Worth the Wait? Ruger American Gen II Bolt Gun

Published on January 25, 2025
Duration: 32:47

This review of the Ruger American Gen 2 bolt-action rifle, presented by nutnfancy, offers an in-depth look at its features, performance, and value proposition. The reviewer, with extensive experience in firearms, provides a critical assessment, comparing it to its predecessor and competitors. Key takeaways include its updated aesthetics with Cerakote, improved ergonomics with adjustable comb and length of pull, and a versatile magazine system. However, the review highlights concerns regarding bolt smoothness and accuracy consistency, ultimately concluding that while it's a good, well-featured rifle that will likely sell well, it doesn't personally excite the reviewer due to these specific performance aspects.

Quick Summary

The Ruger American Gen 2 is a bolt-action rifle featuring a durable Cerakote finish, a fully enclosed action for enhanced stiffness, and user-adjustable comb and length of pull. While it offers a versatile magazine system and an adjustable trigger, the reviewer noted concerns with bolt smoothness and inconsistent accuracy, achieving around 2 MOA in testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Gen 1 Context
  2. 01:26Gen 2 Ruger American Introduction
  3. 01:55Philosophy of Use
  4. 03:03Wrist & Knife Check
  5. 05:01Ruger American Name & Competition
  6. 05:34Weight & Stock Design
  7. 05:54Bedding Block & Free Float
  8. 06:04Accuracy Observations (Gen 1)
  9. 06:26Impact on Bolt Action Market
  10. 07:30Barrel Profile & Cool Down
  11. 08:11Rifleman Rifle Features
  12. 08:35Gen 1 Price & Value
  13. 08:55Present Day: Gen 2
  14. 09:30Independent Reviewer Stance
  15. 10:06Congratulations to Ruger
  16. 10:33Philosophy of Use (Gen 2)
  17. 10:41Magazine Capacity
  18. 11:21Tactical Bolt Action Question
  19. 12:15Features: Muzzle Brake
  20. 13:31Cerakote & Stock Finish
  21. 14:11Barrel Dimensions & Taper
  22. 14:30Weight & Barrel Thickness
  23. 14:36Fluting Discussion
  24. 15:14Free Floating & Bedding Blocks
  25. 15:20Disassembly & Action Screws
  26. 16:00Swivel Studs & Forearm Profile
  27. 16:09Stippling & Pistol Grip
  28. 16:32Length of Pull Adjustment
  29. 16:51Butt Pad & Cheek Rest
  30. 17:29Tang Mounted Safety
  31. 17:57Bolt Throw & Knob
  32. 18:10Bolt Construction & Ejector
  33. 18:34Bolt Release Button
  34. 18:46Gas Release Ports
  35. 18:55Fully Enclosed Action
  36. 19:12Picatinny Rail
  37. 19:20Trigger Adjustment
  38. 19:54Magazine Release & Well
  39. 20:27Magazine Compatibility (Tikka)
  40. 20:47Bolt Smoothness Out of Box
  41. 20:53How It Shot: Initial Impressions
  42. 21:05Cycling Issues
  43. 22:22Magazine Gotchas
  44. 23:15Accuracy: Mixed Bag
  45. 23:3150 Yard Accuracy Example
  46. 23:56100 Yard Accuracy
  47. 24:19Ammunition Testing (Federal)
  48. 24:57Ammunition Testing (Match)
  49. 25:33Overall Accuracy Estimate
  50. 26:01Would I Buy It?
  51. 28:54Price Increase Discussion
  52. 29:26Final Verdict: No
  53. 30:03Bolt Action Rifle Purpose
  54. 30:33Precision Marksman Rifles
  55. 30:49Viewer Disagreements Expected
  56. 31:04Liquidating Bolt Action Rifles
  57. 31:23Seeking Excellent Bolt Gun
  58. 31:42Conclusion: Not a Non-Recommend
  59. 32:02Goodies & Features Recap
  60. 32:21Thanks to Donors
  61. 32:32Summary & Video Watch

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Ruger American Gen 2?

The Ruger American Gen 2 features a Cerakote finish for durability and aesthetics, a fully enclosed action for increased stiffness, an adjustable comb and length of pull, a three-position tang safety, and an in-blade adjustable trigger. It also includes a Picatinny rail and a removable muzzle brake.

How does the Ruger American Gen 2 perform in terms of accuracy?

Accuracy with the Ruger American Gen 2 is described as a mixed bag, with the reviewer achieving around 2 MOA with various loads. While the reviewer believes the rifle is capable of better accuracy (1.5 MOA or MOA with handloads), their personal experience did not consistently meet expectations.

What are the main criticisms of the Ruger American Gen 2?

The primary criticisms of the Ruger American Gen 2 include a bolt operation that felt stiff and not as smooth as expected, especially during rapid cycling in the field. Some magazine fitment issues with aftermarket options were also noted, and the integrated muzzle brake was considered excessively loud.

Is the Ruger American Gen 2 a good value for its price?

While the Ruger American Gen 2 offers many features and an updated design, the reviewer ultimately decided against purchasing it due to concerns about bolt smoothness and accuracy consistency. The price has also increased significantly since the Gen 1, making value a subjective consideration based on individual priorities.

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