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

Tristar APOC 01
Tristar APOC 01

The TriStar Arms APOC: Familiar & Affordable

Glock-inspired handgun designs have become one of the most popular corners of the firearm market, and TriStar Arms is the latest to throw its hat into the ring with the affordable APOC.

Preview: Linos Sheathworks Custom Kydex Knife Sheaths

Shown here with a TOPS Apache Falcon knife, Linos Sheathworks’ custom Kydex sheaths are available to fit a wide variety of popular fixed-blade and folding knife models from other major brands—all without the need to ship the host knife to the company.

Gun Of The Week: Ruger LCP MAX Manual Safety

Ruger introduced its LCP MAX in 2021, but in recent years, the company has expanded the line with new models, including this two-tone version equipped with a manual thumb safety.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 28, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

15 Great Holiday Gifts For Gun Owners

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the gun guy or gun girl in your life? Here are a few great options from folks in the know.

October Gun Sales Numbers Signals New Normal?

Estimated gun sales numbers reported from the month of October give us a few clues as to the state of the firearm industry and the community of gun owners at large.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.