# Unveiling the Ruger American Predator: The Ultimate Left-Handed Hunter's Companion in 7mm-08 Remington

For discerning left-handed shooters and hunters who demand precision, adaptability, and unwavering reliability in a modern bolt-action rifle, the Ruger American Predator Left Hand in 7mm-08 Remington (Model 26917) stands as a premier choice. This isn't just another hunting rifle; it's a purpose-built tool designed to deliver superior performance in diverse shooting scenarios, from the dense woods to open plains. Are you a left-handed hunter struggling to find a rifle that truly fits your natural shooting style? Do you seek a versatile cartridge capable of taking down a wide range of game with authority and manageable recoil? If you're asking, "What is the best bolt-action rifle for left-handed hunters?", or "Which rifle offers excellent accuracy and value?", this comprehensive guide will provide the answers you're looking for.

Why Choose the Ruger American Predator Left Hand? Precision Engineering for Southpaws

The Ruger American Predator series has earned a formidable reputation for its blend of accuracy, ruggedness, and affordability, and the Model 26917 specifically addresses the needs of left-handed shooters. This rifle eliminates the compromises often faced by lefties, providing a truly ambidextrous or left-optimized experience without sacrificing performance. Its design philosophy centers on delivering sub-MOA accuracy straight out of the box, making it an exceptional value proposition for both new and experienced shooters.

A Deeper Look: Core Features That Set It Apart

What makes the Ruger American Predator Left Hand such a compelling option? Let's delve into its meticulously engineered components:

1. Ergonomic Left-Hand Stock in Moss Green:
The robust, one-piece synthetic stock is molded in a distinctive moss green color, providing a subtle, natural camouflage that blends seamlessly into most environments. Crucially, this stock is designed specifically for left-handed shooters, featuring an optimized grip and cheek weld that promote natural point-of-aim and comfortable shooting. The forend incorporates M-LOK attachment points, a significant upgrade that allows for easy and secure mounting of accessories like bipods, slings, and lights, customizing the rifle to your specific needs without permanent modifications. This lightweight yet durable stock ensures exceptional weather resistance, shrugging off rain, snow, and mud, making it ideal for real-world hunting conditions where reliability is paramount. Its texture provides a secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves, enhancing control and stability during critical shots.

2. Cold Hammer-Forged, Free-Floated Barrel:
The heart of any accurate rifle is its barrel. The Ruger American Predator boasts a 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, ensuring exceptional accuracy, longevity, and ease of cleaning. The cold hammer-forging process creates a precise rifling pattern, contributing significantly to the rifle's inherent accuracy potential. Furthermore, the barrel is completely free-floated, meaning it only touches the receiver and is not constrained by the forend of the stock. This critical design feature eliminates pressure points that can negatively impact barrel harmonics and accuracy, allowing the barrel to vibrate consistently with each shot, leading to tighter groups. The 22-inch length strikes a perfect balance, providing sufficient velocity for the 7mm-08 Remington cartridge while maintaining excellent maneuverability in dense cover or during quick target acquisition. The barrel also features a threaded muzzle (5/8"-24 thread pitch), ready for a muzzle brake or suppressor, enhancing recoil control and reducing muzzle blast for an even more comfortable shooting experience. The matte black finish on the barrel and action minimizes glare, preventing spooking game and maintaining a low profile in the field.

3. Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger:
Precision shooting demands a crisp, consistent trigger pull. The Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger system is a standout feature, offering a user-adjustable pull weight range from 3 to 5 pounds. This allows shooters to fine-tune the trigger to their personal preference, promoting greater control and confidence when squeezing off a shot. The integral safety blade within the trigger shoe prevents accidental discharge unless the trigger is intentionally pulled, adding an extra layer of safety. This clean-breaking trigger significantly contributes to the rifle's overall accuracy, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture throughout the shot process.

