Ruger American Ranch
Posted May 19, 2023
The Ruger American Ranch is a small, lightweight rifle designed to meet the needs of the all-around shooter. The Ranch strives to combine a lightweight design and maneuverability with the accuracy and power of a larger caliber platform. Ruger has crafted a reliable and versatile rifle that can be used for application ranging from small-game hunting to defensive home applications. Ruger’s commitment to excellence shines through in the American Ranch, and it is quickly becoming a go-to gun for many shooters.
Before I dive into the nitty-gritty of the American Ranch, I would like to preface my review by saying that I consider myself to be somewhat of a Ruger enthusiast. I have owned various Ruger rifles over the years and each one has proven to be an invaluable addition to my collection. My experience with the Ruger brand has been nothing but positive. With that being said, let us move on to the review.
The first aspect that I would like to address is the weight of the American Ranch. This rifle weighs a mere 6.2lbs unloaded, making it the second lightest rifle available in its caliber. Though the light weight of the American Ranch is a definite advantage for those who prefer a lightweight build, it is important to note that the tradeoff is the lack of recoil absorption. The lighter weight of the rifle translates to a considerable amount of felt recoil when shooting. As with any rifle, the amount of felt recoil will depend largely on the ammunition used, and users must be aware of the possible recoil when shooting this rifle.
The second aspect of the American Ranch that I want to discuss is the overall fit and finish of the gun. The synthetic stock is finished in a molded rubberized material, giving the rifle an intricate, unique look. The stock itself is well made and designed for solid accuracy. It is possible to adjust the comb height and length of pull for a customized fit, allowing you to get the most out of your shooting session. The handguard is made from high-grade aluminum and finishes the look of the gun perfectly. The overall fit and finish of the American Ranch is superb, making it a desirable choice for shooters who prioritize quality.
The American Ranch also features an adjustable trigger. It is infinitely adjustable, with a reported range of 3.5 - 5.75 lbs. This display of versatility allows for a pleasant shooting experience with each pull of the trigger. The trigger pull is crisp and the reset is quick and tactile. The adjustability of the trigger allows you to fine-tune the gun to you personal shooting preference, further enhancing the user experience.
Moving on to the accuracy of the American Ranch, I had the pleasure of shooting this rifle at a local gun range. I fired the rifle with various ammunitions and found that the results were generally pleasing. The gun shot well, with groups ranging from 2 to 4 inches depending on the ammunition used. I have no doubt that this gun is capable of accurately holding tight groups at various ranges.
Next, let us discuss the safety and operation of the American Ranch. The American Ranch is equipped with a three-position, tang-mounted safety. When lowered, the safety requires the shooter to intentionally place the hammer in the fired position and then depress the trigger to fire the gun. This provides a measure of additional safety that is appreciated when shooting with a group of people. The three-position safety allows for flexibility regarding how the rifle is carried and readied.
The magazine release of the American Ranch is conveniently located behind the trigger guard on the right side of the gun. The magazine release is simple to use and allows for fast, efficient reloads. In addition to this, the rifle includes a magazine disconnect, which ensures that the gun will not fire when the magazine is removed. This safety feature is another valuable addition.
All in all, I have been quite pleased with my experience with the Ruger American Ranch. I believe that Ruger has done a great job in combining the qualities of a lightweight rifle and a powerful platform. The Ranch is an ideal choice for a shooter looking for a quality rifle that is lightweight and accurate. The accurate and reliable features paired the adjustability of the trigger and stock make the American Ranch an invaluable addition to any arsenal. The American Ranch is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile rifle, and one that I can highly recommend.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Tough and reliable bolt action
- High-quality synthetic stock material
- Very accurate with its floating barrel
- Great value for the money
- Versatile for all types of shooting
Cons:
- Trigger pull is a bit heavy
- Limited length of pull adjustment
- Stock design could be more ergonomic
- Not an ideal gun for recoil sensitive shooters
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other rifles
Who Should Buy
People who should buy Ruger American Ranch are those who appreciate form such as hunting, target shooting, or recreational plinking. This versatile rifle is suitable for many different kinds of shooting and is available in different calibers for a range of uses. People who shouldn't buy the Ruger American Ranch are those who are looking for a high-end or customized rifle. This model is inherently of a more basic design and features relatively plain aesthetics.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Capacity | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger American Ranch | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO | 16.12" | 5+1 | 6.2 lbs. | $519.00 |
| Del-Ton Sierra 316L | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO | 16" | 30+1 | 6.9 lbs. | $765.00 |
| Rock River Arms LAR-15 | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO | 16" | 30+1 | 6.9 lbs. | $999.00 |
| Mossberg MMR Pro | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO | 16.25" | 30+1 | 6.75 lbs. | $649.99 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO | 16" | 30+1 | 6.45 lbs. | $719.00 |
Features / Specs
• Calibers: .223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .450 Bushmaster
• Barrel Length: 16.12"
• Twist Rate: 1 in 8"
• Overall Length: 32.75"
• Weight: 6.38 lbs
• Capacity: 5 round detachable rotary magazine
• Finish: Matte Black
Popular Accessories
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- Scope - Ruger American Ranch rifles are pre-tapped and drilled for scope mounts, so pairing a scope with one is a common choice.
- Bipod - Bipods provide a stable support for shooting, particularly at longer distances.
- Sling - Slings provide a secure place to carry the gun and also provide better stability when shooting.
- Magazine Extensions - Magazine extensions can increase the capacity of the gun, which can be a real advantage in competitive shooting.
- Flashlight or Laser - Light or laser attachments allow the user to easily see their target in low-light conditions.
Accuracy
The Ruger American Ranch is known for its excellent accuracy, even at long distances. The rifle’s cold hammer-forged barrel, stiff bedding system, adjustable trigger, and recessed crown muzzle contribute to its accuracy. In tests conducted by a reliable media source, with five 5-shot groups at 100 yards, the average group size was consistently under 1 inch. Furthermore, due to the rifle’s adjustable trigger and crisp break, most shooters find it feels great on the range. All in all, the Ruger American Ranch rifle is welcomed as one of the most accurate and reliable .223 rifles on the market.
