Help me out on a Ruger American Gen2 Build

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USAF Ret

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Minuteman
Jun 11, 2023
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#1
So, I was not planning on getting another rifle, but the PX had a 20% off sale going on and had a Ruger American Gen2 Predator in 308 Win. I got it for $400, no tax. I just could not pass it up. I am wanting to do a chassis hunting rig. Trying to keep it fairly light, maybe 8 lbs with scope. I have been looking at the offerings and right now it looks like KRG Bravo, MDT Field, MDT LSS, and Sharps Bros Heatseeker for chassis'. I am also keeping an eye out for Black Friday scope deals. I would like to keep the scope under 20 oz with a 16x magnification. I do need to pull the action from the stock and weigh it so I know what my limits are. Also, while not a bare bones budget, I do want to keep it lower or I could have ended up buying a rifle already in a chassis system.

Open to suggestions. Anyone done a build like this? Thoughts on components?
 
#2
I have the heat seeker on my ruger American, only complaint is it would not feed a round with a ruger brand aics pattern magazine. Had to buy a magpul one for it to feed correctly. Other than that, it’s pretty solid, looks good and the ar buffer tube and pistol grip compatibility is pretty cool.
 
#4
JaredT175 said:
I have the heat seeker on my ruger American, only complaint is it would not feed a round with a ruger brand aics pattern magazine. Had to buy a magpul one for it to feed correctly. Other than that, it’s pretty solid, looks good and the ar buffer tube and pistol grip compatibility is pretty cool.
Click to expand...
What is the weight of your rig?
 
#7
USAF Ret said:
So, I was not planning on getting another rifle, but the PX had a 20% off sale going on and had a Ruger American Gen2 Predator in 308 Win. I got it for $400, no tax. I just could not pass it up. I am wanting to do a chassis hunting rig. Trying to keep it fairly light, maybe 8 lbs with scope. I have been looking at the offerings and right now it looks like KRG Bravo, MDT Field, MDT LSS, and Sharps Bros Heatseeker for chassis'. I am also keeping an eye out for Black Friday scope deals. I would like to keep the scope under 20 oz with a 16x magnification. I do need to pull the action from the stock and weigh it so I know what my limits are. Also, while not a bare bones budget, I do want to keep it lower or I could have ended up buying a rifle already in a chassis system.

Open to suggestions. Anyone done a build like this? Thoughts on components?
Click to expand...
Sell it and buy a more chassis-option friendly rifle, like something built on a 700 footprint. Not being rude, or trying to burst your bubble, but that’s really about the only way achieve the goal you are wanting.
 
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#8
FuhQ said:
Sell it and buy a more chassis-option friendly rifle, like something built on a 700 footprint. Not being rude, or trying to burst your bubble, but that’s really about the only way achieve the goal you are wanting.
Click to expand...
Nah, I was not looking to buy a chassis rifle. But, I know there are options for the Ruger American. So, I bought it at a deal to see what I can do with it. Thanks.
 
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#11
Not on your list but I recently had to make a similar decision, went with an MDT Oryx. Love it, works really well. Only thing I had to modify is the cut-out on the check rest to allow me to remove the bolt wihout taking the riser off. About a pound heavier than the Field Stock model, for what it's worth
 
#12
johnnyvw said:
Not on your list but I recently had to make a similar decision, went with an MDT Oryx. Love it, works really well. Only thing I had to modify is the cut-out on the check rest to allow me to remove the bolt wihout taking the riser off. About a pound heavier than the Field Stock model, for what it's worth
Click to expand...
I had an Oryx and loved it as well, but it is way heavier than I want for this rifle. Thanks.
 
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#14
Don’t be afraid to overspend on the scope. Even today’s budget rifles can shoot amazing good. However, cheap glass is still cheap glass. With today’s prices for the budget rifles, in my humble opinion, throw out the old recommendation to spend at least as much on the glass as on the rifle. Two times the cost is not unreasonable and three times the cost of the glass over the rifle is (sadly) often the right ratio.

Shooting with a $1300 VX5HD on my 550 dollar Weatherby Vanguard. They match up nicely and do put meat on the table.
 
