Rather than using a traditional flat lug to transmit recoil, the rifle's barrelled action is secured into the stock via a proprietary bedding system known as "Power Bedding®".

The design uses two steel action blocks each with a pair of V-shaped recoil lugs that fit onto reciprocal slots on the barrel base, which wedge the receiver firmly in place to prevent lateral shifts when screwed tight.

Because the front and back action screws are fastened through the centers of the action blocks, the blocks also function as pillar beddings that negate potential compressive deformations that can happen to wooden and polymer stocks due to temperature change or moisture.

The Ruger American Rifle is the first to use the trademarked "Ruger Marksman Adjustable™" trigger, which is similar in design to the Savage "AccuTrigger" and allows the user to adjust the weight of pull between 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) by means of turning a set screw on the trigger housing.

[3] Introduced on Christmas Eve, 2023, Ruger's 2nd Generation Ruger American Rifles feature a 20 in (510 mm) fluted barrel with 5/8"-24 (Standard model) or 1/2"-28 (Ranch) barrel threading for muzzle devices, an ergonomic stock allowing the shooter to easily adjust the stock's height and length, and a replaceable bolt handle.