The New Light and Handy Ruger American Generation II Ranch Rifle

Nowadays, what comes to mind when “bolt-action rifle” is mentioned? I’d venture to say an image of a 26-inch heavy-profile barreled-action mated to a stout stock appears in your thoughts—à la tactical sniper rifle. Or how about an even longer barrel inside a stock, perfect for attaching a bipod or laying on bags to adapt to barriers, along with an optic that looks like a converted spotting scope? Where are we going with this?

With “black rifles” dominating the gun media, it’s easy to forget that other types of rifles exist. It’s nice to have the opportunity to remind you that there are rifles that offer real world usefulness beyond the AR. My own initial interest in firearms began with bolt-action hunting rifles.

Ruger American Ranch

This article is inspired by the rifles carried by the guides and cowboys I spent time with out in Wyoming or down in Texas for multiple hunts over the years. I was fortunate to have been part of a select group to first hunt with the Ruger American Generation II (RA Gen2) Standard back in October 2023. We used the bolt action American Standard Gen2 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor chasing after scimitar oryx down in Texas. The outfitter and guides all were excited when they were briefed at the time on the upcoming release of the shorter-barreled “Ranch” model. This experience left no doubt about wanting to try the compact Ruger American Generation II (RA Gen2) Ranch as soon as it became available. An American Gen2 Ranch chambered in 300 AAC Blackout (300 Blk) was used for this evaluation. Several other calibers are available.

The Ruger American Gen2 is unrecognizable from its Gen1 predecessor. A new stock features a Monte Carlo-esq contoured, raised cheekpiece. Length-of-pull and comb height is adjustable. The ergonomics of the stock allow for a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld combined with hand and finger placement conducive to pulling the 3- to 4-pound Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. Ruger designed the Gen2 stock so a section can be removed, and the length-of-pull reduced to 12 inches. This is ideal for smaller statured hunters.

As detailed in a previous article in SAR covering the American Standard Gen2, the American Gen2 Ranch also uses Ruger’s patented “Power Bedding” integral bedding block system. It secures the receiver and free-floats the cold-hammer-forged barrel for improved accuracy. The 16-inch spiral-fluted cold-hammer-forged barrel will raise eyebrows with its aesthetics. The well done Cerakote finish is easy on the eyes and provides superior, easy to maintain finish. Suppressors and muzzle brakes are gaining popularity. The barrel is threaded and arrives wearing a radial muzzle brake.

The Ruger Marksman trigger features a distinctive release lever on the trigger shoe. This is the secret to maintaining minimal, creep-free trigger weight while keeping the system safe. The release lever must be activated (by pulling the trigger) before the sear will move and fire the cartridge.

The RA Gen2’s steel receiver is topped with a factory-installed optics rail compatible with Picatinny-type scope mounting systems. This simplifies optic mounting. The single-piece, three-lug bolt cycles smoothly and features a full diameter bolt body, dual cocking cams and an oversized bolt knob that can be unscrewed and replaced by the end user. The bolt’s 70-degree throw keeps it clear of a mounted optic. Ruger has improved the finish on the bolt action for a smoother feel during manipulation. Tighter overall tolerances (including chamber) boosts accuracy potential. A 10-round, detachable Magpul P-MAG magazine feeds rounds into the chamber.

A tang-mounted safety completes the action. The RA Gen2’s safety has three positions—forward (for fire), middle (where the bolt can still move), and rear (locks the bolt down). This is an important detail that Ruger listened to their customer base about and changed from the Ruger American Standard Gen1. If you have ever been afield in thick terrain or jostled around on an ATV, you know a bolt can be inadvertently opened, dropping round out and/or collecting debris in the action. This can pose a problem when the rifle needs to be deployed in quickly.

MISSION DRIVES THE GEAR

This is where 300 Blk comes into the story. The decision to go with a RA Gen2 Ranch chambered in 300 Blk may surprise some. 300 Blk is more associated with AR platforms. However, a better mixture of classic bolt with utilitarian cartridge would be hard to come by. 300 Blk was, essentially, a rebadging of J.D. Jones’ 300 Whisper cartridge that was introduced in a SAMMI-accepted package for use by U.S. Special Operation Command. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity 300 Blk 115- to 125-grain ammunition as exceeding the ballistic performance of the 7.62×39 mm and eclipses 5.56 NATO both in ballistic and terminal performance. At 300 yards, 300 Blk has approximately 17 percent more energy than 7.62×39 mm thanks to its higher ballistic coefficient (BC), more aerodynamically shaped bullets.

One interesting twist with the 300 Blk is the ability to choose factory loaded subsonic cartridges for optimal use with a sound suppressor. The ability to access a plethora of either supersonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the 300 Blk user. A 300 Blk bolt action with a suppressor firing subsonic ammunition creates a combination capable of “Hollywood quiet” performance.

Mounting a suppressor for everyday use is growing more popular. I’m pleasantly surprised by the number of suppressors witnessed when I’m out hunting now. An Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor was chosen for use with the RA Gen2 Ranch. The Lahar-30 features a laser welded combination of 17-4 stainless steel blast chamber and secondary baffles with an Inconel blast baffle to provide increased performance under hard use. The Lahar-30 has no minimum barrel length restrictions and is full-auto rated. It is rated for calibers up to 300 Win Mag and weighs 15.4 ounces.

The compact RA Gen2 Ranch wearing an Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor is a true utility rifle riding horseback in a scabbard, secured to an ATV gunrack, or resting on a truck seat. Having a separate magazine with subsonic rounds is a good option to have. A close range shot of 50 yards and in can be taken without disturbing domesticated animals or alerting the animal being targeted, which is especially beneficial if more than one target is present.

