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June 13th, 2014
This month Ruger is introducing a new varmint version of its popular Ruger American Rifle (RAR). The RAR “Predator” model is offered in six (6) different chamberings: .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. All have 22″ free-floated, medium-contour barrels except the .308 Win, which has an 18″ tube, making it a very handy truck gun.
Gun writer Ed Head got his hands on one of the new RAR Predator rifles, chambered in .223 Remington. He reviewed the Predator for the DownRange.TV blog. The reviewer liked the compact 6.62-pound rifle, which features a molded polymer stock and hammer-forged 1:8″ twist barrel. Ed Head liked the short-throw bolt, and he praised the crisp trigger. Accuracy, as tested, was not that impressive — 1.224″ on average at 100 yards. But the tester noted that some types of ammo shot much better than others. So, conceivably, with handloads, this gun could shoot well under 1 MOA. Shooting at steel targets, the tester “managed to shoot 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards, 2.5-inch groups at 200 yards, and 7-inch groups at 300 yards, all with the Lake City ammunition.”
CLICK HERE To Read Full Review of Ruger American Rifle Predator
Overall, reviewer Ed Head liked the Predator enough that he decided to purchase his test rifle: “I like this rifle and I’m going to buy it from Ruger. It will shoot ‘minute of squirrel’ at reasonable ranges and should do well on bigger critters — predators — out to 400 yards or more.”
Rifle Features
- One-piece, 3-Lug 70° bolt with full-diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams.
- Integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver.
- Action comes with factory-installed aluminum Weaver-style scope rail.
- Two-position safety can lock trigger (but not bolt) to allow safe unloading.
- Adjustable 3.5-lb Ruger Marksman trigger with Savage-style inner safety blade.
- Barrel factory-threaded at muzzle for muzzle brakes, flash hiders, and/or suppressors.
- Rotary magazines with 4- or 5-round capacity (depending on caliber). These magazines are a little tough to load correctly.
April 20th, 2014
Texas-based CDNN Investments, a large vendor of firearms and accessories, regularly offers great deals on guns and shooting gear. CDNN acquires overstock and discontinued inventory from major manufacturers and then sells this merchandise at a deep discount (way below MSRP). Over the years, CDNN has also specialized in law enforcement “buy-backs”, acquiring large quantities of “previously owned” police handguns, many of which have fired very few rounds. In addition to the overstock and trade-in firearms, CDNN maintains a huge inventory of new magazines and other gun accessories.
Great Prices at CDNN on Ruger 10/22 Rifles and Ruger 22/45 Pistols
The latest CDNN 14-1 Catalog has been released, and we found some great deals on Ruger rimfire firearms. If you are looking for an inexpensive, reliable .22 LR rifle and pistol for plinking with the kids (or dispatching furry pests on the farm), here are some great deals. The Ruger 10/22 is a classic that can easily be upgraded with aftermarket stocks, barrels, optics, and even triggers.
CDNN Launches All-New, Easy-To-Navigate Webstore
For 2014, CDNN has completely updated its website. At CDNNSports.com you’ll now find a modern, secure shopping cart system, with user-friendly navigation. Up top are tabs for Firearms, Optics, Accessories, Gun Parts, Magazines, Ammunition, and Current Specials. You can search by brand or keyword, so it’s now much easier to find specific products, such as grips and magazines for particular brands of pistols.
April 17th, 2014
Do you have a tactical rifle project in the works, or are you looking to upgrade the bottom metal on your existing bolt gun? Then head over to the PT&G website before the end of month. During April Pacific Tool & Gauge (PT&G) is running a Bottom Metal Blow-Out Sale. You can save 15-42% on quality Bottom metal for a variety of rifle types — Colt, Howa, Remington, Ruger, Winchester. On sale this month are both flush and extended options for detachable box magazines. In addition, you’ll find a variety of hinged, flush bottom metal sets for conventional internal magazines.
New PT&G Bottom Metal for Ruger Actions
Ruger owners take note — PT&G is now taking orders for DBM-capable Stealth bottom metal for Ruger rifles. This bottom metal in offered in both Short Action and Long Action Versions. It will fit the M77, M77 Scout (short action only), and M77 Hawkeye, and Ruger American (with aftermarket stock). The Short Action Version is now $99 (28% off) while the Long Action verision is $119.50 (20% Off).
March 26th, 2014
Ouch. The Ruger American Rimfire (RAR) rifle has only been on the market for a few months, and now some of the .22 WMR and .17 HMR versions are already being recalled. Some of these RARs left the factory without the necessary gas venting port.
CLICK HERE for Full Ruger American Rimfire Recall Notice
Reason for Recall
Ruger American Rimfire rifles chambered in .22 WMR and .17 HMR manufactured between November 17, 2013 and January 8, 2014 were manufactured without a vent hole. This hole should appear just below and behind the serial number on the left-hand side of the receiver. The hole does not serve any function during normal operation of the rifle, but is a safety feature and may help vent gas in the event of a problem such as a ruptured case head or bore obstruction. Rifles are being recalled to add the vent hole to the action.
