Ruger American Stock Swap...a Work In Progress

[Skylerbone]

I posted a few weeks back about my new Ruger American Predator with modifications. What I really wanted was not available at the time so I settled and began an arduous search for the solution to the dilemma I created. Today began the first stage in ernest toward winding up with a compact rifle for my daughter to shoot.

The rifle: began as a new for 2018 Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. In previous years Ruger offered several versions of the American (Centerfire) as a standard or compact stocked rifle using proprietary rotary magazines. This iteration offered a “modular” magwell using AI magazines but as yet no compact version.

I read more than once the older versions only differed in LOP and barrel length but received mixed reports on whether the new version was backward compatible, because after all, who would willingly choose a proprietary over AI magazines? This guy! but only insofar as doing so would get me a shorter stock. Why would a guy 6’2” with ape arms want a compact stock? Because his daughter is 11 and wants to hunt.

I’m pleased to report that so far the only hitch in my plan were the too long action screws which I replaced after carefully eyeballing then cutting a pair of 1/4 24 thread fine machine screws to the correct length with a cutoff wheel. So far, so good and I’ll report back once the correct magazine arrives later in the week.

Moral of the story: if you want a compact Ruger...buy it that way! It’s not a complicated swap (so far) just more expensive than it had to be. If all goes well it should also indicate that those with older versions with rotary magazines should be convertible to AI magazines by purchasing the newer modular stock from Ruger. A note on that; shopruger.com was out of stock on the Compact stock so I went through Ruger’s Customer Service department instead.


Started here.


Chancing cutting the stock and finding a recoil pad to fit was an option, one I did not relish.


L to R; Ruger Compact, T/C Compass, Ruger full size. Note length of pull.


The two Ruger stocks side by side.


The Ruger “Compact” and T/C Compass with very similar LOP, about 1/2” difference but the bolts lined up in nearly the same spot.

 

[jmr40]

I guess I communicated with the wrong person. I have 3 Americans (actually 4 now). A compact in 223, and Predators in 308 and 6.5 CM with the older style magazines. I contacted Ruger via E-mail about purchasing one of the new stocks to convert my 308 to be able to use AI magazines. If that worked out I wanted to buy another stock to be able to convert the Compact 223 to be able to use AR magazines. The reply I got indicated that they would not sell me the new stock. Maybe I should have called.

I ended up buying another Predator in 308 with the new magwell and AI mags and like it a lot. I may sell the older version, but haven't decided yet.

Shortly after buying the Compact 223 I ordered a full size stock for it. My logic was similar to your's, the shorter stock was for grand kids and the full length stock was for me. This was before the Ranch rifle was an option and I wanted the shorter barrel.

 

[Skylerbone]

I was thinking of your post, jmr40, wherein you indicated Ruger said no-go. Good news, I arrived home from work to find a package from MidWay and the rifle fed smoothly, chambered without incident, and extracted loaded rounds without a hiccup.

Hopefully it should look like this with a loaded magazine.


With Hornady’s 129gr. Interlock there’s plenty of room for longer bullets.


4 for 4 on feeding and extraction.

 

[Skylerbone]

Got the muzzle brake from Primary Arms today, Seekins Precision ATC. I did a fair bit of reading before settling on the brake and the one article/test that sold me involved THR’s own Zak Smith readable here: http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/08/07/muzzle-brakes-sound-test/.

Testing involved sound metering as well as recoil reduction with easy to read results charted out. The Seekins placed respectably in both categories though it was much louder than many when measured away from the shooter’s position. As a hunting rifle that won’t matter nearly as much as at the range where diligence is due in warning others at the line of the forthcoming noise.

I will update again once the SVL Limbsaver pad arrives (specific to the Compact model) which may be several weeks thanks to Optics Planet’s typical “In Stock” status updating to 1-3 weeks AFTER I placed the order, another reason why they rarely see my business. Bravo to Primary Arms for taking just 2 days to ship the brake. I’ll also add a range report with group sizes and how well my ears held up with plugs and muffs.

 

[Skylerbone]

Thought I’d post a final update now that everything is together and I’ve had a chance to test a bit more ammo. First things first, recoil is nearly eliminated. I’d say comparable to an AR in 5.56 using the Seekins/Limbsaver combo and definitely light enough for any youth to shoot.

Second, the report from the shooting position was quieter than the AR with standard A2 flash hider 2 benches down. I purposely waited for those shooting directly next to me to finish their firing strings and move before I shot, but no one was walking away to grab ear muffs to supplement plugs.

I’m still chasing a good group as I didn’t pay attention to torque settings (which I should have) and as a result had multiple groups like those pictured below. Ammo used was Winchester Match 140gr BTHP. I may go over the barrel channel one last time to ensure there’s no contact there, but I did note that the scope had rotated ever so slightly which may account for some of my accuracy woes. Cabelas mounted it and I was lazy about double checking, shame on me.


The SVL pad was within 1/8” in thickness compared to the OEM.


Using the temporary Velcro strap to secure the cheek riser. Screws and 3M adhesive are also included as is a second insert for those needing a higher position.





3rd round flyer.


3rd round flyer.


Finally 3 reasonably close. The target is 1 1/2”, inner circle is 1” in diameter.

 

[Skylerbone]

Best I could measure without a plug, .807”, .954”, 1.000”, 1.589” I’ve begun gathering components for this one so that it sees plenty of range time, and all things considered it has performed admirably for an inexpensive field rifle. I’ll still need to break out the chronograph and shoot some 200 yard groups and all of that from the windage rest.

If it does no better I firmly believe that my daughter will still be capable enough inside 200 yards to cleanly take mid-size game. She has already outpaced her older brother and I bet is just a few years from breezing by me so long as she continues to practice.

 

[LoonWulf]

Looks good!
I like that brake.
Ive got a V6G Gamma 7.62 on my 7mm RAM, and its not bad for the shooter, but brutal for bystanders. Thankfully the rifle is only a couple clicks off with the brake removed. So i can just pop it off when im shooting with other folks or hunting.

I expect youll find a load the rifle likes better. I actually EXPECT these rifles to shoot 1moa or very close, consistently.