The Ruger American Ranch rifle has quickly become a popular choice for its versatility and affordability. However, many shooters find the factory trigger to be a significant drawback, hindering accuracy and overall shooting experience. This guide delves into the Ruger American Ranch trigger, exploring its shortcomings, available upgrade options, and how to improve your shooting accuracy with a smoother, crisper trigger pull.
Understanding the Factory Ruger American Ranch Trigger
The factory trigger on the Ruger American Ranch is known for its somewhat gritty and heavy pull weight, typically ranging from 5 to 7 pounds. This can lead to inconsistent shot placement, especially for precision shooting. The long trigger travel also contributes to a less than ideal shooting experience. While functional, it's far from ideal for those seeking improved accuracy and a more refined feel.
Key Issues with the Stock Trigger:
- Heavy Pull Weight: The heavier pull weight requires more effort, leading to potential flinching and affecting accuracy.
- Gritty Feel: The trigger can feel gritty and inconsistent, making it difficult to achieve a clean break.
- Long Trigger Travel: The excessive travel before the break contributes to a less precise shot.
Upgrading Your Ruger American Ranch Trigger: Exploring Your Options
Fortunately, several avenues exist to upgrade your Ruger American Ranch trigger and enhance its performance. These range from relatively simple adjustments to more involved replacements.
1. Trigger Job: Professional Adjustment & Tuning
A professional gunsmith can perform a trigger job, carefully adjusting the components of your existing trigger mechanism to reduce the pull weight, shorten the travel, and smooth out the overall feel. This is a cost-effective option if you're comfortable with a slightly modified factory trigger and prefer to maintain the original parts. A skilled gunsmith can significantly improve the trigger's performance without compromising safety.
2. Aftermarket Trigger Replacement: A Complete Upgrade
Replacing the factory trigger with an aftermarket option offers the most significant improvement. Several reputable manufacturers offer drop-in triggers specifically designed for the Ruger American Ranch. These aftermarket triggers often feature:
- Adjustable Pull Weight: Allows you to customize the trigger pull to your preference.
- Crisp Break: Provides a clean, consistent break, improving accuracy.
- Shortened Reset: Reduces the distance the trigger needs to travel before it's ready to fire again, leading to faster follow-up shots.
- Improved Safety: Many aftermarket triggers maintain or improve upon the safety features of the factory trigger.
Choosing the right aftermarket trigger depends on your budget and desired level of customization. Research thoroughly to find a reputable brand and a trigger that aligns with your shooting style and preferences.
3. DIY Trigger Adjustments (Proceed with Caution):
While some minimal adjustments are possible at home, attempting a full trigger job without the necessary experience and tools is strongly discouraged. Incorrect adjustments can compromise the firearm's safety and functionality. Always prioritize safety and consult a qualified gunsmith if you're unsure about any modifications.
Impact of Trigger Upgrades on Accuracy and Shooting Experience
Upgrading your Ruger American Ranch trigger can significantly impact your shooting accuracy and overall enjoyment. A lighter, crisper, and smoother trigger pull allows for more consistent shot placement and reduces flinching. The shortened travel reduces the time it takes to get back on target for follow-up shots. The result? Improved accuracy, faster target acquisition, and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Your Ruger American Ranch
The decision of whether to upgrade your Ruger American Ranch trigger ultimately comes down to your individual needs and budget. A professional trigger job is a cost-effective solution for minor improvements, while an aftermarket trigger provides a more comprehensive upgrade. Regardless of your choice, remember to prioritize safety and consult a qualified gunsmith if you have any doubts or concerns. Investing in a superior trigger will undoubtedly enhance your shooting performance and satisfaction with your Ruger American Ranch.
