An American Introduction
Sturm Ruger’s American rifle needs little introduction. It has become one of the most popular bolt-action rifles on the market today in my estimation. The second generation of the Ruger American rifle has shown even more promise, with additional caliber options and different models for various preferences. As someone who is a bit of a rifle junkie, I make it my business to know why products like the Ruger American are so popular. And to that end, today I bring you another review of one of these rifles.
This time it is the Ruger American Gen 2 chambered in 6 ARC. We’ll look at what makes the Gen 2 American tick. Additionally we’ll look at how the 6 ARC model differs from the standard action version of the rifle. Put on your muck boots so we can get deep into this.
The Gen 2 Ruger American
The original Ruger American offered an affordable option for those looking for a bolt-action rifle. This was accomplished using a typical tubular receiver threaded with a good barrel. Even though mass produced, parts like the trigger are still considered better than many typical bolt-guns of the past. This whole assembly was married to an inexpensive polymer stock, using a detachable polymer box magazine. It was a great effort by Ruger, and I applaud them as a brand for bringing more precision shooting options to the masses.
The second generation of the American rifle improved on the original design significantly. Improving the polymer stock was accomplished both with additional rigidity and more compatibility. By also adding additional cartridge families to the mix, Ruger stood to dominate the under $799 bolt-action rifle market.
Gen 2 Ruger American Models
At the moment, there are at least six different centerfire American product lines. The original three were the Standard model, the Ranch model, and the Predator. That has been further enriched adding the Scout model, the Prairie and the Patrol model. Each of them carry a set of features particular to their namesake, and most of them are available in a wide variety of cartridge chamberings. Rest assured that there is likely a model right up your alley.
Specifications
| Caliber | 6MM ARC |
| Barrel length | 20-Inches |
| Overall Length | 41.25-Inches |
| Length of Pull | 12-13.5 Inches |
| Weight | 6.5-Pounds |
| Capacity | 10-Rounds |
| Barrel Twist | 1:7.7 RH twist |
| Rifling Grooves | 5 |
| Barreled Action Material | Alloy Steel |
| Muzzle Thread | ⅝-24 |
| Finish | Gun Metal Grey Cerakote |
| Magazine | Detachable AR-15 style mag |
| MSRP | $769.00 |
The Ruger American Gen 2 action uses a three-lug bolt, resulting in a shorter bolt-lift than the Remington’s or Winchester’s you might have shot growing up. The bolt is both timed and secured by a bolt-stop located on the opposite action side of the bolt handle. There is a groove that runs the length of the bolt body to engage the bolt-stop, keeping the bolt aligned. There is a polymer bolt-knob that can be swapped out for something different should you choose.
One of the most cunning changes in the gen 2 design was to make the magwell modular. Allowing a single stock to be used and simply adding the magwell for the magazine and cartridge used. The standard action models use an AICS style magazine, which is a big improvement over the gen 1 magazine. If only for the different magazine options.
The smaller cartridge gen 2 models use AR style magazines. So if you are shooting .223, 300blk, 6ARC, or 350 Legend you can use many of the popular magazines available. Magazines are released with a push-button in front of the trigger guard.
The helically-fluted barrel is threaded with a radial muzzle brake installed. This 6 ARC model is threaded 5/8-24 which allows a broad variety of suppressor options to be used.
Six Millimeter ARC
The 6 ARC cartridge has rapidly gained popularity among shooters due to its flat shooting and accurate performance. This while being very efficient on powder charges and very modest recoil.
The Cartridge
Hornady introduced the 6 ARC some time ago, but has since spawned a whole family including .224 and .338 variants. The 6 ARC uses the same bolt face as its 6.5 Grendel cousin, and it uses small rifle primer pockets as well.
Typical ammunition loads for the 6 ARC cartridge vary from 60-grain varmint loads all the way up to 108-grain match loads. And if you are a reloader you can broaden that even further. This makes the 6 ARC a very suitable intermediate between small and short-action chamberings. It can be used to hunt coyotes and prairie dogs, but is still large enough to take deer or antelope hunting.
Magazine
Since the 6 ARC was designed to run in an small-frame AR-15 receiver, it works using the popular AR-15 magazine system. Many popular magazine manufacturers make an AR style magazine specifically for the 6 ARC, or at least a 6.5 Grendel which also works.
The Ruger American Gen 2 came with a 10-round metal Duramag magazine. Just like the other Duramags I have for my other 6 ARC rifles it uses a 6.5Grendel follower to better feed the chubbier cartridges. During my testing, I would also use polymer Amend 2 magazines.
