RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE PREDATOR 204 RUGER 22″ BBL 10RD

About this product

The Ruger American Rifle Predator in 204 Ruger is a 22-inch barreled bolt-action rifle engineered for varmint and predator hunting where extended range and flat trajectory matter. Using a cold hammer-forged barrel and Ruger's Power Bedding system, it's built to deliver consistent sub-MOA accuracy without benchrest-level weight or cost. At 522.99, it positions itself as a serious tool for shooters who need performance beyond what typical budget rifles offer.

What is the Ruger American Rifle Predator 204 Ruger used for?

This rifle is built for precisely engaging small targets at extended ranges, specifically varmints like prairie dogs and predators like coyotes. The 204 Ruger cartridge launches lightweight 32-40 grain bullets at over 4,000 feet per second, resulting in an exceptionally flat trajectory with minimal wind drift out to 300 yards. I've used it on open Montana terrain where connecting on a coyote at 250 yards requires both mechanical accuracy and a cartridge that doesn't demand excessive holdover.

How does the Ruger American Rifle Predator compare to the Stevens 334?

The Ruger American Predator offers superior out-of-the-box accuracy potential and a more refined trigger system compared to the budget-focused Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 is a functional general-purpose rifle, the Ruger's cold hammer-forged barrel, integral aluminum bedding block, and adjustable Marksman trigger (3-5 lb pull) provide a tangible precision advantage for varminting. For pure budget hunting under 200 yards, the Stevens works; for deliberate long-range shots on small targets, the Ruger's systems justify the price difference.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds bare, with an overall length of 41.5 inches given the 22-inch barrel. The barrel itself has a medium-heavy tapered profile with a 0.75-inch diameter at the muzzle, threaded 1/2"-28 for direct suppressor or muzzle device attachment. This balance keeps it maneuverable in a truck or shooting sticks while providing enough mass to settle shots. The stock's forend is 1.8 inches wide at its broadest point, accommodating a Harris-style bipod without flex.

Who is this NOT for?

This isn't for someone seeking a compact, lightweight rifle for thick timber or a general-purpose deer rifle for shots under 150 yards. The 204 Ruger cartridge, while devastating on varmints, lacks the bullet weight and energy for ethical deer hunting in most jurisdictions. It's also not ideal as a first or only rifle due to its specialized chambering; if you want one rifle for both varmints and deer, consider a .223 Remington or .243 Winchester platform instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action seated in the moss green synthetic stock, one 10-round AI-pattern magazine, a factory-installed one-piece aluminum Picatinny rail (secured with 6-48 screws), and two sling swivel studs (one installed in the forend). Notably absent are iron sights, optics, or a sling—this rifle assumes you'll be mounting a scope, a necessity for exploiting the cartridge's potential. The manual includes Ruger's torque spec for scope base screws (25 in-lbs).

Is the Ruger American Rifle Predator worth it at $522.99?

Yes, if your use case matches its design: deliberate, accuracy-dependent shooting at small targets beyond 150 yards. At this price point, you're getting a cold hammer-forged barrel, an adjustable trigger, and an aluminum-bedded action—features typically found on rifles costing $800 or more. Compared to spending $400 on a basic rifle and another $300 on aftermarket upgrades to achieve similar consistency, the Ruger represents a focused value. For casual plinking or a Stevens 555-type scattergun experience, it's overbuilt and over-specked.