4. Patented Power Bedding® System:
Ruger's innovative Power Bedding® integral bedding block system free-floats the barrel and positively locates the receiver, creating a rock-solid platform for the action. This system ensures that the barrel and receiver are consistently aligned, minimizing any movement that could compromise accuracy. By creating a precise interface between the action and the stock, Power Bedding® enhances the rifle's ability to deliver consistent shot-to-shot performance, a crucial factor for achieving tight groups and reliable hits in the field.

5. One-Piece, Three-Lug Bolt with 70° Throw:
The smooth, reliable action of the Ruger American Predator is facilitated by its one-piece, three-lug bolt. This design provides maximum lockup strength and a short, 70-degree bolt throw. The shorter throw allows for ample scope clearance, preventing the bolt handle from interfering with larger scope objective lenses, which is a common issue with traditional two-lug designs. This also enables faster cycling for quick follow-up shots, an invaluable advantage when hunting moving game. The full-diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams ensure smooth, effortless cycling from the shoulder, even under adverse conditions.

6. Detachable Box Magazine:
The rifle comes with a 4-round capacity detachable box magazine, designed for reliable feeding and easy loading and unloading. This flush-fit magazine is convenient for hunters, allowing for quick reloads without fumbling with internal magazines or floorplates. Its design also contributes to the rifle's sleek profile, preventing snagging on brush or clothing.

The Versatility of 7mm-08 Remington: A Hunter's Favorite

Why is the 7mm-08 Remington such a popular choice, especially for a rifle like the Ruger American Predator? This cartridge offers a compelling blend of attributes that make it incredibly effective for a wide array of North American game:

• Balanced Performance: The 7mm-08 Remington strikes an ideal balance between bullet diameter, case capacity, and recoil. It offers ballistic performance very similar to the venerable .270 Winchester or .308 Winchester but with noticeably less recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods and for shooters who are recoil-sensitive.
• Excellent Ballistics: It launches 7mm bullets (typically 120-160 grains) at impressive velocities, delivering flat trajectories and excellent energy transfer out to considerable distances. This makes it highly effective for medium to large game.
• Wide Game Suitability: The 7mm-08 Rem is perfectly suited for hunting deer, pronghorn, sheep, goats, black bears, and even elk with proper bullet selection. Its ability to handle a variety of bullet weights allows hunters to tailor their ammunition to specific game and conditions.
• Manageable Recoil: The moderate recoil impulse is a significant advantage, especially for accurate shot placement in hunting scenarios. Less flinching means better precision, which translates directly into more ethical kills.
• Short Action Efficiency: Being based on a necked-down .308 Winchester case, it fits into a short-action rifle, allowing for a lighter, more compact, and quicker-handling firearm. The Ruger American Predator's design capitalizes on this inherent efficiency.

If you're asking, "What caliber is best for deer hunting?" or "Which rifle cartridge is good for both deer and elk?", the 7mm-08 Remington is consistently among the top recommendations due to its proven track record and versatility.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The Ruger American Predator Left Hand in 7mm-08 Rem is more than just a collection of features; it's a tool designed for real-world success.

• Whitetail Deer Hunting: Its light weight, maneuverability, and accurate 7mm-08 Rem chambering make it an outstanding choice for whitetail deer hunting, whether you're still-hunting through thick timber or taking longer shots across a field. The Moss Green stock helps it blend into the environment.
• Western Big Game: For pursuits like mule deer, pronghorn, or even elk, the 7mm-08 Rem's flat trajectory and energy make it highly capable, especially when paired with the rifle's sub-MOA accuracy potential. The M-LOK system allows for easy bipod attachment for stable long-range shots.
• Varmint and Predator Control: While primarily a big game cartridge, with lighter, faster bullets, the 7mm-08 Rem can also be an effective choice for larger varmints or predators at extended ranges, offering excellent reach and precision.
• Target Shooting and Practice: The comfortable recoil and inherent accuracy make it an enjoyable rifle for range sessions, allowing shooters to hone their skills without developing a flinch. This practice translates directly into better field performance.
• First Hunting Rifle for Left-Handed Shooters: Its user-friendly features, adjustable trigger, and manageable recoil make it an excellent choice for a new left-handed hunter looking for a reliable and accurate rifle that will serve them for years.

