Ruger American Compact...

**Kabloosh** · September 14th, 2014, 07:40 PM

So I've decided to purchase this rifle in the compact(18 inches) model instead of the standard 22 inch barrel model.

I haven't bought it yet since I had asked it on special order at a local gun shop and I'm still thinking would I have been better off with having that extra 4 inches(I honestly was hoping for a 20 inch model, but nope 22 or 18).

As with all my guns I like to give them some sort of purpose. Since I'm not rolling around in wealth I thought this would make for a good budget rifle that can really get me into reloading and more precision shooting. I had chosen 7mm-08 for this reason too.

Research I've done on barrel length is that shorter barrels have pros and cons. Certain pros of a shorter length is it is more stiff so vibrates less which can add to accuracy. It is lighter. I may consider hunting someday and since you can't do that with an AR-15 and I'm not exactly shooting 1 inch groups with my mosin this rifle would better serve me.
As for cons less bullet velocity and you likely don't get to burn all the powder in a cartridge anyways which can kill distance. I suppose out to 300-500 yards it won't really matter though.

As for scope I originally thought a Weaver fixed 6x 38mm scope would have been fine, but for 20 dollars more I decided to go with a Bushnell fixed 10x 40mm scope instead since it came with a mil dot reticle.

Think this is a good set up? Is 10 power maybe a little overkill for a 18 inch barrel? Once I get good at shooting at 100-300 yards I'll definitely see how far I can push this rifle out.

**NathanB** · September 14th, 2014, 07:52 PM

you do realize that its not just a compact because of the barrel length right? I'm pretty sure that the LOP and everything else is scaled down for smaller shooters.

**Kabloosh** · September 14th, 2014, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by NathanB

you do realize that its not just a compact because of the barrel length right? I'm pretty sure that the LOP and everything else is scaled down for smaller shooters.

I'm 5'6. I keep my AR-15 at like the 2 notch. So shorter stocks are what I like.

**NathanB** · September 14th, 2014, 08:19 PM

Oh ok never mind then,. Your scope choice isn't overkill but it's really narrowing especially to hunt with. I couldn't imagine trying to run that power for deer. I run a vortex pst 4-16 on my deer rifle but it never leaves 4x when in the woods

**Kabloosh** · September 14th, 2014, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by NathanB

Oh ok never mind then,. Your scope choice isn't overkill but it's really narrowing especially to hunt with. I couldn't imagine trying to run that power for deer. I run a vortex pst 4-16 on my deer rifle but it never leaves 4x when in the woods

Well for now it will be used to just shoot paper. Hopefully I can find a range further than 300 yards too since that it is its main goal. I have a 3 power on my AR, and I'll likely consider buying the 6 power Weaver sometime down the road for the gun.

The primary use of the rifle is get into long range shooting and reloading.

**dk99358** · September 15th, 2014, 05:09 PM

The 6x will be a good choice if you ever go hunting, I've had a Leupold on my 270 since about 1982 and have been perfectly happy.

For range work, the 10 should be OK, I typically crank my 3-9 scopes to 9 on the range. You shouldn't have problems with mirage, that can be a problem with higher powers.

You may find the 'bark' of the short barrel is pretty bad, double up on your hearing protection.

Have fun,

Dale

**Kabloosh** · September 15th, 2014, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by dk99358

The 6x will be a good choice if you ever go hunting, I've had a Leupold on my 270 since about 1982 and have been perfectly happy.

For range work, the 10 should be OK, I typically crank my 3-9 scopes to 9 on the range. You shouldn't have problems with mirage, that can be a problem with higher powers.

You may find the 'bark' of the short barrel is pretty bad, double up on your hearing protection.

Have fun,

Dale

Got a Mosin carbine and that thing just produces a monster of a blast with an epic fireball. I'm not too worried about this rifle and how it handles. I'm expecting a similar feel in the rifle.

Should be interesting, and thanks.

**JW1914** · September 15th, 2014, 11:25 PM

Just saw the ruger American "ranch" is coming out with a 300 blackout, if anyone's interested. 16.12" barrel. Also in 556

Been considering the American predator in 6.5 creedmore to get a cheap decent bolt gun to shoot that caliber

http://www.ruger.com/products/americ...ch/models.html