trigger, the Gen 2 offers a compelling package for shooters. The rifle’s overall performance makes it a highly recommended choice. The Ruger American Gen 2 .308 is a great option for anyone looking for an accurate, reliable, and affordable rifle chambered in the classic .308 Winchester. The rifle combines practicality with great value and is sure to be a favorite.
