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

Stag Arms arrived on the scene in 2003. The company gained a solid reputation for manufacturing quality AR-style rifles that offered “more bang for the buck”—pun intended. In addition to building AR-pattern rifles for righties like everyone else, their niche-filling left-handed ARs set them apart in the market and helped them quickly build their brand. White Wolf Capital Group became the controlling interest in Stag in 2016. I bring this up to point out that Stag gained a collaborative advantage when it became part of the White Wolf Capital portfolio, which includes the firearm companies Ballistic Advantage, Aero Precision, and VG6 Precision. This pooling of resources is evident in one of Stag’s latest offerings, the Pursuit Bolt Action Rifle.

Many of the bolt-action rifles coming online today reflect more of a target shooting influence, some weighing more than 13 pounds and far from measurements conducive to carrying afield. The Stag Arms Pursuit Bolt Action, chambered in 308 Winchester, used for this review is a pleasing 8.5 pounds. Aside from the venerable 308 Win, the Pursuit is available in 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. The Stag Pursuit Bolt Action Rifle in 308 Win measures 37.5 inches in overall length with an 18-inch fluted 5/8×24-threaded Ballistic Advantage barrel. A five-round Accuracy International style detachable magazine feeds rounds into the Pursuit’s chamber. The magazine is a single stack design allowing for centerline feeding reliability as well maintaining as much stock material as possible to support the action for better potential accuracy.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

My initial exposure to the Stag Pursuit Bolt Action came at an October 2023 media event. When queried about being one of the few companies offering a genuinely new product introduction in 2023, Stag Arms’ Ryan Donahue, Torrie Roodhouse, and Aimee Botkins disclosed the Pursuit had been under development for years and was finally ready for its introduction. This implied a strong sense of confidence that the bolt action weapon would garner attention in a market dominated by modern sporting rifles. Stag is also a player in the MSR market, producing their own Pursuit line of AR-style rifles.

Stag did not position the Pursuit Bolt Action to be an entry level offering. Donahue indicated the Pursuit Bolt Action is designed to appeal to the long-range precision shooter who hunts, who is not tied to tradition, and who appreciates the nuances offered by high-end production rifles. The Pursuit’s $1899 price compares favorably with other similarly featured rifles in its class which command $2,500+. While the Pursuit Bolt Action uses a proprietary action, it does follow the Remington 700 pattern which when combined with Stag/Aero’s expertise in producing quality weapons at scale, assists in managing costs. Using a 700-pattern action also opens up a plethora of aftermarket accessory options for the Pursuit.

The Pursuit’s action is machined from billet 416 stainless steel. Stag’s sister company, Aero Precision, makes the action in-house. A pinned recoil lug is part of the action. A removable 20 MOA biased Picatinny scope base comes mounted. The receiver, bottom metal, barrel shank, and muzzle brake are Cerakoted. The bolt receives the coating for extreme durability, as well as for its self-lubricating properties. The bolt is slick to operate, and the action ejects empty cases vigorously.

Ballistic Advantage makes the Stag Pursuit’s barrel. The decision to go with an 18-inch barrel will be well received. While a 20-inch barrel would not have been frowned upon, a 16-inch barrel is just too short for a bolt-action hunting rifle. BA starts with highest quality 416R steel for the Pursuit’s barrel. In preparation for the button rifling process, barstock is cut to length then drilled, reamed, and rifled. Using custom designed blanking tools, every production barrel from BA carries match-grade tolerances with a bore uniformity of .0003-inch or better. It’s normal to see barrels coming off the BA line at less than .00015-inch variation through the entire blank. The barrel is spiral fluted and Cerakoted.

The Stag Pursuit’s Hybrid Hunter stock is what catches your attention. The Hybrid Hunter stock is modular. It’s comprised of three main components, a rigid center section made of 7075 aluminum that forms a seat for the barreled action with a forend and buttstock connect to it on either end. Aero Precision also manufactures the Stag Pursuit’s stock. The stock has a height-adjustable comb and an adjustable length-of-pull to create a comfortable, stable, and repeatable rifle fit. The buttstock is removable without tools, allowing for convenient pack carry. The Stag’s flat forend comes with an M-Lok compatible rail embedded under it, giving offering options for sling and bipod attachments. A Picatinny rail spigot protrudes from the front of the forend. An M-Lok-to-ARCA rail adapter arrives with the Stag Pursuit as well as an attachable bag rider for the bottom of the buttstock, all adding to the rifle’s flexibility when used afield. The multiple QD sling attachment points in the Pursuit’ stock allow for flat-against-the-back or more traditional shoulder carry. The QD sockets and embedded M-Lok slots keep the stock clean with no protrusions.