#15
Dead Eye Dick said:
Don’t be afraid to overspend on the scope. Even today’s budget rifles can shoot amazing good. However, cheap glass is still cheap glass. With today’s prices for the budget rifles, in my humble opinion, throw out the old recommendation to spend at least as much on the glass as on the rifle. Two times the cost is not unreasonable and three times the cost of the glass over the rifle is (sadly) often the right ratio.

Shooting with a $1300 VX5HD on my 550 dollar Weatherby Vanguard. They match up nicely and do put meat on the table.
Click to expand...
I am learning that more and more. I use the Diamondback 4-16 on most of my rifles and for my purposes they work good. I also have a couple of Vipers 4-16 scopes and they work well. I do have a couple of Leupold scopes as well.
 
#16
When I last looked any chassis stock is going to add at least a pound to your factory rifle. So your 8 lb goal is going to be tough unless you leave it stock. I put on a magpul stock on a customer's Gen I Ruger American 6.5 CM and with scope it ended up being around 10lbs. IMHO I'd shoot it as is and then if it has acceptable accuracy spend the extra money on a higher tier scope. Unless you put money into a rifle they come and go, but higher quality scopes tend to stick around. I went with a Howa Superlite as my general purpose lightweight hunter.
 
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#17
I have my ruger american's mounted in an Oryx, MDT XRS, and the MDT LSS.

The MDT XRS looks closest to the KRG Bravo. The thing I don't like on this configuration is the QD mount is on top of the stock and the sling gets in the way when the gun is shouldered. I had to mount it on the opposite side due to that and now carrying it in the field is a bit awkward. Not sure why they couldn't have placed it on the bottom like the Oryx is.

The LSS is ok. Since the butt is not included (heatseeker looks the be the same), you are going to have to spend extra on that.

For me if I got another ruger I would be trying out the field stock.

As far as scopes go, you probably already have in mind what you want to use. Quite a few options these days.
 
#19
mgoodrich said:
I have my ruger american's mounted in an Oryx, MDT XRS, and the MDT LSS.

The MDT XRS looks closest to the KRG Bravo. The thing I don't like on this configuration is the QD mount is on top of the stock and the sling gets in the way when the gun is shouldered. I had to mount it on the opposite side due to that and now carrying it in the field is a bit awkward. Not sure why they couldn't have placed it on the bottom like the Oryx is.

The LSS is ok. Since the butt is not included (heatseeker looks the be the same), you are going to have to spend extra on that.

For me if I got another ruger I would be trying out the field stock.

As far as scopes go, you probably already have in mind what you want to use. Quite a few options these days.
Click to expand...
I have the field stock on my HOWA and it is pretty nice. Great information.
 
#20
xsn10s said:
When I last looked any chassis stock is going to add at least a pound to your factory rifle. So your 8 lb goal is going to be tough unless you leave it stock. I put on a magpul stock on a customer's Gen I Ruger American 6.5 CM and with scope it ended up being around 10lbs. IMHO I'd shoot it as is and then if it has acceptable accuracy spend the extra money on a higher tier scope. Unless you put money into a rifle they come and go, but higher quality scopes tend to stick around. I went with a Howa Superlite as my general purpose lightweight hunter.
Click to expand...
Yeah, realizing the 8 lbs is out. Maybe 8 lbs with stock and action.
 
#22
USAF Ret said:
It is not, but it is a great stock. Agreed.
Click to expand...
FWIW, the MDT Field Stock is a pound lighter, approx 3.1 vs 4.2 lbs. KRG Bravo is 3 lbs. (I'm guessing you've already researched this, but I just did so I thought I would post it)
@xsn10s mentioned any chassis/stock will add a pound...makes sense as even in the plastic ones like the Field stock there's a lot more metal than a Ruger stock (if my Gen 1 is anything to go by)
 
#23
johnnyvw said:
FWIW, the MDT Field Stock is a pound lighter, approx 3.1 vs 4.2 lbs. KRG Bravo is 3 lbs. (I'm guessing you've already researched this, but I just did so I thought I would post it)
@xsn10s mentioned any chassis/stock will add a pound...makes sense as even in the plastic ones like the Field stock there's a lot more metal than a Ruger stock (if my Gen 1 is anything to go by)
Click to expand...
Thanks. I decided to go with the KRG Bravo. I have owned both the Field Stock and the KRG. The KRG is just a bit more robust. Although a bench stock, it should put me where I want to be with weight. The Ruger Gen 2 is a 6.5 lb rifle. If my calculations are correct, with a scope it should put me around 8.5, maybe a little more.
 
