Rifleman Review: Ruger American Ranch 7.62x39 mm

by
posted on May 27, 2020
** 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. **
Watch our “Rifleman Review” segment above hosted by American Rifleman TV’s Brian Sheetz as he discusses the features of Ruger’s American Ranch Rifle chambered for the .30-cal., 7.62x39 mm cartridge.

Title screen for American Rileman TV's Rifleman Review of the Ruger American Ranch chambered in 7.62x39 mm.

Little did Bill Ruger, Sr., and Alexander Sturm know that the development of the Standard Model .22-cal. semi-automatic pistol would lead them to the Sturm, Ruger & Co. as known today. Over the course of more than a half century, Ruger has advanced its manufacturing capabilities to include abundant selections of handguns, pistols and rifles, from single-action classics to highly-tuned long-range rifles employing the most modern features available.

Right-side view on white background of a Ruger American Ranch rifle with flat-dark-earth-colored stock.

Since its beginnings, Ruger has stood by its customers by providing the best performance and quality at pricing for budget-minded Americans. In 2011, a new rifle was born out of the New Hampshire-based company—the Ruger American. With a receiver built from 4140 chrome-moly steel bar stock fitted with a hammer-forged barrel, Ruger’s new American Rifle was rich with features, including an injection-molded stock along with the company’s new Power Bedding system that uses V-shaped wedge-blocks to securely mate with the barreled action. Additionally, the company brought a newly designed one-piece, three-lug bolt and Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger.

Rifle in hands of American Rifleman with one bolt at the rear and one hand on the optic.


Further advancements came from Ruger’s American series of bolt-action rifles, and one such model that was designed for compactness and ease of use is the Ruger American Ranch. Chambered for 5.56 NATO, 300 BLK, 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster and 7.62x39 mm, the latter is our feature subject in the video above. The Ranch series chambered in 7.62x39 mm provides an overall length of 36” and features a 16.12” cold-hammer-forged barrel threaded 5/8”x24 TPI. The push-feed action is fed from factory-supplied five-round Mini Thirty-pattern magazines, though 10- and 20-round magazines are available. All told, this is a bolt-action rifle ready for optics that weighs less than six pounds and commands an MSRP of $549.

Close-up view of Ruger American Ranch rifle and its trigger and magazine.

Follow along with American Rifleman’s Brian Sheetz in our feature video above to learn more.

Specification table listing features of Ruger's American Ranch rifle.


Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.