Just Bought An Ugly Gun

[bushmaster1313]

Ruger American 5.56 NATO

Wanted a rifle so I could continue to shoot 5.56 with AR style magazine if and when New Jersey bans semi-auto rifles capable of accepting a removable magazine (I expect that the Governor will push for this after his reelection in November 2021).

The above very ugly rifle has some excellent features, typical of Ruger's ability to target the market.. The features I like include:

a) 5.56 and not just .223
b) 1/8 twist to stabilize heavier match grade bullets
c) Barrel just over 16"
d) Picatinney rail to mount a scope
e) Accepts AR style magazines
f) Reasonable price for a new rifle

However, it is very ugly!

 

[merl67]

I suspect it has an inner beauty that will be revealed at the range...

 

[M29since14]

I was just looking at one of those this afternoon, but couldn’t buy it in the caliber I wanted (7.62x39). They had .350 Legend and .450 - neither of which are my cup of tea. Yeah, they’re not pretty but I think one of those in 7.62x39 could easily outshoot my Remington 799, which is pretty crummy. (Nice little rifle but a lousy barrel. ) Let us know how you like it when you get around to shooting it from the bench.

 

[waffles]

.223 and 7.62x39 bolt guns are oodles of fun. Sorry about the ban situation but I bet it'll be a good time at the range.

 

[RobertJ.]

Nice rifle.

It may be unattractive, but it's far from ugly. Now let's see how it shoots!

 

[65Whelen]

A little camo paint and a sponge can do wonders.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Nice rifle.

It may be unattractive, but it's far from ugly. Now let's see how it shoots!

Will be a couple of weeks till I get it to the range after shipping time and 3-5 day NJ NICS transfer. But hope to report soon thereafter. Will shoot it at 100 yards with standard 55 gr. ball ammo and some factory ammo with heavier Sierra Matchking BTHP's

Will use this Leupold 1.5-4X as the scope. I hope the offset mount in the picture will work with the Ruger:

 

[LVSteve]

Have to look and see if Ruger make one with a 20" barrel. 7.62x39 I'd take with a 16" tube.

 

[Chukar60]

It ain’t ugly. Just misunderstood.
Think that is what you would call a utility gun. Not a show gun.
Bet it shoots well enough to allow you to overlook the appearance.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Looks functional and solid to me.

Is the stock solid or hollow? Are replacement wood stocks available for this rifle?

I've been thinking to get a 5.56 bolt rifle myself and these Ruger ones are on my list.

Congrats and enjoy!

Prices vary widely on Gunbroker. I waited till I saw a buy it now at the low end of the range.

 

[Ruger 13]

I agree…….you certainly did!

 

[reccpd101]

I own this rifle and the one in 308 like it. They are available suppressor ready and very accurate. Try both with 10 or 20 rd mags. They balance better.

They become very pretty after a couple of range sessions. I don't know about the side mounted scope. You'll need to mount it forwarrd enough not to interfere with the bolt.

 

[bushmaster1313]

I own this rifle and the one in 308 like it. They are available suppressor ready and very accurate. Try both with 10 or 20 rd mags. They balance better.

They become very pretty after a couple of range sessions. I don't know about the side mounted scope. You'll need to mount it forwarrd enough not to interfere with the bolt.

Above scope goes across the top of the rail

 

[Electraclyde]

Paint some flames or racing stripes on it!!!!

 

[Wyo]

I was just looking at one of those this afternoon, but couldn’t buy it in the caliber I wanted (7.62x39). They had .350 Legend and .450 - neither of which are my cup of tea. Yeah, they’re not pretty but I think one of those in 7.62x39 could easily outshoot my Remington 799, which is pretty crummy. (Nice little rifle but a lousy barrel. ) Let us know how you like it when you get around to shooting it from the bench.

I have one in 7.62x39. Bought it because I had lots of ammo laying around and it was suppressor ready - and cheap. It’s light, handy, works all the time, disposable (won’t care much if it falls out of the boat), and reliable. Sort of like a Glock. Takes a 20 round magazine same as the Mini 30. Thing is, it’s also extremely accurate. It has shot all of the cheap Russian ammo I have, ball, HP’s and soft points, into 5 shot groups under an inch. I was astounded! Nothing here not to like except the one thing mentioned above. They’re ugly.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I love my RA! Mine’s in 450 Bushmaster for deer hunting but it’s size and simplicity make it very functional and easy to handle up and down a ladder stand. And at the price point I have no problem busting through the brush with it over my shoulder (won’t do that with wood stocks). All round very pleased!

A nice doe from last fall …….

 

[bushmaster1313]

^^^
Seems the Ruger has a real winner.
I would ask them to shave half a pound from the .223 and fit it with a charcoal Grey stock

 

[VictorLouis]

I think Mossberg's MVP success inspired them.
IF ONLY either maker would produce a southpaw SKU,
I'd be there......