doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com mildly OT: Ruger American LH

I've been looking for a left-handed and light, utilitarian rife for deer hunting out here for some time. My choices for the last few years have been limited to the big Weatherby magnum I use for elk or my great-granddaddy's 1886 Winchester (in .33WCF). Both do the job but neither are a great fit for most of the deer hunting circumstances I encounter out here. Enter the Ruger American. I normally don't have much time for plastic anything but progress marches on and I can see a few advantages in some applications (light weight & impervious to all but severe misuse). I also am drawn to a good value (as always...frugal to the end!) and the Ruger seems to be able to offer that as well. Can anybody here offer some insight? This ones chambered in .308 (which I now seem to have plenty of).

It's difficult to beat a Ruger in their price range. I have several Ruger rifles and revolvers and they are extremely accurate and durable. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have an American in 300 Blackout. shoots great. A bud of mine has a number of Amercians and everyone he has shoots sub moa with factory ammo. hard to beat.

Brian, I've been thinking of a Ruger American in 300 blackout for while. I had read that there were some issues with early production models, but that was corrected. Have you ever had any issues with your?

Brian, I'd be interested as well. I've done all the pertinent YouTube videos & reviews on the subject and bought the gun (no sense waiting on any firearms you might want now, eh?). Just waiting on the usual process that gets it to my FFL. I've read/heard good things about the trigger and the accuracy, but also about some complaints regarding the smoothness of the bolt and even some mild-gripes about it somehow unlatching from battery(?) and...even the fit and/or excessive flexibility of the stock (both of those complaints seemed a bit spurious to me). There's clearly been a flurry of activity in the local shops and obtaining it here in Denver simply wasn't possible (a big run on guns here lately it would seem). There were cheaper (& way-more expensive) LH options but...this one seemed to strike the best balance in my mind.

I was really considering one of their 6.5 creedmoors. I’m just not much of a big game hunter, but I did try one with a factory muzzle brake that I can just about hold the scope on target a pretty good way out. Accurate and a great value, except for the recent run. We’ll see.

I looked at the Ruger American a few years ago when I wanted a new .308 pig rifle to replace my heavy FN .270. Talked to a couple guys who worked at the LGS and owned RAs. They had very favorable reports about the RA for both function and accuracy. Did not buy anything, stuck with the .270, even though I wanted a lighter rifle with a short action.

A friend just bought a new rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, and that one did replace his .270. New rifle is a Savage 110 with the Accu Trigger. He did a lot of research before he bought that one. Don't know if the Savage comes in LH.

What does the 6.5 Creedmore most closely compare with?

It is somewhat similar to the 260 Remington, a necked down 308 with less taper. The case is a little shorter, generically it can package heavy for caliber bullets in a short length action.

Thanks.