A Problem With ALL Ruger American centerfire rifles

[Mike 338]

Welllll...
1. After buying a 6.5 CM Ruger Precision Rifle I intended to sell the RAP but then...
2. I saw the beautiful Boyd's Classic stock in "Nutmeg" color and had to have it. Soon after...
3. I decided to install a Timmy trigger (great decision) & a Savage alloy guard. So...
4. I then got a SWFA 2 - 15 x 42 scope on a big sale and loved it.

Yes, it is a "pig" dressed up but it's a damned accurate "pig".

It was not until I got it in the field I then discovered the bolt lift problem.
So I'm going to talk to Anarchy Outdoors and a few other Ruger aftermarket providers to see if there is a Savage type fix for the safety and bolt they may be willing to make and sell.

Eric B.

Ha, ha,

I got a Remington 783 that I gussied up like that. It's fun.

 

[billn17]

I used my RA in 243 for the 1st time this year and didn' have the open bolt issue. In fact there is some light resistance when opening the bolt just as it should.

 

[CaptnC]

You guys expect a bargain basement budget rifle to have bells and whistles and safety locking bolts?

Don't get much cheaper than a Savage and they lock the bolt on the third position...not sure about the Axis...I have one, but tore it apart before I messed with it very much.

 

[Joefrazell]

Missed a deer two years ago because of this. Bolt raised just enough to not strike hard enough. The buck was at 60 yards and took off lol.

 

[Timeout]

I used my RA in 243 for the 1st time this year and didn' have the open bolt issue. In fact there is some light resistance when opening the bolt just as it should.

I have a Ruger American 223 that I've carried through places a rabbit wouldn't go. Never had a problem with the bolt lifting. The rifle shoots pretty well for a short, pencil barreled rig. Absolutely no complaints. Then again in my 69 years I've never hired anyone to carry my rifle for me.

 

[Joefrazell]

I have a Ruger American 223 that I've carried through places a rabbit wouldn't go. Never had a problem with the bolt lifting. The rifle shoots pretty well for a short, pencil barreled rig. Absolutely no complaints. Then again in my 69 years I've never hired anyone to carry my rifle for me.

It's never happened till it happens. I love my rap rifle. Shoots amazing and is a workhorse. I will continue to carry it. It caused me to miss a buck one day so I found another one. Killed a deer this year at 630 yards with it. It's fairly light compared to my others.

 

[Mowgli Terry]

Have safeties of late lacked the locking feature. Thought it had to do with unloading the rifle with safety on. This is non-issue with three position Model 70 kinda safety.

 

[huntsman22]

You can still unload the American with the safety on...... Itb just lacks the 3rd position that locks the bolt. Hence the complaints.

 

[alien308]

A friend of mine shoots with the RA and never had such issues i guess this is peculiar to your rifle. I suggest you have your gunsmith take a look.

 

[Litehiker]

What can I say? Ruger just skimped on a 3 position bolt locking safety. "Price point" ya know.

 

[elmerkeithclone]

As much as I like the Ruger American...and I do! I like the Thompson Center Compass even more. They have a stiffer stock, better magazine, three position swing safety that locks the bolt, every one of them has a threaded barrel for a can if you're into that sort of thing and the two that I own cost less money than my RAs. They are worth consideration!

 

[RockyMtnMT]

As much as I like the Ruger American...and I do! I like the Thompson Center Compass even more. They have a stiffer stock, better magazine, three position swing safety that locks the bolt, every one of them has a threaded barrel for a can if you're into that sort of thing and the two that I own cost less money than my RAs. They are worth consideration!

Has there been issues with the Ruger mag? I personally think they are genius. Light weight, easy to load, and feed well.

I will say that the Ruger Americans that we have have been used as bullet testing rifles and only carried for hunting a little bit, but never a problem.

Steve

 

[elmerkeithclone]

Probably not anything wrong with the Ruger mag. It's just my observation that the TC mags are a little heavier built and the spring is a little more rigid across the length of the shell....less flimsy. Like I said, I like my Ruger Americans but was pleasantly surprised when I unboxed the TC Compass.

The TCs are guaranteed to shoot sub MOA and mine does with flying colors......but then again so do my RAs.

Staying with the original post...I have never had an issue with the bolt staying down on either of my RAs. My 450 Bushmaster hunted in the brush a lot this fall and had every opportunity to screw up if it was going to but never did. My RA 223 carbine or whatever it's called with it's short stature has wandered across lots of hills and big ditches following coyote tracks the last two years and it never gave me cause for worry either.

 

[SMK1000plus]

Ha, ha,

I got a Remington 783 that I gussied up like that. It's fun.

I've dress up a T/Compass 7mm-08 like that also. Got a nice Boyds "Desert Orange" Pro Varmint stock on it now, pillar bedded. Stuck a good muzzle brake on it. Only have 30 rounds thru it so far but, all have been less than 3/4 MOA after the first 3 used for sight-in. Very nice looking. Still only have $440 in the rifle and stock and still have to work up loads for the accuracy node for it.