New Ruger African 6.5x55 from Lipsey's

[geoff rath]

Gorgeous rifles; that Bill Ruger bloke was a real cluey fella, so much that he did has worked out so well. Utmost respect for the man.

 

[VonJager]

I find it funny that it takes lipseys to push Ruger in a direction that customers want.

Well maybe not the majority of customers (Ruger American )but there is a market for pretty rifles in solid calibers at an intermediate price(I think affordable but then Ruger Americans and savage axis are considered affordable and I don't even consider them worth 2 seconds of my time.)

 

[John Struewing]

Figure we may as well start a dedicated thread to these rifles. If already done, well, I guess we'll have two! Anyway I just snagged one off of Gunbroker for the best price I could find, they are popping up on the auctions sites now. Been hankering for a No.1 K1A in this cal, ever since I sold the one I had to a range buddy that refuses to sell it back to me, even at a profit!! Some range buddy right? Oh well, almost bid on one on GB but it went for more than I wanted and this rifle will make a great alternative for a lot less loot. Will post pics and reports when I get it, probably close to two weeks.

Mr Stoppelman, a little bird associated with a Cabelas store (no, not Mr. Beagle) has said something about Cabelas wanting to get in on the Swedish fun. However, it appears that the description calls for a HEAVY TAPERED barrel. I cannot verify this, but have it on good word. I would be quite upset if my limited edition African would become common place. But who want a heavy tapered barrel on this rifle? Everything else is supposed to be the same. Maybe Johnny just needs to make a few more dollars.

 

[John Struewing]

Back to the range this morning to shoot a few more rounds and make sure she's still on before heading out on a free range Axis hunt this Tuesday. And to think I almost bought a Tikka......... This Ruger Swede is one of the best shooting guns I've ever owned.
View attachment 228711 View attachment 228712 I adjusted it down two inches and I'm good to go.

@Sand Rat, sir did you bed the recoil lug or free float the rifle barrel?

 

[Sand Rat]

@Sand Rat, sir did you bed the recoil lug or free float the rifle barrel?

No it's all as is from the factory! Barrel was already free floated. It could use a lighter trigger but the groups it shoots don't say so.

 

[John Struewing]

No it's all as is from the factory! Barrel was already free floated. It could use a lighter trigger but the groups it shoots don't say so.

There isn't a gnat's whisker between the barrel and stock of mine but the trigger breaks at 3.5 to 3.75 lbs. No pretravel or noticeable after travel. Sure hope mine shoots as well as yours. It is outstanding.

 

[Sand Rat]

Works on big boar hogs as well. One shot to the shoulder, est weight at 250 lbs.

 

[John Struewing]

Works on big boar hogs as well. One shot to the shoulder, est weight at 250 lbs.

View attachment 229976 View attachment 229977

That rifle was born to hunt! Congrats again Sand Rat.

 

[John Struewing]

That rifle was born to hunt! Congrats again Sand Rat.

It's been a week now, Sand Rat, has your Swede been on any other adventures? UPS picked mine up on Friday. I hope I did the right thing, but odds are I did.

 

[Sand Rat]

It's been a week now, Sand Rat, has your Swede been on any other adventures? UPS picked mine up on Friday. I hope I did the right thing, but odds are I did.

No I'm back in Saudi and the Swede is tucked away in the safe. But I have a date with this rascal the first week in July. Saw him twice last week but too much brush in the way for a clean shot.

 

[John Struewing]

No I'm back in Saudi and the Swede is tucked away in the safe. But I have a date with this rascal the first week in July. Saw him twice last week but too much brush in the way for a clean shot.
View attachment 230984

Safe journey, sir. I hope you get to "tickle" his fancy with a Nosler Partition.

 

[Sand Rat]

Probably slam his ass with a 156 gr Oryx out of my 7X57. My CZ's been a little jealous since the Swede came to town.

 

[John Struewing]

Probably slam his ass with a 156 gr Oryx out of my 7X57. My CZ's been a little jealous since the Swede came to town.

Sounds like a plan

 

[geoff rath]

... and we're all cheering you on ...

 

[John Struewing]

No I'm back in Saudi and the Swede is tucked away in the safe. But I have a date with this rascal the first week in July. Saw him twice last week but too much brush in the way for a clean shot.
View attachment 230984

Sand Rat I received a call from a Ruger gunsmith this morning. He explained to me that the young lady I spoke with didn't equate the term bedding as we (i) do. He said the barrel is indeed free floated. However, the action is tightly fitted, not bedded to the stock. He said once the front action bolt is torqued to 90 - 95 in lbs, that it won't move. Unfortunately the stock wound up damaged so they replaced it. You were right about sending it back. I could have free floated it my self. On the good side, he said that after shooting one round 140gr Federal to see where it would hit, he put 4 more in one hole @ 50 yds. No too shabby. Have a great day.

 

[VonJager]

My new Ruger 6.5 rifle.

 

[John Struewing]

My new Ruger 6.5 rifle.View attachment 233112

Hey. That looks just like mine!

 

[John Struewing]

Hey. That looks just like mine!

They are very nice rifles, aren't they.

 

[John Struewing]

They are very nice rifles, aren't they.

Sand Rat has an exceptional recipe with 47.0 (I think) grains RL 22 behind a Nosler 140gr Partition. Mr Stoppelman, have you made any progress with your load development for your Swede?

 

[VonJager]

First time out I just shot the 156gr factory oryx loaf