#SundayGunday: Ruger American Generation II

by
posted on June 23, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

This week, were checking out the Ruger American Generation II rifle. An upgrade of the incredibly popular Ruger American rifle, this is a rifle designed specifically to tackle the expansive and varied terrain of the United States, with features American Hunters are sure to love. Starting with a Generation II American Stock, the rifle boasts an adjustable LOP and comb for a perfect fit to any stature of shooter. Length of pull adjustment is from 13.75 to 12 inches. A sling swivel is embedded in an angled cut along the bottom of the buttstock, for snag-free utility, pairing with another in the usual position on the fore-end. Its grip is formed and textured for optimal ergonomics, encouraging proper trigger finger position with a comfortable hold. The thumb can easily access the tang mounted, three-position safety, which allows the bolt to be locked when wading through thick, clinging brush.

American Gen II Rifle on white

Moving forward, A Ruger Masksman Adjustable trigger offers a fantastically crisp and consistent release, with a weight adjustable from between three and five pounds. Above, a seventy degree bolt throw allows for easy scope clearance, and fast charging. The bolt itself is CNC machined from a single piece of stainless steel, locking solid with a three lug design. A single-piece Picatinny rail runs above the receiver to easily mount any optic of the shooter’s choosing. A cold hammer forged, medium contour, spiral fluted barrel runs 20-inches forward from the receiver regardless of caliber, the cuts deep both for stiffness and weight reduction. It is finished in a Gun Metal Grey Cerakote, and is topped with a radial port muzzle brake over its threaded muzzle. Ruger’s patented Power Bedding, an integral bedding block system, positively locates the receiver while free-floating the barrel.

The gun’s action is fed by a detachable box magazine of either AI-, AR- or single-stack-style, depending upon chambering. Out on the range, our 6.5 Creedmoor test variant ran without failure, cycling fast and smooth with a brilliant trigger press. The magazine release, located at the rear of the magazine well, is similarly smooth, dropping the mag free in a single motion. The textured and shaped fore-end provides excellent purchase for offhand shots, while the recoil pad is soft and absorbing, with a large radius on the heel. The gun only ships with a low comb­—designed for use with magnified optics—which can be removed when using low-mounted sights, but more options are available for aftermarket purchase.

For more information on the American Generation II rifle, visit ruger.comMSRP: $729

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.