Optimizing Your Ruger American Predator: Accessories and Maintenance

To truly unlock the full potential of your Ruger American Predator, consider these enhancements and practices:

• Optics: A quality scope is paramount. Given the rifle's accuracy potential and the 7mm-08 Rem's effective range, investing in a good variable power scope (e.g., 3-9x40mm or 4-12x40mm) with clear glass and reliable turrets is highly recommended. The rifle comes with an installed Picatinny scope base, simplifying scope mounting.
• Bipod: For stable shooting from a prone or rested position, especially for longer shots or target practice, an M-LOK compatible bipod is an excellent addition.
• Sling: A comfortable, durable sling is essential for carrying your rifle in the field, reducing fatigue and keeping your hands free.
• Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different factory ammunition brands and bullet weights to find what your rifle prefers for optimal accuracy. For hunting, choose quality expanding bullets designed for the game you pursue.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the bore, bolt, and action is crucial for maintaining accuracy and reliability. Follow Ruger's recommendations for cleaning and lubrication to ensure your rifle performs flawlessly for years to come. The simplicity of the American Predator's design makes field stripping and routine maintenance straightforward.

Building Trust: Why the Ruger American Predator Stands Out

The Ruger American Predator isn't just a popular rifle; it's a top-tier performer in its category, frequently cited by experts and enthusiasts alike for its exceptional value. When considering a new hunting rifle, especially for left-handed use, key factors such as reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and price point are paramount. The Model 26917 excels in all these areas.

Ruger's commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the cold hammer-forged barrel to the patented Power Bedding® system. Users consistently report sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition, meaning groups of less than one inch at 100 yards are achievable, a testament to the rifle's precision engineering. The left-hand specific design means no more awkward bolt manipulation or reaching over the receiver to load, translating to faster, more natural operation and improved confidence in the field. This level of performance and thoughtful design, offered at a competitive price, is what truly sets the Ruger American Predator apart in a crowded market. It represents a smart investment for any serious hunter or shooter.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ruger American Predator Left Hand

• Is the Ruger American Predator a good hunting rifle? Absolutely. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, lightweight design, and chambering versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of hunting scenarios.
• What kind of accuracy can I expect from the Ruger American Predator? Many users report achieving sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy, meaning groups under 1 inch at 100 yards, with quality ammunition. This makes it highly capable for ethical hunting shots.
• Is the 7mm-08 Remington good for elk? Yes, with proper bullet selection (e.g., 140-160 grain premium bonded or monolithic bullets), the 7mm-08 Rem is capable of cleanly taking elk, especially at reasonable hunting ranges. It's often considered a minimum for elk by some, but highly effective in the right hands.
• Can I put a suppressor on the Ruger American Predator? Yes, the 22-inch barrel features a 5/8"-24 thread pitch, which is a common standard for muzzle devices and suppressors, allowing for easy attachment.
• Where can I find the Ruger American Predator Left Hand (UPC 736676269172)? The Ruger American Predator Left Hand (Model 26917) is available through reputable firearms dealers. For a wide selection and competitive pricing, consider checking DEGuns at deguns.com. They often stock a comprehensive range of Ruger firearms, including specialized models like this left-hand variant.

The Ruger American Predator Left Hand in 7mm-08 Remington (Model 26917) is a testament to Ruger's dedication to providing high-quality, specialized firearms that meet the specific demands of its customers. Its robust feature set, combined with the versatility of the 7mm-08 Remington cartridge, makes it an unparalleled choice for the left-handed hunter seeking an accurate, reliable, and ergonomic rifle for their outdoor pursuits.

Ruger American Predator Left Hand (26917) Key Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	26917
UPC	736676269172
Caliber	7mm-08 Remington
Capacity	4+1 Rounds
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Thread	5/8"-24
Stock Color	Moss Green
Finish	Matte Black
Hand Orientation	Left Handed
Stock Type	Synthetic with M-LOK
Trigger	Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ (3-5 lbs)
Magazine	Detachable Box Magazine