Setting up a budget Ruger American 6mm — what would you do?

[coacht84]

Looking for some advice on setting up a budget Ruger American Gen 2 in 6mm Creedmoor (20").

The rifle will mostly be used by my kids, but I’ll hunt with it occasionally as well. Short term goal is getting it ready for a spring bear hunt over bait (~100 yards).

Trying to keep the setup simple, functional, and fairly lightweight (under ~9 lbs scoped) rather than turning it into a full custom build.

The scope I’d ultimately like to run is the Shoot2Hunt, but they’re not available right now and likely won’t be for another 6–7 months.

So I’m trying to decide between two options:

Option 1

- Run a cheap temporary scope (Crossfire / Diamondback 3‑9x type)
- Upgrade to a Shoot2Hunt when they’re available

Option 2

- Buy a Maven RS1.2 now (can get one for ~$800)
- Possibly still add a Shoot2Hunt later and run both on different rifles

Long term I’ll probably build a second lightweight 6mm rifle, so ending up with two good scopes wouldn’t be a problem.

A few other notes:

- Haven’t shot the rifle yet, so still need to see how recoil feels for the kids
- Long‑term plan is a suppressor, but that probably won’t happen this year
- Might add a budget muzzle brake if recoil ends up being an issue
- Planning to start ammo testing with Hornady ELD‑M factory loads

Planned upgrades so far

- Stiffen the forend (carbon arrows + epoxy)
- Add a small ARCA rail for tripod use

Questions:

- Would you run a cheap scope short term or buy the Maven now?
- Any other lightweight scope recommendations in the 3‑15 / 4‑12 range with an exposed turret?
- Any other simple upgrades you’d recommend for a Ruger American?

Not really looking to debate the cartridge choice — mainly focused on getting the rifle set up well.

Appreciate any input.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

 

[Harvey_NW]

First suggestion is to make sure it feeds and functions properly from the magazine, I had a gen 1 Predator in 6 creed and it would never reliably feed without a major modification, and Ruger wouldn't admit or do anything about it. Pretty crappy situation when a 9 year old is trying to make a follow up shot and it jams solid.

As for a cheaper reliable option for optic, the Trijicon Hurons are solid scopes around the $500 price point, great for a set and forget style that has a BDC reticle that can be figured out for holds.

 

[JFK]

I’d try to track down a swfa 6x or 3-9. I’ve got a 3-9 on a 22arc and my 7 year old son loves that scope. They are lighter than the maven and you’ll probably be happy with it versus putting something on it now and need to upgrade later. You’ll get your money back in full if/when you decide to buy the shoot2hunt scope.

I’d also say suppressor over a brake…or just run a bare muzzle.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Questions:

- Would you run a cheap scope short term or buy the Maven now?
- Any other lightweight scope recommendations in the 3‑15 / 4‑12 range with an exposed turret?
- Any other simple upgrades you’d recommend for a Ruger American?

I set one up for my wife in 6 ARC and she loves it. I put a Trijicon Huron 3-9x40 on it and removed the stock spacer and put on the Ruger high cheek pad and it fits perfect. The suppressor is gonna be the biggest upgrade, do that soonest.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Not a bad weight on these little things either.