You probably have a generous inventory of Ruger firearms and confidently recommend them for their quality, features and performance. The company has a sterling reputation and, as it turns out, a long history of meticulously timing new introductions that keep a hunting retailer’s cash register singing.
The firm’s American Rifle and its Gen II replacement are an interesting example. The original model was introduced in 2011 — 15 years ago. The budget-friendly bolt-action was ideal for hunting, built to Ruger standards, and sales were brisk out of the gate.
That demand didn’t fade. In fact, it grew. In 2020, nine years later, it was the highest volume seller among all new bolt-action rifles offered on Gunbroker.com. It stayed there in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Yet Ruger somehow sensed the time was right for a replacement. The American Rifle Gen II was announced in December of 2023. The next two years, it replaced its predecessor in the top slot of those bolt-action ratings.
After reviewing a Gen II, however, it’s glaringly apparent the design team and engineers had good reason to push the new gun onto retail shelves, even when its forerunner dominated. The upgrades will appeal to your customers, yet manage to honor the line’s budget-friendly mission.
Gen II Improvements Start With Safety
The Ruger American Gen II tang-mounted safety has been upgraded to a three-position setup. Far forward, where a red bar shows, is the ready-to-fire position. When in the middle, the rifle’s safety mechanism remains fully engaged, but the bolt can be worked to load or unload the gun.
Move the safety all the way back and the bolt locks in the closed position, where it is unable to move. It’s a welcome touch for hunters who encounter thick brush or other obstructions that can sometimes grab the handle and unload the firearm. Obviously, the safety must be in one of the other settings to remove the bolt from the gun.
The original American rifle’s version was two-position, also tang mounted. Gen II’s upgrade is confidence builder that experienced and novice hunters can appreciate.
Stock Upgrade
Shoulder a Gen II and you feel the difference. It’s slightly more rigid than the original and wears enhanced, no-nonsense, all-weather texturing.
With or without gloves, you get a solid purchase. At the grip, a generous palm swell and eight raised-relief bars are followed by an equally elevated triangle near the bottom.
The approach doesn’t end there, though. A slight concave at the forend, just below the barrel, ensures a proper hold palpable enough for confirmation in the dark while wearing gloves. Add two raised and textured surfaces there and owners are ensured a positive hold, even in foul weather.
Perhaps the biggest cosmetic change is the finish, which Ruger calls “Splatter.” The name fits, and the look will attract attention at the counter.
It looks like the product of a starving artist flinging paint with a brush onto the rifle’s fiber-reinforced stock from a distance of 10 feet away. The gun’s receiver, barrel and all workings are mounted later, so the effect doesn’t spoil critical components. The finished look is attractive and capable of adapting for particular hunting pursuits.
More importantly, it adds grip, everywhere. The “paint,” whatever it is, doesn’t dry flush with the stock. That makes every inch of the gun more solid in hand. It’s not tacky or abrasive, just pleasant to the touch and confidence building if the opening-day forecast is nasty.
New Adjustability
Ruger also made the Gen II version more adjustable. It now comes wearing a removable comb riser that provides enhanced sight alignment with many magnified optics. It can be taken off the rifle if the setup isn’t optimal.
Length of pull can also be altered by removing a spacer in the stock. Doing so reduces length of pull from 13.75 inches to 12.
Gen II Predator Specifics
Ruger introduced the American Gen II Predator in March 2024. The one sent for review was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and wears all the above-listed enhancements. The finish is tailored for predator hunting, but it’s going to appeal to a lot more sportsmen.
The splatter finish on the green stock is awesome, with thin and random streaks of black and copper. The latter matches the receiver’s burnt-bronze Cerakote finish nicely.
Barrel and Receiver
Ruger’s patented Power Bedding block anchors the receiver — which is CNC machined from 4140 steel — solidly in the stock. The 22-inch, medium-contour barrel is spiral fluted and free floated. The Cerakote finish on the sample sent for testing was even throughout, blemish free and exceptionally good. A 6-inch, 14-groove Picatinny rail rides atop the receiver.
Rate of rifling in the cold-hammer-forged barrel is one full twist every 8 inches. The rifle ships with a radial muzzle brake installed.
A one-piece, CNC-machined tri-lug bolt ensures smooth and trouble-free operation. It has a 70-degree throw. In testing, there were no failures to feed or extraction problems.
Cycling wasn’t quite as buttery smooth as some custom guns, but it was much better than others at this price point and a pleasure to work. The oversized bolt knob can be replaced, if desired, by replacing with any aftermarket model with a 5/16"-24 thread pattern.
Trigger
The Gen II kept one of its predecessor’s best components. That Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger always tests creep free and crisp. It didn’t fail to impress on the Predator.
Using a Lyman Electronic Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, average let-off weight — after 10 pulls — was 3.42 pounds. More importantly, the largest variance from that figure in any pull was only .15 pounds. That’s consistent and customer-pleasing.
Gun owners, however, like the ability to fine-tune. Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger let-off weight can be changed to anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds with a simple turn of an Allen bolt at the back of the trigger assembly. In the Predator’s case, the stock needs to be removed beforehand.
At the Firing Line
Accuracy results were good for any rifle, but surprisingly so for a budget-priced gun, factory fresh, in unfamiliar hands and designed for rugged use. It doesn’t seem to have a huge preference whether it’s fed select premium ammunition or pocketbook-friendly fodder, either.
At 100 yards, in 40 degrees with a steady breeze ranging from 5 to 10 mph — quarter value — Federal’s American Eagle 123-grain OTM loads printed the tightest group at .59 inch. After five three-shot groups its average grew to .74 — my error, undoubtedly.
Norma’s 130-grain BTHP 6.5 Creedmoor load printed one group that came close to claiming top honors. After the 15-round volley, it did turn in the best average, at .67 inch. Hornady’s American Gunner 140-grain BTHPs came close at .69, with most groups hovering near that figure.
Testing was conducted from a prone, sandbagged position. A German Precision Optics Centuri Compact 3-12x44i was mounted for the session.
Recoil
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is relatively tame. The generous and effective recoil pad that ships on the Gen II Predator made the range session a pleasure.
A factory-installed muzzle brake up front helps, but it does make the gun bark a little louder for bystanders. Behind the trigger, with hearing protection, it’s not noticeable. The radial design does lift leaves and dirt aloft when shooting from the prone position.
Other Features
The rifle ships with an AI-style box magazine with a three-round capacity. It is released by applying forward pressure on the large vertical bar in front of the trigger guard. The magazine stayed put during testing until the floorplate was given a slight tug, although that will likely change with use.
A pair of sling swivel studs are found fore and aft on the stock. The rifle ships with a trigger lock and manual.
Overall
Cosmetically, this rifle is a winner in two seemingly different ways. It will blend in, easily, when afield. The “splatter” finish works so well you need to look close to see the Ruger logo molded into the stock, and covered with it, at the bottom of the grip. The treatment soaks up light like a black hole.
The left side of the receiver does, however, wear the Ruger American name. It’s not gaudy, doesn’t really jump out when afield, and it’s not highly reflective. In the right light on the Burnt Bronze Cerakote, however, it’s an elegant statement.
Ruger has yet another rifle dominating bolt-action sales — for good reasons. The gun not only performs right out of the box, but it packs every quality that made the original a favorite for years, then piles on with features enthusiasts requested.
The fact it looks good on the shelf — and afield — wears the Ruger name and remains true to its budget-friendly mission makes a good case for hunting retailers including them in their inventory.
