Ruger’s new American Rimfire has dropped. Press release after the jump. Click here to get the bullet point deets courtesy American Rifleman, who never met a gun they didn’t like. To be fair, at $329 whaddaya expect from a firearm maker who’s mastered the art of mass production? Unique Selling Point: “60-degree bolt provides ample scope clearance, while easy-to-use receiver-mounted bolt release allows the bolt to be readily removed without requiring a pull of the trigger, a unique safety feature among rimfire, bolt-action rifles.” Thanks to the Kentucky Gun Company, TTAG already has one on its way for a full-frontal evaluation . . .
Introducing the Ruger American Rimfire Series
August 29, 2013
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announces the release of the Ruger American Rimfire™ bolt-action rifle. The 100% American-made Ruger American Rimfire™ builds on the enormous success of the centerfire Ruger American Rifle®. With many of the standard Ruger American Rifle® features, this new line also combines several design innovations from the popular 10/22® rimfire rifle. This combination, along with the rifle’s adaptability, will appeal to all bolt-action enthusiasts – young or old, novice or experienced. The new line consists of four models – full-sized (22″ barrel/13.75″ length of pull) and compact (18″/12.5″ length of pull) models, both of which are available in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum.
“The new American Rimfire series really ups the ante for performance in rimfire rifles,” remarked Mike Fifer, President and CEO. “With proven technologies and features from the centerfire Ruger American Rifle®, the bolt-action rimfire models are sure to deliver accuracy, durability and value to consumers,” he concluded.
Each model in the line includes two interchangeable stock modules that provide comb height options for scope or iron sight use. Standard models come with long length of pull modules, while compact models come with short length of pull modules. By simply removing the rear sling swivel stud, stock modules can be changed in seconds. All four stock modules are completely interchangeable across all models and are available at ShopRuger.com.
Models chambered in .22 LR feature the detachable, flush-mounted 10/22® BX-1 10-round rotary magazine and accept all 10/22® magazines, including the BX-25® and BX-25®x2. Models chambered in .22 Magnum use the detachable, flush-mounted JMX-1 9-round rotary magazine. The easy-to-use 10/22®-style extended magazine release provides smooth, no-fuss magazine removal. The 60-degree bolt provides ample scope clearance, while an easy-to-use, receiver-mounted bolt release allows the bolt to be readily removed without requiring a pull of the trigger, a unique safety feature among rimfire, bolt-action rifles.
The Ruger American Rimfire™ shares many of the features that made the centerfire Ruger American Rifle® popular among hunters and shooters alike. It features a Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger and patent-pending Power Bedding® integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel, making these rifles true performers at the range and in the field.
Additional features include a satin blued, target-crowned, hammer-forged barrel that results in ultra-precise rifling for exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning and Williams™ fiber optic front sight and 10/22®-style adjustable, “V” slot, folding-leaf rear sight. A 3/8″ rimfire scope base is machined into the receiver, and is drilled and tapped for Weaver® #12 bases (not included).
Ruger American Rimfire™ rifles feature a durable composite stock with front and rear swivel studs. All models have a suggested retail price of $329.
For more information on the new Ruger American Rimfire™ series, or to learn about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger® firearms, visit Ruger.com or Facebook.com/Ruger. To find accessories for the Ruger American Rifle® and Ruger American Rimfire™, visit ShopRuger.com.
Neat.
Might look into one of these~
I’m curious how this is different from the 77/22.
Also, I’d like to get a cheap bolt action for dry fire practice. Would this be a good fit? Not enough info yet to tell?
I’ll probably get one in any case. I’ve been wanting a bolt action that takes 10/22 magazines for a while.
It had better be a damn cheap rimfire that you plan to replace firing pin, some rimfires can handle dry fire, the Japanese Olympic team does it a lot., but all rimfire firing pins will strike the hard steel (rather than soft brass) of the breech face causing wear.
“…all rimfire firing pins will strike the hard steel (rather than soft brass) of the breech face causing wear.”
Not so. Some rimfire designs have a firing pin stop that prevents the pin from contacting the breech face when dry-fired. I think most of Ruger’s new guns are like this (the 10/22 and Mk III are), so I would expect the American to be the same way.
But you should always check the manual or ask the manufacturer before dry-firing a particular gun, because you’re right that it can cause damage on guns that don’t have a firing pin stop.
Jeff Quinn specifically noted in his review that this rifle can be dryfired without snapcaps. He said that is stated in the manual. Check his website for the video review.
Snap caps come to mind.
The American has a one piece bolt instead of the wobbly two piece like the 77/22. One of the reasons for the almost universal inaccuracy of the 77/22. One can purchase 3 Americans in .22lr, .22mag and I’m sure .17 soon for a little more than the price of a single 77/22. Best street price I’ve seen in $269.00.
Lets see what else. 90 degree recessed crown. Steel bedding blocks. Takes all Ruger rotary mags. Free floating barrel to the receiver. Short throw bolt. Modular comb and LOP. Two different types of scope mount adaptability. Butt stock is hollow.
Looks like a winner to me.
.22 magnum, you say?
Sold!
I got the email earlier and thought the stock was kind of cool, at least for anti-rights states that don’t allow adjustable stocks.
this is a test from Vid. Hi Rob
You can tell it’s not made by Apple because it accepts 10/22 mags.
I’m all for more models of firearms but as I recall not ALL of Ruger’s firearms have been total successes. those modular butt inserts could be a major fail once they start to loosen-up
Maybe, but Ruger seems to draw in after market stock and grip mfrs on everything they do.
“Those modular butt inserts could be a major fail once they start to loosen-up.” My inner 15-year-old read this out of context, now my outer 30-something has to explain what’s so funny to my coworkers.
I wonder if the 357 and 44 magnum versions will follow?
