First shots with Ruger's 416 Guide Gun

[Voodooracer]

I was finally able to get out to the range today to shoot my guide gun since getting it back from Ruger for repairs. I like the gun a lot and need to adjust the rear sight for windage slightly, it's shooting about 1.5-2 inches to the left. most of my shooting was done at around 25 yards with a couple out at 100 for the fun of it. As i mentioned in a previous post i will most likely be scoping the rifle very soon. I found that I do not like the muzzle brake at all, even though it toned the recoil down considerably, the concussion and blast i was getting directly in my face was rattling the holy hell out of my sinuses. I've shot 50 bmg rifles with less punishment. I also found when using my caldwell led sled, the rifle wanted to jump up and smack me in the cheekbone. After about 4 shots with the brake (2 from the bench and 2 standing) my sinuses had had enough and i took the brake off and put the muzzle weight on. The recoil was substantially more, but i could deal with it, all i need is a bit more practice to get a better feel for it. Recoil without the brake feels similar to my cz 550 458 lott, granted the cz is much heavier than the ruger. I may look into adding some weight in the stock plus the scope and mounts to give it a little more heft. Overall I'm pleased with the rifle and just need some more trigger time to get used to the recoil impulse. Next step will be getting trigger time on the shooting sticks and other positions that will most likely be used in the field. I will post an update when i get the scope on the rifle. I appreciate all the support, advice, and kind words everyone has given me throughout getting the gun, this forum and it's members are some awesome folks!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Glad to hear it's working for you. Yup, them muzzle brakes will knock you and your hearing for a loop. I've been recommending it for awhile now but will do so again. Put a sling on that rifle. Assuming your a right handed shooter, drop your left elbow into the sling and wrap your left forearm once around the front of the sling. The sling will need to be set pretty long to be able to do this. Muzzle jump will be greatly reduced and with it felt recoil. I've been doing this since shortly after I started shooting my 18" barreled .458B&M.

 

[enysse]

I'm glad you like it, I know it's a little too much gun for me. Too light in weight. I'm sure it will be fun when you get it ready for hunting.

 

[CAustin]

Voodooracer it sounds like you had a great first day at the range. I got use to the break after a half a box of shells. It feels much worse when you are under cover, but get it out in the open and it's not bad at all. Mine pulled a little left also before I put the scope on. Keep shooting!

 

[matt85]

glad to hear you like your rifle, those 416s in any flavor are powerful cartridges backed up with many stories of success.

ive never liked muzzle compensators, the back blast is painful for you and all the other people around you. nothings worse then sitting next to someone at the range who's using one.

-matt

 

[Voodooracer]

Thanks for the tip Phoenix Phil, I will definitely give that a try next outing! It is a lot of gun but I think with enough practice I can get the hang of it. I will also try that and give the brake one last chance haha. Yea they are a lot of blast and noise for the slight recoil reduction. I would hate to shoot it without ear protection on that's for sure

 

[bebo]

Hello Voodooracer , You wrote : "since getting it back from Ruger for repairs." ??? What kind of problem ? ... Ruger is reliable ...no ?

 

[enysse]

Ruger is a fine gun, he had a problem and they fixed it . Ruger has an outstanding history of excellence for the $$$. Just look at all the 10/22's made.

 

[Royal27]

Ruger is a fine gun, he had a problem and they fixed it . Ruger has an outstanding history of excellence for the $$$. Just look at all the 10/22's made.

Not only do I agree, but my 10/22 is still my favorite rifle to shoot.

 

[drew416]

I was finally able to get out to the range today to shoot my guide gun since getting it back from Ruger for repairs. I like the gun a lot and need to adjust the rear sight for windage slightly, it's shooting about 1.5-2 inches to the left. most of my shooting was done at around 25 yards with a couple out at 100 for the fun of it. As i mentioned in a previous post i will most likely be scoping the rifle very soon. I found that I do not like the muzzle brake at all, even though it toned the recoil down considerably, the concussion and blast i was getting directly in my face was rattling the holy hell out of my sinuses. I've shot 50 bmg rifles with less punishment. I also found when using my caldwell led sled, the rifle wanted to jump up and smack me in the cheekbone. After about 4 shots with the brake (2 from the bench and 2 standing) my sinuses had had enough and i took the brake off and put the muzzle weight on. The recoil was substantially more, but i could deal with it, all i need is a bit more practice to get a better feel for it. Recoil without the brake feels similar to my cz 550 458 lott, granted the cz is much heavier than the ruger. I may look into adding some weight in the stock plus the scope and mounts to give it a little more heft. Overall I'm pleased with the rifle and just need some more trigger time to get used to the recoil impulse. Next step will be getting trigger time on the shooting sticks and other positions that will most likely be used in the field. I will post an update when i get the scope on the rifle. I appreciate all the support, advice, and kind words everyone has given me throughout getting the gun, this forum and it's members are some awesome folks!

