RUGER AMERICAN RIMFIRE
Posted May 19, 2023
Ruger American Rimfire: A Comprehensive Review
For those in the market for an affordable, reliable, and accurate .22 caliber rifle, the Ruger American Rimfire is a great choice. This rifle offers a host of features that make it an ideal choice for shooters of all levels, from beginner to experienced. It is easy to use, safe and comfortable to shoot, highly accurate, and best of all, very reasonably priced.
Overview
The Ruger American Rimfire rifle is manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co., one of the leading firearm manufacturers in the United States. It is available in a variety of models and calibers and has become one of the most popular choices on the market due to its affordability and performance. The American Rimfire is offered in three models, the Standard, Compact, and Target. All models are chambered in either .22LR or .22 WMR, have a black synthetic stock, and a matte black finish. The barrel is either 18 or 22 inches, depending on the model, and the receivers are steel with a matte black finish. All models feature a adjustable peep sight and .22 caliber slot-and-ring style scope mount.
Fit and Finish
The Ruger American Rimfire is well-made with excellent craftsmanship throughout. The receiver, action, and barrel are all constructed with Ruger’s precision CNC machining and finished with a matte black finish. The stock is made from a black synthetic material that is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip while shooting. The stock includes a short and wide fore-end that provides plenty of space for a good two-handed hold and absorbs much of the felt-recoil. The trigger assembly is fully adjustable for both weight and creep, allowing for a crisp and light pull. The manual safety is conveniently located on the right side of the receiver, just behind the bolt handle, and is easy to operate with either the right or the left hand.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a key feature of the Ruger American Rimfire, and it should come as no surprise that it is very accurate right out of the box. The generous amount of free-float in the barrel and the adjustable trigger makes for tight groups at fifty and one hundred yards. The adjustable peep sight is also very useful and can be adjusted for precision with just a few clicks of a screwdriver. The integral scope mounts provide a solid platform for mounting optics, and the rifle performs very well with the addition of a quality scope.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the Ruger American Rimfire are excellent and the rifle fits most shooters well. The pistol grip is comfortable and the stock is designed for quick shouldering and very good control. The weight of the rifle is well-balanced and makes it easy to move from target to target. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and the bolt handle is easy to grip and operate.
Recoil
The recoil of the Ruger American Rimfire is minimal with the .22 caliber ammunition. The relatively light weight of the rifle, in combination with the short and lightweight barrel, helps to absorb much of the felt-recoil. The wide fore-end also aids in recoil mitigation and helps to keep the rifle on target.
Ammunition
The Ruger American Rimfire rifles are chambered for both .22 LR and .22 WMR. The standard barrel will safely shoot both cartridge types, but the Target model is best used with .22 WMR ammunition. Both cartridge types produce good accuracy and are well-suited for hunting small game or target shooting.
Durability
The Ruger American Rimfire is made from steel components that are very durable and reliable. Ruger pays special attention to the quality of their products and this rifle is no exception. The barrel is hammer-forged from precision-made steel and the finish provides excellent protection from corrosion and wear. The barrel is also very easy to clean and is highly resistant to fouling.
Price
The best feature of the Ruger American Rimfire is its price. All three models are available for a very reasonable price. The Standard and Compact models can be found for under $300, while the Target version is typically just over $400. This puts the rifle in reach of most shooters and more than justifies the quality and performance of the rifle.
Conclusion
The Ruger American Rimfire is an excellent rifle that is sure to be a favorite among shooters of all levels. The combination of excellent accuracy, ergonomics, durability, and affordable price make it an excellent value. The Ruger American Rimfire is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate .22 caliber rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use and accurate
- Lightweight and compact design
- Reliable and affordable
- Available in various calibers
- Adaptable with scope mounts
Cons:
- Not suitable for long-range shooting
- Medium weight trigger pull
- Limited aftermarket accessories
- Low magazine capacity compared to other models
Who Should Buy
The Ruger American Rimfire Rifle is a great, affordable rifle suitable for various types of shooters. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy shooting but who don't want to break the bank. It's perfect for kids or beginners who are just starting out with shooting, or for experienced hunters. However, the Gun should not be purchased by anyone who does not have training in firearms or does not understand how to properly use and maintain it, as misuse of firearms can be extremely dangerous.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Magazine capacity | Barrel Length | Stock | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGER AMERICAN RIMFIRE | .22 K-Hornet & .17HMR | 5/10 Rounds | 18" & 22" | Synthetic | 5.1 lbs - 6.6lbs |
| Marlin XT-22 | .22 | 14 Rounds | 21" | Synthetic | 6 lbs |
| SIG SAUER 522lr | .22 | 25 Rounds | 16.1" | Synthetic | 4.6 lbs |
| Savage Rascal | .22 | 1/5 Rounds | 16.5" | Wood | 2.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Model: Ruger American Rimfire
• Action: Bolt-action
• Calibers: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds (for .22 LR and .22 WMR), 9 rounds (for .17 HMR)
• Barrel Length: 18.625" (for .22 LR)
• Overall Length: 37.5"
• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Stock: Synthetic
• Sights: Adjustable fiber-optic sights
• Safety: Two position
Popular Accessories
RIFLE?
- Bipods
- Scope rings and bases
- Sling
- Cleaning supplies
- Optic sights
- Flashlight mounts
- Cheek pads/risers
- Barrel stabilizers
- Stock spacers
- Recoil pads
Accuracy
The Ruger American Rimfire rifle is an accurate and reliable firearm that is suitable for training, competition, plinking, or hunting. The rifle is accurate out of the box and capable of producing half-inch or better groups at 50 yards with high-quality ammo, such as Winchester. Owners of the Ruger American Rimfire report that it is an incredibly accurate gun, often producing groupings of dime- or even nickel-sized groups at 100 yards with quality American-made ammunition. The rifle comes equipped with Ruger’s adjustable Marksman trigger which, when used in combination with high-quality ammunition, can provide users with a very consistent shooting experience. Also, the Ruger American Rimfire features a cold hammer-forged barrel that allows for consistently accurate shots as long as a proper cleaning regimen is employed. In summary, the Ruger American Rimfire is both a reliable and an accurate rifle that is suitable for a variety of shooting applications.
