I have been looking around for the new Ruger American Ranch in 300blk. Haven't been able to get my hands on one.

Yea, well it does get a bit expensive to shorten the barrel which defeats the inexpensive price point of the American...

Cutting a barrel, crowning it, and a bit of cold blue is not rocket science. Total time would be less than settling on your best reload. Slow and easy is the main thing when starting to cut the barrel. If you do not have a good vise, borrow one. Make sure to use a fine tooth quality hacksaw blade. I believe Midway has a short video, but you don't have to own all the tools they use.

It's because they aren't out yet.

Well I must say I'm very happy with the rifle.
Got to go shoot today and with the wind blowing and using a set of homemade shooting sticks I was on the money at 150 yds. Maybe one day I can slip off to the range without the wife knowing and see about getting tighter groups.
Awesome gun and the kick wasn't any different than any other 30-06 I shot. Was afraid it might be since it is so light, but it's good.

I've been looking for a bolt action in .223 and scored this one on Saturday for $200.00

It's the compact version, but loved the way the rifle felt. Installed my Leopold scope. Can't wait to fling some lead downrange.

I have the 300 blackout with the 16" threaded barrel and youth stock coming for my son.
He's 10 and killed his first two deer last year with my 6.8 AR15

I think it's going to be an ideal little gun with the can on it
Will be mounting a VX-R 2-7 on it.

I'm very happy with my Ruger American in .308! Needed a fairly decent rifle ASAP as I scored an unbelievable deal on a lease day before opening weekend! Two hours from driveway to lease gate. Didn't think I would be able to hunt til after thanksgiving at a buddy's place so was actually planning on a Remington 700 BDL. Had just sold my other Remington so hit GT Distributors as it is was in stock and got Military discount. For that crazy low price, have to say my expectations were low and figured I'd just sell it when I found my Remington. Threw a new Hawke Nite-Eyes illuminated reticle scope I'd gotten a couple years ago as a toss in for a trade but never mounted. QUICK trip to the range for zero, quick clean/lube and off I went. Smoothest action in the world right out of the box? Nope but seen a lot worse...besides only gotta do it for one shot right? LOL I have been working the action a lot since last year and just make sure it's lubed up and it has smoothed out a lot.
I thought the trigger was great at any price. Recoil was no factor with the integrated pad and loved how light weight it was toting from truck through woods to stand. Hell I was even happy with the toss in Hawke 2.5-10x44 scope. Illuminated reticles were great in low light and plenty crisp and clear. Held zero fine. Still would like to get a nice rifle with nice wood stock and a higher end scope but I have no problem relying on this Ruger American .308 setup. Passed on a couple young 8 pts but did implode a pig DRT I didn't think was even presented a goid target and expected him to run off a little ways at least. His front end was obscured by a tree but I swore I'd shoot any hog I could hit safely. Will spare the gory pic of the two-fist size exit wound when I flipped it over (unless you want to see it lol). It was quickly apparent why the 168gr Sierra Game King dropped it on the spot. Season cut short due to back surgeries and cutting it close for opening day a year later, but have no qualms taking this rifle/scope out again! What a great rifle for the money! If you're on the fence and funds or tight or a kids first rifle, you can't go wrong....best value going!

Heres an older post of mine on how to cut and recrown a barrel. Pretty simple.

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4975008/Re:_DIY_project_rifle#Post4975008

good luck and happy shooting