Help me out on a Ruger American Gen2 Build

[USAF Ret]

So, I was not planning on getting another rifle, but the PX had a 20% off sale going on and had a Ruger American Gen2 Predator in 308 Win. I got it for $400, no tax. I just could not pass it up. I am wanting to do a chassis hunting rig. Trying to keep it fairly light, maybe 8 lbs with scope. I have been looking at the offerings and right now it looks like KRG Bravo, MDT Field, MDT LSS, and Sharps Bros Heatseeker for chassis'. I am also keeping an eye out for Black Friday scope deals. I would like to keep the scope under 20 oz with a 16x magnification. I do need to pull the action from the stock and weigh it so I know what my limits are. Also, while not a bare bones budget, I do want to keep it lower or I could have ended up buying a rifle already in a chassis system.

Open to suggestions. Anyone done a build like this? Thoughts on components?

 

[Wind Gypsy]

8 lbs with scope is a stretch. Bravos are great but not light. I don’t think the mdts are any lighter either. I’m pretty sure the field stock is heavier and lss likely is too. Never heard of the heat seeker.

 

[Waspocrew]

Agreed^^^. I think you're going to have a tough time reaching your weight goal.

 

[Redmt]

If you're looking for a decent discount on scopes, most manufacturers offer a veterans discount. Leupold is very veteran friendly.

 

[brockel]

I don’t think you will be able to hit 8lbs

 

[USAF Ret]

Alright, let's shoot for 9 lbs. Remember, that the American 2 is spiral fluted. It is quite a bit less weight than the Gen 1.

 

[USAF Ret]

If you're looking for a decent discount on scopes, most manufacturers offer a veterans discount. Leupold is very veteran friendly.

I am signed up. They never seem to have the scope I am looking for, although I have bought a couple.

 

[USAF Ret]

I am flexible on weight. Just as light as possible.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Bravo is great, it's just going to be 3#+.

A quick look at that heatseeker looks like it may have potential to be lighter pending the grip and butstock selection. That said, it's going to be metal which is less ideal for handling in cold weather and most of the AR pattern buttstocks that would be as nice for shooting as the bravo's ass end might eliminate the weight benefit but i'm not that well versed in AR stock options. I also prefer the bravo grip to most AR style grips for shooting. That heatseeker is going to be twice the cost as well unless you've got AR furniture on hand you can use.

20 oz or lighter for 16x or more is magnification is also limiting on the options. I know the swaro z5 does it. Probably the lightest scopes of that magnification that I'd want are the 3-18 trijicon credo models and they land somewhere around 24 ounces.

 

[std7mag]

Crimson Trace CT Hardline Pro 4-16x50 MR1-MOA 30mm Tube Non-Illuminated Riflescope 01-01350

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I have one of these. Really like it!
Decent adjustability and good glass!

About the same price I paid for my Ziess V4. But the CT controls feel smoother. Glass, I can't tell the difference between.

 

[WVmike]

I am signed up. They never seem to have the scope I am looking for, although I have bought a couple.

If you have a certain brand in mind and if they don't list something about the discount, contact them and they should tell you if they do or don't. Sometimes the discount will say for active duty but sometimes also includes veterans also. Also depends on what you're preference is in looks/ergonomics of the stock. I've been wanting to replace the stock on my Rem 700 .308 to something other than the Choate that I have on it because it's heavy. I like the MDT and Oryx chasis but don't care for the Magpul stock. Like others have said you may have to compromise on something to meet your weight requirement/budget.