Real Guns https://realguns.com Firearm information for the enthusiast Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:34:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://realguns.com/images/siteicon.jpg Real Guns https://realguns.com 32 32 High Standard Sport King Special, Model A1041 https://realguns.com/articles/2210.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2210.htm#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:34:19 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52927 03/17/2024 – A new neighbor stopped by to introduce himself the other day. He had purchased the abutting property to the south. Seemed like a nice enough guy although, I have to say, new neighbors stopping by is usually accompanied with a request… “Mind if I cut down your trees…...

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Editorial - What To Do Until The Rain Stops https://realguns.com/articles/2211.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2211.htm#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:36:54 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52936 Ingredients 2 9″ pie crusts 1 lb 8 oz 80-20 ground beef 2 eggs 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs 1 1/4 cup whole milk 1/3 green bell pepper 1/4 white onion 5 green onions 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Instructions Preheat oven…...

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Pointed Bullets And Tubular Magazines https://realguns.com/articles/2208.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2208.htm#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2024 14:43:30 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52900 03/10/2024 – I have to begin by saying, I am in no way shape or form, suggesting anything other than the use of  flat and suitably round nose bullets in any firearm with a tubular magazine. I say this because those are the safety rules provided by the super knowledgeable,…...

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Zastava's ZPAPM70 Part III... Two Years Later https://realguns.com/articles/2207.htm Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:21:40 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52879 02/25/2024 – The local roads are posted, so Maine spring and mud season can’t be far behind. All of my bitching about clearing snow and freezing temperatures will be replaced with my bitching about spring clean up, landscaping and maintenance work. There is always something to grouse about that doesn’t…...

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Editorial - Non Firearm - A Factual Explanation Of Heaven And Hell https://realguns.com/articles/2206.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2206.htm#comments Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:46:53 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52871 02/23/2024 – Writing is a great freedom that everyone should enjoy. A blog, a website, a piece of paper on a cluttered desk. Writing allows a person to speak without interference and without compromise, even if others assign themselves to judge. The following was written, because I think there are…...

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Big Bear Loads For The 204 Ruger!..!! https://realguns.com/articles/2205.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2205.htm#comments Sun, 18 Feb 2024 22:07:40 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52774 02/18/2024 – I am so looking forward to a motorcycle run from Maine to Texas, with a few stops in between. I know, shut up already, Joe. Last time, then I will shut up until the trip.

Car trips always end up a race. Get there in the fewest days possible, get in the most daily miles, stay on the Interstate, always one more hour on the road each day, then up and out early the next.

Destination traveling. I do not know how many scenic experiences I have missed, towns I have bypassed, people I have not seen, even though I told them I would stop on the way. So whatever route I take, and for how long it will take, I need to stop in Pennsylvania to see Al and Nancy. I talk to them every few months, but I have not seen them in person since ’72 ish.

I need to stop in Arkansas where Michael and Marcia now live. A good Air Force buddy and young family friend. When I was discharged, Harry drove back with me in my old ’67 Mustang. We stopped in the see Mike and Marcia in Missouri, where they lived at that time, before I dropped Harry off in Butler, PA. That was in December of 1970. Harry is gone. An example of why not to put things off.

In Texas there will be family, but I will also stop in to see Pat, another Air Force buddy I communicate with, but have not seen since ’70. I do not drink or smoke, stopped in ’98, but I think some drunk fishing might be in order for that occasion.

So this trip means many things. A personal challenge to see if I can still do it. A chance to address things not yet done. No, not a bucket list kind of thing. More like there are no rules prohibiting older people from having life goals and new experiences. The routine of life keeps on going until the good Lord decides it stops, so until then…

I am obsessed with trip planning; routes, timing, overnight stops, gas stops. Gear, systems, inclement weather, heat, cold, rain, boots, clothes, security. What to take, what to leave behind. It is like planning for a wilderness hunting or fishing trip, or playing that game, “If you’re stranded on an island, pick five items you want to have with you”.

And now about guns

The 204 Ruger and the Ruger American® Rifle Predator make for a pretty terrific varmint hunting combination. Topping out at coyote size game, the 204 Ruger is accurate, low in recoil, has an effective range out to 400 yards, and is inexpensive to shoot… rifle and ammunition.

The Ruger American® Rifle Predator is a well established firearm, low in price, high in performance, this one with a Accuracy International type, single stack magazine.

