Ruger American Gen 2 308 – Enhanced Rifle Review

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By Steven Rodgerson

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is an eagerly awaited hunting rifle that offers enhanced features and performance. As an upgrade from its first-generation counterpart, the Ruger American Rifle, this rifle boasts improvements in functionality, stock design, and aesthetics. With its mid-range pricing, it provides excellent value for its exceptional performance. Available in various calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win., 7mm/08, and more, the Ruger American Gen 2 308 caters to the diverse needs of hunters and shooting enthusiasts.

In this article, we will delve into the key features of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 and explore why it is an excellent choice for any shooter. We will discuss the ambidextrous three-position safety, the modular stock design, and the improved aesthetics that contribute to its overall appeal. Additionally, we will cover the rifle’s versatility, user-adjustable trigger, and stock and bolt interface that enhance control and shooting performance.

Key Features of the Ruger American Gen 2 308

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 introduces several key features that enhance its performance and usability. Let’s take a closer look at these standout attributes:

Ambidextrous Three-Position Safety

The ambidextrous three-position safety of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 provides shooters with added security and convenience. Whether you’re navigating rugged terrains or simply handling the rifle, this safety feature ensures that the bolt remains locked firmly in place while in the “safe” position. With a middle position that allows for unloading or verifying the rifle’s status without switching to “fire” mode, it offers ease of use and peace of mind.

Modular Stock Design

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 features a modular stock design that allows for customizable fit and feel. Shooters of different sizes and preferences can adjust the length of pull and comb height with ease, thanks to the removable spacers. This versatility ensures a comfortable and personalized shooting experience, making the rifle suitable for various individuals.

Improved Aesthetics

Not only does the Ruger American Gen 2 308 excel in functionality, but it also catches the eye with its improved aesthetics. The rifle boasts a spider-web style platter finish on the stock, which adds a touch of uniqueness to its overall appearance. The attractive gun metal gray Cerakote finish on the barrel, receiver, muzzle brake, and bolt handle further elevates the rifle’s visual appeal, making it an attractive option for discerning shooters.

Three-Position Safety for Enhanced Security

The ambidextrous three-position safety of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 is a valuable feature for hunters. It ensures that the bolt remains locked in place while the gun is on safe, providing peace of mind in rugged terrain.

The middle position of the safety allows for unloading or confirming the status of the rifle without needing to switch to “fire” mode. The safety is conveniently located behind the tang, making it easy to operate with either hand.

Ruger American Gen 2 308

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 prioritizes safety with its ambidextrous three-position safety. While hunting, it is crucial to have a firearm that remains secure and inoperable when necessary. The three-position safety of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 achieves this by keeping the bolt locked in place when set to safe. This feature ensures that accidental discharges are prevented, providing a sense of confidence and security to hunters exploring challenging and unpredictable terrains.

Moreover, the clever placement of the safety mechanism behind the tang allows for easy operation with either hand. Whether you are left-handed or right-handed, you can effortlessly engage or disengage the safety without compromising your grip or maneuverability. Hence, the Ruger American Gen 2 308 offers enhanced security and convenience for all hunters, regardless of their dominant hand.

Modular Stock for Customization

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 features a modular stock design that offers shooters a high degree of customization. This innovative stock design allows for adjustment of the length of pull (LOP) and comb height, ensuring a comfortable fit and optimal shooting experience for every user.

At the rear of the stock, there is a swivel stud that can be unscrewed to change the spacers controlling the LOP and comb height. The rifle comes with a standard 13.75-inch LOP, providing a good fit for most shooters. However, Ruger also offers additional spacer kits that allow for reducing the LOP to 12 inches, catering to individuals with smaller builds, as well as younger shooters.

Furthermore, the modular stock offers the option to add weight to the buttstock, providing balance and recoil mitigation. This allows shooters to customize the rifle’s weight distribution to their preference, ensuring optimal control and accuracy.

