OK guys I finally decided to order a Ruger American Rimfire, Compact, 18" barrel.
The plan last year was to get a CZ 455 American for a dedicate silhouette Hunting Div. rifle, and though my experience with CZ has let me know they are a very solid platform, there's something about the RAR that has my attention. After handling one or two over the last month or so and doing "net" research, I've taken a real shine to it, even more so over Savage & Marlin, even rivaling the cherished CZ. Plus Ruger offers quite a discount to HTE instructors, being one has allowed the price to be low enough from them to be a "no brainer" for me to try the Ruger.
So the other day visiting my FFL, he said he had something for me....
From just fondling it for a little while my impressions are:
The feel and the build is much better than the average tupperware stocked stuff - being a lefty I really like they put the safety where it belongs, on the tang. Putting it on safety and back to fire was very fluid. Grip angle felt a heck of a lot better than a savage tupperware stock, it felt really nice coming up to the shoulder, though a little front heavy. The finish of the blueing also appears to be superior to a MKII, I think the RAR is crying for a a nicely finished wood stock - that's how nice the finish looked in person. I really appreciated the recessed crown, it seemed the sporter barrel was thicker than a MKII sporter barrel. I mic’d the RAR barrel at .639”, the MKII at that length is .576. Marlin @ 18.5” is .685.
I also really liked the open sights, the carryover from the 10/22 rear sight was beautiful (though I will be scoping it, almost a shame). There is the potential to have three graduations to it depending on your zero, essentially giving you a pretty good idea of where you need to hold for further out. It appears the rear sights can be drifted out if it interferes with the optic, and the front sight is removable with a single torx screw.
The angle of the bolt handle / knob was surprising, it stood out away from the stock enough to find easily (both left and right handed operation), without being squished up against the stock. It seemed a bit stiff upon closing the bolt, but it was a new rifle, the word on the net is that it gets smoother. Otherwise it was somewhat smooth for a new rifle everywhere in between.
Trigger pull from the factory was 2.75Lbs, with the adjustment screw completely out, the trigger went to 2.5Lbs. It seems the face of the trigger is wider than the usual "trigger in trigger" setups - Working the mag seemed natural with the extended release.
It doesn’t seem cheaply made at all, I liked the look and feel of it more than other rifles in the "lower end" class. From the ruger site: A 3/8" rimfire scope base is machined into the receiver, which is also drilled and tapped for Weaver® #12 bases (not included). I noticed that some of the receiver’s base hole "plugs" have torx like screws, which I thought was some good attention to detail rather than a plain ol slotted screw or Allen heads. The one I got had slotted screw heads.
Why the compact? Since I've cut back my Savage MKII (and like the handling of it), using SV ammo, and scoping the rifle, I feel there is no reason for me to go with the "standard" size. I've found the shorter barrel is seemingly a little more rigid with the MKII, so I'm assuming the same with the RAR. Plus if it turns out to be not so hot in the accuracy dept, It can be handled easily by youths and can utilize it for youth training. The stock is pretty innovative and seemingly more rigid than the other synthetic ones in this price range (even higher), the ability to change out a module for an adult or youth length of pull is pretty neat, and a high or low comb has just about all the sighting choices things covered. I'm also going with the compact as for me it seems a bit more balanced for the type of offhand shooting I'll be doing with it.
On the subject of the stock, there are ambi palm swells and a user friendly grip angle that actually feels quite comfy. There is a little flex in the fore end, but not as bad as others, and it is cut away enough to allow the barrel to be free floating.
The bedding blocks within the stock are substantial, and they rest on brass “mini”pillars.
Nothing about this rifle appears that it was meant to be cheap. In fact in many ways, dollar for dollar, it offers more than rifle twice the price. If you are into rimfires, this is one that belongs in your safe, and at a price that will not drain your savings.
Whenever the wind decides to calm down and could have a solid range day or two, I can start posting some numbers on groups. The .22 ammo variety on hand is a bit limited, mostly will be shooting CCI SV.
As stated before, I really like the look / finish of the metal, deserving of a wood stock. Since all my stuff is Kryloned and synthetic, I yearn for the romance and elegance of blue and wood, so when I know this thing can shoot, a Boyd's Rimfire Hunter walnut stock is in order shortly thereafter.
