Ruger Adds ‘Prairie’ Models to American Rifle Gen II Lineup

Ruger just expanded its American Rifle Generation II family with the new Prairie variants, aimed squarely at varmint and open-country hunters who want a tougher finish, heavier tubes, and suppressor-ready muzzles without boutique-rifle pricing.

The Prairie models arrive in both intermediate and long-range chamberings, from .22 ARC up through 7mm PRC, covering everything from windy-day rodents to antelope and mule deer.

All versions wear an attractive black stock treated with a gray/bronze splatter texture for grip, paired to a Smoked Bronze Cerakote barreled action that shrugs off weather and hard use.

Ruger built these rifles around a bull-contour, cold hammer-forged barrel to tame recoil and heat. Shallow spiral fluting adds cooling without going flashy, and every barrel is factory threaded for brakes or cans with a color-matched thread protector included.

If you’ve been waiting for a “buy it, mount glass, go shoot” setup for the prairie dog town or a coyote stand at last light, this configuration checks the boxes.

Under the skin, the Gen II updates carry over: improved ergonomics, a more rigid stock that actually tracks on bags, and a three-position safety with a stainless locking bolt so you can run the gun confidently in and out of vehicles or blinds.

Ruger says the Prairie additions plug into a Gen II family that now spans 48 configurations across 21 calibers, so if you’re already familiar with the platform, nothing here will feel foreign, just a little more purpose-built for open country.

MSRP: $729 (street prices will likely land lower once inventory settles).

If you’re shopping for a field rifle that leans “work gun” more than “safe queen,” the Prairie trims look like the sweet spot: modern features, sensible finishes, and a price that leaves room for a decent optic and a pile of ammo.

For specs, chambering lists, and availability, check Ruger’s American Rifle Gen II Prairie page or your local Ruger dealer, or click HERE.

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