Ruger American Rimfire Target .17 HMR, 18 in Threaded Bull
About this product
The Ruger American Rimfire Target .17 HMR is a bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered specifically for precision target shooting and varmint control from the bench or bipod. It achieves this through an 18-inch threaded bull barrel, an integral aluminum bedding block system, and a user-adjustable trigger that allows for three to five pounds of pull weight. This combination delivers the sub-MOA mechanical accuracy potential required for competitive rimfire disciplines and consistent field performance at ranges exceeding 150 yards.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire Target used for?
This rifle is designed for precise, repeatable shooting scenarios where maximum mechanical accuracy from a rimfire platform is required. Its primary roles are NRL22-style positional shooting, benchrest target practice, and effective varmint control out to ranges where .22 LR loses steam. The threaded 18-inch bull barrel provides the stiffness for consistent harmonics and accepts muzzle devices, though its length and weight make it less suitable for unsupported off-hand shooting compared to a sporter profile like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire compare to a CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis?
This Ruger offers superior factory-featured value for the shooter focused purely on range performance, while the CZ commands a higher price for better fitment and more aftermarket support. At approximately $510, the Ruger provides a cold hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger, and integrated bedding block in one package; a comparably configured CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis starts around $900 and excels with a smoother bolt throw and easier barrel interchangeability, but you're paying nearly double for incremental gains a casual shooter may not leverage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Weighing 6.4 pounds unloaded, the rifle has a 37-inch overall length contingent on the 18-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull. The bull barrel profile itself has a muzzle diameter of approximately 0.92 inches, contributing to the weight and stability. This weight translates directly to reduced felt recoil and steadier hold on the bags, a tangible advantage over a 4.3-pound sporter rimfire during extended match strings or prairie dog town visits.
Who is this NOT for?
It is not for hunters seeking a lightweight, carry-friendly walking rifle or for shooters wanting a plinker for casual can-banging. The rigid laminate stock and 18-inch heavy barrel make it cumbersome for stalking or off-hand snap shooting. If your primary use involves carrying the rifle more than shooting it from a stable position, a lighter Stevens 555 shotgun offers far better portability for bird hunting, as noted in our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle with one flush-mounted 9-round rotary magazine, a factory thread protector for the 1/2"-28 muzzle threads, and the factory-installed one-piece Picatinny optic rail secured with Torx-head screws. I note that unlike some European counterparts, it does not include sling swivels pre-installed, requiring a separate kit and approximately 15 minutes of installation time for a shooting sling.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire worth it at $509.99?
Yes, at $509.99 it represents a strong value proposition for a dedicated, accurate rimfire platform ready for optics and a suppressor out of the box. You are paying approximately $50-$80 more than a base model Ruger American Rimfire to get the target-specific barrel, bedding block, and trigger—all components that would cost significantly more to add piecemeal. For a shooter serious about grouping tighter than a dime at 100 yards, this package eliminates the initial upgrade path required by many budget rifles.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged 18-inch bull barrel provides sub-MOA accuracy potential straight from the box.
- Integral aluminum Power Bedding block eliminates stock flex, a key upgrade over standard bedded actions.
- User-adjustable Ruger Marksman trigger allows dialing from 3.0 to 5.0 pounds of pull for precise break control.
- Factory-installed Picatinny rail offers a solid, repeatable zero mounting platform without aftermarket purchase.
Trade-offs
- Laminated stock at 6.4 lbs unloaded makes it heavy for field carrying versus synthetic alternatives.
- Lacks pre-installed sling swivels, requiring buyer-supplied hardware for less than $20.
- JMX-1 9-round magazine can be difficult to fully load to capacity without a speedloader tool.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083503 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8350 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 44.00 |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 / 9 rd. JMX-1 Rotary Mag |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.95 |
| sights | Scope Base |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard 1/2"-28 rimfire suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel is factory-threaded with standard 1/2"-28 threads, which is the most common direct-thread pattern for .17 HMR and .22 LR suppressors from companies like SilencerCo and Dead Air. The rifle ships with a stainless thread protector, which you should remove and properly apply anti-seize before mounting a suppressor to prevent carbon lock.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With an overall length of 37 inches, it requires a rifle case rated for at least 40 inches of internal length. I recommend a hard case like a Pelican 1750 or Plano All Weather 52-inch model to safely accommodate the rifle with a standard scope mounted, leaving room for ear pro and magazines.
- Does this work with any Ruger American Rimfire magazine?
- It works specifically with the Ruger 9-round JMX-1 rotary magazine for .17 HMR. The .22 LR versions of this magazine are not interchangeable due to different feed lip geometry and cartridge rim diameter. Always verify the magazine is stamped '.17 HMR' before purchase to avoid a failure to feed.
- How long does FFL shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships firearms to your selected FFL dealer within 2-3 business days after payment and FFL documentation verification. Transit time is an additional 3-5 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground, depending on your location relative to their central Texas warehouse.
- Can I return it if the barrel has a defect?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return period for manufacturing defects, but the firearm must be inspected and returned in new, unfired condition with all original packaging. If a bore or threading defect is suspected, email Ironclad with photos prior to firing to initiate a warranty claim directly with Ruger, which provides a lifetime warranty on the workmanship.