The Ruger American Rifle in 7 MM-08 – Review

Apache Junction, AZ – While not a new idea, low-cost rifles are popular for a couple of reasons. With the economy being less than ideal value-priced firearms, both handguns and rifles, are desirable.

I have tested a number of them and for the most part, they are well worth the bucks spent on them. They are accurate, reliable, and safe. In addition, most shoot the most desirable hunting rounds. Many have splendid triggers something that adds to the accuracy.

Yes, I would take one of them hunting without hesitation. The only thing lacking is looks. They are plain Jane looking with a dull finish and a black or gray composite stock.

If you want a fancy walnut stock and a nice finish, nothing wrong with that, but be prepared to shell out some bucks.

The Ruger American Rifle

The Ruger American Rifle has power bedding, which aids in accuracy. Rifles such as this American are made with the fewest steps and parts possible. While various shortcuts are taken quality or safety isn’t compromised in the least.

This rifle came as a package with a Redfield 3 X 9 scope which makes it more convenient. Redfield scopes have adorned more than one of my other rifles and they have always performed well. Since no sights are provided, a scope is necessary. It is really convenient to have the scope as a package deal not to mention a cost savings.

Some but not all low dollar rifles comes with rings and a mount which is a convenience, but It can be a pain to find those at a store as there are so many types available.

While not top-dollar stuff they possess enough quality to get the job done. If you want high-dollar mounts and rings go for it but they are not necessary. The trigger pull is excellent equaling that of some more expensive rifles.

The trigger is a Marksman Adjustable and can be adjusted from 3 to 5 LBS ideal weights for a hunting rifle. The bolt has three locking lugs which makes the lift 70 degrees as opposed to the more common found on a two-lug system. While the lift is 60 degrees it is a little harder to lift but not to an extent where it will cause a problem. It would be a personal choice as to which system you prefer. The bolt movement is smooth especially after it was shot some.

The two-position safety is located at the rear of the bolt with a prominent red dot showing it is ready to fire. While positive, it is a bit stiff and makes some noise when released. On a still day, an animal can hear it being released from some distance perhaps as much as a hundred yards. A deer or pig among others has better hearing then we do. The recoil pad is thick and soft though recoil isn’t a problem with a 7 mm -08 but the pad will grip a shirt or jacket which will aid in getting in a quick shot.

Another advantage to a inexpensive rifle with a composite stock is if it is caught in a rainstorm no problem. Dents and scratches won’t hurt it, especially in the looks department. It won’t swell which like wood has a tendency to do. When wood swells the point of impact is frequently changed which is a problem on a hunting trip. If it gets lost or stolen the dollar lost isn’t as great. However, if you are a member of the NRA your free insurance will cover the loss. If you are not a member why haven’t you joined?

There is no resemblance between the American and the older model 77. I have used 77’s for many years and they never let me down. The issue with the 77 is it is more costly to make so it may be out of reach for some buyers. Ruger’s engineers came up with a different design which equals the 77 in strength and safety but is less costly to make.

Live Inventory Price Checker

	Ruger 26923 American 7mm-08 Rem 3+1 22 GoWild Camo I-M Brush Bronze Cerakote Right Hand	BattleHawk Armory	$ 526.00
	Ruger 6906 American Standard 7mm-08 Rem 4+1 22 Black Matte Right Hand	BattleHawk Armory	$ 395.00
	Ruger Bolt-Action American RifleA(R) Compact 7mm-08rem 18''''bbl - Ruger American Rifle Compact 7mm-08 Rem 18'''' Bbl 4rd Black	Brownells.com	$ 456.99
	Ruger 90689 American 308 Win/6.5 Creed/6mm Creed/243 Win/7mm-08 Rem 4 Round Polymer	Shooters Choice	$ 32.99

You have a choice between two great rifle designs and can get something to suit your taste and pocketbook.

Performance wise there is nothing to pick one over the other. Personal taste and your pocketbook will dictate which one will go hunting with you. The barrel has 6 grooves and is hammer forged which is a proven method to provide good accuracy. The rotary magazine (seen above) holds 4 rounds. With both the 30-06 and the 7 mm-08 I can get 3 shot groups in the 1” area at 100 yards if I do my job. Of course, some loads are more accurate than others but none of my groups exceeded 2 & ½” at 100 yards and those were infrequent. In spite of the low cost you should expect 1 to 1 & ½” groups at 100 yards if you shoot that well and find the right loads.

I tried a new IMR powder 4166 but will have to work with it some more. It shows promise and at some time in the future will have a report on it.

Shortly after the American came out in 2012, I obtained one for review. Since the 30-06 is my favorite go to caliber this one was chambered so.

The rifle performed as well as rifles costing much more and I was very favorably impressed so much so I bought the sample.

When I heard that, they were going to be offered in a short action I stood in line for one. The 7 mm-08 is a caliber that delivers good results on large game without a lot of recoil. For a youngster or female hunter this might be the ideal setup. The round has been around for some years first as a wildcat merely being a 308 Win necked down to a 7 mm. If both are loaded the same it will be nearly the same as a 7 X 57 Mauser round. Further, the bullet selection is very widely exceeded by only the 30 caliber.

The ammo is available and reloading components are common. As of this writing some bullets and other components, especially powder is still hard to get but things are easing up a little. Those first TAC loads are light and that is why the velocity is low and the es is high. There are a lot of bullets available in the 7 mm diameter and most are usable in the 7 mm-08. Reduced and cast loads have a place in this caliber as they are very accurate and can be used for small game. With some of the modern powders, being offered along with better bullets this rifle can be used for almost every hunting situation. One other advantage to the 7 mm-08 and other mild 7 mm rounds is they do well with the standard cup and core bullets. They work well and won’t come apart at 08 velocities, which brings down the cost of shooting. They are offered in all of the standard weights including the 175 grain.

LOAD BULLET VELOCITY COMMENT

• 8 grains of Trail Boss 100 gr Hornady HP 1312 nice
• 48 grains of IMR 4895 100 gr Hornady HP 3094 ok
• 45 grains of IMR 4895 120 grain Hornady 2932 good load
• Barnes 120 grain 2973 accurate
• 37 grains 209 140 grain Sierra BT 2132 fair
• 42 grains of IMR 4895 139 gr Hornady G-max 2608 ok
• Hornady G-Max 139 grain 2837 consistent
• 39 grains Tac 139 grain Hornady 2486 high es
• Hornady 139 grain GMX 2718 good load
• Double Tap TTSX 140 grain 2793 nice load
• 48 grains of 760 140 grain Sierra FB 2768 consistent
• Double Tap 140 grain Barnes 2841 ok
• 41 grains Tac 140 grain Sierra BT 2730 consistent
• 8 grains Trail Boss 140 grain cast RN 1204 accurate
• 8 grains Trail Boss 145 grain cast SP 1162 consistent
• 45 grains Big Game 150 grain Barnes TTSX 2530 ok
• 45 grains Big Game 150 grain Barnes X 2545 nice
• 37.5 grains Tac 154 grain Hornady 2442 high es
• 36 grains 209 175 grain Hornady 1966 consistent
• 42 grains Big Game 175 grain Hornady 2339 good load

About Bob Shell
A Custom Reloader of Obsolete and Antique Ammo, Bob Shell, writes about the subject of Guns, Ammo, Shooting and Related Subjects. Visit: www.bobshellsblog.blogspot.com

Need a second opinion on the Ruger American Rifle?

Check out hickok45’s video review.