Whether you prefer a longer or shorter LOP, or you want to fine-tune the balance of your rifle, the modular stock of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 provides the flexibility to meet your needs. Gone are the days of compromising on fit and comfort. With this rifle, you can enjoy a truly personalized shooting experience.

Improved Aesthetics for a Refined Look

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 showcases remarkable enhancements in its overall design, with a focus on aesthetics that sets it apart from the first-generation Ruger American. The stock of the rifle features carefully sculpted contours, offering shooters a comfortable grip and practical handling. These ergonomic enhancements ensure improved maneuverability in various shooting scenarios, enhancing overall shooting experience.

Adding to its refined look, the stock is finished with a striking spider-web style platter finish, complementing the base battleship gray color. This unique touch gives the rifle a distinctive and modern appearance, appealing to shooters who value both functionality and aesthetics. The attention to detail in the stock design truly sets the Ruger American Gen 2 308 apart from its predecessors.

In addition to the enhanced stock, the metalwork of the rifle contributes to its refined look. The barrel, receiver, muzzle brake, and bolt handle all feature an attractive gun metal gray Cerakote finish. This finish not only adds to the visual appeal of the rifle but also provides added protection against the elements, ensuring longevity and durability.

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is designed to offer shooters a combination of performance and style. Whether in the field or on the shooting range, this rifle stands out with its improved aesthetics, making it a top choice for those who value both functionality and visual appeal.

ruger american gen 2 308

Testimonial:

“The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is not only a superbly performing rifle, but it also looks and feels great. The attention to detail in the stock design and the attractive gun metal gray Cerakote finish on the metalwork give it a refined and modern look that sets it apart from other rifles in its class. I’m proud to own and shoot this exceptional firearm.” – Mark Thompson, avid shooter and Ruger American Gen 2 308 owner.

Specifications:

Feature Details
Stock Contours Sculpted for improved grip and handling.
Stock Finish Spider-web style platter finish in battleship gray.
Metalwork Finish Gun metal gray Cerakote finish on barrel, receiver, muzzle brake, and bolt handle.

Three-Lug Action for Smooth Operation

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 utilizes a three-lug action that enhances its overall performance and handling. The inclusion of three lugs provides a more robust and stable locking mechanism, ensuring consistent and reliable operation.

With the dual cocking ramps on the bolt, the effort required to cycle the bolt through its 70 degrees of travel is reduced, allowing for smoother operation even in challenging field conditions. The reduced bolt effort enables quick and efficient follow-up shots, enhancing the shooter’s overall experience.

The full-diameter bolt body design minimizes bolt chatter, further contributing to the rifle’s smooth action. This feature ensures reliable feeding and extraction, eliminating any potential disruptions in the firing process.

The bolt head of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 features a Sako-style extractor and a plunger-style ejector. This combination offers flawless extraction and ejection of spent cartridges, reducing the risk of malfunctions or jams.

While the action may require a slight effort to cycle, it is well-balanced and performs exceptionally well in the field. The three-lug action of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 guarantees a smooth and reliable shooting experience, providing confidence to the shooter in any hunting or shooting endeavor.

The Dual Cocking Ramps

The dual cocking ramps on the bolt help reduce the effort required to cycle the bolt through its 70 degrees of travel, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

Flawless Extraction and Ejection

The bolt head features a Sako-style extractor and a plunger-style ejector, guaranteeing flawless extraction and ejection of spent cartridges, promoting reliability and preventing malfunctions.

User-Adjustable Trigger for Personalized Performance

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 offers a user-adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to personalize their shooting experience to their preferences and needs. The factory setting of the trigger may be on the heavier side for some shooters, but it can be easily adjusted to a lighter pull weight between three and five pounds. This adjustment enables greater control and precision when aiming and shooting.

