Ruger American Rimfire

Why a Rimfire Bolt Gun

A bolt-action .22 LR teaches the fundamentals of precision rifle shooting at a fraction of centerfire cost—trigger control, natural point of aim, breathing, and follow-through all transfer directly to centerfire bolt guns. The American Rimfire pairs naturally with the American Rifle for shooters who want identical ergonomics and controls between their training rifle and hunting rifle. The adjustable trigger, free-floated barrel, and detachable magazine mirror the centerfire American Rifle’s features, making the transition between the two seamless. For new shooters building foundational skills or experienced shooters looking to practice economically, the American Rimfire is the sensible choice.

Caliber Options—.22 LR and .17 HMR

The American Rimfire is available in .22 LR and .17 HMR. The .22 LR version is the most versatile—ammunition is the most widely available and affordable of any centerfire or rimfire cartridge, making it ideal for high-volume practice, plinking, and small game. The .17 HMR version offers a significant velocity and trajectory advantage for varmint hunters and precision rimfire shooters who need reach beyond 100 yards. The .17 HMR’s flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance on small targets make it one of the most effective varmint cartridges available. Both calibers use the same detachable rotary magazine system.

Adjustable Trigger and Stock

The American Rimfire features the same Marksman Adjustable trigger found on the centerfire American Rifle, adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds without tools. The synthetic stock includes spacers for length-of-pull adjustment, making it a practical fit for younger shooters and adults alike. The free-floated barrel ensures consistent accuracy regardless of how the rifle is held or rested. These features are typically found only on more expensive rimfire rifles—the American Rimfire brings them to an accessible price point without compromise.

Target and Compact Variants

The American Rimfire Target features a heavy 18-inch barrel, an adjustable target stock with a wide beavertail forend, and a Picatinny rail for optic mounting. It’s purpose-built for benchrest and precision rimfire competition. The American Rimfire Compact offers a shorter 18-inch barrel and reduced length of pull for younger shooters or those who prefer a more compact package. The standard model with a 22-inch barrel strikes the best balance for general hunting and practice use. All variants share the same reliable action and adjustable trigger.

Competition and Small Game Use

The American Rimfire Target is a capable competition rimfire at a price point well below dedicated competition rifles from Anschutz and CZ. For casual rimfire competition, 4-H shooting sports, and high school rifle programs, it delivers the accuracy and adjustability needed without the investment of a dedicated match rifle. For small game hunters, the standard model in .22 LR or .17 HMR provides all the accuracy needed for squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs at reasonable distances. The combination of practical hunting capability and affordable ownership makes the American Rimfire one of the most versatile rimfire rifles available.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ruger American Rimfire

What is the Ruger American Rimfire?
The Ruger American Rimfire is a bolt-action rimfire rifle designed to bring the quality and features of the popular Ruger American centerfire series to the rimfire market. Available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, it features an adjustable trigger, interchangeable barrel system, and a cold hammer-forged barrel at an accessible price point. The American Rimfire competes directly with the CZ 457 and Savage Mark II in the quality bolt-action rimfire category — it is the best value American-made bolt-action rimfire available.

How does the Ruger American Rimfire compare to the CZ 457?
Both are quality bolt-action rimfires at competitive price points. The CZ 457 has a slight edge in accuracy potential and offers the unique single-set trigger; the Ruger American Rimfire has an interchangeable barrel system that allows switching between .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR with a barrel swap — a significant practical advantage for buyers who want one rifle for multiple rimfire calibers. The Ruger is American-made; the CZ is Czech. Both are excellent choices — the CZ for maximum accuracy; the Ruger for caliber versatility.

Can I swap calibers on the Ruger American Rimfire?
Yes — the American Rimfire’s interchangeable barrel system allows swapping between .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR barrels (sold separately) without gunsmithing. The stock, trigger group, and magazine system remain; only the barrel and corresponding magazine change. This makes it one of the most versatile production rimfire bolt-actions available for buyers who want multiple caliber options without buying multiple rifles.

What variants does the Ruger American Rimfire come in?
The American Rimfire is available in standard (22-inch barrel), compact (18-inch barrel for youth and smaller shooters), and Target (18-inch bull barrel for bench and precision use) configurations. The Target variant with its heavier barrel delivers the best accuracy from a bench and is the choice for serious rimfire target shooters who want the American platform.

See Also: Ruger Firearms • CZ 457 • Ruger Precision Rimfire • .22 LR Ammo • .22 WMR Ammo