Recently, there has been an increasing discussion on forums, social media, and in popular hunting publications regarding the types of firearms deemed “acceptable” for modern hunters. The trend indicates a rise in the quality and cost of firearms that average hunters are purchasing.
It is now common to encounter individuals at trailheads with an $8,000 rifle strapped to a $7,500 truck. Observing such scenarios raises the question: Am I going in undergunned?
However, the answer is likely no. Having experience with rifles from Gunwerks, Best of the West, Seekins, and various other top-tier custom brands, it is clear that while ultralight rifles with smooth bolt cycles are desirable, there remains a significant demographic of average hunters who can only afford a modest budget for their entire setup.
This realization sparked the project titled “The Workin’ Man’s Custom Rifle.” The objective is to determine whether an off-the-shelf rifle can be modified to provide a similar experience to that of a fully custom firearm. A key comparison will be made with Brody’s 60% carbon fiber MDT masterpiece featured in a previous issue.
Parameters for the Project
The base platform for this project will be an affordable rifle that can be purchased by cutting back on dining out. After evaluating various sub-$600 rifles, the Ruger American Gen 2 emerged as the best option. This model has dominated sales across the nation, similar to its predecessor, the Gen 1, and remains the most popular bolt-action rifle available today.
The Project Overview
The plan is to first test the Ruger American Gen 2 in its unmodified state, then apply cost-effective upgrades and compare its performance to the original configuration and a custom example. The total budget for this project is set between $2,500 and $3,000, including optics.
Initially, this budget seemed high, but considering the optic alone is expected to cost around $1,000 and the rifle retails for $599, investing an additional $1,000 over time to create a quality hunting rig appears reasonable. This approach still keeps the total cost significantly lower than that of the cheapest custom rifles.
The chosen scope for this build is the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44. This model is ideally sized, lightweight, and functional, making it a perfect match for the Ruger. The Gen 2 is priced at $1,399.99, a few hundred dollars more than the Gen 1, but the opportunity to utilize a pre-production Gen 2 made it the preferred choice.
Mass Production Insights
Ruger has sold an impressive number of these rifles between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models. While exact figures are unavailable, if every gun store in the U.S. (approximately 55,000 according to the ATF) sold just 10 units, that would total 550,000 rifles. Most Bass Pro Shops locations have likely sold thousands, far exceeding the output of even the largest custom gun builders.
This extensive production volume allows the Ruger American Gen 2 to be priced around $600, making it widely accessible. If Ruger had produced only 5,000 units, the cost would likely be two to three times higher, entering the realm of high-end, backordered firearms.
Performance at the Range
With assistance from Hornady, a full day was dedicated to assessing the capabilities of the Ruger. The rifle was brand new and had only received a few drops of Rem-oil on the bolt. Using Hornady’s 108-grain ELD-M ammunition, the results were impressive and nearly halted the project.
Initial shots were taken at 50 yards, followed by adjustments to 100 yards. Despite being an average shooter, the performance exceeded expectations. Both Brody and the shooter achieved tight groupings, indicating exceptional accuracy.
The Ruger demonstrated remarkable performance, being lightweight, smooth, and consistent. While “barrel break-in” is often debated, the testing was conducted in a manner typical of any new rifle owner.
A significant factor contributing to the positive experience was the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 scope. It was easy to zero in, requiring minimal time and ammunition. The new SpeedSet system eliminated the need for tools, simplifying the process.
The Real Magic of the Setup
The rifle was enjoyable to shoot, and the scope complemented it well. However, the true advantage lay in the cartridge choice. After thorough discussion, the decision was made to go with the 20-inch AG2 in 6mm Creedmoor. Although alternatives were considered, the familiarity of the 6mm Creedmoor made it the preferred option.
While opinions vary on the ideal cartridge for different game sizes, evidence suggests that this rifle will effectively take down a Coues deer, which is the intended use. The enjoyment derived from shooting this setup is unparalleled, as the lightweight design allows for accurate shooting without flinching.
The combination of comfort and confidence in the rifle is paramount. As stated by experts, familiarity with one’s rifle is essential, and this Ruger encourages frequent practice, enhancing shooting skills.
Addressing Potential Drawbacks
The catch with mass production is that companies like Ruger often make small adjustments that can impact quality. One noticeable issue is the magazine, which is a poly AI-style unit that does not fit seamlessly into the magazine well. While it requires some effort to seat properly, it feeds reliably once in place.
Other areas for improvement include the trigger, which could be described as “fine,” and the stock, which, while better than expected, remains lower-grade compared to premium options. Despite these minor flaws, they do not significantly detract from the rifle’s overall performance.
Future Enhancements
Fortunately, upgrades have been sourced to address these minor shortcomings. The next iteration of this Ruger will feature enhancements that improve both operation and comfort, ultimately aiding in shooter accuracy.
The Upgrade Package
One of the advantages of the Ruger American line is the availability of aftermarket support. The current upgrade components, totaling around $800 to $1,000, include:
- Sharps Bros Heatseeker Chassis
- Timney Ruger American Trigger
- Outdoorsmans/Salmon River Solutions Muzzle Brake
- MDT Carbine Composite Stock
- MDT Carbon Fiber Pistol Grip