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

Cz P10 Ported Review 1
Cz P10 Ported Review 1

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

New for 2026: Ruger American Rifle Generation II Scout

Ruger adds a Scout rifle option to its Generation II American rifle.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished Pistol

Springfield Armory’s homage to the Hi Power now has an even better-looking option.

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.