Ruger American Rimfire 22 WMR 18-inch Threaded 9-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-threaded 18-inch barrel with 1/2-28 TPI—saves $150+ in gunsmithing
- Power Bedding® aluminum block reduces group dispersion by approximately 15% versus free-float systems
- Interchangeable comb modules provide 0.75 inches of height adjustment for optic alignment
- 9-round rotary magazine loads faster than typical 5 or 10-round box magazines
- 5.5 lb weight balances perfectly with 4-12x scopes for offhand stability
Trade-offs
- No installed swivel studs—requires aftermarket installation for sling or bipod
- Synthetic stock feels hollow and transmits more vibration than laminate alternatives
- .22 WMR ammunition costs $0.18-$0.30 per round versus $0.06 for .22 LR
- Thread protector is aluminum and prone to cross-threading if over-tightened
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Ruger American Rimfire 22 WMR 18-inch Threaded 9-Round?
The Ruger American Rimfire 22 WMR 18-inch Threaded 9-Round is a full-size bolt-action .22 Magnum rifle engineered for reliable field performance and compliance-ready suppressor use. This model prioritizes mechanical precision through a cold hammer-forged, threaded barrel and Ruger's proprietary Power Bedding® system for repeatable accuracy. At 401.99 USD, it's a tool for shooters who understand the value of a well-bedded action and factory-prepared threads for Title II accessories.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire 22 WMR used for?
This rifle is used for small-game hunting, rimfire precision competitions, and suppressor-friendly plinking where its 1/2-28 threaded 18-inch barrel excels. The 5.5 lb weight and 37-inch overall length balance well for offhand shooting, while the 1:14 twist rate stabilizes .22 WMR ammunition effectively to 150 yards. The Ruger Marksman trigger, adjustable from roughly 2.5 to 5 pounds, provides a clean break for precise shot placement on game like prairie dogs or raccoons.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ruger American Rimfire offers a superior threaded barrel and bedding system for suppressor use, while the Stevens 334 is chambered for centerfire cartridges like .308 Win. The Ruger's Power Bedding® integral aluminum block provides more consistent barrel harmonics than the Stevens 334's traditional free-floating barrel channel, yielding tighter groups with magnum rimfire ammunition. For dedicated .22 WMR shooting with accessory mounting in mind, the Ruger is better; for transitioning to centerfire big-game hunting, the Stevens 334 is the logical choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) and measures 37 inches in overall length. The 18-inch cold hammer-forged barrel features a 1:14 right-hand twist with 6 grooves, and the receiver maintains the industry-standard 0.860-inch scope base footprint for easy optics mounting. The included 9-round rotary magazine adds approximately 4.2 ounces when loaded, bringing the total field-ready weight to just under 6 pounds with a typical 4-12x40mm scope mounted.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters seeking a traditional wood-stocked plinker or those exclusively using iron sights, as the synthetic stock and lack of factory irons prioritize optic-ready utility. It's also a poor choice for someone wanting a multi-caliber platform—unlike some chassis systems, the Ruger American Rimfire's magazine well only accepts specific .22 LR or .22 WMR rotary magazines, not AR-style magazines. Beginners on a tight budget would be better served by a standard .22 LR variant or a used rifle, as .22 WMR ammunition costs nearly triple per round.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with its synthetic stock and installed low-comb module, one 9-round rotary magazine, a thread protector, and the factory high-comb module for scope clearance. Documentation includes the owner's manual and a chamber flag, with no included optic rings or sling swivels—plan to purchase 1-inch or 30mm rings separately. The rifle ships from our warehouse within 1 business day of cleared payment for in-stock items, with FFL procedures requiring your local dealer's information before shipment.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire worth it at $401.99?
At $401.99, this rifle delivers value through its ready-to-suppress barrel and proven bedding system, saving you approximately $150-$200 in aftermarket threading and bedding work. Compared to similar threaded .22 WMR bolt actions, it comes in about $75 less than a comparable CZ 457 Varmint while offering quicker magazine changes than the single-stack Savages. For hunters and competitors who will actually utilize the threading for a suppressor or linear compensator, this is one of the most cost-effective compliant options available, unlike our traditional field shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083220 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 08322 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 44.00 |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.765 |
| sights | Adjustable Rear Sight & Fiber Optic Front |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the threaded barrel accept standard .22 suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 TPI threads match nearly all rimfire suppressors from Dead Air, SilencerCo, and Rugged. You'll need to verify your suppressor's minimum barrel length rating—most .22 cans require at least 16 inches, so this 18-inch barrel is fully compliant. Always confirm with your local NFA dealer regarding state regulations.
- How many magazines are included?
- The rifle ships with one 9-round rotary magazine. Additional magazines (part# 90471) are available separately for approximately $32 each. These magazines are specific to the .22 WMR model and will not function with .22 LR chambered Ruger American Rimfire rifles due to different rim dimensions.
- Will a bipod mount to the stock?
- No, the synthetic stock lacks integrated sling swivel studs or a bipod rail. You'll need to install aftermarket studs using a 10-32 tap kit or utilize an M-LOK compatible forend accessory. Most shooters budget an additional $25-$40 for flush-cup swivel installation and a Harris-style bipod adapter.
- Is the trigger adjustable?
- Yes, the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger offers pull weight adjustment from approximately 2.5 to 5 pounds using a hex key. The adjustment screw is located inside the trigger guard—allow 15-20 minutes for proper setup and function testing. It's not a match-grade cassette trigger, but it breaks cleanly at 3.25 pounds out of the box.
- What scope rings fit the receiver?
- The receiver uses standard 0.860-inch dovetail grooves, compatible with Ruger #1 rings or any 3/8-inch dovetail rimfire rings from brands like Warne or Leupold. For a typical 40mm objective scope, you'll need medium-height rings (approximately 0.87 inches from base to centerline) to clear the barrel with the high-comb module installed.
- Can I convert it to .22 LR?
- No, the .22 WMR chamber cannot safely fire .22 LR ammunition due to different case dimensions and pressures. Converting would require a new barrel and bolt face—costing nearly as much as a separate rifle. If you want both calibers, purchase dedicated rifles or consider a CZ 457 with interchangeable barrel systems.