Ruger American Predator Bolt .223 Rem 22″ Rifle

Description

I was out on a friend’s property last fall, trying to thin a few groundhogs that were tearing up his food plots. I’d brought a couple of rifles, but the one I kept reaching for was the Ruger American Predator Bolt 223 Rem 22″ Barrel 5rd. It’s a purpose-built, no-fuss bolt-action rifle designed for varmint and predator control, offering reliable accuracy without breaking the bank. At $537.58, it’s a solid tool that gets the job done with minimal fuss.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a fancy heirloom rifle. It’s a working gun. The 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is the right length for the .223 Remington cartridge, balancing maneuverability with enough barrel to let that round perform. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from cheap 55-grain FMJ to heavier 62-grain varmint loads through it, and it’s consistently delivered minute-of-angle accuracy with the right ammo. That’s plenty for coyote, fox, or prairie dog duty out to respectable distances. The 5-round rotary magazine is slick and fits out of the box, feeding smoothly without the need for any break-in period.

The heart of the system is Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger. You can adjust the pull weight from 3 to 5 pounds, and mine came from the factory set at a crisp 4 pounds—a huge step up from the mushy triggers on some budget rifles. It breaks cleanly, which is a major factor in shooting small targets at range. The stock is a simple, stiff synthetic design with a textured grip and fore-end. It’s not fancy, but it’s rigid where it counts, and the bedding system uses a unique dual bedding block that free-floats the barrel for consistent shot placement. The rifle weighs in at a very manageable 6.8 pounds, making it easy to carry all day or shoot offhand.

One of the best features is its compatibility. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and it uses a common pattern. I topped mine with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm scope using a set of Weaver-style bases, and it was a straightforward, no-gunsmithing installation. The 1-in-8-inch twist rate of the barrel is a real asset. It stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, from light 40-grain pills up to heavier 77-grain match loads, giving you serious flexibility depending on your target and conditions. The overall length is 42 inches, which keeps it handy in a truck or blind.

Ruger American Predator Specifications

Specification	Detail
Caliber	.223 Remington
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Overall Length	42 Inches
Weight	6.8 lbs
Magazine Capacity	5 Rounds
Twist Rate	1:8″ RH

Pros: The adjustable trigger is excellent for the price point. The 1:8 twist barrel is versatile with ammo. The platform is incredibly accurate for a production rifle in this class. It’s lightweight and points naturally. The rotary magazine is reliable and doesn’t protrude.

Cons: The stock feels utilitarian—it works well but lacks aesthetic appeal. The bolt throw isn’t the smoothest when new, though it improves with use. You’re buying a rifle, not a finely finished piece of wood and steel.

So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a dependable coyote rifle. It’s for the shooter who wants an affordable, accurate platform to learn long-range fundamentals with a low-recoiling cartridge. It’s for the hunter who needs a truck gun that can handle dirt and weather and still ring steel at 300 yards. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this rifle shoot 5.56 NATO ammunition?

A: The chamber is stamped .223 Remington. While many modern .223 rifles can safely fire lower-pressure 5.56mm rounds, Ruger officially recommends against it for this model. For safety and warranty purposes, stick with .223 Remington ammunition.

Q: Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?

A: No, the stock is a fixed synthetic design. However, the recoil pad is effective for the mild .223 round, and the ergonomics are well-suited for most adult shooters. Aftermarket stock options are available if customization is needed.

Q: What type of scope base does it use?

A: The Ruger American Predator uses a common #8 screw pattern for the base holes. It is compatible with standard Picatinny or Weaver-style bases designed for the Ruger American rifle, not proprietary rings. A quality set of bases and rings is the first accessory you should budget for.

Look, if you need a capable, accurate, and affordable rifle for varmints or as a training platform, the Ruger American Predator in .223 Remington deserves a hard look. It’s a tool that performs well above its price tag. See the full details on our site.