In 2012, Ruger introduced a new line of rifles called the American that entered Ruger’s name into the mix for those searching for an economy hunting and shooting rifle. The rifle has been a hit with consumers since inception and has about 10 different variants to cover all types of shooters and hunters. One of the more popular variants is known as the American Predator. These rifles can be distinguished by their Moss Green colored stocks.

As you may have guessed, the main target customer for this rifle was the ever-growing market of predator hunters in North America. Thus, you will find this rifle offered in quite of few smaller, flatter-shooting calibers. Another feature that separates this model from the original American is a threaded barrel. Many predator hunters and tactical shooters are becoming more aware of noise pollution and are gradually adding suppressors on their guns to cut down on noise. The trigger on these guns is the same as that of the American which is known as the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger. This trigger ranges from 3-5 lbs and we have found it to be one of the nicer stock triggers offered today in an economy gun. Another plus for this gun is it’s detachable magazines. Capacity is 4 or 5 rounds depending on the caliber, and it’s always nice to have the options of carrying a spare magazine with pre-loaded rounds than having to reload on the fly.

Drawbacks on this gun are few and far between for us without getting too picky (it is an economy gun after all). First and foremost, the polymer green stock will suit most people for their shooting needs, but if you aren’t a fan, there are some aftermarket stocks available to accommodate what you need. The other main drawback we have found is the integral scope rail is not a true Weaver or picatinny style. It will fit Weaver rings, but it has oddly spaced gaps instead of continuous slots. Again, for most shooters, this won’t be a problem. Even if your scope and standard rings will not work on this rail, there are plenty of extended rings on the market to help your scope fit to this rail.

The Ruger American Predator is offered in 223 REM, 22-250 REM, 204 Ruger, 243 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 WIN, and 6mm Creedmoor. Barrels are 22” on all models except the 308 WIN for now, which should provide excellent ballistics out of an economy priced rifle. You’ll even find some of these models now available from the factory with a Vortex Crossfire II riflescope pre-installed. These guns retail at $529 without the scope and $699 with the scope, but as usual, your local gun shop will come in under these prices more than likely.