Ruger American Rifle Predator

Company Ruger
Model Designation 26971
Point of Manufacture Newport, NH, USA
Type of Action Bolt Action 3 Lug 70º Lift
Caliber 204 Ruger
Magazine Capacity 10
Magazine Type* Single Column Box Detachable
Barrel Length 22″
Rifling Twist Rate 1:12″ 5 Groove RH
Barrel Muzzle Threads 1/2″-28
Barreled Action Alloy Steel – Blued Matte Black
Stock Type Moss Green Synthetic
Length of Pull 13.75″
Drop at comb 5/8″
Drop at heel 3/4″
Trigger Guard Material Polymer
Front Sight N/A
Rear Sight N/A
Scope Accommodation Receiver Top Rail
Trigger Pull 3 To 5 Lbs
Weight of Firearm 6.6 Lbs
Overall Length 42″
Safety Tang
MSRP $669

For some time, back in 2016 when Remington introduced the Model 770, it looked like “Value” rifle would be produced at low prices by selling a substandard rifle. Bad stocks, inappropriate use of plastic, horrible stock to action fit, and mediocre accuracy. Fortunately, that scenario did not play out in other manufacturers’ products.

The transition is not unlike what transpired during the bogus oil shortages of the mid 1970s, when the fed stepped on the automotive industry with emissions standards that crippled vehicles for twenty years. That is how long it took auto manufacturers to come up with a clean motor that could outperform even the fastest performance cars of the 60s and early 70s.

The Ruger American Rifle, despite its low MSRP, can match, or outperform any of the production rifles that came before. No, it is not a classic bolt action rifle, but it is becoming the new traditional rifle, and its differences from the classic are what is going its performance edge.

The Predator has a heavier tapered, cold hammer-forged barrel, with ultra-precise rifling. The barrel is threaded to attach brakes and flash and sound suppressors, and is secured to the rifle’s receiver with a barrel nut design that facilitates critical headspace setting.

The one-piece, full diameter bolt body and three-lug lock up provide exceptional strength, a shallow 70° bolt lift, and exacting closed breech receiver, bolt cartridge, barrel concentricity. Dual bolt cocking cams lightens cocking effort.

The Ruger Power Bedding system design secures the receiver to the rifle’s stock in a multiple V block/receiver engagement. This prevents radial and longitudinal movement and permits a free floating barrel.

Safety through design

The subject rifle has a two position safety but, no doubt, will be upgraded to the Gen 2 American rifle, which has a three position tang safety. The two position safety is on or off, with no provision to lock the bolt handle. The newer three position includes “Fire”, “Safe” bolt locked and “Safe” bolt not locked. The cocked indicator remains, protruding when cocked.

The trigger safety is a check against accidental discharge from a fall. It needs to be depressed by a trigger finger before the trigger can be pulled. Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable™ trigger provides a pull weight range between 3 and 5 lbs.

Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 American Rifles have been covered extensively. For greater detail, please use the site search function and enter American Rifle.

The 204 Ruger…

Pictured L-R, for the sake of context and visual connection 17 HMR, 204 Ruger, 222 Remington, and 223 Remington. Supersonic range, respectively: 200 yards, 600 yards, 500 yards, 600 yards.

The 204 Ruger is not, no doubt to some people’s surprise, a big and dangerous game cartridge… unless you can get a big bear or Alaskan moose to eat copious amounts of cartridges and expire from terminal indigestion. It is, however, an extremely zippy cartridge, but well behaved in comparison to the barky, barrel burning, bulk powder ingesting 22-250 Remington and 220 Swift cartridges.

Introduced in 2004, the 204 Ruger has proven to be an excellent varmint, small game and target shooting round. It is based on the 222 Remington Magnum (1958) a stretched version of the 222 Remington. The 222 Magnum has been obsolete since about the time the 223 Remington was introduced in 1963.

Similar, but different…

Cartridge Case
Length “
Neck
Length “
Casehead
Diameter “
Case
Capacity H2O
204 Ruger 1.850 0.200
0.378 31.0
222 Remington 1.700 0.313
0.378 28.0
223 Remington 1.760 0.203
0.378 28.0
222 Remington Magnum 1.850 0.264
0.378 31.0

The 204 Ruger has the body length of the 222 Remington Magnum, but the short next of the 223 Remington, so even reducing the bullet diameter, the 204 Ruger matches the capacity of the 222 Remington Magnum.

