As the popularity of semi-automatic rifles for hunting and competition increases, many makers tend to overlook the importance of left-handed bolt-action rifles for southpaw operators. Ruger has not ignored 10 percent of the population, with left-handed versions of its Hawkeye and American Gen I bolt-action rifles. Now, the company is bringing out left-handed versions of the American Gen II rifles, starting with its Ranch lineup.
Introduced with the Gen I American, Ranch models are compact rifles with a 16-inch barrel that are chambered in common Modern Sporting Rifle cartridges and feed from AR-pattern magazines (or Mini-30 magazines in the case of the 7.62x39 mm versions).
Beyond their left-handed action, the new rifles have all of the features introduced with the American Gen II rifles. These include a cold hammer-forged barrel with their muzzle threaded and a muzzle brake installed (all versions except those chambered in 400 Legend and .450 Bushmaster are spiral fluted). Metal parts are given a Cobalt Cerakote finish.
The stock has a Flat Dark Earth splatter finish, an adjustable length-of-pull with the use of spacers, interchangeable combs to accommodate for different optics, and an integrated Power Bedding V-block system. An oversized bolt head is threaded on for customization, and the tang safety has three positions.
Ruger will be offering six left-handed versions of the American Gen II Ranch. They include 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39 mm, 350 Legend, 400 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster chamberings. Just like the right-handed American Gen II Ranch rifles, they each have an MSRP of $769. For more information, see the company’s website.