SCOPING UP

I decided to use an optic basic with the RA Gen2 Ranch. I mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x. My plan for the rifle was two-fold. First, was to use it according to its “Ranch” moniker at a piece of property in West Virginia. When on a 4-wheeler, ATV, and walk-about, it’s always nice to have a rifle brought along.

Second, was to turn the RA Gen2 Ranch into a better fitting hunting rifle for one of my daughters-in-law. Ruger has equipped the RA Gen2 Ranch with a removable section of buttstock. I took advantage of it to better fit her smaller stature. By reducing the length-of-pull to around 12-inches, she can manage the rifle much better, including finding quarry in the Leupold scope more easily by not have to crane her neck awkwardly.

AMMUNITION VARIETY

Various ammunition was tested with the RA Gen2 Ranch including Hornady supersonic 125-grain HP and 110-grain GMX, subsonic 208-grain AMAX and 190-grain Sub-X, SIG SAUER Elite 120-grain HT, Black Hills Ammunition 110-grain TTSX and 220-grain OTM, and Federal Fusion 150-grain SP to name a few. Most of the range time, albeit bench or more dynamic use, included use with the Aero Precision Lahar suppressor.

I want to highlight Hornady’s Sub-X 300 Blk load. The unique load consists of a 190-grain bullet designed specifically to perform at subsonic velocities. A cannelure groove is present for a positive case crimp. The Sub-X bullet combines a lead core surrounded by a grooved metal jacket and tipped with the company’s patented “Flex Tip” insert. Long grooves scored into the Sub-X metal jacket combined with a flat base create conditions for reliable expansion. The Flex Tip insert placed in front of hollow point cavity kicks expansion off when striking a target. The Flex Tip also prevents material from clogging a hollow point, which sometimes prevents expansion. Hornady made sure the performance of the new load meets or exceeds the FBI requirements for terminal ballistic performance. Additionally, a low flash signature makes the ammo ideal for both suppressed and unsuppressed firearms when used in low-light environments.

Let’s point out the ballistic performance of subsonic 300 Blk loads resembles that of a pistol round. For comparison’s sake, a 230-grain 45 ACP generates 461 ft/lbs. of energy. The Hornady 190-grain Sub-X, 465 ft/lbs. All things being equal, a high sectional density (SD) bullet penetrates better than a low SD. BC is a measurement of how efficiently a bullet moves thru the air. Superior ballistic coefficients (.437 190-grain (300 Blk) bullet versus a .188 (45 ACP) bullet) and sectional densities (SD .286 versus .162) help the Hornady 190-grain Sub-X maintain energy and penetration characteristics further downrange than a typical pistol bullet. However, the use case for subsonic 300 Blk loads should be carefully considered since the round’s terminal effect isn’t as great as that of a typical supersonic rifle round.

BOOM TIME, QUIETLY

The RA Gen2 Ranch was tested from the bench for accuracy and around barricades and other obstacles to get a better appreciation of its handling and performance. The Lahar-30 suppressor was mounted for most of the testing. Steel targets were smacked with ease out to 150 yards using field expedient rests. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for fire power, the detachable ten-round magazines were handy to recharge the rifle after the last round. As expected from a bolt-action, no malfunctions were experienced. One note here is that when the last round was ejected, the bolt will not close on the empty magazine. The safety made no audible noise during manipulation, an important consideration for hunting or defensive use.

The Aero Precision Lahar suppressor was directly threaded to the Ruger barrel and weighs 15.4 ounces. This translates into minimal interference with the rifle’s handling characteristics while still offering a six-baffle design that drops the decibel level down to approximately 135dB. Recoil was not a factor, especially with the suppressor mounted, which was especially appreciated when set up for use by one of my daughters-in-law.

PERFORMANCE

I chose a 150-yard zero after considering the caliber and the rifle’s role. Roughly speaking, a 150-yard zero with 110- to 125-grain 300 Blk loads shoot pretty flat out to 200 yards, dropping only 4.5 inches. Three-round groups at 100 yards were in the 1.25- to 1.5-inch range. Group size remained consistent with or without the Aero Precision suppressor. Shifts in point of impact were minimal, as well, which adds to the convenience of running the rifle with and without the suppressor.

Field testing consisted of Echo Valley Training Center’s Jungle Walk range. The ability to move through its varied terrain and engage randomly placed deer, coyote, and raccoon targets hidden within cover suited my RA Gen2 Ranch 300 Blk evaluation perfectly. Ranges involved were 35 to 150 yards with multiple shots fired at most of the targets. The emphasis was on working the Ruger American’s bolt without removing the rifle from my shoulder.

I also loaded magazines with Hornady 190-grain Sub-X. The focus was making sure reliability was maintained and how far I could push the velocity-challenged subsonic rounds. Engagement distances were kept 100 yard and in, mostly with targets placed between 25 and 75 yards. The round’s trajectory was surprisingly flat out to 50 yards. 100-yard bullet strikes were approximately 7-inches low with the 50-yard, subsonic zero.

THE WALKBACK

The 300 Blk in the bolt action Ruger American Generation II Ranch offers .30 caliber performance in a compact, 6-pound rifle. The RA Gen2 Ranch is a solid working companion worthy of its “Ranch” designation. No need for a super-magnum rifle with a mega-zoom scope and hyper-complicated reticle. I find it hard to believe that anyone using the RA Gen2 Ranch 300 Blk is ever under-gunned when hunting deer-size game or pressed into other duties. I believe the Ruger American Generation II Ranch will find a niche among ranchers and outdoorsmen that will appreciate the rifle for its efficiency.

SPECIFICATIONS