Ahh haa? Now you know why I said I don't like the muzzle brake attachments on the new Ruger's....

Jokes aside, how is it magazine feeding now? Did you try different projectile shapes to work it out properly?

 

[Voodooracer]

I see what you mean now haha. The magazine is feeding great, ruger really came through for me. I have just been using the hornady dgx and dgs rounds and they are working flawlessly.

 

[ActionBob]

Glad to hear it is working well for you now!

I shot the new 375guide gun last night just before dark. Ran both DGX 300g and some of the pointy new 250g GMX through it. Both fed well, the GMX being flatter shooting but both low right off the factory set iron sights.

Wow that brake it something. On one hand it makes this little 375 a pussy cat. On the other, I did get a face full of burnt gun powder on one shot. Must have inhaled right as it went off. Brings a new aspect to breath control.

Got the Alaskan QD scope mount ordered in 30mm. Just have to decide which scope yet.

 

[Voodooracer]

Thanks! That's great you got your guide gun in. Yes the brakes are something else. It definitely tames the 416's recoil but at the cost of walloping my sinus cavities haha. I've got the Alaska arms 30 mm rings on the way as well. Good luck with scope choice!

 

[ActionBob]

Got the wife out shooting the 375's this afternoon. Still scopeless. She actually likes shooting iron sights but she had the Lasik surgery on her eyes years ago and now sees better than me. She was real happy at 25 yards but did say things get a little blurry at 50. The suppressor did not bother her as far as blow back and she handled the recoil really well, no worse than her 30 06 without suppressor. She ran 6 shots through it (3 @ 25 and 3 @50 yrds). Then ran 3 through my unsuppressed 375 H & H and even though it is scoped and all around bigger and heavier, the recoil was noticeably more and she was done after that. All 9 shots off her shooting sticks.
and all in the kill zone.

She somehow managed to have the first round bind up coming out of the feed rails (on the Ruger), but if I just shoved the bolt forward it stripped it out, grabbed it and sent it home.

Then I ran 6 shots rapid fire through the guide gun. Three real fast, reloaded and 3 more. Wow it handles great, especially without a scope in the way of the bolt handle. It fits my hands well and points super fast, and with the suppressor I was able recover and work the bolt faster than I normally do. I likey! Ann even said I can borrow it.

 

[bebo]

What scope would you use with your .416 Guide ?

 

[Voodooracer]

I'm looking at Leupolds vx and vx-r line of "hog" scopes. I haven't decided on the 1" tube, non illuminated one or the 30 mm illuminated one for double the price. I have both Alaska arms qd ring sets on hand so I just have to decide on which one haha.

 

[CAustin]

I'm a big fan of the VX6!

 

[Voodooracer]

I'd love to get a vx-6, just a touch out of my price range right now haha. Oh by the way CAustin, I tried your suggestion of trying to shoot with the muzzlebreak out from under cover and it worked great! There was still a bit of blast to the sinuses but not nearly as bad, and the recoil was much more pleasant haha. Thinking once I mount a scope it may deflect a little blast.

 

[CAustin]

Voodooracer glad you gave that out from under the cover shooting a chance. When you think about it when on a hunt that's what you will experience anyway. I think you are correct that once the scope is on there even more of the blast will dissipate ! Keep shooting!

 

[elmerfudd555]

I'm looking at Leupolds vx and vx-r line of "hog" scopes. I haven't decided on the 1" tube, non illuminated one or the 30 mm illuminated one for double the price. I have both Alaska arms qd ring sets on hand so I just have to decide on which one haha.

Plus 1 vote for the VX-R. I put the 1.25-4 on my Model 70 Safari and used it last fall on my first safari. Worked great on Buffalo/lion in the shade. Mine has the firedot duplex reticle as I didnt want the additional rings and lines etc in the reticle to complicate things under pressure. Just a good heavy duplex with the red dot in the center. very decent glass and no troubles at all with the scope handling recoil etc. Ive put probably 250 rounds through it in prep for the trip. Only needed to fire it 5 times the whole safari. (that means it went well!) I like these scopes enough to have bought 2 more in higher magnifications for my deer and bear rifles.

Good luck!

Elmerfudd