The Ruger Ranch Rifle in .350 Legend has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters alike. This review dives deep into its performance, features, and overall value, providing an in-depth analysis to help you determine if it's the right firearm for you.
What Makes the .350 Legend Unique?
Before we delve into the Ruger Ranch Rifle specifically, let's understand the cartridge it utilizes – the .350 Legend. This relatively new cartridge was designed with versatility in mind. It offers a powerful, straight-walled design ideal for hunting deer-sized game in states with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges. Its flatter trajectory compared to some larger calibers makes it easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges, while its manageable recoil makes it comfortable for both novice and experienced shooters.
Ruger Ranch Rifle: Design and Features
The Ruger Ranch Rifle embodies Ruger's reputation for building reliable and robust firearms. Its key features include:
- Rugged Construction: Built on a durable platform, the Ranch Rifle is known for its resilience and ability to withstand the rigors of hunting and regular use. The receiver is made from steel, ensuring longevity.
- Ghost Ring Sights: The standard ghost ring sights provide a fast and effective sighting system, particularly useful in low-light conditions or quick target acquisition. These are easily adjustable for windage and elevation.
- M-LOK System: The inclusion of an M-LOK handguard allows for easy attachment of accessories like lights, lasers, and bipods, customizing the rifle to your specific needs. This enhances versatility for various hunting or shooting scenarios.
- Threaded Barrel: The threaded barrel allows for the attachment of a suppressor or muzzle brake, further enhancing the rifle's capabilities and reducing recoil. It also simplifies the addition of other muzzle devices for improved accuracy or sound suppression.
- Magazine Compatibility: The rifle uses Ruger's proprietary rotary magazine, known for its reliability and ease of use. While the capacity may be smaller than some detachable box magazines, its reliability is a considerable advantage.
Performance on the Range and in the Field
The .350 Legend’s performance in the Ruger Ranch Rifle is impressive. It delivers consistent accuracy and impressive stopping power for its intended purpose. The manageable recoil makes it comfortable for extended shooting sessions, and the flat trajectory allows for effective shots at longer distances, enhancing hunting success. The rifle's accuracy is consistently reported to be within acceptable parameters for hunting applications, with many users reporting sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
However, it's important to note that ammunition selection plays a critical role in achieving optimal performance. Different ammunition types can lead to variations in accuracy and velocity. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal load for your specific rifle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and Durable: Built to last with high-quality materials.
- Versatile Cartridge: The .350 Legend is effective for various hunting applications and is compliant with many state regulations.
- Easy to Shoot: Manageable recoil makes it suitable for various skill levels.
- Customizable: M-LOK slots allow for accessory attachment.
- Good Value: Offers excellent performance and features for its price point.
Cons:
- Proprietary Magazine: This limits aftermarket options compared to more common magazine types.
- Limited Ammunition Selection: Compared to more established cartridges, the available .350 Legend ammunition options may be somewhat limited.
Conclusion
The Ruger Ranch Rifle in .350 Legend is a solid, reliable, and versatile firearm well-suited for hunting deer-sized game within its effective range. Its manageable recoil, accuracy, and customization options make it an attractive option for both novice and experienced shooters. While some limitations exist, such as proprietary magazines and a relatively smaller selection of ammunition compared to other calibers, these drawbacks are generally outweighed by the rifle's overall performance and value. It earns a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a dependable and effective hunting rifle in a relatively new and effective cartridge.
