Ruger Gen II American

Ugly Duckling?

Ruger knew they had an accurate platform, albeit a slightly generic-looking one. How can we put lipstick on this “plain Jane” to seduce a shallower rifleman who cares more about looks than performance? First thing Ruger did was put the American in a new dress. One with a little flash, a few cuts, some speckling, and voila!, now we have a stylishly modern-looking stock with a humpbacked comb and ergonomic grip in a stock that looks like it came from an expensive custom shop. The 1-8″ twist spiral fluted barrel adds style and function, providing more surface area to dissipate heat.

The traditional 2-position push safety was upgraded to a 3-position safety so now you can lock the bolt down when traipsing through thick cover and not have your bolt get pulled open. Feeding is smoother from the included 10-round magazine.

Thin-faced shooters have the option of switching out the comb for a higher, more positive cheek weld when peering through their scope. I’ve never had this problem, having well-developed German jowls. Length of pull is also adjustable. Rather than including these parts in the box, Ruger makes them available from the ShopRuger.com website to keep the price down on something 90% of people won’t use anyway. Smart move.

The barreled action is “Power Bedded,” utilizing two bedding blocks molded into the stock and mated with milled cutouts on the receiver, ensuring the finest accuracy possible. Perhaps this is the main contributor to the American’s accuracy? Bolt handle is enlarged from the original American, making manipulation more positive and is threaded 5/16″-24 for easy replacement of your choice. A one-piece Picatinny rail is factory installed for easy scope mounting.