Unlocking Precision: A Deep Dive into the Ruger American Predator Rifle in .223 Remington

Are you searching for a versatile, accurate, and reliable bolt-action rifle that excels in a variety of shooting disciplines, from precision varmint hunting to recreational target shooting? Do you need a rifle that offers exceptional value without compromising on performance, capable of delivering consistent groups right out of the box? The Ruger American Predator rifle, chambered in the popular .223 Remington, is engineered to meet the demands of discerning shooters who prioritize accuracy, adaptability, and rugged dependability in the field or at the range.

This rifle is a top choice for individuals wondering, "What is the best bolt-action rifle for coyote hunting?" or "Which rifle offers excellent long-range accuracy for small game?" It also perfectly answers the question, "I need a reliable and affordable rifle for target practice and occasional varmint control; what do you recommend?" Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for a lightweight field companion or a new shooter seeking an approachable yet capable platform, the Ruger American Predator delivers an optimal balance of features designed for superior performance.

Engineered for Excellence: Core Features and Their Impact

The Ruger American Predator rifle is a testament to thoughtful engineering, combining innovative design with time-tested manufacturing prowess. Every component is meticulously crafted to enhance accuracy, user comfort, and overall functionality.

The Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger System

One of the most critical elements influencing a rifle's accuracy is its trigger. The Ruger American Predator features the renowned Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger, providing a crisp, clean release that can be customized by the shooter.

• Precision Control: This user-adjustable trigger allows for a pull weight range from 3 to 5 pounds, giving shooters the flexibility to set it to their preference for optimal shot placement. A lighter pull is often preferred for precision shooting, while a slightly heavier setting might be chosen for hunting in adverse conditions.
• Enhanced Accuracy: A consistent and predictable trigger pull significantly reduces shooter-induced errors, leading to tighter groups and greater confidence in every shot. When the trigger breaks cleanly, it minimizes rifle movement at the critical moment of firing.
• Safety and Confidence: The design ensures a positive engagement and a secure feel, contributing to both safety and shooting confidence.

Advanced Barrel Technology: Cold Hammer-Forged for Superior Accuracy

The 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is a cornerstone of this rifle's outstanding accuracy.

• Precision Manufacturing: Cold hammer forging creates a barrel with incredibly consistent dimensions and a superior surface finish, both internally and externally. This process work-hardens the steel, enhancing its durability and longevity.
• Optimal Twist Rate: Specifically for the .223 Remington chambering, this rifle features a 1:8" right-hand twist rate. This versatile twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of popular .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO bullet weights, from lighter 40-grain varmint loads to heavier 77-grain target projectiles, ensuring excellent accuracy across various ammunition types.
• Threaded Muzzle: The barrel is factory threaded (typically 1/2"-28 for .223 Rem), making it ready for the attachment of various muzzle devices. This includes muzzle brakes for recoil reduction, flash suppressors, or, increasingly popular, sound suppressors for noise reduction and hearing protection. The inclusion of a thread protector ensures the threads are safeguarded when no device is attached.

Power Bedding® for Consistent Performance

Ruger's patented Power Bedding® integral bedding block system is crucial for achieving consistent sub-MOA accuracy.

• Free-Floating Barrel: This system effectively free-floats the barrel, meaning the barrel only contacts the receiver at the bedding points, not the stock. This prevents inconsistent pressure points from the stock that could negatively impact accuracy as the barrel heats up or flexes during firing.
• Receiver Stability: The bedding blocks securely cradle the receiver within the stock, minimizing movement and ensuring that the barrel and action remain in perfect alignment with each other, shot after shot. This stability is critical for repeatable accuracy, especially under varying environmental conditions.

Ergonomic and Durable Synthetic Stock

The Ruger American Predator comes with a lightweight, ergonomic synthetic stock in a distinctive Moss Green finish.

