Ruger American Ranch Problems (Solved)

The Ruger American Ranch 223 is a popular rifle, but like very gun it is not without its potential issues. Some owners have reported issues with the accuracy of the rifle, as well as with the magazine feeding and ejection. Other complaints include the trigger being too hard to pull and the safety being difficult to engage.

Before we explore these complaints in greater detail, let’s go over a quick rundown of this rifle’s specifications. The Ruger American Ranch is a bolt-action rifle that uses a detachable magazine and is calibered in 5.56 / .223, 450 Bushmaster, 7.62, 300 BLK, 350 Legend, or 6.5 Grendel. It has a three-lug rotary bolt with a 70-degree throw and a dual cocking cam system. 

The barrel is cold hammer-forged, while the stock is made from synthetic material. The rifle also comes with a scope base adapter, as well as Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable Trigger.

Now that we know a little more about the Ruger American Ranch 223, let’s take a closer look at some of the issues owners have been having with this rifle. Be sure to read through to find the best solutions to each problem.

Ruger American Ranch 223 Problems

1. Accuracy Issues

One of the most common Ruger American Ranch 223 problems is that it is not as accurate as advertised. Many owners have reported suddenly getting 4-inch groups.

There are a few potential causes for this accuracy loss. First, check to see if your scope is mounted correctly. If it is not, then that could definitely be the problem. Second, make sure that the barrel is clean. A dirty barrel can cause all sorts of accuracy problems.

How to Fix It

If your scope is mounted correctly and the barrel is clean, then you may need to adjust the sights. It is also possible that the rifle is not bedded properly. You can try bedding it yourself or take it to a gunsmith for assistance.

When cleaning the barrel, be sure to use a good quality bore cleaner and follow the instructions carefully. If you still can’t get the accuracy you want, double-check the scope to ensure that it is mounted correctly and zeroed in properly. 

You may also want to try a different brand of ammunition, as some ammo is just more accurate than others. If you’ve tried all of these things and the Ruger American Ranch 223 is still not shooting accurately, then you may need to take it back to the store or contact Ruger customer service for further assistance.

2. Magazine Feeding and Ejection Issues

Another common complaint among Ruger American Ranch 223 owners is that the magazine does not feed or eject correctly. It’s possible that the magazine is not seated properly or that there is something obstructing the magazine release.

How to Fix It

To fix this problem, first make sure that the magazine is fully inserted and seated correctly. A magazine that isn’t seated properly can cause a whole host of feeding and ejection issues. 

If the magazine is seated correctly and you’re still having problems, take a look at the magazine release. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing it and that it is functioning properly. 

In some cases, there might not be enough of a gap for ammunition to feed through properly. Some owners report that this is caused by the magazine’s lip. If there’s too much, it will throw off the feeding. You can try to file down the lip a bit to see if that helps. 

Please be aware, however, that making any physical alterations will void the rifle’s warranty. As such, you may want to consider sending your American Ranch 223 to Ruger. They will be able to make any necessary adjustments and get your rifle back to you in perfect working condition.

3. Trigger Pull Issues

Some Ruger American Ranch 223 owners claim that the trigger is too hard to pull. This can make it very difficult to shoot the rifle accurately. In some cases, the trigger may even become stuck.

It’s not uncommon for the trigger to become harder to pull after a few hundred rounds have been fired. This is because the trigger assembly can start to become dirty.

How to Fix It

The best way to fix this problem is to clean the trigger assembly. You can do this yourself or take it to a gunsmith for assistance. Be sure to use a good quality cleaner and follow the instructions carefully.

In some cases, it might be necessary to replace the trigger assembly altogether. This is a fairly simple process and can usually be done by a gunsmith or someone with basic mechanical skills. 

If you feel confident enough to replace the trigger assembly yourself, you can find a variety of aftermarket options online. Just be sure to choose one that is compatible with your Ruger American Ranch 223.

4. Hot Barrel

Another common complaint among Ruger American Ranch 223 owners is that the barrel gets too hot after extended periods of shooting. This can cause the rifle to be less accurate and can make it uncomfortable to shoot.

It’s worth noting that some rifle owners have reported their barrels overheating after only just 10 rounds. Even though this rifle isn’t marketed as a target rifle, most gun owners expect their ranch rifle to allow for extended shooting without any issues. 

How to Fix It

Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this problem. You can try using a barrel cooling device or wrap, but these are only temporary solutions. In most cases, the only way to fix this problem is to replace the barrel with a cooler running one.

This isn’t a cheap fix, but it is the most effective way to solve the problem. If you’re not comfortable replacing the barrel yourself, you can always take it to a gunsmith or Ruger customer service. 

Contacting Ruger’s customer service is likely your best bet, as they have high marks for customer satisfaction. They should be able to help you get your American Ranch 223 back up and running in no time or at least get the ball rolling on the best course of action.