A Fresh Perspective on Design and Features
Design and Features
The hunting world and the shooting sports landscape are perpetually evolving, constantly refining and improving upon existing designs to meet the ever-demanding needs of enthusiasts. Ruger, a name synonymous with American ingenuity and reliability, has long been at the forefront of this evolution. Their American Rifle series, a cornerstone of the company’s offerings, is a testament to their commitment to providing quality firearms at accessible price points. And now, with the introduction of the Gen II, Ruger has taken a good thing and, seemingly, made it even better. This evolution is particularly exciting when considering the rifle’s chambering in the hard-hitting and widely popular 7.62×39 caliber.
This exploration delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39, offering a comprehensive analysis that should provide a clear understanding of what makes this rifle tick and why it’s a compelling choice for both seasoned shooters and those new to the sport. We’ll compare it with its predecessors, examining the advancements, and assess its place in the competitive market.
The transition from Gen I to Gen II of the Ruger American Rifle isn’t merely a cosmetic upgrade; it signifies a fundamental shift in the design philosophy, aimed at improving ergonomics and enhancing the overall shooting experience. The most immediate difference is the revised stock design. Ruger has meticulously crafted a stock that emphasizes enhanced comfort and control. The grip area is now subtly sculpted, providing a secure and confident purchase, even under adverse weather conditions. The forend, too, has been refined, giving a better grip for those who enjoy shooting from the prone position. The goal is to create a seamless interface between the shooter and the rifle, fostering greater stability and accuracy.
Beyond the stock, the Gen II boasts improvements to the bolt action. While remaining characteristically robust, the Gen II’s action demonstrates a refined smoothness that allows for faster follow-up shots. These subtle adjustments, a testament to Ruger’s commitment to continual improvement, are crucial for hunting scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. The Gen II also includes an improved trigger system, which is now more crisp and consistent.
Diving Deeper into the 7.62×39 Chambering
Cartridge Advantages
The chambering of the Ruger American Gen II in 7.62×39 is a significant factor. The 7.62×39 cartridge enjoys a long-standing reputation for its effectiveness. It’s known for its reasonable recoil, excellent ballistics in the short to medium ranges, and its widespread availability. This cartridge is favored by hunters and shooters alike because of its ample stopping power, making it an ideal choice for harvesting medium-sized game. Furthermore, the 7.62×39 is often associated with affordability. Ammunition for this caliber is often more accessible than other, higher-performance cartridges. This is a major plus for those who enjoy frequent range sessions or have budget constraints.
The Ruger American Gen II is expertly tailored to handle the characteristics of the 7.62×39. The rifle’s design, from its barrel twist rate to the magazine system, is specifically engineered to maximize the cartridge’s performance. The choice of this chambering, therefore, enhances the rifle’s overall value proposition.
Examining the Critical Components
Action, Trigger and Barrel
The heart of any bolt-action rifle is its action, and the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 doesn’t disappoint. The action is smooth, reliable, and designed for easy operation. It’s a crucial feature in the field, where quick and seamless loading is essential. The bolt itself has a robust three-lug design, ensuring secure lockup and helping to contribute to the accuracy of the rifle. The three-lug design also provides a relatively short bolt lift, meaning less movement is required to cycle the bolt, which in turn contributes to faster follow-up shots.
The trigger is a critical element impacting accuracy. The Gen II has a refined trigger system. This trigger has a clean break and is readily adjustable. This ensures shooters can customize the trigger to their personal preferences. A good trigger, as we know, contributes to a more accurate shooting experience.
The barrel is another crucial part of the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39’s design. The barrel is constructed from high-quality steel, designed to endure the demands of repeated firing. The barrel length is typically ideal for the 7.62×39, optimizing its ballistic performance. The rifling twist rate is meticulously selected to stabilize the 7.62×39 projectiles, ensuring consistent accuracy. Moreover, many models come with threaded muzzles, making it easy to add a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
The stock on the Ruger American Gen II is made of a durable polymer material. The ergonomics of the stock are designed for comfort and a good fit. It is a vital point to have a stock that gives a comfortable shooting experience and the confidence to shoot accurately.
The detachable magazine system is a welcomed addition. The magazine is easy to load, and it allows for quick and easy reloading. The capacity is designed to match the demands of both hunting and range use.
Safety is, of course, paramount. The rifle includes a tang-mounted safety, an easy-to-use and reliable feature. This allows the shooter to quickly and effectively manipulate the safety, ensuring safe handling at all times.
Performance Assessment
Accuracy and Handling
When testing a rifle, the key consideration must be the accuracy it can achieve. The Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 is consistently praised for its impressive accuracy. During testing, you’ll find that the rifle typically shoots groups that are well within acceptable standards for hunting. These results demonstrate the quality of the barrel, the stability of the action, and the effectiveness of the trigger.
The recoil of the 7.62×39 is generally manageable. This makes the rifle comfortable to shoot for extended periods. This low recoil contributes to faster follow-up shots, and this is a significant advantage in hunting situations. The overall feel and handling of the rifle are user-friendly.
The experience of shooting the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 in real-world scenarios is positive. It’s well-suited for hunting medium-sized game. The rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and manageable recoil make it a valuable tool in the field. Shooters report a solid and dependable experience.
Comparing with Rivals
Differences and Competitors
How does the Gen II compare to the original Ruger American? The Gen II builds upon the solid foundation of the original, introducing improvements in ergonomics and overall refinement of the trigger system. These advancements enhance the shooting experience and contribute to improved accuracy.
When comparing the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 to its competitors, consider rifles such as the Savage Axis II and the CZ 527. The Savage Axis II offers a competitive price point, while the CZ 527 is known for its quality. However, the Ruger American Gen II offers a strong combination of features, performance, and value. It holds its own and generally offers an advantage.
Evaluating the Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 are numerous. It is known for its impressive accuracy, making it a reliable option for various shooting activities. The affordability of the rifle and the availability of the 7.62×39 ammunition are significant benefits. The ergonomics are well-designed, ensuring comfort and a good fit. The rifle is also reliable and simple to maintain. The ease of maintenance is an important factor, especially for those new to firearms.
Of course, there are always areas for consideration. Some shooters might find the trigger pull a bit heavier. However, the trigger is adjustable, and this is less of a concern. However, overall, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Final Thoughts
The Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 is a standout option in the bolt-action rifle market. Ruger has thoughtfully refined their design, improving upon what was already a popular choice. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, and value make it a top pick for hunters and target shooters. The enhancements found in the Gen II, especially in the ergonomics and trigger system, contribute to a more enjoyable and effective shooting experience.
Is the Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 a good choice? Absolutely. The rifle’s overall performance and reasonable price make it an excellent value. The Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 is suited for various shooting activities, whether it’s hunting deer or simply enjoying range time.
This rifle is a testament to Ruger’s commitment to excellence. The Ruger American Gen II 7.62×39 is a strong contender, sure to satisfy even the most discerning shooters.