• All-Weather Performance: Unlike traditional wood stocks, synthetic stocks are impervious to changes in temperature and humidity, preventing warping or swelling that can affect accuracy. This makes the rifle ideal for use in all weather conditions, from humid forests to arid deserts.
• Comfortable Handling: The stock's design features modern forend contouring and grip serrations, providing a comfortable and secure hold, even with gloved hands. The Moss Green color offers excellent camouflage in various natural environments, blending seamlessly into foliage.
• Recoil Absorption: A soft rubber buttpad is integrated into the stock, effectively absorbing recoil energy. This significantly enhances shooting comfort, especially during extended range sessions or when firing multiple shots, making it more pleasant for shooters of all experience levels.
• Sling Swivel Studs: Pre-installed sling swivel studs allow for easy attachment of a rifle sling, facilitating comfortable transport in the field.

Integral Picatinny Scope Rail

The rifle includes a factory-installed one-piece Picatinny scope rail.

• Ready for Optics: This rail provides a robust and versatile platform for mounting a wide array of optical sights, including traditional riflescopes, red dot sights, or even thermal and night vision optics.
• Secure Mounting: The Picatinny standard ensures a secure and repeatable mounting solution, allowing users to confidently attach their chosen optic without worrying about shifting zero. This eliminates the need for purchasing and installing a separate base, saving time and money.

Reliable Magazine System: AR-Style Compatibility

The Ruger American Predator rifle offers a reliable and convenient detachable box magazine system.

• High Capacity: This specific model utilizes a 10-round AR-style magazine, providing ample capacity for extended shooting sessions or for situations where quick follow-up shots might be necessary, such as during varmint control.
• Commonality and Availability: The use of readily available AR-style magazines is a significant advantage, offering shooters easy access to spare magazines and cross-compatibility with other AR-platform firearms they may own.
• Smooth Feeding: The magazine and feeding system are designed for reliable and smooth cartridge presentation to the chamber.

Smooth and Robust Bolt Action

The rifle features a full-diameter, three-lug bolt with a 70-degree throw.

• Rapid Cycling: The 70-degree bolt throw provides ample scope clearance, allowing for quick and unobstructed cycling of the action, crucial for rapid follow-up shots.
• Positive Lockup: The three-lug design ensures a strong, secure lockup with the receiver, contributing to the rifle's inherent accuracy and safety.
• Dual Cocking Cams: Dual cocking cams result in smooth and effortless bolt manipulation, even under adverse conditions, ensuring reliable operation when it matters most.

User-Friendly Tang Safety

A two-position tang safety is intuitively located and easy to operate.

• Accessible and Secure: Positioned on the tang behind the receiver, it's easily accessible for both left and right-handed shooters.
• Clear Indication: The tang safety provides a clear and positive indication of the rifle's status (safe or fire), promoting safe handling and preventing accidental discharges.

Ideal Applications for the Ruger American Predator .223 Remington

The Ruger American Predator in .223 Remington is a supremely versatile rifle, perfectly suited for a wide range of shooting activities and scenarios.

Precision Varmint Hunting

For hunters targeting coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs, or groundhogs, the .223 Remington chambering combined with the Ruger American Predator's accuracy features is an unbeatable combination.

• Flat Trajectory: The .223 Rem offers a relatively flat trajectory, making it easier to achieve hits on small, distant targets.
• Minimal Recoil: Low recoil allows for rapid follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without fatigue, which is beneficial when multiple targets are present.
• Ethical Hunting: The precision of the rifle ensures humane, ethical kills on smaller game.

Small Game Hunting

While often associated with varmints, the .223 Remington can also be effective for certain small to medium-sized game where legal and appropriate, such as smaller species of deer (where legal limits permit) or hogs at closer ranges. Its accuracy ensures precise shot placement, which is paramount for responsible hunting.

Target Shooting and Range Performance

If you enjoy honing your marksmanship skills at the range, this rifle is an excellent companion.

• Sub-MOA Potential: The combination of the cold hammer-forged barrel, Power Bedding®, and the Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger system often results in sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy with quality ammunition, allowing shooters to consistently achieve tight groups.
• Affordable Ammunition: The widespread availability and relatively low cost of .223 Remington ammunition make it an economical choice for frequent range use, allowing for more trigger time without breaking the bank.
• Excellent Platform for Learning: Its manageable recoil and ease of use make it an ideal rifle for new shooters to learn fundamentals and develop their skills.

