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

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 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.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.