Which Particular Rifles Are Being Recalled?
Only Ruger American Rimfire rifles chambered in .22 WMR and .17 HMR within the serial number range 830-34831 to 830-43880 are subject to the recall. If your rifle is chambered in .22 LR or falls outside this serial number range, it is not subject to the recall. If you do have a RAR chambered in .22 WMR or .17 HMR, examine the left side of the receiver, just below and behind the serial number. If there is a hole there (Figure 1), then you do not need to return the rifle. If there is no hole (Figure 2), then the rifle should be returned.
If you own a RAR chambered in .22 WMR or .17 HMR that is subject to the recall, contact Ruger. Call (603) 865-3100 or send email to: recall@ruger.com. After verifying that the recall applies to your rifle, Ruger will send out a packing container, detailed instructions, and shipping label so you can send in your rifle FREE of charge. Ruger will then retrofit your rifle and return it to you within one week of the day Ruger receives it.
For RAR owners affected by the recall, Ruger will pay all costs of shipping (both ways). Ruger will also include a free magazine, a $24.95 value, when Ruger returns the rifle. Connecticut residents will receive a ShopRuger.com gift certificate in lieu of the magazine.
March 4th, 2014
 Ah, the power of hindsight. I guess we all wish we’d snapped up some shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR) a few years back. While Ruger’s stock price has come down from its high of 85.93 in mid-January 2014, Ruger stock has still risen more than 400% over the past three years (since January 2011).
Why has Ruger stock risen so far, so fast? Just look at the numbers. Ruger is selling all the guns the company can build. The latest sales figures are remarkable. Ruger just announced that 2013 sales were up 40 percent over 2012. Earnings increased 55 percent for 2013 compared to 2012.
The company said new product introductions were a significant component of sales growth, representing 29 percent of firearm sales in 2013. New product introductions during the year included the LC380 pistol, SR45 pistol, Ruger American Rimfire rifle (below), SR-762 rifle, and Red Label II shotgun. Ruger also noted that in the fourth quarter it began to manufacture a limited quantity of rifles at its recently acquired 220,000 square foot facility in Mayodan, North Carolina. Firearm production at the Mayodan facility is expected to increase during 2014.
October 8th, 2013
Here’s an interesting challenge that could earn you $5000.00 worth of guns. (You like challenges right?) Clever gun customizers out there have a chance to win $5k worth of Ruger products by designing a 50th Anniversary Special Edition 10/22. So go to it — put bells and whistles on a 10/22 and see if Ruger likes your concept. After Ruger selects ten finalists, Ruger’s customers will vote for the winning rifle design. CLICK HERE To enter the Contest.
Ruger wants its fans to help design a Ruger 10/22 rifle to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ruger’s popular rimfire rifle. Just submit photos of your ultimate 10/22 and include info on the build (stock, barrel, muzzle brake etc.). After Ruger narrows the entries to ten (10) finalists, Ruger fans will then vote for their favorite design. The winning designer will receive a production version of his rifle, a trip to Ruger’s Newport, NH plant, and $5,000 to be used toward the purchase of Ruger products. The remaining nine finalists will each receive a standard catalog Ruger firearm of their choice.
Contest Entrants must submit up to three photos of their customized 10/22, provide a list of parts used, and give a brief description of their design. Submissions will be accepted October 7 through October 18, 2013. On October 21, Ruger will announce the ten finalists and fans can vote for their favorite design. For Official Contest Rules, visit www.Ruger.com/1022Contest.
September 21st, 2013
Need a rugged, durable stock for your Ruger 10/22? EABCO (E. Arthur Brown Company) has you covered. EABCO is offering a limited quantity of Fajen Composite 10/22 Stocks for just $49.00. EABCO tells us: “We bought out the last 24 of these, so get them while you can.” These are new-in-box, non-warping composite target stocks finished in black, with checkering on the grip and fore-end. Sling swivel studs, and rubber buttpad are installed. The stocks, sized for adults, are drop-in fits for your Ruger 10/22. There is enough clearance in the barrel channel to handle .920″-diameter heavy contour target barrels. If you are interested, call EABCO at 800-950-9088. The super-low $49.00 price is available via phone orders only.
Product tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions
September 16th, 2013
Recently, we profiled the all-new, bolt-action Ruger American Rimfire™ rifle. It’s modular, affordable (MSRP $329.00), and it will be offered in three rimfire chamberings: .22 LR, .22 WMR, and 17 HMR. Notably, the .22 versions can use all types of Ruger 10/22 magazines — that’s a huge plus for folks who already own a Ruger 10/22. After this new rifle was introduced, readers wondered how well it functions, and how the accuracy compares to the popular .22 LR bolt guns from CZ and Savage.
