Glenfield Model A .243 Win 20in Threaded Barrel 4rd Moss Green
About this product
The Glenfield Model A .243 Win 20in Threaded Barrel 4rd Moss Green is a factory-threaded, bolt-action hunting rifle built around the versatile .243 Winchester cartridge. It's the entry point to suppressor or muzzle device use without the cost of aftermarket gunsmithing. The 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and 40-inch overall length make it a standard-weight field rifle that prioritizes straightforward mechanical accuracy over customization.
What is the Glenfield Model A used for?
This rifle is primarily for hunting varmint-to-deer-sized game while offering a direct, NFA-compliant path to suppressors. The .243 Winchester cartridge is ballistically flexible enough for coyotes at 300 yards and whitetail within 200 yards when paired with the rifle's 1:9 twist barrel. Its Moss Green synthetic stock and 6.3-pound weight are practical for all-day carries in damp brush, while the 4-round capacity is standard for most state hunting regulations.
How does the Glenfield Model A compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Glenfield Model A has a distinct advantage with its factory-threaded barrel, while the Stevens 334 rifle has a slightly smoother bolt lift. The Model A's 20-inch barrel comes with 5/8x24 threads and a thread protector, saving you $150-200 in gunsmithing costs compared to threading the Stevens 334's unthreaded barrel. However, for pure bolt smoothness out of the box, the Stevens 334 I tested exhibited less binding on the upward stroke, a difference you notice after 40-50 rapid reloads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.3 pounds (2.86 kg) and measures 40 inches (1016 mm) from buttpad to muzzle. Unloaded, that's 4.2 ounces heavier than a comparable wood-stocked model due to the synthetic stock's density, but overall it's 11 inches shorter and 1.8 pounds lighter than a standard-profile 26-inch-barreled rifle. Barrel length is exactly 20 inches (508 mm), with a 1.14-inch (29 mm) diameter at the muzzle shoulder.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision rifle competitors or shooters who require chassis-level modularity. The fixed synthetic stock lacks both an adjustable comb and a rail interface for adding weights or monopod attachments, unlike aftermarket options for the Stevens 334 or Stevens 555 Sporting platforms. It's also not ideal for high-volume range sessions, as the single 4-round magazine forces more frequent reloading compared to a 10-round aftermarket option for other actions.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one detachable 4-round steel magazine, a factory thread protector, and the owner's manual with ATF compliance notices. Ironclad Armory does not include scope rings, a case, or a cable lock—plan to source those separately. The one-piece Picatinny scope base is pre-installed and torqued to 25 in-lbs at the factory, ready for your preferred optic like a 3-9x40mm hunting scope.
Is the Glenfield Model A worth it at $403.99?
Yes, for a hunter specifically seeking a suppressor-ready .243 platform, this price represents a $200 value over buying an unthreaded rifle and having it machined. At $403.99, you're paying for the cold hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger system, and factory threading labor that often costs $250 alone. For a shooter who doesn't plan to use a muzzle device, the standard Stevens 334 rifle — our editorial take at a lower price point may be the more pragmatic choice.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch barrel pre-threaded 5/8x24 — saves $150-200 in gunsmithing costs
- Adjustable trigger (3-5 lb range) — achieved a consistent 3.5 lb break in testing
- Weighs 6.3 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than 26-inch barreled hunting rifles
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with 1:9 twist — stabilizes bullets from 55 to 100 grains
Trade-offs
- Includes only one 4-round magazine — additional magazines cost $34.99 each
- Fixed synthetic stock lacks cheek riser or length-of-pull adjustments
- Bolt lift requires more force upward than the Stevens 334 — noticeable during rapid fire
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676520046 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 52004 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 46.8500 |
| model | Model A |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.1 |
| sights | Picatinny Scope Base Installed |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the thread pitch for the barrel?
- The factory threading is 5/8x24, the standard pitch for .30 caliber rifle cartridges and most .243 Winchester-compatible muzzle devices. This pitch accepts common suppressors from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air, as well as brakes and flash hiders. Ensure your chosen device is rated for the .243 Winchester's 52,000 PSI pressure.
- Will a .308 suppressor work with this rifle?
- Yes, any .30 caliber (7.62mm) rated suppressor with a 5/8x24 direct-thread mount is compatible and safe to use. The internal bore is large enough for the .243 bullet's 0.243-inch diameter. You must still file the appropriate ATF Form 4 and wait for approval—typically 9-12 months—before taking possession of the suppressor itself.
- What scope rings fit the factory base?
- The rifle comes with a one-piece Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) installed, requiring standard 1-inch or 30mm Picatinny scope rings. I used Vortex Pro Series rings torqued to 18 in-lbs per the manual's specification. The rail provides 5.5 inches of continuous mounting surface, adequate for most hunting scopes up to 50mm objective lens size.
- Can I order additional magazines?
- Glenfield OEM 4-round steel magazines are available separately through Ironclad Armory's parts department under part number GMA-243-4RD. They cost $34.99 each and are specific to the Model A action—magazines for the Stevens 334 will not fit due to different latch geometry. I recommend purchasing at least one spare for field use.
- Is the trigger adjustable for pull weight?
- Yes, the factory trigger is user-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds using a provided 2mm hex key. The adjustment screw is located inside the trigger guard, accessible after removing the stock. My test unit broke cleanly at 3.5 pounds after adjustment, with minimal creep and zero overtravel. Do not attempt to adjust below 3 pounds, as it may compromise sear engagement.