Ruger American Rifle

Later this month Ruger will enter yet another product category. Until now they have neglected the budget bolt action market, preferring to sell mid-range and high-end rifles instead. The Ruger American Rifle is budget-priced with a MSRP of $449.

The rifle features aluminum bedding blocks, Savage Accutrigger-style adjustable trigger and four round rotary magazine. It is chambered in .243 Win., .270 Win., .30-06 and .308 Win. The action comes in one size (long action).

The Remington 770 and Savage Axis both have MSRPs about $90 less than the American. The American is priced about the same as the Mossberg ATR 100 and has similar features, including a Accutrigger-style adjustable trigger.

Ruger will sell truck loads of these rifles and by the end of 2012 there are sure to be a variety of models with stainless and camo finishes.

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33 Responses to “Ruger American Rifle”

Sort The Responses Below: Most Recent | Highest Rated
  1. Wally1wrote on February 11th, 2012 at 11:10 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    I do like the Savage axis. It is a good starter rifle, the only drawback is the actual bolt handle. The handle is a casting. The Ruger American rifle appears to have a forged handle and I like the stock to receiver bedding system. I’ll be getting a Ruger RAR.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  2. Jasonwrote on February 04th, 2012 at 2:05 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    I want one! I love ruger firearms. I just hope they come out with a lot of accessories for this gun i own the sr.40c and the 10/22 and both are great cant wait to add this one to them.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  3. Wally1wrote on January 28th, 2012 at 6:58 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Well, I was in the market for a truck gun. I was going to order a Stevens 200 in .308 until I saw the new Ruger RAR. I will have to get one. I have never had a bad Ruger anything. They build quality.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  4. filipwrote on January 26th, 2012 at 1:42 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    for the price it seems vary good don’t know why ever one is talking bad about it

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  5. Brian R Gardwrote on January 18th, 2012 at 9:21 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    The new rifle looks very a lot like the Tikka T3 Lite rifle, I read on the Gunblast by Jeff Quinn the it shot SUB moa with factory ammo, (just
    like my Tikka 30-06). Also the Safety is in a very useable place.

    I love FN Mauser, own two of them, plus 10 other rifles, but this
    looks like a great rifle, in spite of the Naysayers. We hunt in
    very steep Idaho mountain and canyon country and a six and 1/4
    pound 30-06 is nice to pack compared to the Mausers that weight
    2.5 pounds more, accuracy is everything, we shoot out to and
    beyond 400 yards and the 30-06 and 270 will do it with the right
    ammo, puts dozens of elk in the freezer over the years. I am
    gonna check one out when I can and maybe sneak it home
    when the wife is working…..

    Idaho Dawg Master and Mosin Nagant Blaster Extraordinaire!

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  6. mosinmanwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 12:53 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    looks like a savage edge with a ruger logo on it

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  7. Ak-adventurerwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 12:37 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    And, yet another failure to make a left handed entry level rifle….
    *sigh*

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Mark Horningresponded to Ak-adventurer on January 09th, 2012 at 7:29 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      So, you want a Left Handed entry level rifle buy a Savage. The Edge is available in 4 calibers in left handed versions.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Ralphresponded to Ak-adventurer on January 31st, 2012 at 6:21 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Yes, shame on Ruger for initially targeting a measly 90% of the market for a bargain basement low-profit-margin rifle.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  8. K!Pwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 11:35 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    The magazine release clip looks a lot like those on tv remotes, in my experiance that setup tends to break more often than it should.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  9. ChrisJwrote on January 06th, 2012 at 7:18 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    It looks to me like a cross between the Browning A-Bolt and the SIG SHR 970 with a few minor changes thrown in. Put it in a wood stock or a less “modern” looking synthetic stock and I’d be perfectly willing to give one a try.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • infernoresponded to ChrisJ on January 06th, 2012 at 6:35 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Yeah, this thing’s pretty much an exact rip-off of the Browning x-Bolt, sans the quad-screw scope mounts. If it holds up as well, it’ll be a fantastic buy!

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  10. JMDwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 8:09 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Recall in 3…2…1…

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 9
  11. glockboy98wrote on January 05th, 2012 at 5:18 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

    Nobody seems to like this comment! What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 29
  12. Koopwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 3:17 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Since we’re comparing it to the Savage, how good are Ruger barrels these days?

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  13. WeaponBuilderwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 2:48 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Why not give the people what they WANT in a general purpose bolt-action rifle?

