The Ruger Ranch Rifle has quickly become a popular choice among shooters, and its chambering in the relatively new 350 Legend cartridge makes it even more compelling. This review delves deep into the Ruger Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend, examining its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right firearm for you.
What Makes the 350 Legend Unique?
Before diving into the specifics of the Ruger Ranch Rifle, let's understand the 350 Legend cartridge. Designed with shorter barrels in mind, the 350 Legend offers a potent combination of manageable recoil and impressive stopping power. Its relatively flat trajectory and effective range make it a suitable option for various applications, from hunting deer-sized game to home defense. This cartridge strikes a balance rarely found in other calibers, making it attractive to a broad range of shooters.
Ruger Ranch Rifle: Key Features and Design
The Ruger Ranch Rifle is known for its robust construction and user-friendly design. Here are some key features that contribute to its appeal:
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Reliable Action: Ruger's renowned rotary magazine system ensures smooth, dependable feeding and ejection. This is crucial for any firearm, but especially so in a hunting or defensive scenario.
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Versatile Stock: The synthetic stock is durable, weather-resistant, and provides a comfortable grip. Its design accommodates a wide range of shooters.
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Ghost Ring Sights: The standard ghost ring sights are excellent for quick target acquisition, making them ideal for both close-quarters shooting and longer ranges. The rugged design also makes them resilient to the rigors of hunting or field use.
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Picatinny Rail: The inclusion of a Picatinny rail allows for easy mounting of scopes or other accessories, enhancing versatility and precision.
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Lightweight Design: The overall lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended use, a crucial consideration for hunters and those involved in extended training sessions.
Performance and Accuracy
The Ruger Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend generally delivers excellent accuracy, especially considering its price point. While individual rifles may vary slightly, many users report sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. The 350 Legend cartridge contributes to the flat trajectory, making long-range shots more predictable. The manageable recoil also enhances follow-up shot capability, a critical element in hunting situations.
Pros and Cons of the Ruger Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Ruger Ranch Rifle offers exceptional value for its price.
- Reliable Performance: Ruger's reputation for reliability is well-earned.
- Versatility: The rifle is suitable for hunting, home defense, and target shooting.
- User-Friendly Design: The intuitive controls and comfortable stock make it easy to handle.
- Manageable Recoil: The 350 Legend's reduced recoil is a significant advantage.
Cons:
- Limited Magazine Capacity: Standard magazines are typically limited to 5 rounds. Higher-capacity magazines are available, but may not always be readily accessible.
- Availability of Ammunition: While 350 Legend ammunition is becoming more readily available, it might not be as widely stocked as more common calibers.
Who is the Ruger Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend For?
This rifle is an excellent choice for:
- First-time rifle owners: The ease of use and manageable recoil make it ideal for new shooters.
- Hunters: The effective range and stopping power of the 350 Legend make it suitable for deer hunting.
- Home defense enthusiasts: The manageable recoil and relatively quiet report compared to larger calibers make it a consideration for home defense.
- Budget-conscious shooters: The Ruger Ranch Rifle offers impressive performance without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Many
The Ruger Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend is a well-rounded firearm that delivers excellent performance for its price. Its reliable action, user-friendly design, and manageable recoil make it a compelling option for a wide range of shooting applications. While minor drawbacks exist, the overall value proposition of this rifle remains strong, making it a worthy addition to any gun collection. Remember always to practice safe gun handling and follow all local and state regulations.
