Description
If you’re looking for a rimfire that pulls its weight in the field without breaking the bank, the Ruger American Rimfire Compact .22 LR 18-inch Threaded is worth a hard look. This bolt-action .22 LR pairs a cold hammer-forged, 18-inch threaded barrel with Ruger’s Power Bedding integral bedding block to deliver consistent accuracy shot after shot. The black synthetic stock comes with two short length-of-pull modules so you can dial in comb height for optics or irons. A Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger and a 10-round rotary magazine round out a straightforward, versatile platform that’s ready for small-game hunting, plinking, or training.
| Manufacturer | Ruger |
|---|---|
| Model | American Rimfire Compact |
| Material | Cold hammer-forged steel barrel, synthetic stock |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition; standard 1/2×28 threaded muzzle devices |
| Finish | Blued barrel, black synthetic stock |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: Why it matters: The 18-inch threaded barrel is hammer-forged from 1137 steel for consistent bore dimensions and long service life, even with high volumes of .22 LR. The threading (1/2×28) lets you add a suppressor or muzzle brake for quieter shooting or reduced recoil.
- Power Bedding System: Why it matters: Ruger uses an integral bedding block that locks the action and barrel into the stock without stress points, so your point of impact stays consistent from the bench to a treestand. This is the same system Ruger uses on its centerfire American rifles.
- Adjustable Length of Pull: Why it matters: The stock ships with two spacer modules that let you shorten the pull from 13.75 inches down to 12.5 inches—ideal for smaller shooters, heavy clothing, or using a rear bag. The comb height also adjusts to align your eye with scopes or factory iron sights.
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger: Why it matters: You can set the trigger pull weight from 3 to 5 pounds without any tools. A crisp, clean break at your preferred weight means better accuracy on squirrels, rabbits, or paper targets.
- 10-Round Rotary Magazine: Why it matters: The detachable rotary mag feeds .22 LR reliably, even with subsonic or hollow-point loads. It also has a manual safety button on the top for quick visual and tactile confirmation.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who spends opening day in the squirrel woods and the shooter who runs a rimfire for cheap practice. The compact stock and adjustable LOP make it a natural fit for youth shooters, smaller-framed adults, or anyone who wants a lightweight truck gun. The threaded barrel also appeals to suppressor owners who want a quiet small-game rig.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Consistent accuracy out of the box; adjustable trigger and stock; threaded barrel standard; lightweight at 5.8 lbs; uses Ruger’s proven rotary magazine system.
- Cons: The factory stock can feel a bit flexy under heavy bipod use—a minor gripe for a $400 rifle, but worth noting if you plan to bench-rest it exclusively.
Comparison: Ruger American Rimfire Compact vs. Competitors
| Feature | Ruger American Rimfire Compact | Savage Mark II FV-SR | CZ 457 American |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 18 inches (threaded) | 16.5 inches (threaded) | 24.8 inches (non-threaded) |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 6.9 lbs |
| Stock Adjustability | LOP and comb height (2 modules) | Fixed synthetic | Fixed walnut |
| Trigger | Adjustable 3–5 lbs (Marksman) | AccuTrigger (adjustable 2.5–6 lbs) | Single-set adjustable |
| MSRP | $401.93 | ~$380 | ~$550 |
| Best For | Hunters, suppressor users, compact build | Budget bench/target shooters | Traditionalists, precision rimfire |
The Ruger edges out the Savage with its adjustable stock and lighter weight, while the CZ offers a nicer wood stock but costs more and lacks a threaded barrel option out of the box.
FAQ
Does the Ruger American Rimfire Compact .22 LR 18-inch threaded come with iron sights?
No, it ships without iron sights. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases (included), and the comb-height adjustment helps align your eye with a scope. You can add aftermarket iron sights if you prefer them.
What twist rate does the barrel have?
Per Ruger specs, the 18-inch barrel has a 1:16-inch twist rate, ideal for standard-velocity and subsonic .22 LR loads.
Can I use a suppressor on this rifle?
Yes. The barrel is threaded 1/2×28, which is the standard thread pitch for .22 LR suppressors. Just make sure your suppressor is rated for rimfire use.
What is the magazine capacity?
It uses a detachable 10-round rotary magazine. Ruger also offers 15-round and 25-round aftermarket magazines for this model.
Is this rifle accurate enough for small-game hunting?
Absolutely. With the cold hammer-forged barrel and Power Bedding system, most shooters report sub-1-inch groups at 50 yards with quality ammunition—plenty of accuracy for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game.
Last updated: April 2026
According to NSSF data, rimfire rifles account for over 40% of all rifle sales in the U.S., and the Ruger American Rimfire consistently ranks among the top-selling models in its class.
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Browse more bolt-action rifles in our Bolt Action Rifles category, or check out our Rimfire Rifles and Ruger American Rimfire collections.
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