Ruger American: One of 2020's Best-Selling Bolt-Actions

by
posted on March 17, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ruger-american-rimfire-1.jpg

Ruger introduced its American Rimfire rifle in 2013 and the bolt-actions include many of the features that made its center-fire American Rifle so popular. Both continue to be top sellers for those looking for budget-friendly options that perform.

American Rimfires chamber .17 HMR, .22 LR or .22 WMR, depending on the version selected. There’s plenty to choose from, with five distinct model lines for the rifle, and variations within each. 

The Standard models all come with a polymer stock, in either black, camouflage options and or distributor-exclusive finishes. It is available in all three chamberings and comes in 16", 18" and 22" barrels, depending on model. Rate of rifling varies by cartridge, as does the rotary magazine capacity. It uses the same magazines as Ruger 10/22s.

Barrels are threaded 1/2"x28 TPI for muzzle devices, many include a receiver mounted rail for optics and those that don’t have a fiber-optic up front and the rear is adjustable (and those guns are tapped for mounting scope bases). The rifles also come with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger. Add sling swivels with a 60-degree bolt throw and you have a great rifle with MSRPs that run from $359 to $469.

The company also offers a Compact line, Target, Long-Range Target and Wood Stock model for a more traditional look. Some come with spacers for adjusting length of pull and an adjustable comb. Add a generous recoil pad and the company’s Patented Power Bedding and it’s hard to go wrong with Ruger’s American Rimfire. There are even wood laminated stock versions available, some thumbhole style.

Splurge and the most expensive model, the head-turning Long-Range Target, will set you back $599. With all these features, at this price, it’s little wonder the Ruger American Rimfire claimed second place among bolt actions sold on Gunbroker.com last year.

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.