Poll: 5.56 Bolt Action Advice

[MasterChief]

I want to get a bolt action 5.56 that will accept AR style mags. The only two I have found so far are the Ruger and the Mossberg below. I really like that the Mossberg has iron sights (even though I plan on using a 1-4x or 3-9x optic primarily). I have read (it seems) that the Ruger is more accurate, but I like the look/style of the Mossberg even though they aren't really known for their precision rifles, like Ruger. I have heard of some "issues" with certain ammo failure to fire in the Rugers but nothing I can pin down as truth. The Mossberg is a little more expensive. Nutnfancy did a 30 min video (I skipped around and only actually watched about 10 min) on the Mossberg and gave great reviews....a few years ago. Others have given great reviews on the Rugers and everything in between on both.... Gun will be used for a plinking & target gun, possible a truck gun, and varmint gun.

What's everyone's thoughts on these two? Any experience? or things to look for? Besides the barrel twist\iron sights; I'm not seeing a major difference other than price ...

Ruger® Ruger American Rifle® Ranch Bolt-Action Rifle Model 26965



MVP Patrol Rifle | O.F. Mossberg & Sons
&
MVP Patrol Rifle - Thunder Ranch | O.F. Mossberg & Sons - little bit longer barrel

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[Member 34319]

I have owned two Americans prior to buying the Ranch in 223/556 that takes AR mags. Both were amazingly accurate for their price. The 223/556 is very accurate as well. The bolt has more wiggle than the other two I owned, but I think that has to do with being able to feed the magazine.

I've shot a buddies MVP varmint and it was ok. Nice wooden stock, nice barrel countour and crown. The little hook thingy works well but looks very weak.

I'd say both are accurate rifles. The mossberg is heavier due to all models having a wood stock. Even the patrol model is wood painted black.

I went ruger as I owned them before and come to know them for being good rifles.

 

[Camelfilter]

No experience with the Ruger, have a Mossberg and like it. 16".

Fun & accurate.

Can't put a # on it accuracy wise, been a while since it's been run. Also a fun gun to shoot with 3x night vision gen 1.5.

 

[Colts4me]

Years ago I bought a M77 in 223 and lost all intrest in a 223 bolt gun, it just didn't fit in. Too heavy for the power, too slow to operate and it didn'the feed right. I went to a 22 250 for my varmit gun and never looked back. If I had to make a choice the mossberg would be it.

 

[Timbertodd]

I have the Mossberg MVP Thunder Ranch and really like it. Like Reno stated about the Ruger, the Mossberg's bolt is also kinda loose. Between myself, daughter and son-in-law the we have ran probably 160 rounds through it. I paired it with the Burris 536 I won in one of the NWFA raffles. It is a great fun to shoot and had my daughter telling her husband "I want one of those" after she shot it. When I purchased it, Ruger hadn't come out with the ranch version that accepted AR mags yet. That was my biggest reason for going with the Mossberg.

 

[Member 5605]

RAR.

Cold hammer forged barrel. I had amazing success with mine before I sold it to a forum member like an idiot.

Was the Ranch so a 16.125" barrel and would ring steel easily at 350y on a torso plate.

 

[MasterChief]

I'm very easily being swayed to the Ruger..... I wish it had irons but the pros are weighing out the cons........what dislikes/cons does the Ruger have besides aforementioned?

 

[Kruel J]

Ruger American is good. If you can find a M77 version even better!

 

[Member 5605]

I'm very easily being swayed to the Ruger..... I wish it had irons but the pros are weighing out the cons........what dislikes/cons does the Ruger have besides aforementioned?

Cons:
tip of the stock will almost always touch the barrel. Easily fixed with a razor knife.
Bolt makes a zzzzziiiiipppp sound until it's broken in due to the way they machine it.
Some say trigger sucks...
No sights.. but who uses sights anyway?

Pros:
trigger sucks? it can be remedied with some patience down to 3.5lbs easily.
included base
Ranch version is light and compact
Ruger Warranty...
CHF barrel
tang safety

 

[MasterChief]

Ruger American is good. If you can find a M77 version even better!

AR magazine compatible*

 

[Kruel J]

AR magazine compatible*

Overrated. 30 rounders will suck from a bench anyway.

 

[Greenbug]

I had a Mossberg MVP tactical for about a week, (I couldn't get rid of it any sooner). It shot horribly. 3 inch groups at a hundred yards was about the best it would do with various factory ammo and hand loads. Maybe I got a lemon, but you could not give me another MVP after that experience!

 

[pharmseller]

Share with me why AR mags are a necessary element.



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[Kruel J]

I had a Mossberg MVP tactical for about a week, (I couldn't get rid of it any sooner). It shot horribly. 3 inch groups at a hundred yards was about the best it would do with various factory ammo and hand loads. Maybe I got a lemon, but you could not give me another MVP after that experience!

I've heard that from a few others. And I like Mossberg, I have a 930 SPX JM in the safe right now.

 

[MasterChief]

Overrated. 30 rounders will suck from a bench anyway.

Share with me why AR mags are a necessary element.
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B/c I have plenty of 10-20 rounders and thats what works for me at this moment....my AR's are for 30's

Not trying to build up another platform.... just because of magazines.

 

[Greenbug]

Thought about getting a Ruger ranch but didn't like the flimsy plastic stock. Ended up cutting/threading the barrel on a Tikka T3 Lite, now I have exactly what I wanted, (an accurate quick handling suppressed 223 bolt rifle). Spent more on it than either the Ruger or the Mossberg would have cost, but how can you put a price on exactly what you want?

 

[MasterChief]

Spent more on it than either the Ruger or the Mossberg would have cost, but how can you put a price on exactly what you want?

View attachment 439249

Agreed 100%.... want an AR mag fed bolt 5.56 though....

 

[Greenbug]

Overrated. 30 rounders will suck from a bench anyway.

+1 on this.

Over rated bolt gun with AR magazine, you don't need the extra capacity when the critter is dead on the first shot....
Also, I don't like all that "junk" hanging down.

 

[Greenbug]

Between the two choices I vote Ruger.... But I already made "my" choice!

 

[pharmseller]

Not trying to build up another platform.... just because of magazines.

Roger. I'm no help.




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