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#24
USAF Ret said:
Thanks. I decided to go with the KRG Bravo. I have owned both the Field Stock and the KRG. The KRG is just a bit more robust. Although a bench stock, it should put me where I want to be with weight. The Ruger Gen 2 is a 6.5 lb rifle. If my calculations are correct, with a scope it should put me around 8.5, maybe a little more.
Click to expand...
Good choice sir. Bravo is a great practical shooting stock. Just trades off some benefits for being good for shooting vs good for carrying compared to a traditional sporter stock.
 
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#25
wind gypsy said:
Good choice sir. Bravo is a great practical shooting stock. Just trades off some benefits for being good for shooting vs good for carrying compared to a traditional sporter stock.
Click to expand...
Thanks. It would be set up as an elk rifle for a disabled veteran hunt. So, it will be super stable and I won't really be lugging it around in the backcountry.
 
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#26
USAF Ret said:
Thanks. I decided to go with the KRG Bravo. I have owned both the Field Stock and the KRG. The KRG is just a bit more robust. Although a bench stock, it should put me where I want to be with weight. The Ruger Gen 2 is a 6.5 lb rifle. If my calculations are correct, with a scope it should put me around 8.5, maybe a little more.
Click to expand...
It should be in that ballpark. My KRG Bravo with Remington 700 7mm RM (1-8 tw) ADL starts out a pound heavier. With 4.5-14X50mm LR Tactical in GG&G rings is just over 10 lbs. With a lighter scope and aluminum rings you could be between 8-8.5 lbs.
 
#27
Good choice. Mine with a Leupold Mk3 scope/ no bipod weighs a little over 9lbs, with the Athlon around 10 lbs. Switching from the 22” Predator barrel to the 24” CF Bartlein didn’t change the weight at all.
IMG_5086.jpeg
 
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#28
So, I went ahead and ordered a Timney trigger. The trigger in the rifle can be adjusted down to about 3.5 lbs, but it has a lot of creep and I like to run a trigger at about 2.75. I have a Riton Conquer coming back from repair I can use until I find a lighter weight scope at the price and with the features I want.
 
#32
USAF Ret said:
Just installed the Ruger Gen 2 Predator into a KRG Bravo. With no scope, I am at 7.25 lbs. Right at where I want to be. I have an 18 oz Vortex Diamondback and with the rings, I should be around 8.5. Thanks all.
Click to expand...
You could get a new viper hd.. I have the 3-15x44 on my tikka roughtech with it loaded and ready to go it weights 8 pounds
 
#33
Ty21 said:
You could get a new viper hd.. I have the 3-15x44 on my tikka roughtech with it loaded and ready to go it weights 8 pounds
Click to expand...
I will send you my address and you can send me one for Christmas. Haha.

I keep going back to Midway for the Diamondback HP 4-16x42. 3/4 of my rifles are sporting one. Been on sale for $199 for a while and I guess inflation kicked in an they are $225 now. They are super solid scopes and great glass for the money. Also, very lightweight.
 
#35
USAF Ret said:
I will send you my address and you can send me one for Christmas. Haha.

I keep going back to Midway for the Diamondback HP 4-16x42. 3/4 of my rifles are sporting one. Been on sale for $199 for a while and I guess inflation kicked in a they are $225 now. They are super solid scopes and great glass for the money. Also, very lightweight.
Click to expand...
Yeah that’s a good one too. I just wanted to try the new viper hd and euro has or had them for like $800
 
#37
The 204 shoots really well. I tried it with Fiochi 40gr and Hornady 32gr. The velocity was a little lower than I expected but it’s accurate so I don’t care. This is the Hornady at 200yds off a bipod and bag
IMG_5002.jpeg
image_cropper_7BAC52C7-5EFD-4AA7-A92A-DCBA08BED396-12808-00000AAE11928236.jpeg
IMG_5014.jpeg
 
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