With all that said, the stock’s greatest attribute is the way it feels, both in your hand and when pressed into your shoulder. Thanks to a savvy mating of components, the Pursuit balances near the front of the receiver. This is important for any hunting rifle because it allows the rifle to be carried comfortably and confidently in one hand when scouting or moving around with the chance of jumping game.

The last piece of the Stag Pursuit puzzle was the inclusion of the Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor. The Lahar-30 is made using a laser-welded combination of 17-4 stainless steel for the 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 designed for use with calibers up to 300 Win Mag and weighs 15.4 ounces.

FINISHING TOUCHES

TriggerTech’s excellent Primary model trigger is installed in the Pursuit. It features the TriggerTech-patented Frictionless Release Technology free floating roller for outstanding shooter-to-rifle interface. The Stag Pursuit Bolt Action’s 1.9-millisecond ignition is industry-leading and one of those attention-to-detail items that produce accuracy. The benefit of a good trigger cannot be underestimated when wringing the most accuracy out of a rifle. A low profile, non-snag, frictionless, two-position safety is found on the right side of the Pursuit’s receiver.

We mated a Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-12×42 mm optic to the Stag’s upper receiver rail with 30 mm Talley rings. The Trijicon Accupoint offers versatility with its wide power range while minimizing weight and bulk with reasonably sized objective. The 42 mm objective gives you reduced weight and a lower mounting profile with outstanding glass clarity. The Trijicon Accupoint is one of the best scopes on the market in terms of its value.

We initially sighted the Stag Pursuit in at Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) Range 2 with a 100-yard zero. Different 308 Win loads were fired from the bench to determine a base accuracy level. We used various hunting and match loads from Hornady, Black Hills Ammunition, SIG Sauer, and Federal to explore the ballistic flexibility of the Stag Bolt Action and the 308 Win cartridge itself. Examples of the specific loads we shot include Federal Premium 168-grain Sierra MatchKing Gold Medal Match, Black Hills Gold 150-grain Hornady SST, SIG Sauer 165-grain Controlled Expansion Tip, and Hornady 178-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter. Subsonic loads from Engel Ballistic Research and Corbon were also brought out for use with the Lahar-30 suppressor. A suppressed bolt-action rifle using sub-sonic loads provides a “Hollywood quiet” level of discreteness.

PERFORMANCE

After the bench work was performed to test innate accuracy, we worked from a bipod and pack, firing on clay pigeons at 300 yards from “dug in” positions offered at EVTC. We shot the Stag Pursuit Bolt Action as fast as we could, popping 4.33-inch clay pigeons as quickly as possible. The 308 Win cartridge combined with the ergonomic Stag Pursuit Bolt Action proved a potent pairing. Other range work consisted of shooting B-27 paper targets at 600 yards on EVTC’s known distance range. The Stag Pursuit with premium ammunition and the clear Trijicon Accupoint optic enabled easy center mass hits. We included a Kopfjager tripod in this test, as well. The Stag Pursuit handled well whether it was being carried or it was shooting targets from standing or kneeling positions.

Further field testing consisted of taking the Stag Pursuit Bolt Acton deer hunting in both Virginia and West Virginia. We also brought it along during various coyote calling forays during which the Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor and Kopfjager tripod were much appreciated. The Stag Pursuit handled more sveltely than its 8.5 pounds might suggest.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While by no means is 8.5 pounds considered heavy for a rifle, the Stag’s felt and handled like a much lighter beast in the field. This is a credit to its ergonomics. Many will contend that the versatile 308 Win cartridge chambered in an accurate and well-handling rifle like the new Stag Pursuit is the epitome of a modern bolt action rifle. At the end of our evaluation, we have to agree.

SPECIFICATIONS

We all perk up when we hear something new is being introduced in the firearm world. However, how often are we disappointed when “new” turns out to be nothing more than a different color or some small added tweak. This is not the case with the Ruger American Generation II rifle. The Generation II is much more than a souped version of the original Ruger American bolt action rifle. So many enhancements have been made to the platform that the American Rifle Generation II stands as further proof of Ruger’s commitment and responsiveness to its customers, whether by consistently providing new products or by continually improving those already in its catalog.

