Ruger American II Full Size .204 Ruger 22″ Burnt Bronze Fluted Threaded
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Ruger American II Full Size in .204 Ruger is a bolt-action hunting rifle engineered for varmint and small-game applications where precision and rapid follow-up capability are paramount, featuring a 22-inch threaded, fluted barrel protected by bronze Cerakote and a synthetic stock with adjustable length of pull. It bridges the gap between a dedicated benchrest instrument and a field-ready tool, prioritizing a stable 6.5-pound platform that accepts optics via its machined rail and suppressors via its 5/8-24 threads. For shooters operating at ranges beyond typical .22 caliber rimfire, this rifle delivers the flat-shooting .204 Ruger cartridge in a package designed for extended sessions without excessive weight fatigue.
What is the Ruger American II Full Size .204 Ruger used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for varmint control and predator hunting at extended ranges, particularly against prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. The .204 Ruger cartridge produces minimal recoil and shoots extremely flat, allowing for precise shot placement out to 300 yards on smaller targets, and the 10-round rotary magazine facilitates quick follow-up shots during active pest control sessions. Its adjustable stock and threaded muzzle make it equally suited for use with a suppressor for noise-sensitive areas or a brake for maximum stability during sustained shooting.
How does the Ruger American II Full Size compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win?
The Ruger American II is more specialized for long-range, small-target varminting, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a more versatile medium-game hunting rifle. The .204 Ruger has a significantly flatter trajectory and less recoil than the .243 Winchester, making it superior for hitting small, fast-moving targets at 200+ yards, but the .243 Win delivers more terminal energy for deer-sized game, where the .204 Ruger is not recommended. For a dedicated coyote or prairie dog rifle, the Ruger is the better tool; for a hunter needing one rifle for both varmints and deer, the Stevens 334 in .243 is the more logical choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length with its 22-inch barrel. The barrel itself has a 0.75-inch diameter at the muzzle and is threaded with standard 5/8-24 threads, allowing for direct attachment of suppressors or muzzle devices without an adapter. The adjustable length of pull can be set from approximately 13.5 inches to 14.5 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without requiring aftermarket spacers or stock modifications.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters pursuing deer, hogs, or any medium-to-large game where the .204 Ruger's 40-grain projectile lacks sufficient energy for ethical kills. It is also a poor choice for a beginner's first centerfire rifle if they intend to handload, as the .204 Ruger cartridge is less common and components can be harder to find than for calibers like .223 Remington. Finally, if your primary use is ultra-precision benchrest competition requiring sub-MOA guarantees, you're better served by a heavier, custom-barreled action; this is a field rifle built for practical accuracy, not match-winning groups.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a 10-round rotary magazine, a factory-installed radial muzzle brake, and the owner's manual with warranty information. The rifle does not include scope bases, rings, or a scope, so budgeting for a quality optic and mounting system is a mandatory additional expense. No thread protector is included for when the muzzle brake is removed, so if you plan to run a suppressor, you'll need to source a thread protector separately or simply leave the brake off.
Is the Ruger American II Full Size worth it at $516.99?
At just over five hundred dollars, this rifle delivers excellent value for a dedicated varminter, offering features like an adjustable trigger, threaded barrel, and integral optic rail that competitors often charge more for. Compared to building a similar rifle from aftermarket parts, the $516.99 price point is competitive for a ready-to-shoot system, though you must factor in the cost of a scope, which can easily double your total investment. For the shooter who needs a lightweight, accurate, and suppressor-ready platform for the .204 Ruger cartridge, this is a defensible purchase; for someone still deciding on a caliber, the more common and versatile .243 Winchester might be a wiser long-term choice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.5 lbs — nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than many varmint-weight barreled actions, reducing carry fatigue.
- 22-inch fluted, threaded barrel with 5/8-24 threads allows direct suppressor attachment without an adapter.
- Integral 20-MOA Picatinny rail — eliminates the need and cost ($40-$80) for a separate scope base.
- 10+1 round rotary magazine facilitates rapid follow-up shots during active varmint sessions.
Trade-offs
- No thread protector included — if you remove the factory muzzle brake, you must source a 5/8-24 thread protector separately.
- Stock forend lacks a rigid bedding block or aluminum chassis — for ultimate precision, some users will need to upgrade to an aftermarket stock.
- .204 Ruger ammunition is less common and often $5-$10 more per box than .223 Remington, increasing practice cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676469901 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 46990 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .204 Ruger |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| safety | 3 Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel thread compatible with standard .30 caliber suppressors?
- Yes, the barrel features standard 5/8-24 threads, which is the most common thread pitch for .30 caliber (.308) muzzle devices and suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. You can mount a .30 cal suppressor directly, though you will experience some blow-by; a .22 cal specific suppressor will provide slightly better performance but is not required. Always verify your specific suppressor's thread pitch and recommended minimum barrel length before purchasing.
- Does the rifle come drilled and tapped for a scope rail?
- No, it does not require drilling and tapping; the receiver is machined from steel with an integral, 20-MOA inclined Picatinny rail already attached. This means you can mount your optic rings directly to the rifle without purchasing a separate base, saving you approximately $40-$80 and ensuring a rigid, zero-shift connection. The rail provides 20 minutes of angle of built-in elevation adjustment, beneficial for long-range shooting with the .204 Ruger cartridge.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order confirmation, with transit time varying by carrier and location, usually adding another 2-7 business days. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL holder; you must provide your chosen FFL's information at checkout, and Ironclad Armory will verify their license before shipment. Once the rifle arrives at your FFL, you will need to complete a Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check before taking possession.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger pull?
- No, firearms sales are final for safety and regulatory reasons; we cannot accept returns based on subjective preferences like trigger feel. The Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger is factory-set to a pull weight between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds, but it is user-adjustable down to approximately 2.5 pounds using the provided hex wrench and following the manual's instructions. If the trigger is defective or malfunctions, it is covered under Ruger's lifetime warranty, which we will facilitate for repair or replacement.