Description
You’re a Missouri hunter on a budget, staring down the barrel of a problem: you need a straight-wall cartridge rifle for the local regs, but you don’t want to break the bank. You need performance without the premium price tag. That’s the exact scenario the Ruger American Predator .350 Legend, 22″ Threaded Barrel, Synthetic Black, 5rd was built to solve.
What is the Ruger American Predator .350 Legend? It’s a bolt-action hunting rifle purpose-built for straight-wall cartridge states like Missouri. Chambered in the effective .350 Legend, it features a 22-inch threaded barrel for muzzle devices, a durable synthetic stock, and Ruger’s reliable action. At $504.58, it delivers Ruger’s proven performance at a value-focused price point, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious hunters.
Let’s talk about the core of this rifle: the .350 Legend cartridge. Here’s the thing—this round was designed from the ground up to meet specific hunting regulations. It delivers ballistics superior to a .30-30 Winchester in many respects, with significantly less recoil than a .450 Bushmaster. That means you get a hard-hitting, ethical round for deer and hog that’s pleasant to shoot and affordable to practice with. The 22-inch barrel length is a sweet spot, giving the cartridge enough room to reach its efficient velocity without making the rifle unwieldy in a blind or thick brush.
The value proposition is clear when you look at the feature set. You get Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger, which is user-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds—a feature often found on rifles costing hundreds more. The 5-round rotary magazine is reliable and feeds smoothly. The threaded barrel (½”-28 TPI) is a huge plus, allowing you to add a muzzle brake or suppressor without a trip to the gunsmith. That’s right, adding a compatible device from brands like SilencerCo or Dead Air is typically drop-in ready, with no gunsmithing required. The rifle weighs in at a manageable 6.2 lbs, making it easy to carry all day.
Ruger built the American series to hit a price point, and that means trade-offs. The synthetic stock is functional and tough, but it’s not a fancy, pillar-bedded chassis. The finish is utilitarian. The action, while smooth and reliable, might not have the butter-silk feel of a custom $1,500 rifle. But for under $550? These are practical compromises that put a capable, accurate hunting tool in your hands. The barrel features a 1:16 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing the heavier .350 Legend projectiles commonly used for hunting.
Specifications
| Caliber | .350 Legend |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches, Threaded (½”-28) |
| Overall Length | 41.5 Inches |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Stock | Synthetic, Black |
Pros & Cons
The pros are straightforward: exceptional value for a feature-packed rifle, a low-recoil but effective legal cartridge, a factory-threaded barrel, and Ruger’s widespread reliability and customer service. The adjustable trigger is a standout. The cons? The stock feels basic, and the .350 Legend, while great for hunting, isn’t as ubiquitous or cheap as something like .223 for pure plinking. Some users might want to upgrade the stock down the line, but it works perfectly fine as-is.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri deer hunter who needs a straight-wall compliant rifle and doesn’t want to overspend. It’s for the landowner looking for a dependable hog gun. It’s for the shooter who wants a suppressor-host rifle without a custom price tag. If your priority is practical performance per dollar, this Ruger American Predator is a top contender. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .350 Legend enough for Missouri whitetail?
A: Absolutely. The .350 Legend generates ample energy for ethical deer hunting at typical woods ranges, with many loads exceeding 1,500 ft-lbs of energy. Its performance is a significant step up from pistol-caliber carbines while offering much lighter recoil than larger straight-wall options.
Q: Can I use my .223/5.56 suppressor on this threaded barrel?
A: No, you cannot. The .350 Legend bullet diameter (.355″) is larger than .223 (.224″). You must use a suppressor rated for .35 caliber or larger (like .358″ or 9mm). Always verify your suppressor’s caliber rating with the manufacturer before use.
Q: How does this compare to an AR-platform .350 Legend?
A: A bolt-action like the Ruger American Predator often delivers better out-of-the-box accuracy for the money. It’s also simpler, lighter, and avoids any potential regulatory concerns about semi-autos. For a dedicated, no-fuss hunting rifle, the bolt action is typically the more cost-effective and accurate choice.
If you’re ready for a capable, straightforward hunting rifle that respects your budget, the Ruger American Predator in .350 Legend is waiting. Check availability and remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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