I've set up 5 of these now... all of them shot good if not great with factory ammo. I'm sure Ruger lets a bad one out occasionally but I've never seen one and none of my acquaintances have either.
I liked them enough I bought a .223 for predator calling and a 7-08 LH for my son.
I have both and have done quite a bit of killing with both.
On deer, can't see going heavier than the .308/150gr. But when stuff like caribou, elk, moose and whatnot become the target- the .300WSM/180gr works better for me.
I shot my best caribou at 300 yards with the .308...worked, but I...
Do not make any decision about AK based on reality TV. Heck, I learn stuff about my home every time I watch one!
Finding AK employment outside of AK is tough. Finding employment in state is relatively simple if you're open to some different situations.
Oil/Gas/ Mining and Defense are big...
I bought one of the first ICONs in 2011.
One trip and that was it- frame squeaked bad, straps loosened as you hiked. Anything over about 40lbs and you realized what a heavier pack does well.
Ditched it and went back to my old MR6500. Loved the concept but I felt like the product wasn't ready...