    Short-Action versions in .223 Wylde, .300 BLK, 7.62x39mm that use 20rd AR / Stanag type magazines… A Short Action 308 taking 20rd Pmags, and Long-Actions firing .30-06, .300 WinMag, & .338 Lapua using Accuracy International 10rd Magazines…

    Threaded muzzles for Brakes / Comps, or Suppressors, and one extended top rail… Two front sling attachments to mount both a bipod & sling…

    If Savage could pull off the above, I predict with their barrels, triggers, and accustocks, they could knock Remington off their high horse from 1200 meters.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Steve (The Firearm Blog)responded to WeaponBuilder on January 06th, 2012 at 12:33 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I agree.

      I would buy it in 7.62x39mm, or in fact a Savage Axis or Mossberg ATR in 7.62x39mm.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Komradresponded to WeaponBuilder on January 09th, 2012 at 6:58 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I wouldn’t buy a .300 AAC/BLK, but all those other options sound awesome. What might be nice would be a similar rifle to the one you described in 5.45x39mm with a chrome lined bore. Might drive domestic manufacturers besides Hornady to put out 5.45x39mm loads good for hunting or plinking.
      Oh, and the 7.62x39mm version should take AK mags not AR mags. AR mags would just be silly.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  14. MarcWwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 11:49 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Whatever kicks Remington off the throne they undeservedly occupy.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 13 Thumb down 5
  15. Komradwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 11:40 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    If I ever got into hunting with new manufactured stuff, this would be on my short list I think. But, as Shooter said, the name is dumb and is probably trying to appeal to the same people who proudly preach that they buy American while they fly a very tattered flag.

    I’m all for a little patriotism, but this is just a bit silly.

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 16
    • Komradresponded to Komrad on January 09th, 2012 at 7:04 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Someone tell me I’m wrong and explain why please.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  16. Lancewrote on January 04th, 2012 at 6:57 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Nah I prefer a Winchester M70.

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 11
    • Yodaresponded to Lance on January 07th, 2012 at 2:21 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Every time. Stop.

      This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  17. Shooterwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 6:42 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Did Ruger’s marketing department call in sick from work the day they decided to pick a name for this thing? The only possibly acronym we’re going to get is the RAR, and that’s best case scenario. They’ve done a good job so far of keeping model designations unique and distinctive, but the American Rifle seems like a last-ditch stab at trying to earn political brownie points amongst a market you fear may just ignore your product in favor of other more proven options.

    Right now the sub-$400 budget rifle market is so overcrowded with options and models, it seems questionable for Ruger to attempt entry. Then again, people said the same thing about the LCP…and failed to account for the benefits of spending millions of dollars each year on advertising.

    S&W foundered badly when they attempted to serve the el-cheapo rifle market, time will tell whether this becomes Ruger’s i-Bolt or not…

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  18. Jingleswrote on January 04th, 2012 at 4:02 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Are you sure it’s only available with a long action? The Ruger site said there was a .5″ difference in OAL between the short and long cartridge models.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  19. Jeff Smithwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 3:45 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Is it just me, or does this look EXACTLY like a Savage EDGE/Axis? The stocks look very similar.

    Looks like a great gun! The trigger and bedding will give it a leg-up on the budget rifle competition. I think that’s definitely worth an extra $100 over a Remington 770 or Savage Axis.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • bubbaearleresponded to Jeff Smith on January 04th, 2012 at 4:08 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I was considering buying my son a Savage Edge/Axis combo w/scope and this looks as if it is well worth waiting for…..besides, he has to bring his grades up in school this semester!

      It does look very similar to the Savage models and if it performs as well I’ll be pleased to add another Ruger to my collection.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • 276 pedersenresponded to bubbaearle on January 05th, 2012 at 12:23 am Link To Comment |

        He better hit the books! lol

        Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  20. Jim Marchwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 1:59 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Gunblast recorded a number of Ransom-rested 1″ (or a tad under) groups in 30-06 with mediocre storebought ammo. Color me impressed. Shoot some Black Hills match out of a .308 variant and it ought to do at least that well if not significantly better.

    Now, how soon can we get bigger mags for it, bolt a longer picatinny rail on there and brew up a ghetto scout-oid? :)

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  21. Other Stevewrote on January 04th, 2012 at 1:30 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Ruger… Shut up and give me a Scout in 300blk with AI style mags!

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 9
    • DWresponded to Other Steve on January 05th, 2012 at 2:15 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      A scout in .300AAC deserves STANAG Magazines…

      This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • JMDresponded to Other Steve on January 05th, 2012 at 8:13 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      “Other Steve”….you realize why .300BLK in AI magazines doesn’t make sense, right?

