Ruger American Rifle

[cstemig]

I picked up one of these the other day in a .243. For an economy gun, they are not a bad buy. The fit and feel is pretty darn good for this rifle. I then mounted a cheap Bushnell 3 X 9, 40MM scope with Leopold rings. Cabela's mounted the scope and bore signed it for me for free.

My first shot on paper was only a couple of inches off. After a few adjustments, I was able to put three shots into a 1 1/4 " circle. I'm sure that if my shooting techniques would have been better and perhaps with a better shell load, the circle would have been smaller. Maybe a little adjustment on the trigger would have also been beneficial.

So, if you are looking for an economy center fire rifle, IMO the Ruger American is not a bad choice.

[gimpfinger]

What range did you put three shots in a 1 1/4" circle?

Team Power Dump

[cstemig]

My initial sight in range was 30 yards. I'll try it again soon to tighten up the group. I plan on letting it shoot 2" high so it should be dead on at 150-200 yards. At least in theory I hope it works that way.

[gimpfinger]

What grain you shooting? My .243 shoots flat from 75 yards to 200 with 57 grain v max bullets.

Team Power Dump

[cstemig]

Currently I'm using a heavier bullet, 100 grain Federals. I have some 80 grain Hornady Varmitter's that I will use when hunting. Federals were $19.00 per box; Hornady's $29.95

[gimpfinger]

There will be a big difference on where them two will hit.

Team Power Dump

[cstemig]

Yeah, I suspect that there will be. If I can get a decent grouping with the cheap Federals, then the Hornady's should even be better.

Again, my shooting techniques also need to improve for a better grouping. Hopefully after this next cold snap, I can try it out again.

[maplelakeduckslayer]

Probably want to sight it in with the exact same load you'll be hunting with.

[emptymag]

I bought one in 223 last summer just for another gun to bring with on our pdog trip. I put a 4-16 nikon on it. It will shoot 4 different handloads that I have all under or at 2" at 200 yards (with different impact points). I still dont like the savage type trigger but it works.