Description
The Ruger 26971 American Predator 204 Ruger, 22″ Barrel, Moss Green Fixed Synthetic Stock Black Steel Receiver, 10rd is a purpose-built, lightweight bolt-action rifle designed for varmint and predator hunters. It combines Ruger’s reliable American action with the flat-shooting .204 Ruger cartridge in a durable, camo-ready synthetic stock, offering an affordable and accurate platform for long-range pest control. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of Hornady through mine, and it’s a consistent performer on the prairie dog towns.
Key Features
- Flat-Shooting .204 Ruger Caliber: Minimal drop and wind drift make connecting on small, fast targets at distance more intuitive.
- Marksman Adjustable Trigger: A clean, crisp pull that’s user-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds—no gunsmithing required to get it dialed in for your preference.
- 22-Inch Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: Provides excellent velocity for the .204 round and is incredibly rigid for consistent accuracy.
- Moss Green Synthetic Stock: The fixed stock is lightweight, weather-resistant, and features an integrated bedding block for solid action support.
- Detachable Rotary Magazine: The 10-round mag feeds smoothly and sits flush, a major upgrade over traditional internal magazines for this type of rifle.
- 70-Degree Bolt Throw: Allows for fast follow-up shots without your hand hitting the scope, a feature you’ll appreciate when a whole colony of ground squirrels pops up.
Specifications & Details
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Ruger American Predator (26971) |
| Caliber | .204 Ruger |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches | Overall Length | 42 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Stock | Moss Green Fixed Synthetic |
| Receiver | Black Steel, Drilled & Tapped |
Look, the devil is in the details, and Ruger got them right here. The receiver comes drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and it’s compatible with a huge range of aftermarket options, including popular one-piece bases from brands like Warne and Leupold. The barrel’s 1:10 twist rate is ideal for stabilizing the lighter .204 bullets—think 32 to 40 grain—where this cartridge truly shines. At just over 6 pounds, it’s easy to carry all day, but that heft, combined with the stock’s design, also helps manage the minimal recoil. The price point of $477.89 makes this one of the most accessible entry points into a dedicated varmint rig on the market today.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the hunter who spends more time scanning fields with a spotting scope than sitting in a tree stand. It’s the farmer needing to manage crop-damaging pests from a distance, or the shooter who just loves the challenge of tiny groups at 200+ yards. If your targets are prairie dogs, coyotes, foxes, or ground squirrels, this rifle speaks your language. It’s also a fantastic first bolt-action for a new hunter interested in precision shooting, thanks to its forgiving nature and straightforward operation.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The accuracy you get for the money is hard to beat. The trigger is genuinely good out of the box. The magazine system is reliable and a huge improvement. The green stock is practical and blends well in most Missouri fields and timber edges. It’s a simple, rugged tool that works.
Cons: The synthetic stock, while functional, feels a bit hollow and cheap—it’s the main cost-saving point. The .204 Ruger, while a superb round, isn’t as ubiquitous as .223 Remington, so you’ll want to plan your ammo purchases. Some shooters might prefer a threaded barrel for a muzzle device, which this model lacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .204 Ruger suitable for coyotes?
A: Absolutely. With proper bullet selection (like a 40-grain V-Max), the .204 Ruger is a highly effective and humane coyote cartridge with very little pelt damage. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make shots at longer ranges more manageable.
Q: What scope magnification would you recommend for this rifle?
A: For varminting, I’d lean towards a variable scope with a higher top end. Something in the 4-16x or 6-24x range from Vortex or Leupold is a great match, allowing you to spot small targets at distance while still having a lower power for scanning. The rifle is more than capable of taking advantage of that clarity.
Q: Does it come with scope mounts?
A: No, it does not include rings or bases. The receiver is pre-drilled with a standard 8-40 thread pattern, so you’ll need to purchase separate scope rings or a one-piece base. This is actually a benefit, as it lets you choose the perfect height and quality for your optic. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense, accurate rifle to handle varmints and predators without breaking the bank, the Ruger American Predator in .204 Ruger deserves a close look. Check availability on our site.
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