High value predator rifle?

Joined
Oct 28, 2018
Messages
91
Location
Pennsylvania
I’d like to assemble a new thermal predator rifle and I’m leaning towards the Gen2 American Ranch in 5.56… or possibly American Standard in 223

For the money, I don’t think their accuracy reputation and aftermarket support can be beat. I like the Ranch a lot because even with a suppressor, I’ll only be looking at a ~23” overall barrel length

The point of my post is to exhaust all search efforts and see if there’s any other rifle that I’m missing in that $550 pricing tier. I have no issue with a used rifle either.

If you have a Gen2 Standard or Ranch, post some photos of your accuracy results and the ammo it likes
 

Snowwolfe

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
216
Location
Alaska
I’d like to assemble a new thermal predator rifle and I’m leaning towards the Gen2 American Ranch in 5.56… or possibly American Standard in 223

For the money, I don’t think their accuracy reputation and aftermarket support can be beat. I like the Ranch a lot because even with a suppressor, I’ll only be looking at a ~23” overall barrel length

The point of my post is to exhaust all search efforts and see if there’s any other rifle that I’m missing in that $550 pricing tier. I have no issue with a used rifle either.

If you have a Gen2 Standard or Ranch, post some photos of your accuracy results and the ammo it likes
I wouldn't exactly call $550 a high value rifle.
 

Tmac

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2020
Messages
900
My Ranch rifle shoots 77 gr TMK’s very well with a can, consistently 1 1/4” or better for 10 at 100. It’s the first gen. The 16” barrel is the way to go vs a 22” imo. Very handy even with the can.
 
Joined
Nov 8, 2016
Messages
1,759
Location
Kiowa/Deer Trail, CO
My high-value brokedick thermal rifle is a Gen1 Ranch in grendel with a high-value Wraith mini thermal attached. MOA to 800 with factory 123's....
63910232-3584-4d58-b0bb-4b60bc32c75a.jpeg
 

E.Shell

FNG
Joined
Jun 8, 2024
Messages
71
I have two RAR-Gen 1 5.56, 1:8 rifles. Bought used locally for $400 & $375. Using with a 7mm suppressor right now, but have a 5.56 YHM Turbo T3 incoming. 14x scope.

To me, the biggest liability is the Tupperware stock and the associated difficulties with shooting it consistently. Trigger isn't too bad, bolt run is a little rough, bolt lift (recocking effort) is a little stout, but overall not a bad 'budget rifle'.

I do like having the AR-15 magazine version, since I have "a few" of these mags in several capacities on hand. We are limited to 8 rounds in a rifle here for deer hunting and I use some Colt 8 rounders in it. They run fine and don't hang any lower than the factory 10 round 'MagPul' mags, just easier not to overload. I'd like to have some decent 5 rounders.

Both rifles shoot FGMM 69s into about 1" to 1-1/4" 10-shot groups from sandbags at 100 yards.

Both shoot Speer 64 grain GoldDots into about 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" at 100.

Playing with 77 TMKs/XBR8208/LC/CCI#41 loads now, but precision is about on par with the 64s...so far.

I'd like to have them a little smoother to operate and a little more precise to shoot, but I think for as cheap as I got them, they're fine rifles.
 
OP
S
Joined
Oct 28, 2018
Messages
91
Location
Pennsylvania
To me, the biggest liability is the Tupperware stock and the associated difficulties with shooting it consistently.
I should have mentioned, another thing I like about the American lineup is the aftermarket support. One of the first things I will likely do is out the stock for something more robust whether it’s a chassis or a more vertical grip varmint style stock
 
OP
S
Joined
Oct 28, 2018
Messages
91
Location
Pennsylvania
Joined
Sep 24, 2016
Messages
1,867
Location
Conifer, CO
If you already know you're replacing the stock, grabbing a Howa barreled action would be your other option. Brownells has 223, Grendel, 6ARC, etc. Add an MDT field chassis for $299.

Keep an eye out for discount codes that come around frequently and you can do pretty well in terms of accuracy and value for dollar.
 
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