Range Report: Ruger American Rifle Generation II

• Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

---

More than a decade ago, Ruger set new benchmarks for performance and affordability with its bolt-action American Rifle. This year, the company introduced an upgraded model, the American Rifle Generation II, which includes several new features designed from customer feedback and engineering ingenuity.

Most noticeable is a Cerakote finish on the barreled action that is as attractive as it is durable. The medium-contour, cold-hammer-forged barrel has deep spiral flutes on most versions (depending on chambering) to reduce weight without sacrificing accuracy, while also dissipating heat efficiently. Most versions also have threaded muzzles and come equipped with a radial-port muzzle brake.

The gray splatter-finished synthetic stock offers custom fit via a removable comb riser and length-of-pull spacers to accommodate a variety of optics and shooter statures. Adding or removing spacers allows the length of pull to be adjusted from 12 inches to 13 3/4 inches. Other comb-height options are available as accessories. The soft rubber recoil pad collapses progressively to reduce felt recoil. Ruger’s patented Power Bedding integral bedding-block system secures the receiver and free-floats the barrel to enhance accuracy.

The second-generation American Rifle also features an enlarged bolt-handle knob for positive in-the-field bolt manipulation, and the handle is threaded (5/16”-24) for easy replacement of the knob. The one-piece bolt is CNC-machined from stainless steel, and its three-lug, 70-degree throw provides optimal scope clearance.

A three-position tang safety locks the bolt when placed in the rearmost setting, preventing unintentional opening. The middle position allows the rifle to be loaded with the safety engaged. The Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger offers a crisp release with a user-adjustable pull weight of 3 to 5 pounds.

The rifle is chambered for a host of cartridges from .22 ARC to 7 mm PRC, including a few straight-wall options. It ships with one magazine and a factory-installed, one-piece Picatinny scope base. An accessory stock-weight kit adds up to 1.6 pounds to the butt of the rifle to absorb recoil and improve the rifle’s balance when utilizing heavier muzzle devices.

My first exposure to the Ruger American Rifle Generation II came on a West Texas hunt, where I shot a respectable 4-by-4 mule deer buck and a hog. A few days after I arrived home, a review rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor—the same chambering I had used in Texas—made it my way. With a hunt under my belt, I turned to a thorough range test of the rifle. To match the setup I used in Texas, I mounted a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 mm riflescope to the Picatinny base.

On my Texas hunt, I used Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition. For the range evaluation, I used three other loads: Hornady ELD Match, Nosler Trophy Grade Long-Range and Federal Premium Barnes TSX, with bullets ranging from 130 to 142 grains. The rifle performed well with each load during testing; all average group sizes were sub-MOA.

After shooting groups, I made a quick calculation, adjusted the scope and fired three shots at a 10-inch steel gong placed at almost 500 yards. All three shots rang steel. In another test, I loaded the magazine with three rounds and fired them at a 100-yard target as quickly as I could aim, press the trigger and rack the bolt. The smooth-cycling Generation II rifle performed this test flawlessly.

The Ruger American Rifle Generation II has a great look and pragmatic features. The splatter-gray stock not only enhances the rifle’s appearance but also provides shooters with a non-slip grip. Ideal for use with a suppressor, the 6.5 Creedmoor version I tested offers a short, 20-inch barrel. The three-position safety that locks the bolt is a must-have when hunting brushy country where the bolt may be opened accidentally.

I do have one minor complaint. The trigger in my test rifle broke at 3 pounds, 13 ounces, on average. This is a heavy trigger in my book, and although I could have adjusted it down to 3 pounds, the process required to do so convinced me to leave it alone. Adjusting the trigger requires removing the barreled action from the stock with an Allen wrench. One screw is located under the magazine latch, and it can be tricky to manipulate.

Nonetheless, the Ruger American Rifle Generation II offers sub-MOA performance, an excellent finish and a well-designed stock for about $700, making it a no-brainer for many hunters. Ruger is betting on it becoming the next generation of America’s favorite hunting rifle.

ACCURACY RESULTS

Load: Federal Premium Barnes TSX

• Bullet Weight: 130 grs.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,634 fps
• Average Group: 0.99"

Load: Hornady ELD Match

• Bullet Weight: 140 grs.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,508 fps
• Average Group: 0.85"

Load: Nosler Trophy Grade

• Long-Range Bullet Weight: 142 grs.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,459 fps
• Average Group: 0.95"

Muzzle velocity is the average of three consecutive shots fired through a Caldwell G2 chronograph at 10 feet. Accuracy is the average of three consecutive, three-shot groups fired from a sandbag rest at 100 yards.

SPECIFICATIONS

Ruger American Rifle Generation II

• ruger.com
• Type: bolt-action centerfire rifle
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested)
• Barrel: 20"; cold-hammer-forged; medium contour with spiral fluting; threaded muzzle with brake
• Trigger: user-adjustable single-stage; 3.8-lb. pull weight
• Safety: three-position, tang-mounted slide
• Magazine: AI-style detachable box; 3-round capacity
• Sights: none; one-piece Picatinny base for mounting optics
• Stock: synthetic with gray-splatter treatment
• Finish: Gunmetal Gray Cerakote
• Overall Length: 41 1/4"
• Weight: 6 1/2 lbs.
• MSRP: $729

---

• This article was featured in the June-July 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

---