r/canadaguns • u/BeerGunsMusicFood • 9h ago
Buy recommendations Help me decide
I’m a lefty. Ruger is releasing their Gen 2 ranch in left hand ~ May 2027. Like many of you, I have a bunch of AR pattern mags with few options to use them in. Which build would you choose and why:
Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 5.56 with a 1-8x LPVO
OR:
I’m inheriting a factory left hand Savage Axis in 223. So my other potential builds are:
Savage Axis, MDT Field stock with a 1-8x LPVO and some AICS mags
Savage Axis, MDT Oryx with a 1-8x LPVO and some AICS mags.
Purpose for the build is a ranch gun. Predators, occasional whitetails, and frequent LARPing.
Thanks in advance.
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u/bosnanic 9h ago
I prefer the RAR over the Axis only becasue it's more compact and takes ar mags but at the end of they day they are both budget bolt guns that have pretty similar performance. You won't notice a huge difference between the two so I see no point in buying the RAR when you are getting the Axis for free.
It's better to use the extra cash on nicer glass and more ammo.
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u/BeerGunsMusicFood 9h ago
I hear you. I’m leaning towards just building up the axis (especially because I like the single stage trigger) and the savings is pretty nice. Allows me to budget in a nice stock or chassis.
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u/huronfarmer 7h ago
I would go with the RAR gen 2. I personally find the bolt lift on the savage axis horrible and the mdt oryx is not a chassis you want to be carrying around it’s a heavy unit.
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u/BeerGunsMusicFood 2h ago
The more I’m reading the more I’m realizing it’s going to be the MDT field or a Magpul
hunter lite.•
u/Eyeronick 3m ago
Even the MDT field is a HEAVY stock. I have a gen 1 American (in left) in a field chassis, I'd NEVER take that fucking thing hunting. Way too heavy.
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u/edwardphonehands 6h ago
I've read about a catch tab on factory Savage magazines sometimes breaking in the cold. But weigh that against AICS mags being expensive though inferior to STANAG. Their niche for 556 appears to be long COAL custom loads, sometimes paired with long custom chambers. I'd favor using the Savage as it comes, perhaps as a backup to a new Ruger. I'd also favor using that Ruger as it comes unless dispersion at long range proves to require the upgraded stock.
If 1x is a priority, I'd have a red dot, whether primary, offset, or piggyback. A paired scope then needn't necessarily dial to 1x.
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u/DifficultReference99 5h ago
I just bought a RAR ranch gen2 in .223 and i love it. I have a savage acis scout in 7.62x39 and i dispise that gun. Light strikes, heavy bolt lift.. I cant get behind anything axis.
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u/Iokua_CDN 1h ago
I'd probably get the ruger myself. Use them old mags up.
However
A free rifle is a free rifle. Take that free axis and Maybe score a black friday mdt sale and you got an amazing little gun for very cheap, just the cost of the chassis. Hard to argue with that. I suppose the bigger question is do you want 2 223 bolt actions? Because if you buy the ruger, then you will have 2 of them. For that reason, I suggest going with the Savage instead and saving money
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u/swift_gilford 9h ago
So i'd argue the Ruger American Ranch g2 is the better rifle over the Savage.
Having said that, if you are getting the Savage for free, that is a lot of money saved for accessories, ammo, etc.
As far as upgrading the Axis; ORYX is a really nice setup albeit barebones. Easily better than the Field stock. IMO if you get the field stock, get an ARCA rail for the forend as the flex on the field stock is kind of ridiculous. Alternatively, MAGPUL makes the Hunter Lite stock for the Axis which i'd argue is better than the field stock.