Bullet weights…

Pictured L-R 26 grain and 32 grain 0.204″ bullets next to a 180 grain 308 Winchester bullet.

There are approximately 18 bullets in retail channels for the 0.204″ caliber. They range in weight from 24 grains to 40 grains in 7 increments: 24, 26, 32, 34, 35, 39, 40. I have tried the higher end of the weight spectrum, but I have had my best success with the light end. The Ruger has a 1:12″ twist, the .204 Ruger standard.

For lead free applications, I use the Barnes Varmint Grenade 26 grain and the Nosler Ballistic Tip 32 grain copper jacket over lead core.

Data

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

Cartridge
204 Ruger
Firearm Ruger American Rifle
Barrel Length 22″
Min – Max Case Length 1.850″ +0.0″/-0.020″
Min – Max Cartridge Overall Length 2.125″ – 2.260″
Primer CCI 450 Small Rifle Magnum
Bullet Diameter 0.2045″ +0.0″/-0.003″
Reloading Dies Hornady Custom Grade
Bullet Type  Bullet Weight
Grains
Net H2O
Grains
Capacity
COL” Powder Type Powder Charge
Grains
Muzzle Velocity
fps
Muzzle Energy
ft/lbs
5 Shot
100 YD
Group”

Barnes VG 26 29.2 2.260 AA 2520 31.0 4289 1062 0.4
Barnes VG 26 29.2 2.260 Alliant Reloder 10X 26.0 4204 1021 0.7
Barnes VG 26 29.2 2.260 Hodgdon Benchmark 28.0 4121 981 0.5
Barnes VG 26 29.2 2.260 Hodgdon H4895 29.5 4236 1036 0.8
Nosler VBT 32 29.1 2.245 AA 2520 29.0 3890 1075 0.3
Nosler VBT 32 29.1 2.245 Alliant Reloder 10x 25.0 3917 1090 0.6
Nosler VBT 32 29.1 2.245 Hodgdon H4895 28.0 3900 1081 0.9
Nosler VBT 32 29.1 2.245 Hodgdon CFE223 31.5 3909 1086 0.5

The Ruger’s 22″ barrel dropped a little velocity from the often cited 24″ and 26″ barrels, but that was a fair swap to get to a six and one half pound rifle that is compact enough and light enough to carry for a distance. Hot and cold shot about the same.

It is an easy to handload cartridge, that does not consume massive amounts of powder to generate high velocity. The Ruger American Rife Predator and 204 Ruger make for a terrific afternoon of hunting or recreational target shooting.

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Recipes For Leftovers https://realguns.com/articles/2203.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2203.htm#comments Sun, 11 Feb 2024 12:40:23 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52703 02/11/2024 – The following is the article that was scheduled for this past week. I could not get it done. I still can’t get it done, but I believe there is enough useful handload information to not just toss it. The theme was putting odds and ends components to use,…...

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Editorial - Aging, Motorcycles, Anxiety, And Long Walks On The Beach https://realguns.com/articles/2204.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2204.htm#comments Sat, 10 Feb 2024 13:41:31 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52755 I have been a Bob Dylan fan since his first mostly cover album in ’62. Sometimes he has made no sense at all, sometimes he offers great insight and, sometimes he can be profound. As lyrics are so open to interpretation, I give myself partial credit for those accomplishments. I…...

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The Ruger LC Carbine Goes 45 Auto Part II https://realguns.com/articles/2202.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2202.htm#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:26:05 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52656 Adventures with the 45 Automatic Ruger LC Carbine o1/28/2024 – The Ruger LC Carbine has a great deal of potential, some sanctioned by Ruger, some not so much. The bolt-over-barrel blow back system is quite adaptable to ammunition, and that 16.25″ barrel is just waiting for something more than fast…...

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The Ruger LC Carbine Goes 45 Auto Part I https://realguns.com/articles/2201.htm https://realguns.com/articles/2201.htm#comments Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:59:47 +0000 https://realguns.com/?p=52585 01/22/2024 – Ruger’s addition of a 45 Automatic LC Carbine extends the platform’s application flexibility and utility. The 45 Auto cartridge is a proven stopper. Additionally, the LC Carbine partners well with 45 Auto handguns, 45 Auto ammunition is widely available and the 45 Auto is a natural for suppressed…...

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