Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR 16.1″ Threaded Black Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.3 lb (85 oz)—1.2 lb lighter than a comparable wood-stocked .22 WMR rifle, reducing fatigue.
- Factory-threaded 1/2"-28 barrel with protector—saves $150+ in gunsmithing for suppressor fitment.
- Marksman trigger adjusts from 2.5 to 5 lbs—allows a crisp 3.5 lb pull for precision work with a hex wrench.
- Accepts common Ruger 10/22 rotary mags—uses the same 10/25-round magazines millions of shooters already own.
Trade-offs
- No iron sights or optic included—requires an immediate minimum $150 investment in rings and scope to use.
- Stock synthetic forend is slick—offers minimal grip texture for a solid positional hold without aftermarket stippling or tape.
- Barrel is not fluted or crowned elaborately—aesthetic finish is utilitarian matte blue, not a showpiece.
- Length of pull is good but not great—the 13.75" setting may be slightly long for shooters under 5'8".
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR 16.1″ Threaded Black Synthetic is a purpose-built, suppressor-ready bolt-action rimfire rifle that merges modern mechanical precision with straightforward regulatory compliance for small-game and training applications. Its design centers on a factory-threaded, cold hammer-forged barrel that ships with a thread protector and is mated to an adjustable synthetic stock and optic-ready receiver. For civilians and trainers seeking a field-ready .22 WMR platform under 6 pounds that doesn't require a gunsmith for NFA compatibility, this rifle is a competent starting point.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR used for?
Its primary application is sub-125-yard practical shooting, specifically as a cost-effective trainer for centerfire bolt guns and for small-game hunting where suppressed use is legal and desirable. The adjustable trigger combined with the one-piece Pic rail allows it to be turned into a 5.3 lb, low-recoil discipline platform, while the cold hammer-forged 16.1-inch barrel provides the consistency needed for dispatching pests like prairie dogs or squirrels at moderate ranges where .22 LR velocity is insufficient. I consider it a "gateway" NFA host for shooters learning about suppressor registration and conjugal visits.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win?
This comparison illustrates a fundamental cartridge-division: the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a tool for harvesting deer-sized game at 200+ yards, while the Ruger American Rimfire is a specialist for sub-125-yard precision and training. The primary advantage of the .22 WMR rifle is its ammunition cost, at roughly 25 cents per round versus 90 cents for .243 Win, making it financially viable for high-volume trigger time. For a shooter building a two-rifle setup, I'd pair this Ruger for practice and small game with a the Stevens 334 in .308 for ethical deer and hogs.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Its overall weight is 5.3 pounds (85 ounces), which is manageable for extended offhand sessions or for young shooters. The length of pull is adjustable via interchangeable modules to either 13.75 inches (stock) or 12.5 inches, but the overall length of the rifle with the 16.1-inch barrel is a compliant 36.5 inches—a crucial figure ensuring it remains a Title I firearm and avoids NFA Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) classification. The barrel threading is the standard 1/2"-28, the most common pitch for .22 caliber suppressors, requiring no adapters for direct attachment.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is a poor choice for anyone needing immediate, multi-shot capability on moving varmints or for defensive use, as the bolt-action system has a practical firing rate far slower than a semi-automatic. It's also not for the shooter unwilling to engage with the regulatory process; the threaded barrel is an invitation for a suppressor, which requires a ~9-month federal tax stamp approval and a $200 fee—without that suppressor, you're not utilizing the rifle's defining feature. Finally, hunters in states like Illinois or New York with blanket suppressor bans gain zero functional benefit from the threading.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mated to the black synthetic stock, a set of three interchangeable length-of-pull spacers, the one-piece Picatinny scope base (already mounted), and a 1/2"-28 thread protector. Notably missing is a hard case—you get a cardboard box—so factor in about $40 for a basic Plano All-Weather to prevent shipping damage if you transfer this rifle. Also absent are iron sights; this is an optic-only platform from the factory, requiring a minimum $100 investment in quality rimfire scope rings and a scope to be functional.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR worth it at $401.99?
The price is justified, but with a clear caveat: you are buying it specifically for the suppressor-readiness and the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger. At this price point, you're paying approximately $125 more than a comparable, non-threaded .22 WMR bolt action for the threading, the hammer-forging process, and the user-adjustable trigger pull (settable between 2.5 to 5 lbs from the factory). For a shooter who already has a .22 suppressor in their vault, this is a logical host. For someone just looking for a squirrel rifle, a non-threaded Savage B22 or Marlin XT-22R saves money for ammo and a better optic.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083923 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8392 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 16.10" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.4 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 1/2"x28 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with the 10/22 rotary magazines?
- Yes, it accepts all standard Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines, including the 10-round flush-fit and larger 25-round BX-25 models. This commonality is a major logistical advantage, as these magazines are ubiquitous and easy to source from Magpul, Ruger, or third parties like TandemKross.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Its 36.5-inch overall length requires a case rated for at least 38 inches interior length. Most common 42-inch hard-sided cases, like those from Pelican or Plano, will accommodate it with room for a small optic attached. A soft case in the 36-40 inch range will be a very tight, form-fitting fit.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipment from our warehouse typically takes 1-2 business days. Once shipped via FedEx or UPS Ground, transit time to a registered FFL dealer is 3-7 business days depending on destination. Your chosen FFL must then conduct the 4473 background check before transfer, which can add hours to a week depending on state.
- Can I return it if the barrel threading is damaged?
- No. Due to federal firearms regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms. Any functional or cosmetic issue must be handled directly through Ruger's warranty service, which has an excellent reputation for quick turnaround. Inspect the 1/2"-28 threads and thread protector immediately upon FFL pickup before signing the 4473 form.
- Does this work with a Dead Air Mask HD suppressor?
- Absolutely. The Dead Air Mask HD and similar .22-caliber cans like the SilencerCo Sparrow are direct-thread suppressors designed for the 1/2"-28 thread pitch. You would simply time and hand-tighten the suppressor onto the cleaned barrel threads, confirming it is secure and concentric before firing.