The Ruger American in 350 Legend with a 22-inch barrel is a popular choice for hunters and target shooters alike. This rifle combines the reliability of the Ruger American platform with the effective stopping power of the 350 Legend cartridge. This in-depth review will cover everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons, helping you decide if it's the right rifle for you.
Understanding the 350 Legend Cartridge
Before we delve into the specifics of the Ruger American, let's understand the cartridge it chambers. The 350 Legend, introduced by Winchester, is a relatively new cartridge designed specifically for hunting in states with restrictions on high-powered rifles. Its shorter, less powerful profile makes it suitable for use in shorter-barreled AR-style platforms and traditional bolt-action rifles like the Ruger American. Key characteristics include:
- Moderate Recoil: Significantly less recoil than many larger calibers, making it comfortable for new shooters and extended shooting sessions.
- Flat Trajectory: The 350 Legend boasts a relatively flat trajectory, meaning less bullet drop at longer ranges compared to similar cartridges.
- Effective Stopping Power: Despite its moderate recoil, the 350 Legend delivers impressive stopping power on deer-sized game. This is due to the larger diameter bullet compared to cartridges like .223 or 5.56.
- Versatile Ammunition Availability: While a newer cartridge, ammunition is readily available from major manufacturers.
Ruger American 350 Legend 22-Inch Barrel: Key Features
The Ruger American platform is known for its affordability, accuracy, and user-friendly design. The 22-inch barrel variant enhances these qualities even further. Here's a breakdown of key features:
- 22-Inch Barrel Length: This longer barrel contributes to increased velocity and improved accuracy compared to shorter-barreled versions. The longer barrel allows for more complete powder burn, maximizing the 350 Legend's performance.
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger: This is a significant upgrade. The adjustable trigger allows you to customize the pull weight to your preference, enhancing both accuracy and overall shooting experience. This level of adjustability is rare in similarly priced rifles.
- Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The cold hammer-forged barrel construction provides superior accuracy and durability. This process results in a smoother bore, reducing friction and promoting consistency.
- Bolt Action System: The smooth bolt action is reliable and allows for quick follow-up shots. The action is known for its solid feel and positive lock-up.
- Lightweight Design: While durable, the Ruger American remains relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry during hunting trips.
- Factory-Installed Picatinny Rail: This allows for easy mounting of scopes, red dot sights, or other accessories.
Performance and Accuracy
The 22-inch barrel significantly contributes to the rifle's accuracy. While exact figures vary based on ammunition and individual rifles, many users report sub-MOA accuracy (less than one inch at 100 yards) with quality ammunition. This makes the rifle suitable not only for hunting but also for target shooting and precision work at moderate ranges.
Case Study: Several online forums and reviews showcase users achieving excellent accuracy with the Ruger American 350 Legend 22-inch barrel, often exceeding expectations for a rifle in its price range. Many attribute this to the combination of the longer barrel, cold hammer-forged construction, and Ruger's attention to detail in manufacturing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Ruger American is remarkably affordable compared to other rifles offering similar features.
- Accuracy: The 22-inch barrel significantly improves accuracy.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to handle and carry.
- Reliable Action: Ruger's reputation for reliability holds true with this model.
- Adjustable Trigger: Allows for personalized trigger pull.
- Versatile Cartridge: The 350 Legend is effective for various hunting applications.
Cons:
- Magazines can be expensive: While not a major drawback, replacing magazines might be costlier than for some other calibers.
- Limited aftermarket parts: Compared to more popular calibers, finding aftermarket parts might require more effort.
Conclusion: Is the Ruger American 350 Legend 22-Inch Barrel Right for You?
The Ruger American 350 Legend with its 22-inch barrel is a compelling option for hunters and target shooters seeking a reliable, accurate, and affordable rifle. Its combination of features, including the adjustable trigger, cold hammer-forged barrel, and the effective 350 Legend cartridge makes it a versatile choice. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the rifle's overall performance and value make it a strong contender in its class. If you're looking for a versatile hunting rifle or an accurate platform for target shooting, the Ruger American 350 Legend 22-inch barrel is definitely worth considering.