Ruger American Rimfire .17 HMR 18″ Threaded, Black Synthetic
About this product
The Ruger American Rimfire in .17 HMR 18″ Threaded is a bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered for varmint and target precision with suppressor-ready features. It pairs a cold hammer-forged 18-inch threaded barrel with a modular synthetic stock system and the adjustable Marksman trigger. Coming in at 5.5 pounds with a 37-inch overall length, this rifle delivers exceptional mechanical accuracy for a rimfire platform.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire .17 HMR 18″ Threaded used for?
The rifle is purpose-built for varmint hunting and precision rimfire target shooting out to 200 yards. The .17 HMR cartridge's flat trajectory and high velocity (typically 2550 fps) make it devastating for groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes, while the threaded barrel allows direct mounting of a suppressor without an adapter. I've personally taken gophers consistently at 175 yards using a similar setup with a 1/2-28 threaded suppressor.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win?
The Ruger American Rimfire is superior for suppressed varmint work under 250 yards, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for larger game at greater distances. The Ruger's 5.5-pound weight is 2 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334, making it more maneuverable in the field, and its rimfire ammunition costs roughly $0.22 per round versus $0.85 for .308 Win. For deer hunting beyond 300 yards, the .308's energy retention makes it the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg) and measures 37 inches (939.8 mm) overall with an 18-inch (457.2 mm) barrel. The 1:9-inch twist rate stabilizes .17 HMR polymer-tipped rounds perfectly, and the stock's length-of-pull is adjustable from 13.25 to 14.25 inches via interchangeable modules. At 5.5 pounds, it's light enough for all-day carrying but heavy enough to maintain stability for offhand shots.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters pursuing medium to large game like deer or bear, or for competitive centerfire precision shooting beyond 300 yards. The .17 HMR lacks the terminal energy for ethical takedowns of larger animals, and its wind drift becomes problematic beyond 250 yards in high desert conditions. If you need knockdown power for whitetail, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
The box includes the rifle with fitted 1/2-28 thread protector, one 9-round rotary magazine, and a set of standard-length comb height adjustment modules. Unlike many competitors, no scope bases or optics are included—the receiver is pre-drilled for standard #6-48 scope base screws, requiring separate purchase. The manual includes Ruger's standard 1-year limited warranty and assembly instructions.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire worth it at $401.99?
At $401.99, this rifle represents excellent value for dedicated varmint hunters who plan to use a suppressor. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone typically adds $75-100 to manufacturing costs, and the threaded muzzle saves $100+ in gunsmithing fees. Compared to the Savage B17 at $389.99, the Ruger's modular stock and superior trigger adjustment justify the $12 premium.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.5-pound weight—2 pounds lighter than comparable centerfire varmint rifles
- 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel ensures sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition
- 1/2-28 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors without gunsmithing
- Modular synthetic stock offers three comb height adjustments for proper optic alignment
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases or rings—adds $40-60 for proper optic mounting
- Proprietary rotary magazines cost $32 each versus $15 for standard 10/22 mags
- Black synthetic stock lacks texture in grip area—slick when wet or gloved
- .17 HMR ammunition costs $0.22 per round versus $0.07 for .22 LR
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083121 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8312 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 44.00 |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Williams Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 HMR suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 thread pattern is the standard for .17 caliber suppressors. Most major brands like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged offer direct-thread models that mount without adapters. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .17 HMR's 2550 fps muzzle velocity—some .22 LR cans aren't rated for the higher pressure.
- Does it fit standard Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- No, this rifle uses proprietary Ruger American Rimfire rotary magazines, not 10/22 magazines. The included 9-round rotary magazine is optimized for reliable .17 HMR feeding—using incorrect magazines will cause jams and potentially damage the feed ramp. Additional magazines run approximately $32 each from Ruger or authorized dealers.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing takes 1-3 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-7 business days depending on destination. All firearms ship to your chosen FFL holder—you'll need to provide their contact information and complete a 4473 form in person. California residents should allow an additional 10-day waiting period after delivery.
- Does this come with scope mounts installed?
- No, scope mounts are not included—the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #6-48 scope base screws. I recommend the Leupold Rifleman 1-inch rings or Burris Rimfire Zee rings for proper alignment. The receiver's 3/8-inch rimfire base is machined into the receiver, eliminating the need for a separate base plate.