These links have better pictures than I can ever hope to produce:
Ruger American Rimfire Review <plenty of good information here.
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-rimfire-section/209131-ruger-american-rimfire.html
Real Guns - Ruger's New American Rimfire Rifles
For the game I want a dedicated platform for, this AAA shooter (and also a contributor here) speaks highly of it: steelchickens.com ? View topic - My first match with the Ruger American Rimfire
An exploded view of the bolt Ruger American Rimfire/ Bolt Strip - Ruger Forum
The plan from the start is a RAR 18" compact, Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 target dot, Millet engraved high angle loc 3/8 dovetail rings - though I prefer Weaver rings / Bases, the Millet Angle Loc will give me a little more room for mounting the scope forward and backward and I've never had a problem with the Angle Locs slipping on my .22 mag, where others do. Plus the engraved rings will add a little more "snazzie", and I know from using them before with a 40MM objective optic they are just the right height for me. 2 extra BX-1 mags (black, I've seen where the clear ones don't work as well). Fiddle with trigger for a 2lb pull, I've found a way posted elsewhere that 1.5# is achievable by removing a certain spring or trimming another, however no comment until I give it a whirl - but will have to return it to 2# for silhouette http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=850934 . Boyd's Rimfire Hunter walnut stock (some target stock like features, yet fits silhouette Hunting Div. rules). Some pictures of the laminated and walnut here, along with a confirmation that it comes with a trigger guard (though plastic): Where Can I Get A Wood Stock For RAR? - RimfireCentral.com Forums With using the embedded bedding blocks that come with the RAR that transfer over to the Boyd’s, I think the need for conventional bedding will not be needed even with the natural wood.
Since I've mounted the Millet rings and Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 target dot scope, no pictures as of right now as me being me, I tried something I've had in the back of my for a while, and sort of want to hold off until I know it's GTG. A purely cosmetic thing, so the "mechanical" aspects will remain intact.
Range report coming as soon as I get a day that's calm for confident range trials at 50, 100, 200 Yards.
I know, a half azzed kind of a review without range reports, but excited about the new addition.
The plan last year was to get a CZ 455 American for a dedicate silhouette Hunting Div. rifle, and though my experience with CZ has let me know they are a very solid platform, there's something about the RAR that has my attention. After handling one or two over the last month or so and doing "net" research, I've taken a real shine to it, even more so over Savage & Marlin, even rivaling the cherished CZ. Plus Ruger offers quite a discount to HTE instructors, being one has allowed the price to be low enough from them to be a "no brainer" for me to try the Ruger.
So the other day visiting my FFL, he said he had something for me....
From just fondling it for a little while my impressions are:
The feel and the build is much better than the average tupperware stocked stuff - being a lefty I really like they put the safety where it belongs, on the tang. Putting it on safety and back to fire was very fluid. Grip angle felt a heck of a lot better than a savage tupperware stock, it felt really nice coming up to the shoulder, though a little front heavy. The finish of the blueing also appears to be superior to a MKII, I think the RAR is crying for a a nicely finished wood stock - that's how nice the finish looked in person. I really appreciated the recessed crown, it seemed the sporter barrel was thicker than a MKII sporter barrel. I mic’d the RAR barrel at .639”, the MKII at that length is .576. Marlin @ 18.5” is .685.
I also really liked the open sights, the carryover from the 10/22 rear sight was beautiful (though I will be scoping it, almost a shame). There is the potential to have three graduations to it depending on your zero, essentially giving you a pretty good idea of where you need to hold for further out. It appears the rear sights can be drifted out if it interferes with the optic, and the front sight is removable with a single torx screw.
The angle of the bolt handle / knob was surprising, it stood out away from the stock enough to find easily (both left and right handed operation), without being squished up against the stock. It seemed a bit stiff upon closing the bolt, but it was a new rifle, the word on the net is that it gets smoother. Otherwise it was somewhat smooth for a new rifle everywhere in between.
Trigger pull from the factory was 2.75Lbs, with the adjustment screw completely out, the trigger went to 2.5Lbs. It seems the face of the trigger is wider than the usual "trigger in trigger" setups - Working the mag seemed natural with the extended release.