A youth size in .44 would be sweet…..light and handy.
This .22 version above is pretty nice too. If they pulled off the accuracy of CZ for $100 less they have some hotcakes. There is no reason to believe it won’t shoot very well.
Failboat. They should offer threaded models.
came to post that.. would be nice to have a factory threaded cap on there.
maybe Ruger is still afraid of the EVIL threads.
They aren’t afraid, they offer the Mark III, 10/22, Scout Rifle and Mini 14 with a threaded barrel.
Odd that it is not offered in one of the .17 rimfire calibers.
Wait 6 months.
Now if I could only find 22 LR.
It might shoot groups if it doesn’t have the Ruger accuracy spoiling long throat in the barrel.
I’m not sure I understand the big deal about the not-pulling-the-trigger-to-remove-the-bolt thing. I have to do that on my rimfire bolt guns but only after the bolt has been disengaged and pulled to the rear. It’s not like a Glock in that you have to pull the trigger with the slide in-battery and has the potential for the unintended discharge if you neglect the step of removing a chambered round. That possibility isn’t there when removing the bolt on a rimfire rifle. What am I missing?
I was wondering about that as well and couldn’t come up with a good explanation…I’ll be interested to see how the new rifle stacks up against established models. If they use the same chamber as the 10/22, it will never shoot with CZ or Savage accuracy. If it’s tightened up and the headspace is shortened since it’s not an autoloader, there’s potential, especially if the receiver is bedded and the floated the barrel off a steel receiver as opposed to aluminum.
The same people that have had an accident discharge with their Glocks are a bit weary I guess. Funny and yet sad thing is I’ve been to police dept ranges with signs saying “disassemble your service pistol before leaving the range” for that very reason. It all made sense when I noticed a handful of bullet holes outside of the firing range.
And this is better than a browning T-bolt because?
I don’t know if it’s “better” than a T-bolt, but it’s less than half the price, so I wouldn’t exactly say they’re going for the same target market.
Didn’t know until I read your comment that the T-bolt was still being made. Where are the new ones manufactured? One of my plinking buddies in high school (mid 70s) had one of the Belgian ones which are $$$ now. His dad was into guns on a different level than most of our dads (couple of Weatherbys and a Pigeon Grade Model 12) and Steve’s little T-bolt was unique in our circle. Only straight-pull I’ve ever shot (haven’t gotten around to getting my K-31 yet) but that was a sweet little rifle.
The new T-Bolts are made in Japan by Miroku, I think.
The ability to use 25 round+ mags seems to be the main selling point. Kinda pricey at $329.
Keep in mind, $329 is the MSRP. The MSRP of the 10/22 tends to run about $70 – $100 more than the street price, so I would expect this rifle to be around $250 when it hits the stores, at least once the initial demand falls off.
The only thing that’s a bigger joke than firearm MSRPs is knife MSRPs.
Very cool…
Great move by Ruger. Every manufacturer should offer a rimfire version of their centerfire hunting rifle.
I don’t know when I’ll be able to find more .22 LR, but when I do I want one of these.
It’s sort of like a 10/22 because it can take those magazines, but it’s bolt action so it has a wider range of ammunition acceptance instead of being picky like .22 LR semi autos.
I have one of Ruger’s 77/22 bolt action .22s. With a relatively cheap Tasco 2.5-10x scope, it is a great-shooting little gun out to 200 yards (off a rest, with ammo it likes). I use it in our 200yd steel silhouette matches, and on a good day (not a huge amount of crosswind) I can usually drop 9/10 of the rams at 200 yds. It uses 10/22 magazines, so you don’t need a friend in the import business to get extras.
The key to accuracy with most .22s is finding ammo they like. I tried 10-15 different brands/bullet weights before I found the most accurate load for mine. (CCI Velocitor out to 100 yds, CCI Green Tag at 150/200 yds. Good luck finding either right now.)
It will be interesting to see how this new budget version does. Keep us posted …
Picked up one of these in 22 WMR recently on sale for $269. Topped it with a Vortex Diamondback 4-12X BDC. Consistent groups of about 1/2″ at 50 yards about 1.00 – 1.25″ at 100 yards off a sandbag. The bolt was a bit gritty when I started shooting, but has smoothed out a bit. The trigger is adjustable and I tuned it down to 3 lbs crisp. For $269, this rifle was a no brainer. The tusty rotary mag never hiccupped and I chose the high comb for a good cheek weld with the scope. I plan on adding a bipod for some longer range field shots on woodchucks and coyotes. I wholeheartedly give a thumbs up on this bargain rifle.
I was ready to order one when I saw the ad in the American Rifleman. Then, after a bit of digging I found out the butt inserts for the standard model are all 13.5″ lop. I am a bit taller than many, but not extremely so. I need a longer lop for comfortable shooting. Ruger missed a bet by not offering longer inserts. Is there a reasonably priced, quality .22 out there with a longer lop?
I Have a 1955 Ruger Mark 1 pistol, a 10/22 TALO Mannlicher and a new Ruger American .22 magnum that I am crazy about! I am a 71 year old shooter who has found a revolutionary approach to rimfire shooting in the American version. I commend Ruger for their innovative approach to making a rimfire with all the aesthetics and characteristics found in the American version of the rimfire. I live on a fixed income or I would already be the proud owner of an American .17 HMR! Thanks Ruger on a great job! Marvin D. Waco Texas
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m happy as a clam with my .22 mag American. A friend and I compete casually with each other, and he brought out the Battleship targets, thinking he’d rapid fire his (rather nice) 10/22 to victory. He ended up missing 3 out of 4, and I cackled every time I threw the bolt and nailed yet another circle. This thing is *fun*!!!
… especially with .22lr availability now. I get more range time for the ammo I bring.
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