The Ruger American: A Best-Selling Bolt-Action Rifle

by
posted on July 2, 2020
** 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-all-american-rimfire.jpg

When Ruger introduced its American bolt-action rifle to the public in 2012, it quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts. A budget-friendly option from a company with a well-deserved reputation for producing rugged and reliable firearms was key, but a large part of the reason it remained near or at the top in this category is because of the variety of models available. Today there’s bound to be a variant that will pique anyone’s interest.

There are two siblings in the American rifle family—centerfire and rimfire. There are nearly 20 different chamberings available in the former. The list already includes the .350 Legend and likely has grown by the time you read this. And there are seven variants, including the Standard, Predator, Ranch, Go Wild I-M Camo Brush, Hunter, Compact and the complete-with-scope Vortex Crossfire II Riflescope.

All feature a user-adjustable trigger shipped from the factory with let-off weights between 3 and 5 pounds. Each have a synthetic stock, one-piece three-lug bolt, patented Power Bedding, Picatinny rail on the receiver for effortless scope mounting and more.

The rimfire branch of this family has five different variants—Standard, Compact, Wood Stock, Target and Long-Range Target. Stainless models are also available.

Chamberings in this line include .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR. Ruger American rifles that digest the latter took third-place honors in volume of sales on GunBroker.com last year. It held the same position in 2018, up from 2017’s 4th place finish. Models in the same rimfire chambering claimed 6th in both 2016 and 2015.

The Ruger Precision Rifle may dominate the podium in bolt action rifles, but enthusiasts understand the same attention to detail that goes into it, spills generously into the less expensive American series. MSRP for the latter, in rimfire starts at only $359 and goes up to $599 for the priciest model—the Long-Range Target.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 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.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.