Posted: 9/18/2026 11:22:25 AM EDT
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The Ruger American Predator is one of, if not the best values in the precision rifle world. But it's not without issue; there aren't nearly as many aftermarket options available for it as other platforms like the R700. Fortunately there are companies that do offer products for the RA series, and here I discuss my setup: Magpul Hunter Stock, Anarchy Outdoors bolt/knob/cocking shroud/scope base, and Salmon River Armory ARCA rail (specific to the Magpul Hunter). For accessories, we've got the LRA Lite Tactical on the bottom, OCL Hydrogen L on the end, and SAP 2 rounder on the side. Up top is the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25 in an Anubis The One mount, with the new Atibal Vantage 2K LRF on top. Anyone else shooting one of these guys? |
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Originally Posted By Solothurn: I like my Ruger American Predator pretty well as is. A less-fragile magazine would be a plus. Why is everybody so hard for oversize bolt handles? I don’t recall a standard bolt handle ever being a problem, and I can mount my scope a lil lower. The Gen 2s use AICS mags I believe (and the Magpul definitely does). A larger bolt is most beneficial when using it in a precision rifle role; not nearly as important when hunting. |
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Larger and extended bolt handles were a popular mod to hunting rifles like the rem700 that were designed with the handle tucked into the stock for comfort when slung and to be less likely to snag on slings or branches. When you put someone in a high stress situation or on the clock in a match with everyone watching them, they lose fine motor control and you’d be surprised how often the simple bolt operation is totally fubared causing all sorts of malfunctions. With a larger or extended handle, you can swing your hand up the side of the stock and catch the handle with the edge of your hand and with your thumb on the top of the stock rotate your fingers up to overcome the cocking spring resistance. That is difficult to miss and uses minimal wrist muscles instead of grabbing the end of the bolt with your fingers and using your arm and shoulder muscles. Trying to do that with the factory bolt handle and especially with a glove is hit and miss. At the same time larger handles were becoming popular custom options, having the bolt handle and body be machined from one piece rather than welded on became a much desired feature. Apparently the previous generation was prone to getting stuck cases and either hammer or attempt to kick their bolts open, occasionally breaking the welded handles off. I’m sure it still happens but I haven’t seen anyone hammering a bolt open in several years. |
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I've got a similar precision-for-the-poors setup and it's been dead-nuts accurate out to 500yd with Hornady 140gr ELD-M and decent even with "cheap" S&B 140gr FMJ Seen videos of folks taking them out to 1k+, not sure I've got the skill or scope elevation to do that but I'll give it a try someday  |