In fact, Ruger could have chosen to go with an entirely different model nomenclature with the American Generation II, such is the departure between Generation I and Generation II models. The American Rifle Generation II is quite a leap forward. It is unrecognizable from its predecessor. The new stock features a Monte Carlo-esque contoured and raised cheekpiece. Length-of-pull and comb height is adjustable, as well. Length-of-pull can be reduced to 12 inches for smaller statured hunters. And likewise, the Generation II’s light weight (6.5 pounds) will appeal to smaller customers, it’s also sure to be appreciated by all shooters looking to lighten their load in the field.

SUM OF ITS PARTS

Ruger’s patented Power Bedding integral bedding block system secures the receiver and free-floats the cold hammer-forged barrel for improved accuracy. The 20-inch spiral fluted, cold hammer-forged barrel will raise eyebrows with its aesthetics and put user on notice something new is at hand with this Ruger rifle. The well applied Cerakote finish is easy on the eyes and provides an easy-to-maintain finish. Suppressors and muzzle brakes are gaining popularity in the bolt-action world. The barrel is threaded and arrives wearing an effective radial muzzle brake. 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.  

Without going into minutia, the Ruger Marksman trigger features a distinctive release lever in front of the trigger shoe proper. This is the secret to maintaining minimal trigger weight, without creep, while keeping the system safe. The release lever must be activated (i.e. pulling the trigger) before the sear will move and fire the cartridge.

The Generation II’s steel receiver is topped with a factory installed optics rail compatible with Picatinny-type scope mounts. 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 end user. The bolt’s 70-degree throw keeps it clear of any mounted optic. Ruger has improved the finish on the bolt action for slicker manipulation. Tighter overall tolerances, including those found in the chamber, boost accuracy potential. A three-round, detachable, AI-style box magazine feeds rounds into the chamber. Optional 5- or 10-round AI-style magazines are available.

A tang-mounted safety completes the action. The Generation II’s safety has three positions—forward for fire, middle safe (where bolt can still move), and rear safe (where the bolt is locked down.) If you’ve ever been afield in thick vegetation, you know that a bolt can be inadvertently opened, dropping a round out of the action, when pushing through brush. This can pose a problem when finally encountering your prey. This is an important detail, and one that Ruger understood and accounted for after listening to its customers.

HANDS ON

I had the opportunity to handle the Ruger American Rifle Generation II chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor extensively in the field and at my home range. Ruger currently lists the rifle in other calibers with more on the way. Interestingly, 7mm-08, 450 Bushmaster, and 204 Ruger are some of the initial offerings. A Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 optic was mounted to the Ruger’s receiver. Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter loads proved a favorite in the rifle for its combination of accuracy and terminal performance.

My Ruger American Rifle Generation II experience stretched most of the fall starting with a West Texas hunt for scimitar oryx. A zero-confirming session upon arrival in the Backcountry Hunts Texas camp produced 1.5-inch three-round groups with the Hornady 143-grain ELD-X load and the Leupold VX-5HD optic. That’s certainly acceptable from the bench and for the first time firing the rifle. More formal range time showed the Hornady 143-grain ELD-X performing near 1-MOA accuracy levels. The Leupold optic and Hornady load stayed constant for the rest of the fall with the Ruger American Rifle Generation II when geography turned to the Mid-Atlantic and the quarry turned to deer.

PERFORMANCE

There’s no better field test for a hunting rifle than pursuing a herd animal like the scimitar oryx. The males weigh 310 to 460 pounds and the females 200 to 300 pounds. Typical of African animals, the hide is surprisingly thick. This is important to know when selecting a rifle and bullet combo. With multiple pairs of eyes on you, stalks are challenging and generally long affairs involving lots of walking, even crawling, to shrink every yard of distance before taking your shot. Typical engagement range is 200 to 300 yards. A rifle needs to be well balanced, portable, hardy, and accurate to excel in this type of hunting.

With the West Texas camp at an elevation of 5035 feet, the Ruger American Rifle Generation II proved ideal with its well-balanced sub-7-pound weight, especially considering the ever-changing terrain of plateaus, canyons, ridges, and rocky outcrops. The new splatter patterned stock provides excellent grip for miles of carry along with outstanding ergonomics when shouldering. The American Generation II’s forend is contoured in a way that guides your offhand fingers into subtle grooves on each side for a positive grip. The Leupold VX-5HD reticle was “there” and ready to go when shouldered, no matter how out of breath I might have been.

