Ruger American Rimfire .22 LR, 18-inch Threaded Barrel, 10+1
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Ruger American Rimfire .22 LR rifle? It's a purpose-built bolt-action .22 LR with an 18-inch threaded barrel and 10+1 capacity, designed for precise suppressor use and foundational training. This specific Sports South configuration incorporates Ruger's Power Bedding system and a cold hammer-forged barrel in a fixed synthetic stock. At 401.99 USD, it represents a dedicated entry point for shooters who need regulated accessory compatibility without centerfire cost or recoil.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire .22 LR used for?
This rifle is engineered for three primary tasks: foundational marksmanship training, quiet plinking with a suppressor, and small-game hunting at moderate ranges. The 18-inch threaded barrel provides optimal velocity for standard .22 LR ammunition while offering direct compatibility with common 1/2"-28 TPI muzzle devices and suppressors, a critical feature for states allowing private ownership. The adjustable Ruger Marksman trigger and integral 3/8" scope rail make it a reliable platform for teaching new shooters or verifying optics zeroing.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334?
It is more specialized for rimfire precision and suppressor use than the Stevens 334, a centerfire hunting rifle. The Stevens 334 in .243 Win or .308 Win is a superior choice for game larger than varmints, with greater energy and range, but it lacks a factory-threaded barrel on most configurations, adding $150-300 for aftermarket work. The Ruger American Rimfire is better for high-volume, low-cost training and subsonic ammunition cycles where sound signature control is the priority, thanks to its out-of-the-box 1/2"-28 threads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.8 pounds (2.63 kg) empty, with an overall length of 38.5 inches. The 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel has a 1:16" twist rate, standard for stabilizing .22 LR projectiles, and the OD Green synthetic stock accepts interchangeable length-of-pull modules to adjust from approximately 12.5 to 14.5 inches. The 10-round BX-1 rotary magazine adds negligible weight and maintains a flush profile, keeping the center of balance forward of the action for steady offhand shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters pursuing game beyond 100 yards with consistency or for those seeking a traditional walnut-and-blue aesthetic. Its synthetic stock and satin-blued finish prioritize utility over presentation. It's also a poor choice for anyone wanting a semi-automatic action for rapid fire; the bolt-action cycle is deliberate, making it ill-suited for mimicking an AR-15 platform's manual of arms. For a classic hunting look, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 10-round Ruger BX-1 rotary magazine, a thread protector installed on the muzzle, and two interchangeable buttstock spacers for length-of-pull adjustment. You will not receive a scope, rings, bipod, or case—those are end-user responsibilities. The integrated 3/8" rimfire scope base is machined directly into the receiver, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware but limiting you to rimfire-specific optic footprints unless an adapter is used.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire worth it at $401.99?
Yes, for a shooter who specifically needs a factory-threaded .22 LR bolt action for suppressor use and values Ruger's warranty support. The inclusion of the Power Bedding block and an adjustable trigger at this price point is notable. However, if suppressor use is not a requirement, non-threaded bolt-action .22s can be found for under $300, making this model a $100 premium for that NFA-ready feature. It's a tool for a specific job, not a general-purpose bargain.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory 1/2"-28 threaded barrel — ready for suppressor or compensator attachment without gunsmithing
- 5.8 lb weight — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable centerfire bolt action like the Stevens 334
- Accepts standard Ruger 10/22 BX-1 magazines — widespread availability and proven reliability
- Integral 3/8" scope base — eliminates separate base purchase and mounting errors
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks texture — can feel slick with wet or gloved hands, aftermarket tape required
- No iron sights included — adds $100+ minimum for a quality rimfire scope and rings
- Fixed stock design — cannot be folded or collapsed for compact storage like some chassis systems
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083343 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8334 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| safety | Tang |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded barrel compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded 1/2"-28 TPI, which is the standard thread pattern for nearly all .22 caliber suppressors on the market, such as those from SilencerCo or Dead Air. You must first possess the suppressor legally under NFA regulations, including a tax stamp, before attaching it. The thread protector is removable with a 3/4" wrench or padded vise.
- Does it use 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, it uses the same Ruger BX-1 10-round rotary magazines as the 10/22 rifle, which are widely available and known for reliable feeding. The magazine sits flush with the stock for a clean profile. You can also use aftermarket 10/22 magazines from companies like Magpul, but high-capacity drums may not fit the stock's magazine well.
- What scope base does it have?
- The receiver is machined with an integrated 3/8" rimfire dovetail scope base, the industry standard for .22 rifles. This accepts rimfire-specific rings directly without a separate base. If you want to use a Picatinny-mounted optic, you will need a 3/8" to Picatinny adapter rail, which adds approximately 0.25 inches of height.
- Can the stock be adjusted for length of pull?
- Yes, the fixed synthetic stock includes two interchangeable spacers that can increase the length of pull from the factory 12.5 inches to approximately 14.5 inches. The process requires removing the single buttpad screw, swapping the spacer, and re-securing—a 90-second operation with a Phillips head screwdriver.
- How long is the shipping time?
- As an online exclusive, this rifle ships directly from our distributor network. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days, with ground shipping transit times of 3-7 business days depending on your location. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice for the required 4473 transfer.