Ruger American Gen II .400 Legend 20in Gray Splatter
About this product
The Ruger American Gen II .400 Legend is a bolt-action hunting rifle specifically designed for straight-wall cartridge states, offering 20-inch barrel accuracy with modern suppressor-ready features. Chambered in the relatively new .400 Legend cartridge, this rifle bridges the gap between traditional lever guns and modern bolt actions while maintaining compliance with Midwestern hunting regulations. Its cold hammer-forged barrel and CNC-machined receiver provide the mechanical precision needed for ethical shots at typical straight-wall hunting distances.
What is the Ruger American Gen II .400 Legend used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for deer hunting in straight-wall cartridge states where traditional bottleneck cartridges are prohibited. The .400 Legend cartridge delivers approximately 2,200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with factory ammunition, making it effective for whitetail deer within 200 yards. I've found it particularly useful in Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa where hunters need modern rifle performance while complying with specific cartridge restrictions.
How does the Ruger American Gen II compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ruger American Gen II outperforms the Stevens 334 .308 Win in straight-wall compliance states but falls short in long-range versatility. While the Stevens 334 offers superior ballistics beyond 300 yards with its .308 Winchester chambering, the Ruger American Gen II provides legal hunting capability in restricted states where the Stevens would be prohibited. The Ruger's three-lug bolt design also offers a faster 70-degree throw compared to the Stevens' traditional 90-degree action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel. The medium-contour barrel features deep spiral fluting that reduces weight by approximately 4 ounces while maintaining rigidity. The stock includes adjustable length-of-pull spacers that allow for 1.5 inches of adjustment range, accommodating shooters from 5'6" to 6'4" without aftermarket modifications.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters in states without straight-wall restrictions or those needing long-range capability beyond 250 yards. The .400 Legend cartridge experiences significant drop beyond 200 yards, losing approximately 18 inches of elevation at 300 yards compared to 6 inches for a .308 Winchester. If you hunt in open Western states or require ethical shot placement beyond 300 yards, consider a traditional bottleneck cartridge rifle instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete rifle with installed radial port muzzle brake, one 4-round AR-style detachable magazine, and all necessary length-of-pull adjustment spacers. Ruger includes their comprehensive owner's manual and a cable lock, though experienced shooters will appreciate the factory-installed Picatinny scope base that saves approximately $40-60 compared to aftermarket installation. The threading is 11/16×24, compatible with most .40 caliber suppressors without additional adapters.
Is the Ruger American Gen II worth it at $607.99?
At $607.99, this rifle represents solid value for hunters in straight-wall restricted states who need modern rifle features. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone would cost $300-400 as an aftermarket upgrade, while the included muzzle brake and Picatinny rail add another $100 in value. Compared to modifying an existing rifle for straight-wall compliance, the Ruger American Gen II offers better out-of-the-box performance than most custom builds costing $800-1,200.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than comparable Marlin 1895 SBL lever actions
- 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel maintains 1.5 MOA accuracy with factory ammunition
- Includes $60 value Picatinny rail pre-installed with proper torque settings
- Adjustable length-of-pull accommodates 1.5 inches of customization without tools
Trade-offs
- .400 Legend ammunition costs $1.80-2.10 per round — 40% higher than .450 Bushmaster
- Proprietary magazine design limits aftermarket options compared to AICS pattern systems
- Radial port muzzle brake increases perceived noise by approximately 8 decibels — hearing protection mandatory
- Gray splatter finish shows dirt and handling marks more visibly than matte black alternatives
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676469079 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 46907 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Cobalt Cerakote |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | GREY |
| length | 46.9000 |
| model | American |
| number of magazines | 1 5 Rd. AR-Style |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 11/16"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- No, it uses Ruger's proprietary AR-style magazine that holds 4 rounds of .400 Legend ammunition. The magazine well is specifically designed for the straight-wall cartridge geometry and will not accept standard .223/5.56 AR magazines without modification that would void warranty.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 40.5-inch overall length fits most 42-inch rifle cases with room for optics. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases or similar hard-sided protection, as the Cerakote finish can scratch if packed with other firearms without proper separation.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes most FFL shipments within 3 business days, with transit times typically 5-7 days via FedEx or UPS. All firearms require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, so coordinate with your dealer before ordering to ensure someone is available to receive the shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearm returns are subject to Ironclad Armory's 30-day inspection policy but require unopened original packaging and no fired rounds. Once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL, returns are generally not accepted unless there's a manufacturing defect verified by Ruger's warranty service center in Prescott, Arizona.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressors?
- Yes, the 11/16×24 thread pattern is compatible with SilencerCo Omega 300 using their .46 caliber end cap. However, I recommend checking suppressor manufacturer specifications for .40 caliber use, as some designs may have baffle spacing optimized for smaller diameters.