On February 26, 2013 I received a new Ruger American Rifle from Ruger to test and evaluate. Needless to say if you are an on-line hunting and shooting junkie, there are already evaluations of this rifle out there.  Here at NH Rifleman if a product has area’s to improve upon we will tell you so.

Before I began testing Rifles nearly 10 years ago I came to the conclusion that the best shooting rifles must have a superior bedding system, whether free floating or the fore-stock is pressured against the barrel to prevent oscillation, that can add costs. The barrel should be capable of MOA accuracy most all the time and when custom hand-loaded with certain bullets, the shooter could achieve sub-MOA accuracy as wel, that can add costs.  In addition I felt that “best in class” rifles had adjustable triggers and that can add costs.  I personally like 3 pounds for a hunting trigger in a rifle that is capable of long range accuracy.  Finally, the recoil pad should be significant to absorb as much recoil as possible no matter what caliber, and that can add costs. Weight of the rifle should be commensurate with the round. e.g. 7 plus pounds for a 308 or 30-06 and a bit lighter for a round such as the 243 Winchester for ease of carry in the field and shaving weight from a rifle can take more machining time adding costs. This rifle is under $400 dollars by some retailers my hunting friends. This rifle is in the budget of any main stream working American from sea to shining sea. I believe this rifle is the price it is because that is where the market is for starters. Secondly, this is a “Design for Manufacture” rifle via the stock, the bolt, the barrel by engineers and designers who are hunters. Every element of this rifle was designed for both quality and speed of manufacture, keeping costs way down.  What we intend to share with readers is the question. Should I purchase this rifle?

The Ruger American is 100% American made rifle with a black polymer synthetic stock. It weighs in at 6.25 pounds. The Ruger American utilizes “Power Bedding ™: an integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver and free floats the chrome-moly hammer forged barrel, essential for outstanding accuracy.  The barrel is 22 inches, a great all around hunting rifle length for fast handling and optimum bullet speed.

Out of the box, the bolt worked smoothly and fast.

The new three lug 70 degree full body bolt design is innovative in its simplicity. The bolt provides ample scope clearance and utilizes dual cocking cams for smooth cycling. The Ruger literature offers that it cycles easily from the shoulder. Today I shot 3 rounds as fast as a deer hunter would care to cycle the bolt and get back on target. It was flawless. I sighted it in on paper with three shots then went for my first three shot 100 yard group out of the box with the .243 Winchester achieving an astounding sub-moa 3/4 in group in a snow/rain shower at 100 yards. Wow! Right out of the box!

The rifle comes with a Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger that can be adjusted from 3 to 5 pounds. Testing with my Lyman Digital Pull Gauge, the trigger weighs in at 4 lbs. 4 oz. and is very crisp. I like it!

This rifle has a 4 round synthetic rotary magazine that fits flush with the stock.

Literature suggests that the magazine offers the smooth feed that has become the hallmark of Ruger® rotary magazines.

The rifle comes with a dovetail scope mounting base. I installed a set of metallic colored Weaver rings and placed a brand new Leupold VX-1 in 3-9 x 40mm with Long Range Duplex Reticle we are also testing.

To add to the Ruger/ Leupold combo we are shooting Trophy Grade Nosler Custom® 90 grain E-Tip® Lead Free .243 Winchester rounds made by Nosler’s Custom shop.

Believe me my expectations were high, and I was not disappointed.

 If you wish to purchase this Ruger American firearm, you may go to the “Links” in the article header and see the Local New Hampshire retailers where you can get one for yourself or for a first time hunter. The .243 Winchester is a great deer and varmint rifle for a novice or expert as recoil is minimal. An overall rating for use by young hunters, new hunters, old hunters,ease of carrying in the field and for the price? On a scale of 1 to 10. It gets a solid 10 as Ruger hit this one out of the park.  © 2013

Spec’s From the Ruger Website 

Catalog Number: AMERICAN | Model Number: 6904 | Caliber: 243 Win Stock: Black Composite Capacity: 4 Material: Alloy Steel Finish: Matte Black Barrel Length: 22.00″ Overall Length: 42.00″ Sights: None-Bases Supplied Weight: 6.25 lbs. Twist: 1:9″ RH Grooves: 6 Length of Pull: 13.75″ Suggested Retail: $449.00

Copyright © 2013 by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

My readers can tell you that the rifle, pistol and ammo industry is having a tough time keeping up with demand.

That said, A friend tipped me off on the “How To’s” of making rim-fire ammo for CCI Products that I love so much, I loved the Video!  If I had a choice for .22 ammo or primers, CCI wins hands down!

First lets take a look at CCI itself. Cascade Cartridges, Inc. is what is behind the CCI initials and that CCI is located in Lewiston, Idaho.

A refreshing American Company!

I have always given my vote to CCI as best in Class for .22 ammo and Primers. Most all of my friends do as well. I have shot .22 ammo since I was 10 years old. Before my dad passed away he always kept a stock of .22 ammo, the CCI Stinger was his hot load for Chucks. Over time we learned that CCI Reliability and accuracy coupled with real punch was dominating our purchases. Today, my varmint round is between the CCI Stinger® and the new Velocitor®, and both work fine in my .22 semi-auto rifle. I have not shot the Signature .22 LR Mini-Mag which is a bit slower and less energy than the Velocitor’s  but the thousands of Alligators killed with the Mini-Mag don’t know that! Here is a utube Velocitor test using a pistol into 4 layers of terri cloth a chicken cadaver, and gallon jugs of water to capture the round. Speed – around 1100fps and energy is 107 ft lbs. This is what I expect from my .22 LR rifle at 100 yards because the rifle bullet speed is about 1400 fps due to the longer 20 inch barrel. Chicken Test by DOCTACDAD

The history of CCI is much like that of my visionary friends at Nosler, Inc where John Nosler (1913-2010) succeeded in creating a better big game bullet, John came up with the Nosler Partition®. In the case of CCI, Richard “Dick” Speer (1915-1994) followed his brother Vernon’s lead at Speer Bullets in the component industry  but instead of making bullets, he envisioned a need for quality primers and soon to follow “best in class” .22 ammo. His skill in the metal extrusion and manufacturing process is exceptional as the CCI Manufacture Process indicates. For an in depth history you can go the CCI History site and read more. The manufacturing process video is a must see.

The Categories of .22 ammo are classed at Varmint, Small Game, competition, Pest Control/ Specialty and of course primers which I use in reloading Rifle and Pistol ammo. CCI manufactures a full line of Primers for all firearm cartridges, I use them in reloading rifle cartridges such as my .375 Ruger, .338 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, and .45ACP. check them out at cci-ammunition.com 

Better yet go to video’s by CCI and you will be educated and entertained.

CCI dealers are found everywhere. Here in New Hampshire my closest dealer is three miles away at State Line Guns, Ammo and Archery

Go to your nearest friendly shooter supply and stock up on your CCI products Today!

Good Shooting! Good Hunting! Be Safe!