MOUNTAIN MOMMA

The rugged and steep terrain of northeastern West Virginia was another challenging setting for the Generation II. Here, a rifle is needed that features accuracy from tree stands or ground blinds, yet also provides the handling characteristics that enable still hunting techniques. This puts the onus on scouting and choosing the best ambush position. Most people don’t realize that, even with the relatively short ranges involved in thick timber hunting, pinpoint accuracy is crucial when working in a three-dimensional, vegetation-constrained shooting lane. Of course, if a 300-yard shot presents itself as the only option, having the ability to successfully place the round where needed is an asset.

Still hunting is where the Generation II comes into its own. As the name implies, still hunting is walking stealthily through an animal’s habitat, stopping frequently, sometimes for long periods, to look and listen for game. As a rule, its common to spend at least ten times longer being still than walking. Still hunting is stalking your prey on its own terms. The Generation II’s superior handling and natural shouldering attributes make quick, well-placed shots possible when an animal presents itself.

The Generation II was an asset in Texas where a large scimitar oryx bull was taken after a long stalk. Multiple rapid shots cemented my respect for the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. Similar successes followed in West Virginia and Virginia for whitetail. My son and I both took deer with it. He nabbed a fine nine-point mountain buck that was a close-range affair. The buck exploded from cover in pursuit of a doe, allowing my son only a few seconds of decision making and engagement time. My harvest was a more typical scenario of sniping a doe from a trail 100-or-so yards away. She was not aware of my presence while I was standing a behind a tree monitoring the crossing.

RECAP

Any hunter should consider the Ruger American Generation II for their needs. The specific role to be filled is up to the end user. The American Rifle Generation II excelled in the West Texas expanse, as well as the steep woodlands of the inland Mid-Atlantic. The Ruger American Rifle Generation II bolt-action rifle, equipped with Leupold’s VX-5HD optic and Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter load, proves you don’t need a multi-thousand-dollar rifle to have an accurate and potent hunting rig. Ruger incorporated as many features as possible in the American Rifle Generation II while maintaining affordability. The moderate price of the American Rifle Generation II is only a sweetener considering we found Ruger made no cost-cutting compromises that could affect the rifle’s performance. I expect hunters to reward Ruger with their patronage based on my experience with the American Rifle Generation II.

SPECIFICATIONS

By the mid-2010s, the Sabatti company – previously known and appreciated mainly for its extensive line of almost bespoke hunting rifles and shotguns – began to shift its focus, channeling decades of company experience into the manufacture of high-performance, high quality long-range rifles for competition shooting and tactical applications.

The first STR (Sabatti Tactical Rifle) model was launched in 2016 with a dedicated competition shooting version – aptly dubbed the STR Sport – entering the market one year later. Both would be phased out of production in 2021 with the launch of the current iteration of the STR Sport bolt-action rifle.

It was pretty ballsy of Sabatti to introduce a new flagship product in the midst of a global pandemic; unlike other manufacturers, whose production and development process slowed down or came to a total halt as COVID-19 struck, Sabatti never lost its focus on innovation, knowing all too well that the market would spark back to life sooner than later, and that by then the competition would be fiercer than ever.

The 2021 iteration of the STR Sport was developed jointly between Sabatti and Victrix Armaments, another well-known Italian manufacturer of long-range rifles. The result of such effort was a good all-round, long-range shooting platform, with an eye on all disciplines, in general, and PRS and F-Class competition, in particular. With the new platform, Sabatti’s aim is beating the competition in several key areas of performance and price.

STR Details

The STR line represented Sabatti’s first production of chassis rifles, and the 2021 iteration of the STR Sport further elaborates on the concept. Sabatti’s expertise with chassis rifles vastly improved with the years, but in the case of the STR Sport, the chassis represents Victrix Armaments’ contribution to the design: CNC-machined out of a block of 7075-T6 lightweight aluminum alloy, it is available in hard-coat anodized matte black or bright red colors, and in two versions: standard and F-Class, with the key difference being the handguard.

The standard Sabatti STR Sport rifle features a tighter handguard with M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, allowing the installation of Picatinny rail segments, bipods, weights, or other useful accessories.

