Ruger American: Top-Selling Bolt-Action Rifle of 2020

by
posted on February 3, 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.jpg

Ruger introduced its bolt-action American Rifle in 2011, and it found success quickly. Part of the key was a pocketbook-friendly price tag, with an MSRP of $449 when American Rifleman introduced readers to it in 2012, but there’s no denying a major part of the attraction was the company’s reputation for making firearms with long-lasting performance.

It was the top-selling bolt-action rifle on GunBroker.com in 2020, and its climb to the top has been a steady and methodical one. In 2016, it claimed seventh place in that category, jumping to No. 4 in 2017 and holding at third in both 2018 and 2019. Despite the steady demand and increased price of raw materials, MSRP for the standard model has increased an average of only $4 a year. Today, Ruger lists it at $489.

A month after American Rifleman introduced the rifle, contributor Dave Campbell tested one and concluded,” Nope, the Ruger American Rifle isn’t about forged and polished receivers, well-figured European walnut and jeweled bolt bodies. It is all about a shooter or hunter wanting an accurate and reliable rifle without breaking the bank. With an MSRP of $449 and street price in the mid to upper $300s, this rugged shooting tool can be ready to go into the field for around $500, and in today’s market, that’s a lot of gun for the money.”

Part of the rifle’s key to a steady climb to the top is the diversity of new models that have debuted since its introduction. There’s no shortage of chamberings available, either.

Standard models have a black synthetic stock with a matte-black finish on the alloy-steel metalwork. Barrel lengths are 22" and versions are available for .243. Win., .270 Win., .30-06 Sprg., .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 7 mm Rem. Mag. There’s also a model exclusive to distributor Big Rock Sports that wears a Cerakote finish, although its MSRP is likely a little higher.

Other versions of Ruger’s American Rifle now include the Predator, Ranch, Go Wild Camo I-M Brush Stock, Hunter, Compact and a Vortex Crossfire II. The top-end model of the latter will set you back all of $699, but it comes with a factory-mounted Vortex Crossfire II rifle scope. It comes in all the chamberings found in the Standard line, except 7 mm Rem. Mag., but adds .204 Ruger and .223 Rem. to the options.

There’s something for every application in the line. Some have receiver-mounted rails and you even find .450 Bushmaster and .350 chamberings in the Ranch models. That diversity is yet another reason the Ruger American Rifle claimed top honors last year.

Latest

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.