Ruger American or TC Compass

the bolts will smooth out on both, pic the one you like. there are no commercial rifles in 22-250 that will shoot a 72 grain bullet. i have killed a lot of deer with the 50 grain sp and amax. if i picked id get the ruger.

It comes down to personal preference and price; I have both and both are accurate and reliable.

TexasPatriot.308 said:

the Ruger American comes in a 1:9 twist and should handle a 62 grain. Just not sure of the accuracy. I meant the 62, not 72.

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My favorite .224 game bullets are the 65gr sgks, I've shot them thru 1-9 .223s mostly. Accuracy has always been good to spectacular.
With how fast a .22-250 can launch a bullet, I think you might be able to get away with even the heavier 70-75gr projectiles in a 1-9.

Rifle wise I prefer the RAs. BUT I've only handled the compass never shot one.

If you're basing the rough action observation on handling off the rack examples at a store, don't base your decision TOO much on that. I recently bought a Savage 10 and was very disappointed at the roughness of the action when I got it. However, after giving it my customary new gun cleaning and lubrication, it smoothed out the bolt feel ALOT. I wouldn't call it silky smooth but the difference was definitely noticable.

I'm actually really considering a Compass in .223 myself.

I'd go with 223 to be able to shoot heavier bullets better. The Ruger Predator, and Ranch rifle come in versions that take AR magazines which are much cheaper and more reliable than the versions taking standard magazines. They also have 1:8 twisted barrels vs 1:10 in the 22-250. It just depends on the barrel length you require. The Predator has a 22" barrel, the Ranch rifle 16".

Thinking about it, I'm tempted by the Ruger Predator, mainly because I already have plenty of AR mags and wouldn't have to buy proprietary mags like I would with the Compass. About a $100 price difference which is less than buying a couple extra mags would cost, so I dunno... gotta save up for it anyway so I guess I have time to think some more, haha.

I like my RAR.

To me the biggest difference is the TCs safety locks the bolt the Rivers doesn’t.If you hunt in the thick stuff it’s a PITA the bolt popping open and the Ruger pops open easy.

I like the RAR.

I recently bought my 12 year old son a RA compact. Thing probably only weighs 5.5 pounds. Has a 18 inch barrel, cheap but functioning detachable mag. About a 12.5 length of pull. Also was the only RA in the store that had a picatinny base installed just like the predator. Nobody there could explain that one. 299.00. Couldnt be happier

His is chambered in 308. He has fired a bunch of plated 150 grain bullets over 11 gr. Unique. Going to step him up to 125 gr. TNTs at 2600 fps for coyotes and does.

Caplock said:

Nobody there could explain that one

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Standard RAs either come with split Weaver bases, or none at all....can't remember.

I the "special" models like the Ranch, Pred, Go Wild etc, come with pic rails.

Here is a great thread about smoothing the Ruger action by Loonwolf. I don't know why he didn't link this but its very good. I would like a Ruger American but I want the 7.62x39 that takes mini 30 mags. I have lots of 7.62 ammo laying around and I have read good things about that rifle.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ing-up-a-ruger-american.852382/#post-11154631

TexasPatriot.308 said:

My better half has been slaying hogs with a little .17hmr but I want her to step up to a larger caliber.

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If it is really going to be her rifle, let her examine both and buy her the one SHE likes.

Ratshooter said:

I don't know why he didn't link this but its very good

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cause I'm a boob, and forgot I'd done it lol.
glad to see it's of use!

I own the Predator and Compass, both in 6.5 Creedmoor. Accuracy wise I’d give the edge to the T/C, triggers are both a bit rounded in feel (not as crisp as is ideal to me). Stocks, recoil pads, bedding systems, etc. were good on both with some light sanding of both barrel channels. Neither bolt will ever feel like a precision piece imo as there’s just too much room for them to muck about in. Both rifles are also threaded for accessories, another wash. Finally, I don’t know if the Compact is available in AI configuration so double check.

Of more significance perhaps is the LOP from factory. I purchased mine for my 12 year old daughter and converted the RAP to a compact to reduce LOP whereas the Compass was nearly as short in OEM guise. Difference in weight seemed negligible. My wife is 5’11” and can handle a full-length stock, but many women would prefer a more compact rifle. Just today I spotted a Ruger Compact MuddyGirl in .243 which you might also consider if she ever gets a hankerin for deer hunting. SVL also makes a replacement LimbSaver Air pad for the Ruger Compact and with it the 6.5 feels more like a .223


L to R: Compact, Compass, Predator


F to B: Compact, Compass


New recoil pad (installed) and OEM (which was already pretty comfy).