The Sabatti STR Sport F-Class version comes instead with a larger “bag-rider” type handguard, with a wider flat bottom surface and three ARCA Swiss interface guides. Originally conceived for photography, the ARCA Swiss interface has gained wider acceptance among shooters due to its performance as a rock-solid mounting platform, particularly when it comes to the taller bipods and tripods. Anschutz interfaces are also available, upon request.

Regardless of the version, the chassis of the Sabatti STR Sport bolt-action rifle is set to accept AR-15 compatible pistol grips. The current iteration of the STR Sport rifle comes issued from the factory with a FAB Defense GRADUS rubberized, reduced-angle ergonomic grip, which can be removed and replaced with any other aftermarket AR-compatible grip at the shooter’s will.

The factory buttstock is a fixed, lightweight Sabatti and Victrix design, entirely manufactured out of aluminum, with two Q.D. sling swivel cups on both sides, a flat bag-riding bottom surface, and a manually adjustable cheek riser; a set of rubberized spacers can be used to adjust the length of pull. The buttstock is attached to the rear of the chassis via a screw, and it can be removed and replaced with other aftermarket buttstocks with a similar attachment system, such as those manufactured by MDT (Modular Driven Technologies) in Canada.

The chassis also includes the magazine well. The Sabatti STR Sport is available in three calibers –.308 Winchester (7.62×51mm), 6.5×47 Lapua, and 6.5 Creedmoor – and feeds through AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) detachable box magazines whose capacity will vary depending on caliber; AICS magazines are normally available in 5- or 7-round versions, but higher capacity variants are also available from third party suppliers. An ambidextrous paddle release lever is located at the base of the trigger guard, and the shooter can easily access it with the trigger finger.

At the heart of the Sabatti STR Sport rifle is the company’s own patented Blizzard action – a short action with a three-lug bolt and a very tight 60° bolt throw for faster follow-up shots. Both the bolt and the receiver are CNC-machined from solid, high-strength special purpose steel; the receiver is then finished in black and features a top Picatinny rail for optics – available in a 0-, 10- or 20-MOA tilt to facilitate holdover in extreme long range shooting – while the bolt body is heat-treated, rectified, and subsequently hard chromed until it reaches the exact level of tolerance requested by the manufacturing process.

This allows the bolt body to offer both a higher level of resistance against corrosion, wear, and dirt, and to be a perfect fit for the receiver – just loose enough for a smooth, quick operation, and tight enough to prevent any wobble that may be detrimental to the rifle’s feel or accuracy. A signature feature of the Blizzard action is Sabatti’s own, patented “Guillotine-type” extractor, whose construction – in 17-4PH steel – and positioning were carefully studied to ensure reliable extraction in all conditions and to double as an additional safety feature. Sabatti’s “Guillotine-type” extractor is engineered to withstand prolonged use with high-pressure ammunition, to support the cartridge case rim when the bolt is locked, and to make sure that even in the event of massive pressure spikes, cases will be extracted reliably and without rupturing.

Other features of the Sabatti Blizzard action include a sliding safety located right behind the bolt handle, at quick and convenient thumb reach, and an interchangeable bolt knob, which is attached to the charging handle via a 5/16-inch thread and can thus be removed and replaced with any aftermarket knob to meet shooter’s preferences.

The Barrel

The barrel, also manufactured entirely by Sabatti, is probably the cherry on top of the STR Sport. Available in three lengths – 24-, 26- or 28-inch, with a 0.86-inch or 1.10-inch muzzle diameter and a protected thread for flash hiders, muzzle brakes, or sound suppressors – the barrel is cold hammer forged, finished in black, and features Sabatti’s proprietary MRR rifling pattern.

MRR stands for “Multi-Radial Rifling”: first launched in 2011, MRR barrels are Sabatti’s own development, covered by numerous international patents, and are unique to Sabatti products, and heavily featured on the company’s tactical and sporting long-range rifles. MRR barrels were developed with accuracy in mind, with the goal to achieve levels of performance that couldn’t be matched by existing rifling patterns – including 5R – while at the same time allowing easy manufacture through cold hammer forging, a procedure that Sabatti has mastered over several decades and uses for the entirety of its barrel production.

