I have spent some serious time with the Ruger American Ranch. While I’ve had some good times firing rounds and feeling the kickback, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. I’ve encountered a couple of issues that seem to be common problems with this firearm.
We’re diving into four main Ruger American Ranch Problems that I faced: feeding problems, accuracy issues, problems with large target groups, and lastly, issues with the magazine.
If you’ve spent some time with the Ruger American Ranch, you might’ve faced these problems, too. But don’t sweat it; I will also give you solutions for each one.
Overview of American Ranch Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Feeding Issue | Switch ammo, let someone else shoot, or consult a gunsmith. |
| Trigger Issue | Clean the trigger assembly; if that fails, consider a replacement. |
| Accuracy Issue | Check barrel float, switch ammo, consult a gunsmith or adjust sights. |
| Problem with the Magazine | Widen the lip gap with a file or send the gun back to Ruger. |
Top 4 Ruger American Ranch Problems & Solutions
1. Feeding Issue
So, let’s get into this feeding issue. I’m out there, lining up my shots, and then I hit a snag. The cartridges start jamming.
There is nothing more frustrating than gear not doing what it’s supposed to do, right? I first suspected the ammo but thought, “Could it be the magazine?” Even the follower rubbing against the inner wall seemed suspicious to me.
Solution
Okay, solutions. First, I switched out the ammo. Didn’t solve it? Well, it was worth a try. I tried to play it smart and let a buddy shoot with it. If it’s a user issue, you want to find out right away.
No luck there, either. So, it was time to inspect the magazine, especially the feeding lips and the gap. When all else failed, I took it to a gunsmith.
Sometimes, widening that gap makes a world of difference. And the follower? A little trim with a Dremel bit did wonders. No more feeding problems, my friends.
2. Trigger Issue
So, you know when you’re ready to pull the trigger, but it feels like you’re trying to lift a 10-pound dumbbell with your finger? That happened to me after firing a few hundred rounds with the Ruger American Ranch.
The trigger was stiff, making it hard to shoot accurately. It even stuck on me once, and let me tell you, that was not a good moment.
Solution
The first thing I did was give the trigger assembly a good cleaning. Got myself some quality cleaner and followed the instructions. You’d be amazed at how much a clean trigger can improve your day. If cleaning doesn’t do the trick, you might have to go a step further and replace the trigger assembly.
This might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually pretty straightforward.
3. Accuracy Issue
Do you know what’s a real mood-killer? When you’re out at the range, and your shots start drifting, forming 4-inch groups even though you swear you’ve done everything right. Yeah, that happened to me with my Ruger American Ranch.
They had the same ammo andthe same scopes, but theps just widened out of nowhere. It’s seriously frustrating and confusing at the same time.
Solution
Here’s the deal. The first step I took was checking the gun’s cleanliness and the barrel’s free float. Then I switched my ammo brand just to rule that out. No dice. So, I took the thing to a gunsmith to measure the free float of the barrel.
4. Problem with the Magazine
Okay, let’s talk about another snag I hit. Ever get to that last round in the magazine, and then the gun just doesn’t want to feed it? Yeah, that was me.
Firing away, feeling like a sharpshooter, the last round refuses to cooperate. Super annoying, right?
Solution
So what did I do? First off, I gave the magazine lips a good, long look to check the gap. If the gap is too small, that could be the culprit.
I took a small file to widen it a bit, but be careful not to go overboard. It’s a delicate balance. However, if you’re not up for some DIY or unsure about what’s causing the issue, it might be better to send the gun back to Ruger.
Just remember that altering any part of the gun will void the warranty. Sometimes, it’s better to let the pros handle it.
Conclusion
Ah, the Ruger American Ranch—what a mix of joy and frustration. It’s got its ups and downs. On the one hand, the power and accuracy are impressive. No denying that. And once you get the hang of it, it’s a reliable companion for a day out in the field. But it’s not all sunshine and roses.
Feeding issues, a sometimes stubborn trigger, and those annoying accuracy hiccups can make you second guess your choice. The good thing is, most of these problems are fixable. Whether it’s a trip to the gunsmith, a little DIY action, or a simple change in ammo, you’ve got options.
Just know that if you’re willing to work, this firearm won’t let you down. So, despite its shortcomings, it’s a worthy piece of equipment for any enthusiast out there.
FAQs
Is the Ruger American accurate?
Yes, it offers affordable and reliable accuracy.
Does Ruger American 223 take AR mags?
Yes, the Ruger American Predator 223 takes AR mags.
How accurate are Ruger rifles?
Out-of-the-box, Ruger American rifles have less than one minute of angle error.
Does the Ruger American Ranch 5.56 take AR mags?
Yes, the 5.56 Ruger Ranch uses standard AR format magazines.
