Ruger American Rifle Gen II Predator .308 – Unboxing, Upgrades & Gunsmith Review!

Summary

In this video, the host provides an in-depth unboxing and review of the Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 Predator in .308 Winchester. Covering everything from the factory-installed Picatinny rail, fluted and cerakoted barrel, adjustable marksman trigger, and rigid synthetic stock, the review highlights both performance and practicality. Designed for hunters, long-range shooters, and firearm enthusiasts who enjoy modifications, the rifle offers smooth bolt operation, scope-ready setup, and compatibility with AICS-style magazines. The host also outlines planned upgrades and testing, emphasizing the rifle as a budget-friendly, versatile platform. Viewers are invited to share their experiences and follow upcoming videos in the series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 Predator in .308 Winchester is ideal for hunters, long-range shooters, and firearm enthusiasts who enjoy customization.
• 😀 The rifle comes with simple, standard Ruger packaging including the rifle, manual, safety cards, Ruger lock, cerakote-coated bolt, AICS-style box magazine, and trigger lock.
• 😀 Factory features include a Picatinny rail, fluted 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with bronze Cerakote finish, and a threaded 5/8x24 barrel ready for suppressors or compensators.
• 😀 The rifle has a 1:10 twist rate suitable for heavier .308 bullets (168–175 grain) for improved long-range stability.
• 😀 The ergonomic synthetic stock is hunter green with speckling, textured for grip, and features adjustable length of pull using a removable spacer.
• 😀 The marksman trigger is adjustable from 3 to 5 lbs, providing a crisp and smooth trigger pull straight from the factory.
• 😀 The bolt features a three-lug design with a 70° throw, making it smooth, scope-friendly, and quick to cycle.
• 😀 The AICS-style magazine is standard, compatible with other AICS mags, and can be upgraded to higher capacity options.
• 😀 The Gen 2 stock is more rigid than Gen 1, reducing flex and improving overall handling and durability.
• 😀 The rifle weighs approximately 6.5 lbs without optics or accessories, making it lightweight and suitable for hunting or tactical use.
• 😀 The platform is highly modifiable, offering opportunities for scope installation, stock adjustments, pillar bedding, and other customizations.
• 😀 Overall, the Ruger American Gen 2 Predator offers excellent factory features, affordability, and accuracy potential, making it a great entry-level or budget-friendly long-range rifle.

Q & A

What model and caliber of rifle is being reviewed in the video?

The video reviews the Ruger American Rifle, Gen 2 Predator chambered in .308 Winchester.

Who is the intended audience for this rifle according to the reviewer?

The rifle is suitable for long-range shooters, hunters, and firearm enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking and tuning their firearms.

What key components are included in the box with the Ruger Predator Gen 2?

The box includes the rifle in a bag, an instruction manual, safety cards, registration information, a Ruger lock, the Cerakote-coated bolt, a box magazine, and a trigger lock with a key.

What feature does the rifle have that makes mounting a scope easier?

The rifle comes with a factory-installed Picatinny rail, which allows users to mount a scope directly without additional hardware.

How does the fluted barrel benefit the rifle's performance?

The fluted barrel helps dissipate heat more quickly, which can improve accuracy by preventing barrel warping during extended shooting.

What are the specifications of the rifle's barrel and twist rate?

The rifle has an 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, threaded 5/8x24, and a 1:10 twist rate, suitable for stabilizing heavier .308 bullets like 168 or 175 grain rounds.

What makes the Gen 2 stock different from the Gen 1 stock?

The Gen 2 stock is more rigid and less flexible than the Gen 1, features an ergonomic synthetic design, and includes an adjustable length of pull via removable spacers.

Describe the rifle's trigger system.

The rifle features a Marksman adjustable trigger, adjustable from 3 to 5 lbs, with minimal creep and overtravel, providing a crisp and smooth trigger pull out of the box.

What type of magazine does the Ruger Predator Gen 2 use?

It uses an AICS-style box magazine, compatible with standard AICS magazines, and comes with a 3- or 4-round capacity out of the box, with options for extended magazines available.

What is the reviewer's overall opinion of the Ruger American Predator Gen 2?

The reviewer considers it a well-designed, budget-friendly rifle that is accurate, modifiable, and ready to use out of the box, making it a strong option for hunters, long-range shooters, and firearm enthusiasts.

What modifications does the reviewer plan to make on the rifle in future videos?

The reviewer plans to add scope rings, possibly perform pillar bedding, and tweak the rifle for maximum accuracy as part of a series of modification videos.

How much does the rifle weigh, and why is this significant?

The rifle weighs approximately 6.5 lbs, making it lightweight and practical for hunters to carry over long distances, depending on added optics or accessories.