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  22. Doesitmatter?wrote on January 04th, 2012 at 10:59 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Good piece of honest, common sense machinery. If it is as good (or better than) M77 it must be close to excellent. For the price and 1inch group so much so.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  1. WeaponBuilderwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 2:48 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Why not give the people what they WANT in a general purpose bolt-action rifle?

    Short-Action versions in .223 Wylde, .300 BLK, 7.62x39mm that use 20rd AR / Stanag type magazines… A Short Action 308 taking 20rd Pmags, and Long-Actions firing .30-06, .300 WinMag, & .338 Lapua using Accuracy International 10rd Magazines…

    Threaded muzzles for Brakes / Comps, or Suppressors, and one extended top rail… Two front sling attachments to mount both a bipod & sling…

    If Savage could pull off the above, I predict with their barrels, triggers, and accustocks, they could knock Remington off their high horse from 1200 meters.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Steve (The Firearm Blog)responded to WeaponBuilder on January 06th, 2012 at 12:33 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I agree.

      I would buy it in 7.62x39mm, or in fact a Savage Axis or Mossberg ATR in 7.62x39mm.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Komradresponded to WeaponBuilder on January 09th, 2012 at 6:58 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I wouldn’t buy a .300 AAC/BLK, but all those other options sound awesome. What might be nice would be a similar rifle to the one you described in 5.45x39mm with a chrome lined bore. Might drive domestic manufacturers besides Hornady to put out 5.45x39mm loads good for hunting or plinking.
      Oh, and the 7.62x39mm version should take AK mags not AR mags. AR mags would just be silly.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  2. MarcWwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 11:49 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Whatever kicks Remington off the throne they undeservedly occupy.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 13 Thumb down 5
  3. Jeff Smithwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 3:45 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Is it just me, or does this look EXACTLY like a Savage EDGE/Axis? The stocks look very similar.

    Looks like a great gun! The trigger and bedding will give it a leg-up on the budget rifle competition. I think that’s definitely worth an extra $100 over a Remington 770 or Savage Axis.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • bubbaearleresponded to Jeff Smith on January 04th, 2012 at 4:08 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      I was considering buying my son a Savage Edge/Axis combo w/scope and this looks as if it is well worth waiting for…..besides, he has to bring his grades up in school this semester!

      It does look very similar to the Savage models and if it performs as well I’ll be pleased to add another Ruger to my collection.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • 276 pedersenresponded to bubbaearle on January 05th, 2012 at 12:23 am Link To Comment |

        He better hit the books! lol

        Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  4. Doesitmatter?wrote on January 04th, 2012 at 10:59 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Good piece of honest, common sense machinery. If it is as good (or better than) M77 it must be close to excellent. For the price and 1inch group so much so.

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  5. Koopwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 3:17 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Since we’re comparing it to the Savage, how good are Ruger barrels these days?

    This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  6. Jingleswrote on January 04th, 2012 at 4:02 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Are you sure it’s only available with a long action? The Ruger site said there was a .5″ difference in OAL between the short and long cartridge models.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  7. Wally1wrote on January 28th, 2012 at 6:58 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Well, I was in the market for a truck gun. I was going to order a Stevens 200 in .308 until I saw the new Ruger RAR. I will have to get one. I have never had a bad Ruger anything. They build quality.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  8. filipwrote on January 26th, 2012 at 1:42 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    for the price it seems vary good don’t know why ever one is talking bad about it

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  9. Brian R Gardwrote on January 18th, 2012 at 9:21 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    The new rifle looks very a lot like the Tikka T3 Lite rifle, I read on the Gunblast by Jeff Quinn the it shot SUB moa with factory ammo, (just
    like my Tikka 30-06). Also the Safety is in a very useable place.

    I love FN Mauser, own two of them, plus 10 other rifles, but this
    looks like a great rifle, in spite of the Naysayers. We hunt in
    very steep Idaho mountain and canyon country and a six and 1/4
    pound 30-06 is nice to pack compared to the Mausers that weight
    2.5 pounds more, accuracy is everything, we shoot out to and
    beyond 400 yards and the 30-06 and 270 will do it with the right
    ammo, puts dozens of elk in the freezer over the years. I am
    gonna check one out when I can and maybe sneak it home
    when the wife is working…..

    Idaho Dawg Master and Mosin Nagant Blaster Extraordinaire!

