Ruger American .308

Are these good rifles ? Are they accurate ? Does it deserve a good leupold scope? The neighbor just gave one to the kid for the lawn care he did all summer and dog poop duty. He has given the kid so much fishing equipment this summer it’s crazy but because Mason has also done some house sitting for him while he did his guide trips up north he just came and gifted him a ruger American in .308, I’m just deciding if I put a spendy scope on it or a middle of the road one. Thanks for any information

The American was Ruger’s play into the trend 15 or so years ago when manufacturers were racing to introduce great shooting rifles in the entry level price range.

I’ve gotten very good performance out of every American I’ve helped to set up. I like the solid feel of the American and the trigger is adjustable which is nice in an entry level platform. IME they are a solid 1.5 inch rifle with better potential if you find or build loads they like.

I don’t think good glass is ever wasted,

i’m no help with the gun, but couldnt stop myself on commenting about your son BC. thats something to be dang nabit proud of that he takes jobs like that seriously!!!!!!

you should be proud of that young man!!!!!!

you should be proud of that young man!!!!!!
[/quote] 2nd that!!!

Mason is wise beyond his years. He will undoubtedly go far.
I’ve heard they are really good guns for their price point. Great all around caliber too.
Unless you plan to get out west and take some longer shots i wouldn’t go too crazy on a scope. He is still a BOY after all. Good chance it’s gonna see some abuse.

I won an American in 30-06 playing gun bingo. Bullets are touching at 100 yards. It’s become my favorite rifle.
DT

I sell a pile of these rifles every year. Great shooter. A Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 matches great on it. I could ship you a scope or next time your on mille lacs stop in Tutts. Ill mount bore sight for free and a good deal on a scope!

Congrats to you and Mason. BC you have raised a fine young man. You should be proud.
Your neighbor is a stand up guy also.

Thanks guys for the kind words. The kid really is a hell of a kid. He impresses me all the time. Smart and hardworking. He never turns down work when he’s offered, even if it’s being the neighborhood pooper scooper.
As for the neighbors they are great, and once Mason is old enough he will go with on these guide trips to help the veterans out. They already say they want to hire him. But for now it’s to hold the forts down and care for the dogs. I figured I’d be nice and surprise him with glass for the gun and just debating which way to go.

for that rifle if you don’t want to spend a lot, I would go with a 3-9 X 40 Vortex Crossfire II. they can be had for around $150.00 give or take a little plus tax.

This is what I run on my Savage Axis .308, and it is a comparable rifle to the Ruger American.

monticatgeek wrote:

for that rifle if you don’t want to spend a lot, I would go with a 3-9 X 40 Vortex Crossfire II. they can be had for around $150.00 give or take a little plus tax.

This is what I have on my .45 smokeless muzzleloader. Very reliable, very clear.

I have that same rifle in 7mm-08 and it is a tack driver. I have an old post on here somewhere on some handloads a member here help me get setup and progressed from there. Its called first developed load.

Yeah the Ruger Americans are great budget rifles. I have a couple of them and at 100-200 yards they group real nice. Ill triple or quadruple the notion of a Vortex Crossfire. Or if he’s been a real good kid and they are on sale a Diamondback or Viper.

Bob Ford wrote:

I sell a pile of these rifles every year. Great shooter. A Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 matches great on it. I could ship you a scope or next time your on mille lacs stop in Tutts. Ill mount bore sight for free and a good deal on a scope!

Bob I sent you a message.

That’s a hell of a gift, good on both of them!