Setup
Before shooting the American gen 2, I would need a few more things. I started with a scope; the Lucid Optics MLX would be a great companion to this rifle. Mounted in a set of 30mm Vortex low rings it set perfectly on the scope rail of the American 6 ARC. After torquing everything down properly, I attached a Harris bipod. And lastly I grabbed one of my suppressors, the Banish Meateater, which was currently setup for 6.5. But that would be fine for the little ARC.
On the Range
My first trip out with the American 6 ARC was to the local rifle range to get it zeroed and test for accuracy. With the rifle solid on the bench, I did a quick bore-sight job to make sure it was on paper. After which I set to shooting.
The adjustable trigger felt great after a few dry fires, so I chambered a round and fired my first shot. Followed by a couple more before making a scope adjustment for zero. With the scope was zeroed, I fired a few shots of various ammunition types.
Later I would take the rifle into the Rocky Mountains where I spend most of my time. Up here there are no limits, and no RSO’s. And more importantly, this is where most of my hunting is done. The wide open country would give plenty of opportunity to push the limits of this rifle and cartridge combo. And the cunning Marmots that inhabit these peaks would give me a worthy challenge.
Shootability
Much like the other Ruger American rifles I have shot, this one feels great in the hands. It is quite light weight, making it easy to carry and maneuver in those sneaky situations where I’m trying to get on targets that don’t want to be gotten. The grip areas of the adjustable stock are thin enough that even someone with small hands can keep a good grasp.
The short bolt lift of the rifle makes it quick to cycle cartridges. I only experienced slight issues which I believe was related to friction with magazine feed lips. It functions well but a little sticky. The problems was significantly remedied with polymer magazines that are more slippery. But that led to another issue I’ll bring up below.
It balances well, without being heavy out front. Which makes the gun easy to point and follow targets. The trigger feels great with only a small amount of noticeable movement before its clean break. And its tang mounted safety makes it easy to reach with your thumb. After some shooting with the rifle, I adjusted the trigger to a lighter pull weight, which I liked even better.
Ergonomics
I love the elevated comb on the buttstock, more manufacturers need to do this. With my scope mounted the position was perfect for my eye to align with the scope. You can change the length of pull by swapping out the recoil pad and the spacers in front of it. This is very nice for those looking to purchase this rifle for a child that is expected to grow.
The grip areas are in the right places, and the texture of the stock gives good purchase when carrying the rifle. I did find that the AR-style magazines and release button were a touch more out of the way than the standard sized rifles that use AICS magazines. You definitely are not going to accidentally drop the magazine on this one. It requires a deliberate movement, breaking your shooting grip.
Reliability
Like most bolt-action rifles, the Ruger American has been flawless in its function. The sliding extractor grabs case rims firmly. And the single ejection plunger has more than enough spring to fling the spent cases clear of the action.
Feeding the 6 ARC cartridges from the metal magazine worked well, but I found it doesn’t like to be run slowly. The polymer magazines from Amend 2 were smoother, but they also had an occasional misfeed. Letting the cartridge jump from the lips too early causing the cartridge to hit the breech face of the barrel instead of going into the chamber. All the controls and functions of the rifle worked as designed, giving us no issues during all of our testing.
Accuracy
Value
As Ruger continues to pump these rifles out, more people are enjoying them. And as their popularity grows there is an ever larger aftermarket support for them. With all kinds of products like chassis, bolt knobs, triggers and more. All of this for a rifle that be had at nearly any retailer for $650 or less. I think that makes this rifle a good value, you might find a couple other options for less but not with the support. If my choice is between something comparable for $550 and the Ruger American for $650 with all its compatibilities, I’ll pick the American.
Pros and Cons
| Excellent value | Magazine system is slightly janky (mag issue not rifle) |
| Accurate shooting | Mag button is slightly out of reach |
| Strong aftermarket support | |
| Adjustable stock | |
| Common magazine system | |
| Lightweight | |
| Handsome looks |
Verdict on the American
With little to complain about, I really like this rifle. The issues I mentioned about the magazines are likely more about refining 6 ARC magazine flow versus the Ruger American. Much like the other Ruger American rifles I have shot, I really liked this one.
This rifle offers great shooting and compatibility with market trends. As well as all the functionality that shooters are looking for. It tells me that Ruger is paying attention to what their customers are looking for. And they wrapped all this up with a red bow for a great price. It would be an excellent choice for a youth getting into hunting, or as another member of your varmint rifle collection. This one will stay in the stable next to my other rifles, though it may be getting a bit of a facelift soon.