Ruger 308 Review - There isn't much to get excited about in bolt-action centerfire rifles. I mean, they all look and act pretty much the same. However, there was "something" about the Predator model of the American Ruger rifle, so I requested a sample in 308 Winchester.
A brief review of the Predator is in order. First, you'll notice the short 18-inch tube. I will admit that you do lose a bit of velocity due to the short barrel, but not enough to worry about. I don't recall taking any deer more than 150 yards, but most have been taken at 100 yards. I just don't see the need to shoot at 800 yards to hunt deer or most other big game.
Ruger 308 Review
The Predator is light at just 6.2 pounds, and with an overall length of just 38 inches, it's fast. The 1:10 twist of the rifling should be able to handle almost any bullet from the 308 Win. The length of pull that is perfect for me is 13.75 inches and the synthetic hoof is moss green with a black return pad.
Ruger Precision Rifle Cerakoted Using Fde
This rifle has no scopes, and instead of Ruger's special scope rings, it has a Picatinny Weaver-style aluminum rail on top of the receiver for mounting a scope with your choice of rings. Detachable rotating magazine holds 4 rounds. The steel finish is matt black.
The Predator is equipped with the Ruger "Marksman" trigger, which is their user-adjustable trigger with a pull weight range of three to five pounds. The draw weight is easy to adjust. After removing the mechanism from the hoof, adjust the small screw with an Allen key. My pattern was a bit heavy for my liking so I adjusted it to my liking.
The bolt is huge, and that's not a bad thing. Ruger has always impressed me by making most of their guns too fast to hit. The lock has three lugs, a short throw of 70 degrees and works without problems.
"Power Bedding" is in stock. This consists of aluminum bed blocks in just the right places to anchor the receiver and allow the barrel to float freely. Speaking of the barrel, it's a heavy tapered barrel - quite a bit heavier than those found on standard Ruger American rifles. The barrel is cold hammer forged and threaded at the end (thread protection cap included), so you can fit a silencer, flame guard or muzzle brake. It has a 5/8″-24 thread to fit all AR muzzle units. Nice one, Ruger!
Ruger American Predator Moss .308 Winchester Bolt Action Rifle
I mounted a Nikon 3-x9x 40mm ProStaff scope to my Predator sample and it's a match made in heaven. I was ready to pick up the gun to see what it could do.
Setting the reticle to 100 yards, I set out to really see what the Predator was capable of. The trigger was outstanding. First was the Winchester FMJ which gave me consistent 2″ groups. Both Black Hills loads would give me 1-1/2″ groups if I did my thing. Buffalo Bore ammunition was slightly larger, with groups that were just over an inch and a half.
In the end, the ammunition was Prvi Partizan. This was the first time I had used this ammo in a bolt action rifle and I found the bolt to be tight with this ammo - both closed after loading the cartridge and then opened after firing. After a few rounds I stopped using this ammo. Group size was about 2 inches.
I later tried this ammo in another bolt action rifle with the same results (bolt tight, no signs of brass overpressure).
Ruger 57109 Hawkeye Hunter 300 Win Mag 3+1 24\
The rubber recoil pad that came with the Predator did an excellent job of cushioning the impact. It's not that I find the 308 Win to be a punishing rifle, but I was a little concerned about the feel of the recoil due to the light weight of the rifle. My fears were unfounded.
I was hooked on the Ruger Predator so I took it out to shoot more. The closest group I ever managed to shoot was 1.25″ with Black Hills 175-grain match HP. I think the Predator is capable of 1 inch groups if you find the right ammo.
I do not complain. Remember that the barrel on the Predator is only 18″ long. And after putting over 300 rounds through my test gun, I'm going to have to send a check to Ruger because this test stays!
The Predator is available in 223 Remington, 204 Ruger, 22-250, 243 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor – as well as 308 Win.
Review: Ruger American .308 Rifle
What didn't I like about Predator? Well, to be honest, I had some misgivings about the polymer 4-round magazine that came with the gun. It just felt a little flimsy. However, I filled the magazine and dropped it on the rocks several times. No rounds ejected and the magazine was undamaged except for a few dings and scratches. So my worries were unfounded.
The full retail price for this Ruger Predator is $529.00 and I think it is a well made and accurate rifle. If the Predator model isn't for you, look around; they carry the entire line of American Ruger rifles.
Pat Cascio is currently an author who has decided not to write a short biography at this time.
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