It doesn’t seem cheaply made at all, I liked the look and feel of it more than other rifles in the "lower end" class. From the ruger site: A 3/8" rimfire scope base is machined into the receiver, which is also drilled and tapped for Weaver® #12 bases (not included). I noticed that some of the receiver’s base hole "plugs" have torx like screws, which I thought was some good attention to detail rather than a plain ol slotted screw or Allen heads. The one I got had slotted screw heads.
Why the compact? Since I've cut back my Savage MKII (and like the handling of it), using SV ammo, and scoping the rifle, I feel there is no reason for me to go with the "standard" size. I've found the shorter barrel is seemingly a little more rigid with the MKII, so I'm assuming the same with the RAR. Plus if it turns out to be not so hot in the accuracy dept, It can be handled easily by youths and can utilize it for youth training. The stock is pretty innovative and seemingly more rigid than the other synthetic ones in this price range (even higher), the ability to change out a module for an adult or youth length of pull is pretty neat, and a high or low comb has just about all the sighting choices things covered. I'm also going with the compact as for me it seems a bit more balanced for the type of offhand shooting I'll be doing with it.
On the subject of the stock, there are ambi palm swells and a user friendly grip angle that actually feels quite comfy. There is a little flex in the fore end, but not as bad as others, and it is cut away enough to allow the barrel to be free floating.
The bedding blocks within the stock are substantial, and they rest on brass “mini”pillars.
Nothing about this rifle appears that it was meant to be cheap. In fact in many ways, dollar for dollar, it offers more than rifle twice the price. If you are into rimfires, this is one that belongs in your safe, and at a price that will not drain your savings.
Whenever the wind decides to calm down and could have a solid range day or two, I can start posting some numbers on groups. The .22 ammo variety on hand is a bit limited, mostly will be shooting CCI SV.
As stated before, I really like the look / finish of the metal, deserving of a wood stock. Since all my stuff is Kryloned and synthetic, I yearn for the romance and elegance of blue and wood, so when I know this thing can shoot, a Boyd's Rimfire Hunter walnut stock is in order shortly thereafter.
These links have better pictures than I can ever hope to produce:
Ruger American Rimfire Review <plenty of good information here.
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-rimfire-section/209131-ruger-american-rimfire.html
Real Guns - Ruger's New American Rimfire Rifles
For the game I want a dedicated platform for, this AAA shooter (and also a contributor here) speaks highly of it: steelchickens.com ? View topic - My first match with the Ruger American Rimfire
An exploded view of the bolt Ruger American Rimfire/ Bolt Strip - Ruger Forum
The plan from the start is a RAR 18" compact, Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 target dot, Millet engraved high angle loc 3/8 dovetail rings - though I prefer Weaver rings / Bases, the Millet Angle Loc will give me a little more room for mounting the scope forward and backward and I've never had a problem with the Angle Locs slipping on my .22 mag, where others do. Plus the engraved rings will add a little more "snazzie", and I know from using them before with a 40MM objective optic they are just the right height for me. 2 extra BX-1 mags (black, I've seen where the clear ones don't work as well). Fiddle with trigger for a 2lb pull, I've found a way posted elsewhere that 1.5# is achievable by removing a certain spring or trimming another, however no comment until I give it a whirl - but will have to return it to 2# for silhouette http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=850934 . Boyd's Rimfire Hunter walnut stock (some target stock like features, yet fits silhouette Hunting Div. rules). Some pictures of the laminated and walnut here, along with a confirmation that it comes with a trigger guard (though plastic): Where Can I Get A Wood Stock For RAR? - RimfireCentral.com Forums With using the embedded bedding blocks that come with the RAR that transfer over to the Boyd’s, I think the need for conventional bedding will not be needed even with the natural wood.
Since I've mounted the Millet rings and Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 target dot scope, no pictures as of right now as me being me, I tried something I've had in the back of my for a while, and sort of want to hold off until I know it's GTG. A purely cosmetic thing, so the "mechanical" aspects will remain intact.
Range report coming as soon as I get a day that's calm for confident range trials at 50, 100, 200 Yards.
I know, a half azzed kind of a review without range reports, but excited about the new addition.
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