Ruger American Rimfire

[smitholdtimer]

Any comments on this bolt action rifle from Ruger? I understand there is a 9 shot rotary magazine and was told its well made, chambered for the .22 Magnum. I'm thinking of finding one for my grandson. Your guidance is always appreciated and thanks for your opinions.

 

[k22fan]

The opinion you asked for is that you do your grandson a disservice buying him a .22 Magnum rather than a less expensive to shoot .22 LR. Boys love plinking with inexpensive .22 cartridges. That's written in stone some where.

 

[ditto1958]

The rifle in general is a good one. While its not the prettiest thing ever made, it's accurate and has a good trigger. I concur about the magnum. A .22 LR version would be a much better choice. It takes the same outstanding 10 round rotary magazine as a Ruger 10/22.

 

[Lee Barner]

I've had the carbine version in .22LR for about a year now. it is a tack driver with Win Power Point, Federal JHPs, CCI mini mags and CCI standard velocity. very handy little rifle for a decent price. go for it. lee

 

[mauser9]

Bought the Compact 22 magnum version about 18 months ago. Could not be happier with the gun especially the accuracy. The synthetic stock does not feel chintzy and the barrels and receiver have a nice satin finish which is rather glossy. Be a great gun for him as it is light and the stock modules can be changed for use with or without scope. Scoped mine but comes standard with Hi-Viz front sight which I like personally. This has become my go to 22 magnum for target and varmint. Guys are right about the 22 mag rounds though. Gettin expensive and L.R. 22s are a better deal. For under $300 a decent shooter overall. Compact model has 18 inch barrel.

 

[PatriotX]

The .17HMR version shoots nicely as well.

 

[Dennis]

I have one in 243. Smooth action and very accurate. Solid stock, which is a surprise. i is my son's first centerfire rifle.

 

[Kanewpadle]

The American is an outstanding choice for a young shooter. Easy to operate. Light enough to handle. Inexpensive. Accurate.

 

[4REGuy]

i have one in LR , great weapon. put a Nikon 1-7 scope on it, its the gun i shoot the most every time i go out shooting of all the guns i have.

 

[gwpercle]

22 LR is the way to go for a boys first rifle. 22 LR's seem to be getting easier to find also. Bought two bulk packs at local gun shop, no limit and there was plenty more on his shelf.
The rotary magazine is the same one the 10/22 uses.
If the American is only half as good as the 10/22 it will still be a great rifle. I bought a 10/22 in 1973 (and still shooting it) because Ruger didn't make a bolt gun!
Get one for the boy and go make some great memories .
Gary

 

[bigwheelzip]

I'm no expert, but I've been very happy with mine in .22LR for the 18 months I've owned it. Good trigger and FO front sight. Put a $36 scope from Academy on it, and it shoots silver dollar sized groups at 100yds with any ammo.

 

[Rock185]

I'd handled them in stores. They seemed like a nice little rifle styled like a centerfire as opposed to some of the other rather awkward looking rimfire rifles. I bought a compact in .22 Magnum as I wanted the short barrel and iron sights, even though I figured I would scope it. I guess I'm in that small minority that actually likes .22 Magnum. I've chronographed several different types of .22 LR and 22 Magnum ammo in rifles and handguns. The Magnum,especialy in rifles, does demonstrate ballistics quite a bit superior to .22 LR. Does it really matter? I don't know but I like the cartridge and will continue to enjoy shooting it. I installed a 1.5X to 5X scope on mine, sighted it in and it's like a little ray gun out to 100+ yards. I had a small stock of .22 magnum ammo, so had not purchased any for quite a while. I was surprised to find that .22 magnum ammo now costs as much as 9MM. Anyway, I'm quite pleased with the little Ruger American rifle and the Magnum cartridge.....ymmv

 

[Auburn4]

Purchased 22lr over yr ago. Put on high stock pc.,scoped 3x9x40,adj'ed trigger,graphite on action,shoots quarters at 100 yds. One NICE rifle. about 200rds to settle in.

 

[Drm50]

Brother and I both bought 77/22s when 1st out. For small game hunting
they have been our go to rifles. They out shot a lot of the premium US
made 22s on the market. Between us we have 50, 22 rifles, older classic
models. Brother just bought nephew Ruger American 22lr. We put K4 on
it. 4x is perfect squirrel scope, same as we have on our 77/22s. Anyway
we found that American shoots right with the 77/22. Action is dependable
feed and extraction. Trigger isn't bad, but we will tune. All in all, good
shooting and dependable 22 for the buck. Even though a little on ugly side.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Good gun at a good price point. Well executed by Ruger and a good choice.
I just look at my stainless 77/22 with the old boat paddle stock, the Leopold 1.5x5 mounted on it with that old leather quick draw shooting sling and smile............Sometimes it's good to be old