The world of hunting rifles, much like the great plains they are often carried across, is constantly changing. In this evolving landscape, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has offered a new twist on a familiar favorite. They're adding the Prairie variant to their already well-regarded Ruger American Rifle Generation II family. This move reflects a continuing dedication to broaden the appeal and capabilities of one of America's most recognizable, and arguably reliable, hunting platforms. It appears Ruger understands that even the most trusted tool can benefit from a little makeover and some new tricks.

This new Prairie model brings a distinct aesthetic to the field, making sure it doesn't just shoot straight, but also looks the part. It sports a rather appealing black stock, which is textured with a distinctive gray and bronze splatter pattern. This isn't just a design choice, of course as it is also engineered for function, providing enhanced grip and superior control for the hunter, ensuring the rifle stays put even when your hands might be a tad clammy from excitement—or just bad weather.

Matching this robust stock is a durable Smoked Bronze Cerakote barreled action. Cerakote, for the uninitiated, is a type of ceramic-based finish known for its resistance to corrosion and wear. It's the kind of feature that suggests this rifle is meant to be used, not simply admired in a safe—a practical choice that recognizes the realities of trudging through various terrains and variable climates.

Turning our attention to the business end, the Prairie variant features a bull contour, cold hammer-forged barrel. A heavier barrel profile like this serves a key purpose: it helps to tame felt recoil, keeping the rifle steady for quicker follow-up shots. Adding a touch of elegance and engineering is the barrel's shallow spiral fluting, which doesn't just look interesting, but also increases surface area for enhanced cooling—a nice touch for those days at the range or when things heat up on a hunt.

Ruger thoughtfully included a muzzle threaded to accept suppressors or other accessories, acknowledging the modern hunter's desire for versatility and noise mitigation. And, to keep things neat and protected right out of the box, it comes equipped with a color-matched thread protector. It's a small detail, but it shows a consideration for the end-user—a welcome nod that you won't have to scramble for a piece of essential hardware the moment you unbox it.

The Prairie model also benefits from the foundational improvements introduced with the Generation II line. It wisely retains the proven reliability and accuracy of the original American Rifle while adding significant enhancements. For instance, the improved ergonomics make for a more comfortable and intuitive shooting experience, because a rifle that fits well is a rifle that shoots better.

A notable safety upgrade on the Gen II platform is the three-position safety with a stainless steel locking bolt. This setup gives the shooter a greater degree of control and confidence in the field, allowing the bolt to be locked down when navigating rough terrain to prevent accidental openings. Furthermore, the enhanced and more rigid stock aids in maintaining consistency, which ultimately translates to better accuracy down range—a critical factor for any serious hunter.

Perhaps the most significant element of the Prairie announcement is the range of calibers offered. The new models are available in both intermediate and long range calibers, catering to a broad spectrum of hunting needs. The lineup spans from the relatively new and fast .22 ARC all the way up to the potent, flat-shooting 7mm PRC. This generous selection ensures that whether you're after prairie dogs or something a bit more substantial, there's likely a Prairie model chambered for your specific quarry.

The introduction of the Prairie models now contributes to a massive lineup that includes a complete array of configurations and calibers. In fact, the total count of the American Rifle Gen II lineup now stands at a considerable 48 configurations across 21 calibers. It appears that Ruger is aiming to ensure that no hunter has an excuse not to find a rifle perfectly suited to their personal preferences and needs.