This thread is about a month old, but perhaps this could be of use to someone. My Ruger SR-762 has its flaws. Overall, its still a keeper:
Problems:
Problem 1: 2 of the 3 supplied P-Mags had many FTE and FTFs. I called Ruger and was told I'm not the only one with this problem. Ruger says they have started a national mag exchange program for the 762. I sent my 2 bad mags in (11/25) and am still waiting to get 2 good mags back. The third mag runs flawlessly; or at least it has for 225 rounds so far.
Problem 2: The stock trigger was less than satisfactory. I dropped in a Giessele and that solved the problem.
Problem 3: The peep aperture on the rear sight interferes with my optic. Normally I'd blame myself for not getting higher mounts (I got the Bobro), but the Samson dual peep aperture won't fold flat. The body of the folded BUIS fits under my Weaver Tactical FFP 3x15x50 just fine, but the stupid dual peep aperture doesn't fold down. Grumble grumble... If anyone wants to trade BUISs, let me know. Its a shame because I really like the Samson sights. BTW, the Bobro quick release mount has put my scope back to absolute zero 6 times now, even after being accidentally dropped.
Problem 4: Ruger will not sell spare parts for it. I asked and was told no on any “factory fitted” part, which apparently is most of them.
Problem 5: it eats ammo WAY too fast. I blame the gun
Enough whining, here's what I like:
1. Its lighter than the other semi-auto 308's I played with. Are there lighter SA 308's out there? Probably, but not that readily come to mind or that I held.
2. I get submoa 5 shot groups with handloads. The first shot is a flier (consistently 2+ inches) when the barrel is cold even when I slingshot it into the action. The following 19 make tight little groups when I do my part.
3. The action stays very clean. I ran some Herter's steel cased ammo and didn't find any of those little yellow specs or much carbon fouling in the chamber. The gas piston gets dirty, but its easily removed and fast to clean because its chrome plated. The Ruger's barrel cleans faster than my Remington 700 308 AAC-SD's barrel because the former is chromed.
4. I like the ability to control the gas (yeah yeah, insert your favorite fart joke here). This gives me the option to run it reliably with a can, run it reliably without cleaning for extended periods of time, or turn the gas off and run it like a single-shot if I don't want to chase my brass at the range or mess with my brass catcher.
5. The AR platform makes it comfortable to shoot, easy to put on optics, and very customizable; ie I could drop in the trigger I really wanted.
6. I don't have to baby it when handling or shooting. The flash hider protects the crown so I can ride with it “muzzle on floor” in the pickup. Its first outing was in a hellacious snow storm in the top of the Utah mountains. The gun was heavily snowed on, got sopping wet, yet ran fine. I should have taken a video. Sub 0 temps didn't seem to affect it on a subsequent outing; when the good mag was in. The dust cover should keep most mud, trail dust, and river water out of the action when I strap it on the ATV this summer and fall. Don't get me wrong, the rifle gets cleaned and dried, and lightly lubed in a few places, but it will have to earn its keep in a mountainous and desert area. It is not a safe queen.
7. It doesn't have much recoil; I'd guess it has about 11 ft-lbs. Again, just a guess.
8. $1,640 greenbacks otd (on gunbroker) is a lot of money for me, however, the Ruger cost less than the Sig 716 and is, in my book, equally good and weighs less.
9. It feels good to buy an American designed and produced fighting rifle when the product fits my application, is well made (thanks Matrix Aero), and the value is there.