RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE PREDATOR 223 REM 22″ BBL10RD VORTEX CROSSFIRE II SCOPE

About this product

What is the Ruger American Rifle Predator 223 Rem 22″ Bbl with Vortex Crossfire II Scope? It's a factory-integrated bolt-action rifle and scope package chambered in .223 Remington, designed specifically for precision varmint control and mid-range target work where minimizing weight and maximizing hit probability matters more than raw power. This Ironclad Armory listing delivers the complete system—barrel, action, trigger, and optics—ready for initial zeroing, saving you the cost and hassle of separate scope mounting and bore sighting. At 7.2 pounds unloaded and 41.5 inches in overall length, it balances the need for a stable shooting platform with the portability required for walking fence lines or moving between prairie dog towns.

What is the Ruger American Rifle Predator used for?

This rifle is engineered for deliberate, precise shots at small to medium-sized game and pests out to about 300 yards, where the .223 Remington cartridge remains ballistically effective. The 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and free-floating bedding system stabilize factory match-grade or hand-loaded varmint bullets, while the adjustable 3-5 pound trigger allows for a crisp break that doesn't disturb the sight picture. I consider it an ideal tool for coyote hunters, ranch managers controlling ground squirrels, or disciplined recreational shooters working on sub-MOA groups from benchrest or improvised field positions, not for close-quarters brush hunting or large game where cartridge energy is insufficient.

How does the Ruger American Predator compare to the Stevens 334?

The Ruger American Predator offers a superior out-of-the-box accuracy system and a more modern magazine design than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 is a capable, budget-friendly bolt-action, the Ruger's proprietary Power Bedding block and free-floated barrel provide a more consistent mechanical foundation for precision, and its AR-style 10-round magazine is faster to reload and more readily accepts common aftermarket options than the Stevens' traditional internal magazine. The Stevens chambered in .308 Winchester, like our Stevens 334 .308 model, delivers significantly more terminal energy for deer-sized game, but the Ruger in .223 Remington will typically deliver tighter groups at distance with less recoil and lower ammunition cost for high-volume shooting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.2 pounds (3.27 kg) without ammunition, and measures 41.5 inches (105.4 cm) in overall length from the buttplate to the muzzle crown. The 22-inch barrel length (55.9 cm) provides a good balance of velocity potential and maneuverability, while the synthetic stock's length of pull is approximately 13.75 inches—a standard fit for most adult shooters. The Vortex Crossfire II scope adds about 1.1 pounds to the total system weight, bringing a loaded, slung rifle to roughly 8.8 pounds, which is manageable for all-day carry in a hilly environment.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for hunters pursuing deer, elk, or larger game where the .223 Remington cartridge is legally restricted or ethically marginal due to its lower kinetic energy. It's also a poor choice for tactical competitions requiring rapid magazine changes and manual-of-arms speed, as the bolt throw, while smooth, is not as fast as a custom-tuned short-action competition rifle. Finally, pure collectors or those seeking traditional walnut and blued steel aesthetics should look elsewhere, like our classic Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge; this is a tool-focused synthetic-stock rifle built for performance in the field, not the gun safe display.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete, zero-ready system: the Ruger American Rifle Predator barreled action nested in its moss green synthetic stock, the factory-installed and mounted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm scope with Dead-Hold BDC reticle, one 10-round AR-style detachable box magazine, and a set of pre-installed sling swivel studs. Notably, the scope comes mounted with Ruger's proprietary rings torqued to specification—approximately 18 in-lbs—so you won't need separate bases, rings, or a torque wrench for initial setup, just a set of allen keys for final zero adjustments which typically consume 12-15 rounds of ammunition.

Is the Ruger American Predator worth it at $713.99?

At $713.99, this package represents a tangible value over buying the components separately and paying for professional assembly. The Vortex Crossfire II scope retails for around $200, and a competent gunsmith would charge $75-$125 to mount, level, and bore-sight it, making the rifle itself effectively cost just over $400—a strong price for a rifle with this feature set. For a shooter who values time and wants a guaranteed mechanically sound rifle-to-optic interface from the factory, this package eliminates guesswork. For a tinkerer who already owns premium rings and bases or plans to immediately upgrade the optic, buying the rifle alone might be more cost-effective, but as a turn-key system, the price is justified by the convenience and guaranteed compatibility.