Anyone have experience with the Ruger American bolt action rifle in .308? From what I understand this is their budget entry into hunting rifles. They seem to have good reviews. I am thinking about picking one up for some long range fun and hunting. Any tips or recommendations OB?

They retail for $349.

I have an American in 7mm-08. It is a great budget rifle. A very capable rifle. MOA groups at 100 and 200. It has a thin barrel so after a just a few shots it heats up and groups open up. But it isn't a bench rest gun, it is a light, affordable hunting rifle. Trigger is awesome and adjustable and their patented bedding does a great job at free floating.

Ruger just announced (released?) a predator version of the American with a threaded barrel.

If you don't mind buying off the internet, you can find the 308 model with camo stock for $319. Plus you get a free bipod

http://www.cdnnsports.com/308-american-22-syn-grey-d-cam.html#.U4nxb_ldW_g

[This message has been edited by atmhockey (edited 5/31/2014 10:14a).]

A very good friend of mine has the Ruger Anerican .308 and it is a good weapon. With the factory Barnes Vortex ammo it will shoot 3/4" at 100 yards.

Have one in .270, shoots MOA even with Serbian ammo. The predator version is hitting the market in June or July. Has the same specs but is about a half pound heavier, all or mostly in the barrel

Will the Predator be that much better than the standard Ruger American? If I go .308 whats a good scope ($300-400) for long range shooting? I want to hunt with it, but also take it to the range and shoot distance.

If I was buying now I would get the predator, it does only come in green though if that bothers you.

The predator version has a heavier barrel and is threaded. If I were buying now, I would get the predator.

Got one in .308 I like it very "high value gun" as nutnfancy would say. Running a Vortex 3 x 9 40mm scope. Great beater gun. It likes my reloads although I would recommend a mercury stock insert recoil reducer since it runs light in weight.

I would second at least thinking about a recoil reducer, kicks like a mule at under 7lbs in larger loads. I have a nikon prostaff 4-12 on mine.

Really taking a liking to the All-Weather Compact.

Picked up a Predator in .308. Thinking of going with a fixed 10X scope on it. Would this suffice for longer shots (500yds+) and still allow for easy target acquisition at closer ranges?

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P500.aspx

[This message has been edited by CalebMcCreary06 (edited 6/2/2014 8:32p).]

My problem with that scope is the reticle is mil dot and the adjustments are MOA, a fixed ten would work for that but might be much if you're trying to quickly shoot under 100 or 150.

At that pricepoint (sub $500) what would be the best trade off for close in work and still allow shooting past 6-700 yards? Is there a variable power scope I am missing that fits in my budget?

Here are a couple other options that are variable powered from Millet. Anyone have any experience with Millet scopes?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E8U2U8/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk For $439

http://www.amazon.com/Millett-4-16x50-Illuminated-Tactical-Riflescope/dp/B003E8RXZA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top For $299

Too many options!

Personally I would get a cheap 3-9 first to get you in the game, and once you figure out what you hate about that one (besides it not being the clearest/brightest thing in the world) you can find a good scope with features you wish the other had.

Especially since SWFA has some cheap ones on the sample list (floor demos or displays) that will do to get a feel for the gun.

Tasco 3-9x40 19.99
http://www.samplelist.com/Tasco-3-9x40-World-Class-Riflescope-DEMO-C-P71765.aspx

Simmons 3-9x40 29.95
http://www.samplelist.com/-P68149.aspx

Simmons 3.5-10x40
http://www.samplelist.com/-P71762.aspx