Training and Skill Development

For those looking to develop their long-range shooting capabilities or simply practice core marksmanship principles, the Ruger American Predator offers a stable and forgiving platform. The rifle's inherent accuracy provides immediate feedback on technique, helping shooters refine their breathing, trigger control, and sight picture.

Understanding the .223 Remington Caliber

The .223 Remington is one of the most popular and widely used rifle cartridges in North America, known for its versatility, mild recoil, and abundant ammunition options.

• Historical Significance: Developed from the .222 Remington, the .223 Rem became incredibly popular in the civilian market after its adoption by the U.S. military as the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. While dimensionally similar, it's important to note that a rifle chambered in .223 Rem can safely fire .223 Rem ammunition, and a rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO can safely fire both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO ammunition. The Ruger American Predator is chambered in .223 Remington.
• Versatile Bullet Weights: The 1:8" twist rate of this rifle allows it to effectively stabilize a broad spectrum of bullet weights, typically ranging from 40 grains to 77 grains. Lighter bullets are often used for high-velocity varmint hunting, while heavier, boat-tail bullets excel in long-range target shooting and offer better performance on larger varmints or small deer.
• Manageable Recoil: The .223 Remington produces very light recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions, ideal for new shooters, and excellent for quick follow-up shots.
• Ammunition Availability: Being one of the most common rifle calibers, .223 Remington ammunition is widely available in various bullet types and manufacturers, ensuring you can always find suitable rounds for your specific shooting needs.

Getting Started with Your Ruger American Predator Rifle

Once you've chosen your Ruger American Predator, a few considerations will help you maximize its potential.

Optics Selection

Given the rifle's inherent accuracy and the inclusion of a Picatinny rail, selecting the right optic is crucial.

• Varmint Hunting: For precision varmint hunting, consider a riflescope with higher magnification (e.g., 4-16x or 6-24x) and a fine reticle to aid in precise aiming at small targets. An adjustable parallax feature is also highly beneficial for clarity at varying distances.
• General Purpose/Hunting: A versatile scope with a magnification range like 3-9x or 2.5-10x often suffices for general hunting and target shooting up to moderate ranges.
• Red Dot Sights: While less common for precision work, a red dot sight could be an option for very close-range plinking or fast action within 100 yards.

Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserve the accuracy and longevity of your rifle.

• Barrel Cleaning: Clean the barrel periodically to remove copper fouling and carbon buildup, which can negatively impact accuracy.
• Action Cleaning: Keep the bolt and receiver clean and lightly lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
• Storage: Store the rifle in a dry, secure location, ideally in a padded case or safe, to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.

Safety Practices

Always adhere to fundamental firearm safety rules:

• Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
• Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Why Trust Ruger?

Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. is one of America's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. With a reputation built on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Ruger products are synonymous with dependable performance. The American Rifle series, including the Predator model, exemplifies Ruger's commitment to delivering high-quality firearms that offer exceptional value and performance. When you choose a Ruger, you're investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship and reliability.

Where to Find the Ruger American Predator Rifle

The Ruger American Predator Rifle, including the highly sought-after 26944 model with its 22-inch barrel, Moss Green stock, and 10-round capacity in .223 Remington, is available for purchase at DEGuns.com. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms and accessories, providing competitive pricing and excellent customer service to help you find the perfect rifle for your needs. Visit DEGuns.com to explore their inventory and make your purchase with confidence.

Ruger American Predator Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	26944
Caliber	.223 Remington (5.56 NATO compatible through the .223 Rem chamber)
Capacity	10+1 (uses AR-style magazines)
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Type	Cold Hammer-Forged, Threaded (1/2"-28)
Twist Rate	1:8" RH
Stock	Synthetic, Moss Green
Finish	Matte Black
Hand	Right Hand
Trigger	Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ (3-5 lb range)
Bedding System	Power Bedding® Integral Bedding Block
Scope Mount	Factory-Installed Picatinny Scope Rail
Safety	Two-Position Tang Safety
Buttpad	Soft Rubber
Sling Swivels	Yes