Ruger anerican gen 2 vs howa

[grfox92]

I think this may be the most accurate description for me as well. I have two of each: 1 each in 7.62x39 (mini with 20” heavyish barrel, Gen 1 Ranch with 16” barrel and 223 Mini 22” sporter and 5.56 Gen 2 Ranch with 16” barrel). I used JB paste on both bolts of the rugers and they are pretty dang slick. They feed well (very well actually) out of DuraMag flushfit mags. Much better than factory for me. The Howa minis have nicer actions that basically smoothed up with just a little use. I did JB the 223 bolt and it certainly helped but I don’t know that it was necessary. The minis are in aftermarket stocks, the 7.62 in a B&C sporter with JO bottom Metal and 223 waiting to be put in a Stockys and factory mags. I was not crazy about loading 223 in JO bottom Metal so am sticking with the crummy factory mags.

With that being said, I find myself shooting the Rugers a lot more than the minis. The mini is more traditional feeling and maybe a little nicer but my Rugers outshoot the minis. I just enjoy the Rugers more for what I use them for even though I like both brands. But for me, and I was pretty anti Ruger American when I first saw them, I prefer the American.

YMMV

I think a better way to sum it up is your grandchildren will get the Howa and the Ruger might wind up in the trash before then.

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[BLJ]

I think a better way to sum it up is your grandchildren will get the Howa and the Ruger might wind up in the trash before then.

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I’ve read a lot about feeding problems with the rotary mags, but what other issues will prevent it from lasting?
I’ve heard that the triggers will have problems but I’ve never known anyone who has had issues. Mechanically that is.

And this isn’t a jab. Genuine question.

And I will also accept “I just don’t like them.”

 

[grfox92]

I’ve read a lot about feeding problems with the rotary mags, but what other issues will prevent it from lasting?
I’ve heard that the triggers will have problems but I’ve never known anyone who has had issues. Mechanically that is.

And this isn’t a jab. Genuine question.

And I will also accept “I just don’t like them.”

I bought one. It needed to be sent back and rebarreled after I spent hundreds on ammunition. Plastic junk stocks and hardly any options for replacements. Lots of plastic parts and pieces. Aftermarket support seems to be lack luster even though they are probably top 5 best selling rifles in the US.

Easier way to say it would be I just dont like them compared to other options. And I don't believe they are built to the same quality as similarly priced options.

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[huntsman22]

A stock, mag, and trigger swap makes them about halfway decent....grin

 

[grfox92]

A stock, mag, and trigger swap makes them about halfway decent....grin

Yea man. Im not even saying I wouldn't buy another one down the road. Im just pretty bitter about the one I had. After owning Tikkas, Brownings, M70s, R700s, I just think it would be dishonest to say the RA is on par with them in terms of action quality or longevity.

I do love your rifles in those wood stocks though.

That doesn't mean they aren't serviceable rifles

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[brianwagan]

I have a gen 1 Ruger American 223 ar mag and Weatherby Vanguard 223, I also have 3 other Vanguards and a Howa. I got the Vanguard instead of the Howa mini because I wanted the hinged floor plate. The Howa/Vanguard are heavier but they are a quality action. My Gen 1 American is my most accurate gun but don't see myself buying another one. I would buy another Howa/Vanguard but think my next rifle will be a Tikka.

 

[BLJ]

I bought one. It needed to be sent back and rebarreled after I spent hundreds on ammunition. Plastic junk stocks and hardly any options for replacements. Lots of plastic parts and pieces. Aftermarket support seems to be lack luster even though they are probably top 5 best selling rifles in the US.

Easier way to say it would be I just dont like them compared to other options. And I don't believe they are built to the same quality as similarly priced options.

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If you get your ass burned once, it’s hard to spend more money to do it again. I get it.
Thanks for the response.