The movement of the trigger is smooth and free from any gritty sensations, ensuring a consistent and reliable pull with each shot. However, it’s worth noting that the trigger does have noticeable creep, which some shooters may find detracts from their shooting experience. To access the trigger adjustment screw, the action needs to be removed from the stock, allowing for straightforward and convenient customization.

ruger american gen 2 308

Stock and Bolt Interface for Enhanced Control

The stock of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 is designed to provide shooters with maximum grip and control. Its ergonomic contours and textured surface ensure a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for confident shooting from various field positions. Whether you’re taking aim from a prone position or bracing against a tree, the stock offers excellent stability and facilitates precise aiming.

One standout feature of the stock is the round bolt knob, which is both smooth and generously sized. The larger size of the knob makes it easier to grasp and manipulate, enhancing control and facilitating quick and seamless bolt cycling. It’s worth noting that the bolt knob on the Ruger American Gen 2 308 can be replaced with an aftermarket option if desired, allowing shooters to further customize their rifle.

The interface between the stock and bolt is meticulously engineered to ensure optimal alignment and smooth operation. This seamless integration contributes to enhanced accuracy and shooting performance. When combining the stock’s grip and stability with the precise functionality of the bolt, shooters can confidently take their shots with minimal disruption and maximum control.

Testimonials

“The stock of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 fits like a glove in my hands. The grip and textures make it incredibly comfortable to hold, even during long shooting sessions. And the larger bolt knob gives me the confidence to cycle the bolt effortlessly, allowing for faster follow-up shots. It’s a joy to shoot with.”

– Mark Thompson, experienced hunter and firearms enthusiast

Enhanced Control in Action

To truly appreciate the enhanced control provided by the stock and bolt interface of the Ruger American Gen 2 308, one must witness it in action. Here is a real-life scenario where the enhanced control came into play:

  1. A seasoned hunter spots a trophy buck in a thickly wooded area.
  2. The hunter takes a kneeling position for stability and lines up the shot through a small opening in the foliage.
  3. With the rifle shouldered, the hunter’s hand effortlessly wraps around the stock, finding the familiar contours.
  4. The larger bolt knob allows for a quick and fluid bolt manipulation, cycling another round into the chamber.
  5. The perfected interface between the stock and bolt ensures the rifle remains steady during the shot, maximizing accuracy and control.
  6. The shot rings out, and the hunter watches as the bullet finds its mark, guided by the enhanced control provided by the Ruger American Gen 2 308.
Stock Features Benefits
Ergonomic contours and textured grip Ensures a comfortable and secure hold
Generously sized round bolt knob Enhances control and facilitates quick bolt cycling
Precise stock and bolt interface Contributes to enhanced accuracy and shooting performance

ruger american gen 2 308

When it comes to control and precise shooting, the Ruger American Gen 2 308 sets a high standard. The combination of a well-designed stock and a smooth bolt interface gives shooters the confidence they need to excel in any hunting or shooting situation. Whether you’re acquiring your target in dense brush or making long-range shots, the enhanced control provided by the Ruger American Gen 2 308 will elevate your performance to new heights.

The Versatility of the Ruger American Gen 2 308

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is not only a reliable hunting rifle, but it also offers versatility in its applications. Whether you’re planning a whitetail deer hunt or aiming for larger game, this rifle is up to the challenge. Its accuracy, durability, and performance make it a top-tier choice for both experienced hunters and firearms enthusiasts.

With the Ruger American Gen 2 308, you have the flexibility to choose from different calibers and configurations, allowing you to tailor your firearm to your specific needs and preferences. This level of customization ensures that you have the right tools for any hunting or shooting situation.

From the rugged terrain of the backcountry to the precision demands of long-range shooting, the Ruger American Gen 2 308 consistently delivers outstanding performance. Its enhanced features, such as the three-position safety, modular stock, and user-adjustable trigger, contribute to its versatility and adaptability.

Whether you’re planning a hunting expedition or looking for a reliable target rifle, the Ruger American Gen 2 308 is an excellent choice. Its versatility, combined with its trusted performance, makes it a highly sought-after firearm in the market. So why settle for anything less when you can have a top-tier hunting rifle?

