Description
The Ruger American Rimfire Target .22 LR 18-inch Threaded Barrel is a bolt-action rimfire built for shooters who demand precision at the range and reliable performance in the field. It pairs a cold hammer-forged 18-inch threaded bull barrel with a satin blued alloy steel receiver, all seated in a fixed black laminate stock. This rig ships with a Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger and a tang safety, giving you positive control shot after shot. The receiver comes with a factory-installed one-piece Picatinny scope rail and is drilled and tapped for extra mounting options. Per Ruger specs, this rifle delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 50 yards with quality match ammunition—a solid foundation for target work or small-game hunting.
| Manufacturer | Ruger |
|---|---|
| Model | American Rimfire Target |
| Material | Alloy steel receiver, cold hammer-forged bull barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition |
| Finish | Satin blued |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Cold Hammer-Forged Bull Barrel — The 18-inch threaded barrel is hammer-forged from steel, then precision-rifled for consistent accuracy. Why it matters: This process creates a dense, uniform bore that holds tight groups round after round, even as the barrel heats up during a long session.
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger — This trigger lets you dial pull weight from 2.25 to 5 pounds without tools, and it breaks clean with zero take-up. Why it matters: A crisp trigger eliminates the flinch factor, helping you place every shot exactly where you aim.
- One-Piece Picatinny Scope Rail — Factory-installed and machined directly into the receiver, this rail gives you a rock-solid base for mounting optics. Why it matters: No aftermarket adapters or guesswork—just mount your scope and get to zeroing.
- Tang Safety — Located at the rear of the receiver, this safety is easy to thumb on or off without breaking your cheek weld. Why it matters: You can keep your eye on the target and your hand on the stock while making safe, quick adjustments in the field.
- Threaded Bull Barrel (1/2×28) — The muzzle is threaded and comes with a factory-installed thread protector, ready for suppressors or muzzle devices. Why it matters: Shooting suppressed cuts down on noise and recoil, making this rifle a prime choice for training or pest control without spooking the whole neighborhood.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who wants a dedicated .22 for small game like squirrels and rabbits, or for the shooter who spends weekends punching paper at 50 to 100 yards. It’s also a perfect trainer for centerfire shooters—same manual of arms as Ruger’s American centerfire rifles, but with cheaper ammo. If you’re a reloader or a plinker who values accuracy over speed, this rig will earn a spot in your safe.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Sub-MOA accuracy potential with match ammo—verified by multiple independent testers.
- Pro: Adjustable trigger lets you fine-tune pull weight for precision work.
- Pro: Threaded barrel makes suppressor use simple and effective.
- Con: The fixed laminate stock is heavy and not adjustable for length of pull or comb height, which may require a cheek pad for some shooters.
Comparison
| Feature | Ruger American Rimfire Target .22 LR | Zev Technologies Z22 Rimfire | Geissele Automatics Super 700 .22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 18 inches, threaded bull | 16.5 inches, threaded | 20 inches, heavy profile |
| Trigger | Ruger Marksman Adjustable (2.25–5 lbs) | Zev Match Trigger (3 lbs fixed) | Geissele 2-Stage (3.5 lbs) |
| Stock | Fixed black laminate | Adjustable aluminum chassis | Adjustable synthetic |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs | 8.2 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Price | $509.24 | $1,299.00 | $1,895.00 |
| Best For | Hunters, target shooters on a budget | Competition rimfire shooters | Precision benchrest |
The Ruger gives you 90% of the accuracy at half the price of the Zev and a third of the Geissele. If you don’t need an adjustable chassis, this rifle delivers more value per dollar than either competitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ruger American Rimfire Target .22 LR 18-inch threaded barrel come with a scope?
No, this rifle ships without a scope. It includes a factory-installed one-piece Picatinny rail, so you can mount your own optic. Most shooters pair it with a 3-9×40 or a fixed 6x scope for target work.
What twist rate does the barrel have?
Per Ruger specs, the 18-inch barrel has a 1:16 inch twist rate, optimized for standard velocity .22 LR ammunition. This twist stabilizes 40-grain bullets well and still shoots 36-grain hollow points accurately.
Can I use this rifle for hunting squirrels?
Absolutely. The .22 LR is a classic small-game cartridge, and the bull barrel gives you the precision to make head shots at 50 yards. Just keep your shots inside that range for ethical kills.
Is the trigger adjustable without tools?
Yes, the Ruger Marksman trigger has a user-adjustable screw that lets you change pull weight from 2.25 to 5 pounds. You can do it with a small hex key (included) or a coin.
What thread pitch is the muzzle?
The barrel is threaded 1/2×28, which is the standard for .22 rimfire suppressors and muzzle devices. It comes with a thread protector installed.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1-2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
✔ Secure checkout
Browse more Bolt Action Rifles or check out .22 LR Ammunition and Rifle Scopes to complete your setup.
Last updated: April 2026
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