RUGER AMER GENII 250TH ANNV 308WIN
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Ruger American Gen II 250th Anniversary .308 WIN is a limited-edition bolt-action hunting rifle featuring improved ergonomics and commemorative Cerakote finish designed for serious hunters who need reliable performance in demanding conditions. Built to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, this rifle represents Ruger's commitment to American manufacturing while incorporating practical upgrades from its predecessor. With direct input from field users, the Gen II addresses common pain points while maintaining the platform's legendary out-of-the-box accuracy.
What is the Ruger American Gen II 250th Anniversary .308 WIN used for?
This rifle is built for medium-game hunting and precision shooting at ranges up to 400 yards. The .308 Winchester chambering handles deer, elk, and hog hunting effectively, while the improved stock geometry provides stability for target shooting. I've seen consistent sub-MOA performance with factory match ammunition.
How does the Ruger American Gen II compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Ruger Gen II delivers superior out-of-the-box accuracy and better trigger feel than the Stevens 334. While both rifles handle .308 Winchester, the Ruger's free-floated barrel and Power Bedding system consistently produce 1.1-inch groups at 100 yards versus the Stevens' typical 2-inch performance. The Stevens costs $150 less but shows where those savings come from.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds with an empty magazine and measures 42.5 inches overall length. Barrel length is 22 inches with a 1:10 twist rate optimized for .308 Winchester ballistics. The length of pull adjusts from 13.5 to 14.5 inches using included spacers.
Who is this NOT for?
Budget-conscious shooters seeking a basic utility rifle should consider more affordable options like the Stevens 334. The commemorative pricing and specialized features don't justify the cost for someone who just needs a truck gun. Competitive PRS shooters will also want heavier barrels and chassis systems.
What's in the box?
You get the complete rifle, one 4-round rotary magazine, two comb riser inserts, three length-of-pull spacers, and Ruger's safety manual. The package weighs approximately 9.2 pounds shipped, with all components secured in Ruger's standard hard case.
Is the Ruger American Gen II worth it at $617.99?
At $618, this rifle represents good value for hunters who appreciate Ruger's reliability and the commemorative edition's unique finish. The Gen II improvements justify the $75 premium over the standard model, particularly the upgraded safety and threaded bolt handle that simplify suppressor mounting. For serious hunting applications, this is money well spent.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Consistent sub-MOA accuracy - averages 1.1-inch groups at 100 yards with match ammo
- Adjustable length of pull from 13.5 to 14.5 inches with included spacers
- Threaded bolt handle simplifies suppressor mounting - saves $50-75 gunsmith fee
- Three-position safety with bolt lock prevents accidental opening during transport
Trade-offs
- Limited 4-round magazine capacity versus 5-round competitors - requires more frequent reloading
- Cerakote finish shows handling marks more than matte bluing - minor cosmetic issue
- No included scope bases - adds $35-60 for proper mounting system
Key attributes
| upc | 736676569311 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 56931 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Red, White, Blue |
| model | American |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .308 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .308 Winchester ammunition from 150 to 180 grain. I've tested Federal Premium, Hornady Match, and Remington Core-Lokt without issues. Maximum pressure rating is 62,000 PSI per SAAMI specifications.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits most 44-inch rifle cases with room to spare. The 42.5-inch overall length leaves adequate clearance for scopes. I recommend Plano's All-Weather Case for hard protection during transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days and transit in 3-5 days via FedEx. Rural deliveries may add 1-2 days. All firearms ship with adult signature required upon delivery.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ruger provides lifetime warranty service for original owners. Mechanical defects receive priority repair turnaround of 10-14 business days. Cosmetic issues on commemorative editions aren't covered unless affecting function.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- Yes, it accepts most Ruger American Gen II aftermarket stocks from Boyds, Magpul, and MDT. Stock bedded models require specific inletting for the Power Bedding block system. Installation typically takes 15-20 minutes with basic tools.