Ruger American Predator: Long Range Performance on a
Budget
For most distance shooters, economy and performance
are not usually spoken in the same sentence. Ruger’s American Predator rifle in
6.5 Creedmoor (Model 6973) is beginning to challenge that premise. With a
suggested retail price of $529, the rifle has many enthusiasts taking notice of
many favorable reviews thus far. Many online retailers offer the rifle for well
under $400 so if you’re on a budget this is a good buy.
The rifle’s light weight, (6.6 lbs.) will find favor
with most predator hunters who must trek long distances to their favorite
coyote set-up or prairie dog blind. The synthetic stock comes in an attractive
moss green and can be modified with an adjustable cheek riser to give you the
proper cheek weld for higher mounted optics. The one-piece aluminum scope rail
comes factory installed for mounting your favorite scope. The Ruger Marksman
Adjustable trigger allows the user to customize the pull between 3 and 5
pounds. Just remove the stock and small Allen wrench adjusts the single set
screw to your preference.
The threaded barrel allows for adding a muzzle brake
if you are so inclined, if not the padded soft rubber buttpad reduces recoil
considerably especially since the Creedmoor packs a greater punch than the .308
Win. Or .223 Rem. Offerings in the American Predator line. Although
a suppressor can be added, it is generally frowned upon considering the thin
sporter barrel that might cause a dramatic point of impact shift.
The one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70° throw
provides ample scope clearance and utilizes a full diameter bolt body and dual
cocking cams for smooth, easy cycling from the shoulder. The serrated cuts in
the grip provide a firm hold in any weather situation.
If your looking for a rifle that can reach out there
with good accuracy but won’t cry when you bang it on a tree or drop it, this is
a great compromise between performance and value. Adding a decent scope and a
few accessories gets you decent package for under $700 something unheard of in
the past. Reviewer Tyler Kee referred to the American Predator as “Simply
stunning” adding “$400 for five-shot 1 MOA groups? You gotta be kidding me.
This is easily the highest accuracy per dollar gun I’ve ever shot.” Ruger has
filled a niche in the market by demonstrating once again that it can readily
provide firearms across a wide range of budgets without sacrificing quality.
Another product tester found the rifle surprisingly accurate at 1,100 yards and
even managed a few hits at a remarkable 1,820 yards! Make sure to brake it in
before hunting as the groups just get tighter the further out of the box you
go. Keep the rifle in perspective for what it is; a budget rifle and you won’t
be disappointed.
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