Ruger American Rimfire guide (2026): models, specs, magazines and who it's for
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We haven't tested this hands-on yet. Everything below comes from manufacturer specs, regulations and published sources, cited inline. Prices are maker MSRPs as listed in October 2026 unless noted.
The lineup at a glance
| Model | Caliber | Barrel | Capacity | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8358 / 8391 | .22 LR | 16.10 in | 10 | $509 [1] |
| 8305 (threaded) | .22 LR | 18 in | 10 | $509 [1] [2] |
| 8301 | .22 LR | 22 in | 10 | $469 [1] |
| 8372 | .22 LR | 18 in | 10 | $589 [1] |
| 8370 | .22 WMR | 16.10 in | 15 | see Ruger [1] |
| 8371 | .17 HMR | 16.10 in | 15 | $509 [1] |
| Compact 8303 | .22 LR | 18 in | 10 | $469 [3] |
| Compact 8306 (threaded) | .22 LR | 18 in | 10 | $509 [3] |
Availability changes by model. Ruger's own page marks some as "limited" or "currently unavailable" [1].
What you get
- Magazines: .22 LR models use the flush BX-1 10-round rotary magazine and accept all 10/22 magazines, including the BX-15 and BX-25 [4]. Magnum and .17 HMR Compact models use the 9-round JMX-1 and accept the BX-15 Magnum [5].
- Trigger: Ruger Marksman Adjustable, user-adjustable from 3 to 5 lb [4].
- Bedding and barrel: Power Bedding integral blocks free-float a cold hammer-forged barrel [4].
- Mounting: a 3/8 in rimfire dovetail machined into the receiver, which is also drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 bases [5].
- Stock modules: two interchangeable comb-height modules for scope or iron-sight use. Swapping between standard and compact length of pull uses modules sold separately [4] [5].
- Bolt: 60° throw for scope clearance, and a receiver-mounted bolt release that removes the bolt without pulling the trigger [4].
How it compares
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger American Rimfire | Bolt; 60-degree throw | 18 in 1/2-28 threaded (8305); other lengths by model | Marksman Adjustable 3-5 lb | 10/22 BX-1 rotary | 3/8 in rimfire base machined in; drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 | 5.5 | $509 Ruger suggested retail $509 (model 8305; other RAR models vary). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Medium (some stocks; uses 10/22 mags) | Base: leaves ~$1,141 for scope |
| Ruger American Rimfire Compact | Bolt; 60-degree throw | 18 in (8306 threaded 1/2-28) | Marksman Adjustable 3-5 lb | BX-1 10-rd (accepts 10/22 mags) | 3/8 in rimfire base; drilled for Weaver #12 | 5.3 | $469 Ruger suggested retail $469 (8306 threaded: $499-$509). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Medium | Base: leaves ~$1,181 for scope |
| Savage B22 FV-SR | Bolt; top-tang safety | 16.25 in heavy threaded | AccuTrigger | 10-rd rotary | Pic rail | 5.6 | $409 Savage MSRP. source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Medium | Base: leaves ~$1,241 for scope |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt; thread-in headspace | 16.5 in heavy fluted, 1/2x28 | AccuTrigger 2.5-6 lb | 5-rd box | EGW one-piece rail included | 5.5 | $329 Savage MSRP. source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | High (Boyds/MDT stocks, triggers, rails) | Base: leaves ~$1,321 for scope |
| CZ 457 American | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | 24.8 in sporter, cold-hammer-forged, 1:16 (unthreaded; threaded/SR variants exist) | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5-rd | 11 mm dovetail | ~6 | $729 $729 MSRP as shown by US retailers (CZ-USA page did not show a price to our fetch). source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Very high (shares 457 parts) | Base: leaves ~$921 for scope |
| Tikka T1x MTR | Bolt; 2-lug style rimfire; T3x-size stock footprint | 16 or 20 in, 1/2x28 threaded, 1:16.5 (.22 LR) | Single-stage, adjustable; accepts T3/T3x triggers | T1x 10-rd (5-rd flush available) | 11 mm dovetail; drilled and tapped for T1x Pic rails | 6.5 (16 in retailer spec) | $699 $699 (16 in) / $749 (20 in) MSRP as shown by US retailers; Tikka US site lists no price. source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | High (chassis from MDT/KRG/XLR/Grey Birch; triggers; rails) | Base: leaves ~$951 for scope at $699 |
MSRPs from the maker where available, otherwise labeled retailer listings, checked Oct 2026. Aftermarket depth and NRL22 fit are our editorial summaries (NRL22 Base: rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650). Specs are published figures, not our measurements.
Head-to-heads: Savage Mark II vs B22 vs Ruger American · T1x vs CZ 457 vs Bergara vs Ruger American.
Who should buy one
- Families already running 10/22s: one magazine type covers both rifles [4].
- Budget first rifle: the Compact's shorter length of pull suits teens. See best first .22.
- Suppressor host on a budget: the threaded 8305/8306. See suppressor hosts.
For a scope, a light rimfire model like the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire Check price on Amazon fits this rifle's price and weight. More in best scope for a .22.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
FAQ
Does the Ruger American Rimfire take 10/22 magazines?
Yes. Ruger says .22 LR models accept all 10/22 magazines, including the BX-15 and BX-25, as well as the included BX-1.
What's the trigger pull on a Ruger American Rimfire?
Ruger lists the Marksman Adjustable trigger as user-adjustable between 3 and 5 lb.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire threaded?
Some models are. The 8305 (18 in) and Compact 8306 are threaded 1/2-28. Check the spec sheet for the model you're buying.
Sources
- Ruger American Rimfire models and MSRPs
- Ruger American Rimfire 8305 spec sheet
- Ruger American Rimfire Compact models
- Ruger American Rimfire overview (features)
- Ruger American Rimfire Compact models (magnum magazines)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]