Ruger's $769 American Predator Runs Suppressed in .308 for Deer Season
Ruger's American Predator bolt rifle in .308 lists at $769, and one TheTruthAboutGuns contributor has built his out for deer and hog season with a suppressor, a 5-20x50mm scope, and a bipod. Ruger sent him the rifle early this year. He used it for fall hunting and as the demo gun at his Gal's Day at the Range event, where more than 100 women fired a suppressed .308 for the first time. He also used the rifle to check accuracy and to break in and foul the barrel. His build covers suppressor selection, optic choice, slings, tripods, and ammunition. He says he has already dropped two deer with a single load.
Key Details
The writer's parts list and specifications break down as follows:
- Rifle: Ruger American Predator in .308, priced at $769. The magazine holds three rounds, so you can carry four with one chambered. The magazine seats with a slight tilt and locks in place. The release sits in front of the trigger guard.
- Suppressor: Primary Weapons Systems BDE 762. Adding or removing baffles changes overall weight, length, and sound. It uses universal HUB threading. Its exterior texture is meant to reduce heat mirage during multi-round predator shooting. It is built from titanium and weighs 12.7 to 17.4 ounces, depending on baffle count.
- Optic: HORUS HoVR 5-20x50mm first focal plane riflescope. Reticle options are H59-MOA, TREMOR3, TREMOR5, and TREMOR9. It weighs 28.88 ounces and has an exposed, settable elevation knob and a capped windage knob.
- Bipod: Accu-Tac PC-4 with a quick-detach lever for Picatinny mounts. Legs extend for height and rotate to set angles such as 45 degrees. Panning and canting lock independently.
- Ammunition: Federal Fusion 165-grain bonded soft-point, averaging about 2,700 feet per second. The writer limits his whitetail shots to 100 to 200 yards with it.
- Accessories: He always runs a sling. He uses a tripod mainly for thermal predator hunting at night.
Background
Ruger introduced the American Rifle line as a bolt-action platform in 2012. The Predator variant targets varmint and predator hunters with a heavier, shooter-focused setup. The .308 Winchester cartridge has served hunters since the early 1950s, when it was derived from the military 7.62x51mm NATO round. It remains one of the most common deer cartridges in North America. Suppressors fall under the National Firearms Act of 1934. Buyers must file ATF Form 4 and receive approval before taking possession. The federal $200 tax on suppressors was reduced to zero starting January 1, 2026, under the 2025 budget reconciliation law. The NFA paperwork and approval process still apply. Hunters also choose suppressors to protect hearing and to cut noise near neighbors, which matters on hog and coyote control work where shots come in bursts.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
This build shows what a suppressed .308 costs when you buy the rifle first and budget the rest. Hunters who already own a bolt gun in .308 should check the muzzle threads and the HUB compatibility before buying a can. Thread pitch mismatches cause more headaches than any other part of a suppressor setup. Hunters should also check state rules before they load. Several states restrict or ban suppressor use while hunting, and others allow it with conditions. Predator hunters in those states face the biggest risk of a violation. Check your state wildlife agency's regulations, not just the NFA rules. Finally, the writer's 100 to 200 yard limit is a reminder. Match your optic and ammo to the longest shot you will actually take. A 5-20x50 scope adds weight and cost, so ask whether you need it before you mount it.
DownRange Analysis
Under Bruen, a suppressor is an accessory that helps arms function and protects hearing, and the Second Amendment covers it. The problem is the NFA registration regime that stands between you and the can. Lower courts have largely left those federal rules in place since Bruen, so the practical fight is still over process and state law. At $769, the Predator is a strong value for a .308 bolt gun, and that price makes a suppressed hunting setup easier to justify. Do three things now. First, confirm your thread pitch and HUB compatibility. Second, check your state's hunting rules for suppressors. Third, sight in with the exact ammunition you plan to hunt with, at the ranges you expect to shoot. A rifle that prints well with a bonded soft-point is worth more in the field than any accessory on the list.