Multi-radial rifling (MRR) can be described as a softer rifling if compared to both standard and polygon rifling, in that lands and grooves aren’t pronounced as one would normally find on a standard barrel. Additionally, MRR barrels feature a modified forcing cone geometry, providing for a better fit of the bullet to the rifling and alignment to the bore axis to begin with.

The MRR rifling is overall made to be a tighter fit on a bullet than the vast majority of conventional or polygon rifling patterns. When passing through an MRR barrel, the bullet will be deformed – albeit only ever so slightly, as the company stresses the low bullet deformation factor inherent to MRR rifling – but not cut, avoiding excessive levels of friction that may be detrimental to accuracy and service life. Indeed, not only do MRR barrels require less cleaning and maintenance than standard barrels and deliver muzzle velocities that are higher on average than most of the competition’s but are guaranteed from factory to deliver sub-MOA accuracy at 100 meters with factory ammunition.

Trigger

The Sabatti STR Sport comes from the factory with a match-grade, three-lever trigger of Sabatti’s own design and production. Sabatti’s rifles are currently not compatible with aftermarket triggers – including, sadly, those from the best-known manufacturers of custom triggers such as Elftmann, Timney, TriggerTech, or Jewell – but the truth is, they don’t need to be. Sabatti’s factory triggers are every bit as good as those highly regarded aftermarket competition alternatives. The STR Sport’s Match trigger is set at a 1.21 / 1.32-pound break and can be further adjusted by the shooter upon stripping the rifle.

Action Interface

And stripping the STR Sport – as well as any Sabatti rifle with a Blizzard action – is just as easy as taking out two screws, and so is putting it back, with no effect on accuracy. There is no bedding material that keeps the action and the chassis together; the two components are coupled by two hex screws – one behind the receiver, one right underneath the trunnion – in a manner that the company dubs “Azione sospesa” (“Suspended action”, or “hanging action”), because aside from those two engagement points, the barreled action is completely free to float over and within the chassis.

This eliminates all coupling tensions, which can potentially cause vibrations that are detrimental to accuracy. Given the construction of the barreled action, removing it from the chassis does not cause it to lose zero. The rifle will hold zero once reassembled as long as the proper torque settings for the two coupling screws are followed: in order to optimize performance, Sabatti recommends 5.9 foot pounds of torque for the rear screw and 6.6 foot pounds of torque for the front screw.

Range Time

Purists may wonder whether such a combination of a unique, almost oddball rifling pattern and a likewise one-of-a-kind coupling system would actually provide enhanced accuracy; we went to test the company claims in a hot, sunny summer day at a beautiful outdoor range just outside of Rome, Italy. Our test bed was a standard model Sabatti STR Sport in .308 Winchester (7.62×51mm), loaded with Fiocchi EXACTA factory ammunition. EXACTA is a commercial version of the loads manufactured by Fiocchi for the Italian Army, police and special forces snipers, and is loaded with American-made Sierra Match King 168-grain hollow-point boat-tail bullets.

At 300 meters, on a standard long range shooting target, the Sabatti STR Sport kept its accuracy promise, with only four out of fifteen rounds ending up in the second target circle, all others grouping tightly in the bullseye. We did not, unfortunately, have a chance to demonstrate how this level of accuracy improves even more dramatically with the use of Sabatti’s own MRR line of monolithic copper bullets, designed and manufactured by the company to optimize the performance of its Multi-Radial Rifling barrels. The Sabatti MRR bullets are dedicated to reloading enthusiasts and experts who want to get the best out of their Sabatti rifle and MRR barrel, and are available in three different lines – Green Hunting, Green Sport, and Green Long Range, all different in terms of specific features and bullet design depending on the intended use – and in .30, .270, 6.5 (.264) and 7mm (.284) calibers.

As this article is posted, Sabatti is preparing a unique version of the STR Sport for the North American market, dubbed the “Sabatti STR Sport US”, which will feature a 20-inch fluted barrel and a shorter handguard. The Sabatti STR Sport US rifle will debut in 2023.

The STR Sport rifle is a perfect example of Sabatti’s high level of craftsmanship and accuracy; it is a pity that Sabatti rifles aren’t better known among sport shooters in Europe and worldwide, because their price point is almost unbeatable for the type of features that they offer, and their quality and performance levels will easily rival or outmatch those of the best-known international brands. But the company is now adopting a more aggressive approach towards global markets, and it’s just a matter of time before the Sabatti name gains the recognition that it deserves.