An Overview of the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2
The world of bolt-action rifles, while traditionally associated with classic hunting, has evolved. Modern hunters and shooting enthusiasts seek performance, versatility, and value. The Ruger American Rifle series has established itself as a prominent player in this realm, consistently delivering accurate and affordable options. The Gen 2 version, the latest iteration, promises even more improvements. This review takes an in-depth look at the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 chambered in 5.56 NATO, dissecting its features, performance, and overall value proposition. We’ll explore whether this rifle lives up to the hype and is a worthy addition to your collection.
Key Features and Specifications of the Gen 2
Let’s delve into the specifics that make the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 in 5.56 a compelling choice.
Caliber and Chambering
This review specifically examines the 5.56 NATO chambering. This cartridge is highly versatile and widely available. Its popularity stems from its use in AR-15 platforms, making ammunition readily accessible and often more affordable compared to other calibers. The 5.56 NATO can also handle .223 Remington ammunition, further expanding its ammunition choices.
Barrel Length and Twist Rate
The barrel length plays a critical role in both accuracy and ballistic performance. The Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 often comes in a barrel length designed to balance maneuverability and projectile velocity. This specific length provides a good balance between portability and effective range. The twist rate, the rate at which the rifling grooves spin the bullet, is optimized for the 5.56 NATO round. A proper twist rate ensures the bullet stabilizes and maintains accuracy at various distances.
Magazine Compatibility and Capacity
One of the standout features of the Ranch series is its compatibility with AR-15 magazines. This is a significant advantage, as it allows users to leverage the widespread availability and affordability of these magazines. Magazine capacity varies, from the standard ten-round magazines to higher-capacity options for increased firepower. This compatibility enhances the rifle’s versatility, making it an excellent option for target shooting and hunting.
Stock and Ergonomics
The stock is a crucial element of a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. Typically, the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 employs a synthetic or polymer stock. The materials used are chosen for their durability and resistance to environmental factors like temperature and humidity. The stock’s design focuses on ergonomics. It often features a comfortable grip and a well-designed cheek weld to promote proper alignment with the optic. The overall shape and feel are carefully considered to ensure a comfortable and stable shooting experience, even over extended periods.
Receiver and Bolt
The receiver, the heart of the rifle, is constructed from durable materials to withstand the stresses of firing. The bolt action is a crucial component that determines the rifle’s reliability. The Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 is known for its smooth bolt operation, which contributes to the ease of use and enhances the overall shooting experience. The bolt design incorporates features to ensure positive extraction and ejection of spent casings, contributing to the rifle’s reliable performance in various conditions.
Trigger
The trigger is a critical element for accuracy. The Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 boasts a trigger designed to provide a clean and consistent pull. The trigger pull weight is often adjustable, allowing shooters to tailor it to their preferences. A crisp trigger break is essential for precision shooting, and the trigger design contributes to the rifle’s overall accuracy potential.
Sights and Mounting Options
The rifle often comes with a Picatinny rail. This rail enables shooters to mount a wide array of optics, including scopes and red dot sights. The option to add optics significantly improves the rifle’s versatility for different shooting applications.
Handling and Weight
The rifle’s weight and dimensions are designed to balance portability and stability. The weight makes it easy to carry in the field, while the overall design contributes to a stable shooting platform. This balance makes the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 a comfortable rifle to handle, even for long periods.
Gen 2 Enhancements: What’s New and Improved?
The Gen 2 model builds on the success of the original Ruger American Ranch, incorporating several updates. The Gen 2 enhancements are designed to improve the overall shooting experience. These upgrades may include enhancements to the stock design, improving ergonomics and comfort. Other improvements might focus on the barrel, potentially increasing accuracy and performance. These improvements aim to provide shooters with a more refined and effective firearm.
Testing Performance and Accuracy
Rigorous testing is necessary to assess any firearm’s real-world performance. The testing process involves firing a range of different ammunition brands and grain weights. This allows for a thorough assessment of the rifle’s accuracy and reliability across various loads. The testing is conducted at various distances, measuring group sizes to quantify the rifle’s precision.
During the range testing, the rifle’s ability to consistently group shots is carefully observed. Target images are often used to showcase the results, providing visual evidence of the rifle’s accuracy. The test also looks into reliability, by firing numerous rounds and monitoring for malfunctions. Factors such as recoil are also considered to determine comfort level.
Ergonomics and the Shooting Experience
Beyond raw performance, the ergonomics significantly impact the overall shooting experience. The stock’s design, and the placement of controls influence how the rifle feels in hand. The balance of the rifle, the grip, and the cheek weld all contribute to a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience. How easy it is to manipulate the safety, the bolt release, and the magazine release plays an important role in the usability. The ease of reaching the charging handle also impacts the user-friendliness. All these ergonomic features contribute to the shooter’s overall enjoyment and effectiveness.
The Good and the Bad: Pros and Cons
Here is a balanced overview of the rifle’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Accuracy: Ruger is known for accurate firearms, and the Ranch Gen 2 often delivers impressive groupings.
- AR-15 Magazine Compatibility: A significant advantage for those already invested in the AR platform.
- Affordability: Offers great value for the features and performance.
- Reliability: Known for dependable operation.
- Versatility: Suitable for hunting, target shooting, and recreational use.
Cons
- Trigger: While the trigger is improved, some shooters may prefer a higher-end trigger.
- Stock Design: While comfortable, the stock design may not fit every shooter perfectly.
- Aesthetics: While functional, the rifle’s aesthetic design might not appeal to everyone.
Comparisons and Competition
Comparing the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 in 5.56 to its competitors is crucial for making an informed decision. In the bolt-action rifle market, it competes with rifles from brands. Analyzing the features, performance, and value helps in discerning the best choice for individual needs.
Concluding Thoughts
The Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 in 5.56 represents a compelling choice for shooters seeking a modern bolt-action rifle. It offers a balance of accuracy, reliability, and affordability that makes it a strong contender in its class. The Gen 2 improvements further enhance the rifle’s appeal, especially for shooters who value ease of use and modern features.
This rifle is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including hunting, target shooting, and recreational plinking. Its compatibility with AR-15 magazines is a major advantage. It is a versatile firearm that should be highly considered.
If you are looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable bolt-action rifle that makes use of common AR-15 style magazines, the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 in 5.56 is an excellent option. Consider this rifle for a versatile, fun, and useful addition to your collection.
