Ruger American Predator .22-250

[jlewis406]

I am looking for a new coyote rifle, but contrary to my standard SOP I am not trying to pour my life savings and kids college money into this new rifle. I want to spend $500 or less and am looking at the Ruger American Predator chambered in .22-250. I've handled one in the store but I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on the sale. Does anyone own one or have any hands on with this rifle in .22-250? How is accuracy? How low were you able to get your scope (I have a very low cheek weld)? Pro's/con's, loves/hates? Thanks in advance gents.

-Please, only real hands on experience. I can make speculations and rumors on my own without anyone's input.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I have shot 3 Ruger Americans to a great extent (best friend's, uncle's, future father-in-law's), none in .22-250 though. If the Predator version is anything like the standard American, it will be one heck of a shooter.

I can assure you that this rifle does not shoot like "a budget gun" in my experience. The stock may be made of plastic, yet it is firm and stiff and does not ride on the barrel like other budget guns (savage and mossbergs have floppy plastic on their cheap stocks). The trigger is quite nice for the price point. The lightweight of the gun makes it an excellent hunting gun where it needs to be carried. To give some perspective, my uncle put his Browning in his safe for his American for his Alaskan hunts, and my best friend traded his Savage for his American. Both are avid and experiened hunters.

I am sorry I can not give you any feedback specifically on the Predator, but I can not see why it will be different except for caliber than the standard. I hope other experienced shooters chime in, but I think it is a safe bet.

 

[yzguy87]

Ruger's site states the predators are a just little bit heavier than the standard rifles. Idk why though. They look similar. The site does list the 308 predator to have an 18" barrel but if I had to guess that was just a typo. Although I could be wrong!

 

[jlewis406]

Thanks for the info guys! I may wait for the Ruger for another time. Comparing it to the Savage 10 Predator I feel I get a lot more gun for $100 more. Also, I remembered that I am not a fan of Ruger rotary magazines. When they jam...they JAM and are not fun to disassemble and reassemble in the field. I appreciate your input.