Mere days ahead of the 2013 SHOT Show, we get out first glimpse at the Ruger Guide Gun. Â The new series of rifles are rugged, compact rifles weighing between 8 to 8.12 pounds. The guns are chambered in serious calibers: Â .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .375 Ruger, .300 RCM and .338 RCM. Â When the .30-06 is pretty much the starting point, you know you’ve got a major boom stick.
The gun has classic lines, but is an eye-catcher due to its combination of stainless steel finish and a Green Mountain laminate stock. Â The stock is supposed to be resistant to changes through various environmental changes. Â Sitting in a rack of guns at the local shop, every shooter will notice this gun. Â Love it or hate it, it will get noticed.
One of the most visually striking things about the new guide gun is the use of a radical-port muzzle brake. Â It is the single thing on the rifle that looks a little out of place. Â It looks a little “modern” for a gun with pretty classic styling. Â However, a good muzzle brake can really ratchet down felt recoil. Â Ask any .50 BMG shooter. Â But, muzzle brakes make shooting the gun much louder. Â Ask the guy next to the .50 BMG shooter.