Comparing Ruger American Stock Options: A Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the perfect rifle, the Ruger American is a popular choice among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. One of the key factors in optimizing your shooting experience is selecting the right stock for your Ruger American. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the various Ruger American stock options available, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Understanding the Importance of a Quality Stock

Before diving into the different stock options, it’s crucial to understand why a quality stock is essential for your Ruger American. A well-designed stock can significantly improve your shooting accuracy, comfort, and overall performance. It should provide a stable and ergonomic platform, allowing you to maintain proper form and control while shooting.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating Ruger American stock options, consider the following key factors:

1. Material: Stocks can be made from various materials, such as wood, synthetic polymers, or laminated composites. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, weather resistance, and weight.
2. Ergonomics: Look for a stock that offers a comfortable and natural fit, allowing for proper shoulder alignment and cheek weld. An ergonomic design can help reduce fatigue and improve your shooting experience.
3. Adjustability: Some stocks offer adjustable features, such as length of pull and comb height, allowing you to customize the fit to your individual body type and shooting style.
4. Rigidity and Stability: A rigid and stable stock helps minimize vibrations and enhance accuracy. Look for stocks with reinforced construction or bedding systems that provide a solid connection between the stock and the action.

Factory Ruger American Stock Options

Ruger offers several factory stock options for the American rifle series, each designed to cater to different preferences and shooting applications.

Standard Synthetic Stock

The standard synthetic stock is the most common option that comes with the Ruger American rifle. It is made from a durable and lightweight polymer material, making it resistant to weather, scratches, and impacts. The stock features a non-slip, satin finish and a soft rubber recoil pad for added comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Compact Synthetic Stock

Designed for smaller-framed shooters or those who prefer a more compact rifle, the compact synthetic stock offers a shorter length of pull and a slimmer profile. It is made from the same durable polymer material as the standard synthetic stock and includes a soft rubber recoil pad for reduced felt recoil.

Go Wild Camo Synthetic Stock

For hunters who prioritize concealment in the field, the Go Wild Camo synthetic stock is an excellent choice. It features a digitally enhanced camouflage pattern that blends seamlessly with various hunting environments. The stock is made from the same rugged polymer material as the standard synthetic stock, ensuring durability and weather resistance.

Magpul Hunter American Stock

Ruger has partnered with Magpul to offer the Magpul Hunter American stock as an upgrade option. This stock is made from a reinforced polymer material and features a fully adjustable length of pull and comb height. It also includes M-LOK slots for attaching accessories and a removable spacer system for customizing the fit.

Aftermarket Ruger American Stock Options

In addition to the factory stock options, there are numerous aftermarket manufacturers that offer high-quality stocks specifically designed for the Ruger American rifle.

Boyds Gunstocks

Boyds Gunstocks is a renowned manufacturer of hardwood and laminated stocks for various rifle platforms, including the Ruger American. They offer a wide selection of stock designs, from classic and elegant to modern and tactical. Boyds stocks are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail.

Some popular Boyds stock options for the Ruger American include:

• Classic: A traditional-style stock made from high-quality hardwood with a smooth, oil-finished surface.
• Varmint: Designed for precision shooting, the Varmint stock features a wider forend and a raised comb for improved scope alignment.
• At-One: An adjustable stock that allows for customization of the length of pull and comb height, ensuring a perfect fit for any shooter.

Bell and Carlson

Bell and Carlson specializes in producing high-performance synthetic stocks for hunting and tactical applications. Their stocks for the Ruger American are made from a proprietary composite material that offers excellent rigidity, stability, and weather resistance.

Notable Bell and Carlson stock options for the Ruger American include:

• Medalist: A competition-grade stock with a full-length aluminum bedding block for enhanced accuracy and consistency.
• Tactical: Designed for long-range shooting, the Tactical stock features a vertical grip, adjustable cheek piece, and a modular buttstock for customized fit.
• Sport/Utility: A versatile stock option that combines the benefits of a hunting and tactical stock, with a sleek and ergonomic design.

Hogue Overmolded Stock

Hogue is known for their innovative overmolded stocks, which feature a rigid, pillar-bedded core wrapped in a soft, rubber-like material for added comfort and grip. The Hogue Overmolded stock for the Ruger American provides a secure and tactile feel, even in wet or cold conditions.

Custom Stock Options

For shooters who demand the utmost precision and customization, custom stock makers offer bespoke solutions tailored to individual preferences and requirements. Custom stocks are often made from high-grade materials, such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or exotic hardwoods, and can be designed to fit the shooter’s exact specifications.

Some renowned custom stock makers for the Ruger American include:

• McMillan Fiberglass Stocks
• Manners Composite Stocks
• KMW Precision Stocks

Keep in mind that custom stocks come at a premium price point and may require a longer lead time for production.

Bedding and Fitting Considerations

When installing a new stock on your Ruger American, it’s essential to ensure proper bedding and fitting for optimal performance. Bedding refers to the process of creating a precise, stable interface between the stock and the rifle’s action, which can significantly improve accuracy and consistency.

Glass Bedding

Glass bedding involves applying a specialized epoxy compound to fill any gaps or irregularities between the stock and the action. This process creates a perfect, custom fit that eliminates any potential movement or shifting during shooting. Glass bedding can be performed by a skilled gunsmith or as a DIY project with the right tools and materials.

Pillar Bedding

Pillar bedding is another technique that uses metal or synthetic pillars to provide a stable and consistent platform for the action. The pillars are inserted into the stock and then bedded with an epoxy compound, creating a rigid and precise interface. Pillar bedding can offer similar benefits to glass bedding, with the added advantage of increased durability and longevity.

Maintenance and Care

Regardless of the stock option you choose for your Ruger American, proper maintenance and care are crucial to ensure its longevity and performance.

Cleaning and Storage

Regularly clean your stock using a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the finish. After cleaning, store your rifle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Refinishing and Repairs

Over time, your stock may develop scratches, dings, or other signs of wear. Depending on the material and extent of the damage, you may be able to refinish or repair the stock yourself or seek the help of a professional gunsmith. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help preserve the integrity and appearance of your stock for years to come.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stock for your Ruger American is a crucial step in optimizing your shooting experience. Whether you opt for a factory option or explore aftermarket alternatives, consider factors such as material, ergonomics, adjustability, and stability to find the perfect fit for your needs.

By investing in a quality stock and properly maintaining it, you can enhance your accuracy, comfort, and overall satisfaction with your Ruger American rifle. Use this comprehensive buyer’s guide as a starting point in your journey to find the ideal stock, and don’t hesitate to seek the advice of experienced shooters or gunsmiths along the way.

Remember, the right stock is an extension of your shooting platform, and it can make all the difference in your performance and enjoyment on the range or in the field. Take the time to research, compare, and test different options to find the Ruger American stock that best suits your shooting style and goals