Welcome to another one American Marine Gun Of The Week video, and this time we’re in the range with a bolt-action rifle chambered for the popular 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge. Meets Ruger American Gen II standard. Watch our video above to see it in use on the range.

When it comes to American firearms, Ruger is one of the biggest companies that they design and manufacture weapons right here in the USA. And the famous brand has successfully designed and marketed several types of bolt-action rifles over the years, starting with the iconic Mauser-like M77 in the late 1960s. But it wasn’t until 2012 that the industry was taken by surprise with the all-new bolt-action rifle of Ruger, called the American.

Instead of turning the M77 upside down and on its head, Ruger engineers went back to the drawing board to create their American rifle. With it came some trend-setting concepts. The first is that it was an affordable rifle with incredible accuracy potential right out of the box. It was built for manufacturing speed and ease of use. With that first generation American rifle, you have a CNC machined receiver and a wonderful cold hammer forged steel barrel. It featured a short-throw action with a large-diameter bolt body and three-lug head, all mounted on an injection-molded stock via the company’s Power Bedding system, which are a set of V-blocks that provide constant pipe action. in his stock. This was similar to the post bedding you typically found on custom rifles at the time. Our testers also enjoyed the American. And since our original review in 2012, countless options have rolled out of the factory year after year.

In 2024, Ruger announced a new bolt-action offering, this time a complete update to its successful American rifle line. Called the American Gen II, this version features some stylish upgrades that are worth considering. Sure, you can still get that base model if you want, but this latest example will leave you wanting more ammo and time to enjoy it.

At first glance, it’s easy to see some of the upgrades Ruger has used on its Standard Gen II rifle. You’ll get a redesigned stock with a spray paint finish and ergonomic grip surface treatments. There is a removable comb for better welding with the optic and removable spacers to adjust the length of draw of the stock so it can be set up for both small and large frame shooters. You’ll notice that the Gen II stock is configured for detachable magazines; either STANAG or AICS pattern mags are used depending on the camera selected. Our test sample arrived chambered for 6.5mm Creedmoor, so along with it we received a three-round AICS-pattern box.

Of note for this latest American generation is its barrel. In 6.5 Creedmoor, it measures 20 inches in length and comes with unique spiral pattern butterflies that not only look cool, but help keep weight down while reducing barrel temperatures faster. It comes threaded 5/8×24 TPI and has a radial neck brake installed from the factory. In addition, the barrel action of this American Standard model comes with an easy-to-maintain Cerakote finish in Gun Metal Grey, although other colors are available on the Ranch and Predator versions.

The standard Ruger American Gen II shines on the range. We especially like how Ruger ships this rifle with a Picatinny rail installed, so mounting an optic was less of a chore. Our testers also found the upgraded stock to be a plus for shooters, and the widened bolt grip and detachable box magazine are welcome additions. And given that Ruger opted to include a three-position, tang-mounted safety on the American Gen II rifle, all of our testers agree that this feature is a boon not only for hunters, but for target shooters alike. All in all, Ruger’s second-generation American rifle is a solid step up for a new generation of American shooters looking for the latest features.

Ruger American Gen II Standard Specifications
Producer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Action Type: Bolt, Centerfire, Repeating Rifle
Chambering: 6.5mm Creedmoor
Receiver: alloy steel 4140; Gun Metal Gray Cerakote finish
Barrel: 20″ alloy steel; Gun Metal Gray Cerakote finish
Magazine: AICS-style; removable box with three rounds
Objectives: none; Picatinny rail
Stock: dark gray synthetic; gray/black splatter texturing
Overall Length: 39.5″ to 41.25″
Weight: 6 lbs., 8 oz.
MSRP: $729