GunsAmerica Blog Review
 GunsAmerica, a leading firearms buy/sell website, managed to get hold of one of these Ruger American Rimfire rifles, chambered in .22 LR. GunsAmerica’s staff put the rifle through its paces at the range, and came away very impressed. The test rifle shot sub-inch groups at 50 yards with Federal Lightning and CCI Stinger ammunition. We expect the rifle would shoot even better with quality, match-grade Lapua or Eley rimfire ammo. CLICK HERE for full GunsAmerica Rifle Review.
Given the smooth-working bolt, crisp 3-lb trigger, and comfortable stock with built-in bedding system, GunsAmerica concludes that this Ruger delivers a lot of performance for the $329.00 price. GunsAmerica’s writers are probably right in predicting that the Ruger American Rifle will be a hot-seller, stealing market share from other low-to-mid-priced rimfire brands (such as CZ):
“With this one new rifle Ruger has propelled itself to the front of the pack of the bolt-action rimfire market[.] While there are other great rimfire bolt guns out there at affordable prices, nobody is going to dispute that the Ruger American Rimfire has leapfrogged the entire market. The rifle is superb, and missing really nothing. These guns are going to fly off the shelves….”
September 1st, 2013
Ruger recently announced the new Ruger American Rimfire™ series of bolt-action rimfire rifles, chambered in .22LR or .22 Magnum. These rifles feature an interesting convertible polymer stock and the .22LR versions can run 10/22 magazines. You could say the new rifles borrow features from the centerfire Ruger American Rifle® series, while offering mag interchangeability with 10/22 rimfire rifle. Ruger offers both full-sized (22″ barrel/13.75″ length of pull) and compact (18″ barrel/12.5″ length of pull) models, both of which are available in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. All models have a suggested retail price of $329.00.
Comb Height Adjusts with Interchangeable Stock Modules
Ruger’s new rimfires feature interchangeable stock modules that provide variable comb heights. Standard models come with long length of pull modules, while compact models come with short length of pull modules. By simply removing the rear sling swivel stud, stock modules can be changed in seconds.
.22LR Models Can Use All 10/22 Magazines
Models chambered in .22LR feature the detachable, flush-mounted 10/22® BX1 10-round rotary magazine and accept all 10/22® magazines. Models chambered in .22 Magnum use the detachable, flush-mounted JMX1 9-round rotary magazine.
Dove-Tailed Action and Bolt with 60° Bolt Throw
Standard 3/8″ dovetails for rimfire rings are milled into the actions, which are also drilled and tapped for mounting Weaver-style bases. The 60-degree bolt can be removed with an easy-to-use, receiver-mounted bolt release that does NOT require a pull of the trigger.
Integral Bedding Block for Action
The new rimfire rifles also feature a patent-pending Power Bedding® integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver and free floats the barrel. Additional features include a blued, hammer-forged barrel with fiber optic front sight and adjustable, folding leaf rear sight.
New Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
July 17th, 2013
The Ruger® Guide Gun has been awarded a 2013 “Best of the Best” Award from Field & Stream magazine. The current Ruger Guide Gun combines features of several of Ruger’s most popular rifles in a versatile, general-purpose hunting rifle.
The Guide Gun features a stainless action and barrel, removable muzzle brake, safari-style iron sights, adjustable length-of-pull (with three 1/2″ spacers), barrel band sling swivel, and a Green Mountain laminated wood stock. The new Ruger Guide Gun is available in .30-06 Spr, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .300 RCM, .338 RCM, and .375 Ruger. A left-handed configuration is available in .375 Ruger.
 Removable Muzzle Brake/Weight
The Ruger Guide Gun includes a removable, radial-port muzzle brake that significantly reduces felt recoil. If you don’t need the brake, it may be replaced by a dynamically-matched muzzle weight, provided as part of the system. Ruger claims that: “switching between the brake and the weight will not change the bullet’s point of impact. The included thread protector may be used if neither the brake nor the weight is desired.”
Video Explains Ruger Guide Gun Features
The Ruger Guide Gun has Mauser-type controlled feeding (with claw extractor), three-position safety, and Ruger scope rings that install on the integral mounts. All Ruger Guide Guns feature windage adjustable shallow “V” notch rear sights and large white bead front sights for instant sight alignment.
Guide Gun May Be Rugged and Versatile, but Accuracy is Disappointing
The Guide Gun tested by Field & Stream had a heavy trigger and mediocre accuracy, but the Magazine’s editors still praised its hunting capabilities: “On our .375 Ruger test rifle, the trigger broke at 4 pounds, 8 ounces with a very slight creep. The mechanism is an open design that will not collect water or debris. Our groups averaged 1.40 inch at 100 yards, fine for a rifle of this type. The removable muzzle brake does a good job of suppressing recoil, but if you don’t care for the noise it can be removed and replaced with an unported dummy brake of identical weight that allows you to keep your zero.”
Editor’s Comment: Field & Stream may be satisfied with a one-and-a-half MOA rifle for hunting purposes, but frankly, we expect better accuracy from a gun with an $1199.00 MSRP. Is this really “Best of the Best”? At that price, we don’t think so. The Guide Gun does have some interesting features, but you’ll pay a premium for that trick muzzle brake and the safari sights.
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