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  10. Jasonwrote on February 04th, 2012 at 2:05 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    I want one! I love ruger firearms. I just hope they come out with a lot of accessories for this gun i own the sr.40c and the 10/22 and both are great cant wait to add this one to them.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  11. Wally1wrote on February 11th, 2012 at 11:10 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    I do like the Savage axis. It is a good starter rifle, the only drawback is the actual bolt handle. The handle is a casting. The Ruger American rifle appears to have a forged handle and I like the stock to receiver bedding system. I’ll be getting a Ruger RAR.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  12. Shooterwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 6:42 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Did Ruger’s marketing department call in sick from work the day they decided to pick a name for this thing? The only possibly acronym we’re going to get is the RAR, and that’s best case scenario. They’ve done a good job so far of keeping model designations unique and distinctive, but the American Rifle seems like a last-ditch stab at trying to earn political brownie points amongst a market you fear may just ignore your product in favor of other more proven options.

    Right now the sub-$400 budget rifle market is so overcrowded with options and models, it seems questionable for Ruger to attempt entry. Then again, people said the same thing about the LCP…and failed to account for the benefits of spending millions of dollars each year on advertising.

    S&W foundered badly when they attempted to serve the el-cheapo rifle market, time will tell whether this becomes Ruger’s i-Bolt or not…

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  13. Ak-adventurerwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 12:37 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    And, yet another failure to make a left handed entry level rifle….
    *sigh*

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Ralphresponded to Ak-adventurer on January 31st, 2012 at 6:21 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Yes, shame on Ruger for initially targeting a measly 90% of the market for a bargain basement low-profit-margin rifle.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Mark Horningresponded to Ak-adventurer on January 09th, 2012 at 7:29 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      So, you want a Left Handed entry level rifle buy a Savage. The Edge is available in 4 calibers in left handed versions.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  14. Jim Marchwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 1:59 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Gunblast recorded a number of Ransom-rested 1″ (or a tad under) groups in 30-06 with mediocre storebought ammo. Color me impressed. Shoot some Black Hills match out of a .308 variant and it ought to do at least that well if not significantly better.

    Now, how soon can we get bigger mags for it, bolt a longer picatinny rail on there and brew up a ghetto scout-oid? :)

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  15. mosinmanwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 12:53 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    looks like a savage edge with a ruger logo on it

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  16. K!Pwrote on January 07th, 2012 at 11:35 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    The magazine release clip looks a lot like those on tv remotes, in my experiance that setup tends to break more often than it should.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  17. ChrisJwrote on January 06th, 2012 at 7:18 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    It looks to me like a cross between the Browning A-Bolt and the SIG SHR 970 with a few minor changes thrown in. Put it in a wood stock or a less “modern” looking synthetic stock and I’d be perfectly willing to give one a try.

    Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • infernoresponded to ChrisJ on January 06th, 2012 at 6:35 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Yeah, this thing’s pretty much an exact rip-off of the Browning x-Bolt, sans the quad-screw scope mounts. If it holds up as well, it’ll be a fantastic buy!

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  18. Other Stevewrote on January 04th, 2012 at 1:30 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Ruger… Shut up and give me a Scout in 300blk with AI style mags!

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 9
    • DWresponded to Other Steve on January 05th, 2012 at 2:15 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      A scout in .300AAC deserves STANAG Magazines…

      This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • JMDresponded to Other Steve on January 05th, 2012 at 8:13 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      “Other Steve”….you realize why .300BLK in AI magazines doesn’t make sense, right?

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  19. JMDwrote on January 05th, 2012 at 8:09 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Recall in 3…2…1…

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 9
  20. Lancewrote on January 04th, 2012 at 6:57 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Nah I prefer a Winchester M70.

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 11
    • Yodaresponded to Lance on January 07th, 2012 at 2:21 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Every time. Stop.

      This comment has been well-received! What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  21. Komradwrote on January 04th, 2012 at 11:40 pm Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    If I ever got into hunting with new manufactured stuff, this would be on my short list I think. But, as Shooter said, the name is dumb and is probably trying to appeal to the same people who proudly preach that they buy American while they fly a very tattered flag.

    I’m all for a little patriotism, but this is just a bit silly.

    This comment has sparked a hot debate! What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 16
    • Komradresponded to Komrad on January 09th, 2012 at 7:04 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

      Someone tell me I’m wrong and explain why please.

      Please rate this comment: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  22. glockboy98wrote on January 05th, 2012 at 5:18 am Link To Comment | Reply To Comment

    Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

    Nobody seems to like this comment! What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 29

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