NRA Gun of the Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger American Hunter

Watch the video below with American Rifleman staff on the range to learn about an exclusive Hunter version of Ruger's American Rifle, which has a few features you won't find on other Hunter models. That’s because Davidson’s, as one of the largest firearm distributors in the country, works with manufacturers to bring unique designs to market that you just can’t find anywhere else. Davidson’s works with manufacturers across the world, but when it comes to Ruger, the collaboration between the two has produced dozens of unique options for today’s shooters. This American Hunter is one such model, and it’s built not just for field use but also target-shooting, too.

Like all Ruger Americans, this Davidson’s Exclusive starts with the time-tested and field-proven American rifle receiver, complete with its one-piece, three-lug bolt and full-diameter bolt body. Ruger builds its Americans with dual cocking cams, and that reduces the effort needed to work the bolt, meaning you can get the gun back into action easily from the shoulder. The receiver is topped by a factory-installed Picatinny optics rail.

Mated to the receiver is a heavy-contour barrel measuring 22” long on our 6.5 mm Creedmoor-chambered test rifle. A separate model chambered for the .308 Winchester cartridge is also outfitted with a 22” barrel. At the gun’s muzzle end is a generously sized brake. This is the same Hybrid Muzzle Brake off Ruger’s Precision Rifle and redirects noise and muzzle blast away from the shooter while also lessening felt recoil. Control-wise, the Ruger is outfitted with a centrally located, two-position tang safety that’s easily visible and accessible. Additionally, the rifle comes with Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger, which can be set for a pull weight between 3 and 5 lbs.

The barreled action sits inside of Magpul’s Hunter stock, and this is the exclusive part of the Davidson’s deal. This is the only FDE-finished American Hunter you can get from the factory. Considering that adding Magpul’s FDE stock after the fact will run a few hundred bucks, this package is a solid deal. The stock only enhances the rifle’s performance, thanks to an anodized aluminum bedding block and steel recoil lugs. The stock is also outfitted with Magpul’s magazine well, and the gun ships with a single AICS-pattern detachable box magazine. There are M-Lok attachment slots on all three sides of the fore-end, as well as an adjustable comb and length of pull.

Weighing in at just over 9 lbs., unloaded, this Ruger American Hunter certainly isn’t a mountain rifle, but the important element lies with the heavy-contour barrel. This rifle shot exceptionally well, and the added weight, combined with the ergonomic stock and sweet-shooting 6.5 Creed, made this an absolute pleasure to shoot all day long. With the heavier barrel, you can do that, so as long as you’re not trekking to the top of a mountain or too far into the field, this Ruger can be your reliable companion when going after tough game or target gongs.

Ruger American Hunter Specifications

Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com

Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, centerfire rifle

Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor

Receiver: steel

Barrel: 22" heavy contour

Magazine: five-round detachable box; Magpul AICS-pattern

Sights: none; Picatinny rail

Stock: Magpul Hunter FDE

Trigger: Ruger Marksman Adjustable

Overall Length: adjustable; 43.25" to 45.25"

Weight: 9 lbs., 4.8 ozs.

MSRP: $1,009

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