Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire brings the same quality engineering as the centerfire American Rifle to the .22 LR and .17 HMR market—a bolt-action rimfire with an adjustable trigger, detachable rotary magazine, free-floated barrel, and a synthetic stock with adjustable length of pull. It’s an ideal training companion for centerfire American Rifle owners, a capable small game and varmint rifle in its own right, and one of the best-value rimfire bolt guns available at any price.
Read our full Ruger American Rimfire Buying Guide ↓
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.
Where to Go Next
See the companion Ruger American Rifle for the centerfire version. Explore the full Ruger lineup on our Ruger brand page. For .22 rifles across all brands, see our .22 Rifles category. Ammunition is available on our .22 LR ammo page.