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Post by dannoboone on Mar 14, 2015 15:28:55 GMT -5
While asking around on other forums about a less expensive
bolt action in .204 the Predator was brought up. MSRP is
$499 which looks to be a good buy if the rifle will group
well. The main problem I've read so far is that the
magazine can be problematic, but that they are good
shooters. The stock is rated as "flimsy" but that can
be remedied.
Anyone have any experience with these rifles?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2015 17:22:43 GMT -5
I almost bought one and did a ton of research. If you get a new one I believe the magazine issue has been fixed. I also watched a video in YouTube where they filled the stock with JB Weld to stiffing the stock up. I was very close to getting one and actually tried to get a used 223 however they wouldn't budge on price ($299).
Here is why I stayed away from it and went with a 243 Rem 700 varmint. 1-from what I saw no way to update anything (stock, trigger, and barrel) 2-felt like you get what you put in to it 3-i didn't like the way the bolt looked and felt.
From everything I've read online (you gotta believe everything you read on the internet, lol) it seems to be a decent to better than average shooter.
Good luck hope that helps some.
Chad
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Post by muznut on Mar 17, 2015 9:40:27 GMT -5
I have a ruger american 308 and it prints one ragged hole groups at @100 yrd. The only flimsy part of the stock is way out towards the forend but it has enough free float not to effect anything and with its patented bedding blocks its a solid mount. I have read some say the magazine is cheap but I see nothing wrong with it. If you look on cabelas web site for the regular american it rates 4.8 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews(not to many of the predators out there so only 2 reviews for it). What gets me is their are several 4 star reviews that the writer only had good things to say but still only gave it four stars. I also wanted to mention if you don't like the stock boyeds has nice looking wood for it now.
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Post by bigbuckdwn on Jun 24, 2015 19:45:02 GMT -5
I have a predator in 223. It shoots under MOA with some handloads I worked up for a different rifle many years ago. It should do well when I get a chance to develop a load. It comes in a 1 in 8 twist so you can shoot the heavies. Stock is cheap, but plenty of room so it cannot make contact with the barrel. Barrel comes threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake. Mag works fine, but I would rather they had made it a little more durable like on the 10/22s. Boyd's makes some custom stocks for them priced around $113.00. The trigger is fairly good, not super great. All in all, I rate it worth the money for a beater truck gun.
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Post by tar12 on Jun 26, 2015 4:09:19 GMT -5
Danno a young man who does the depredation control with us picked up a .308 to use this year. It has not disappointed! He paid $325 for it new. I was setting next to him when he dialed it in. He shot a group slightly over 1 in at 200 yards. I shot it and turned in a group at .57 at 200 yards. Pretty impressive for the price point!
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Post by dannoboone on Jun 26, 2015 10:58:29 GMT -5
I got one at a gun show late March. Didn't get to the
range for testing until late April. Had some factory 40's
as well as hand loaded 33's, 32's, and 39's to test out.
The best it did was 1 1/2". Didn't notice what the
chamber was doing to the brass until getting home in
better light. On every case, two marks half way around
with the first about 3/8" above the case head and one
1/4" above that looked like case separation beginning.
Inside of the cases were fine. The area where case meets
shoulder was .005-.007" more than it should have been.
Needless to say, the chamber was BAD. But kudos to
Ruger, they replaced the barrel. I haven't had the
chance to get back to the range for serious testing
since getting the barrel replaced, but on my rickety
old patio table, it groups a lot better than it did.
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Post by tar12 on Jun 28, 2015 6:47:54 GMT -5
Let me know how it turns out for you....
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Post by muznut on Jul 1, 2015 15:03:52 GMT -5
I should have mentioned mine wasn't perfect at first. when I got it home I notice my barreled action was loose on the stock so I tried to tighten the bedding screws and they wouldn't tighten anymore. I took it apart and noticed the action screw holes were not tapped deep enough so I re tap them and chased the screws and all was good.
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