Summary of Key Points:

  • The Ruger American Gen 2 308 offers versatility for various hunting scenarios.
  • Its accuracy, durability, and performance make it suitable for both experienced hunters and firearms enthusiasts.
  • Different calibers and configurations allow shooters to choose the option that best suits their needs.
  • Enhanced features contribute to the rifle’s versatility and adaptability.

Experience the versatility and outstanding performance of the Ruger American Gen 2 308 for yourself.

Key Features Benefits
Ambidextrous Three-Position Safety Enhances security and convenience during hunting
Modular Stock Design Allows for customization to fit different shooters
Improved Aesthetics Elevates the overall look and feel of the rifle
Three-Lug Action Provides smooth operation and reliable feeding
User-Adjustable Trigger Allows for personalized performance
Stock and Bolt Interface Enhances control and accuracy

Conclusion

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing hunters with an enhanced rifle that delivers improved functionality, stock design, and aesthetics. With its ambidextrous three-position safety, shooters can confidently navigate challenging terrains while keeping the bolt securely locked. The modular stock design allows for personalized adjustments in length of pull and comb height, catering to shooters of different sizes and preferences.

Not only does the Ruger American Gen 2 308 offer enhanced features, but it also boasts an attractive appearance. The stock’s sculpted contours and spider-web style platter finish give it a refined and rugged look. The gun metal gray Cerakote finish on the metalwork adds to its overall appeal, making it a rifle that stands out in the field.

While the Ruger American Gen 2 308 may not possess the same level of refinement as higher-priced competitors, it offers excellent value for its mid-range price segment. Whether you’re a hunter or a recreational shooter, this precision rifle is a top choice for its reliability, customization options, and reliable performance. The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is a testament to Ruger’s commitment to providing shooters with a dependable firearm that meets their needs.

FAQ

What are the key features of the Ruger American Gen 2 308?

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 boasts an ambidextrous three-position safety, modular stock design, and improved aesthetics.

Why is the three-position safety important in the Ruger American Gen 2 308?

The ambidextrous three-position safety provides added security and convenience while traversing terrain, and it can be easily operated with either hand.

How does the modular stock in the Ruger American Gen 2 308 enhance customization?

The modular stock allows for adjustable length of pull and comb height, catering to shooters of different sizes and preferences. Additional spacer kits are available for reducing the length of pull.

What improvements have been made to the aesthetics of the Ruger American Gen 2 308?

The rifle features a spider-web style platter finish on the stock and attractive gun metal gray Cerakote on the metalwork, giving it a racy and rugged look.

How does the three-lug action contribute to the smooth operation of the Ruger American Gen 2 308?

The three-lug action, combined with dual cocking ramps on the bolt, reduces the effort required to cycle the bolt, ensuring smooth operation.

Can the trigger in the Ruger American Gen 2 308 be adjusted?

Yes, the user-adjustable trigger allows shooters to personalize their shooting experience by adjusting the pull weight between three and five pounds.

How does the stock and bolt interface enhance control in the Ruger American Gen 2 308?

The stock’s contours and texturing provide a comfortable and secure grip, while the round bolt knob allows for excellent control. The stock and bolt interface contribute to enhanced accuracy and shooting performance.

What applications is the Ruger American Gen 2 308 suitable for?

The rifle is versatile and suitable for various hunting scenarios, such as whitetail deer hunting and large game hunting, making it a top-tier choice for hunters and firearms enthusiasts.

Is the Ruger American Gen 2 308 worth its price range?

Yes, the rifle offers excellent value for its price range, with its enhanced features, reliable performance, and customizable options.

How does the Ruger American Gen 2 308 compare to the first-generation Ruger American rifle?

The Ruger American Gen 2 308 is a significant upgrade, with improvements in functionality, stock design, and aesthetics, making it a sought-after hunting rifle.
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