Ruger American Rimfire Compact 17 HMR 18″ Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- 18-inch barrel balances compact handling with full .17 HMVelocity—achieves 2,550+ fps with factory ammunition
- Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger breaks clean at 3.5 pounds out of the box with minimal creep
- Accepts Ruger 10/22 magazines—compatible with 9-round BX-1 and aftermarket options up to 25 rounds
- Interchangeable comb system provides 0.25 inches of height adjustment for proper optic alignment
Trade-offs
- Injection-molded synthetic stock feels hollow compared to laminate or walnut alternatives
- No included scope bases or rings—requires additional $40-$100 investment for optics mounting
- Folding rear sight must be installed manually and lacks positive locking mechanism
- .17 HMR ammunition averages $0.28 per round—50% more expensive than .22LR for practice
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger American Rimfire Compact 17 HMR 18″ is a purpose-built bolt-action rimfire rifle with an 18-inch barrel and synthetic stock designed for precise field handling. It uses the .17 HMR cartridge, known for its flatter trajectory and higher velocity compared to traditional .22LR. The receiver includes a machined 3/8″ rimfire scope base, and the rifle accepts Ruger 10/22-style detachable magazines, offering compatibility with widely available aftermarket options.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire Compact 17 HMR used for?
This rifle is specifically engineered for small-game hunting, varmint control, and disciplined rimfire precision practice at distances where .22LR falls short. The .17 HMR cartridge maintains over 2,550 fps muzzle velocity from this 18-inch barrel, providing a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than .22 magnum within 150 yards. Its 5.38-pound weight and 35.75-inch overall length make it exceptionally maneuverable in brush or from a blind, while the adjustable Ruger Marksman trigger allows shooters to dial in a clean break for consistent shot placement.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire Compact compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Ruger American Rimfire Compact is better for varmint hunting and low-cost precision training, while the Stevens 334 .243 Win is superior for medium-game hunting at extended ranges. The Ruger's .17 HMR cartridge costs approximately $0.28 per round versus $1.10 for .243 Winchester, making practice substantially more economical. However, the Stevens 334 delivers over 2,800 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle compared to the Ruger's 245 ft-lbs, giving it definitive authority on deer-sized game where the .17 HMR would be inadequate and often illegal.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.38 pounds (2.44 kg) and measures 35.75 inches (908 mm) in overall length with an 18-inch (457 mm) barrel. The barrel has a 1:9-inch right-hand twist rate optimized for stabilizing 17-grain to 20-grain polymer-tipped bullets common in .17 HMR ammunition. The synthetic stock features interchangeable comb modules that add or remove approximately 0.25 inches of height adjustment, allowing proper cheek weld alignment with optics up to 50mm objective lens diameter or the included iron sights.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters pursuing game larger than coyotes or requiring shots beyond 200 yards in windy conditions. The .17 HMR's lightweight bullets (typically 17-20 grains) shed velocity quickly and become susceptible to crosswinds exceeding 15 mph. It's also not ideal for shooters who prioritize ultra-lightweight mountain rifles—while compact, its 5.38-pound weight is 0.7 pounds heavier than some carbon-fiber stocked rimfire alternatives. For those needing more power for larger game, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 9-round rotary magazine, two interchangeable stock comb modules (high and low profile), and a basic owner's manual with Ruger's warranty information. It does not include scope rings, a optic, a sling, or a case—expect to budget an additional $150-$300 for mounting hardware and a quality rimfire scope. The fiber-optic front sight is pre-installed, and the adjustable folding-leaf rear sight is stored in the stock's comb module compartment until needed.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire Compact worth it at $369.99?
At $369.99, this rifle represents solid value for shooters who need a dedicated .17 HMR platform with legitimate precision features. The adjustable trigger, interchangeable comb system, and 10/22-style magazine compatibility typically appear on rifles costing $450+. Where it saves cost is in the injection-molded synthetic stock versus more expensive laminate or wood—this trade-off makes sense for a field rifle that will encounter moisture and rough handling. For comparison, a similarly configured CZ 457 American starts around $550 but offers a nicer walnut stock.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083138 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8313 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 44.00 |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.515 |
| sights | Williams Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, it uses the same rotary magazines as the Ruger 10/22 rifle, specifically the 9-round BX-1 model. This gives you access to dozens of aftermarket magazine options from brands like Butler Creek, TandemKross, and Magpul. Factory Ruger magazines typically cost $25-$35 each and are widely available at retailers like Brownells or MidwayUSA.
- Does it fit youth or smaller-framed shooters?
- Yes, the 13-inch length of pull is suitable for shooters with smaller frames or younger hunters. The interchangeable comb system allows you to lower the cheek piece for proper eye alignment when using iron sights. For comparison, the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun has a 13.25-inch length of pull, making both viable for youth transitioning between platforms.
- Can I mount a suppressor on the 18-inch barrel?
- Yes, the barrel features 1/2"-28 threads under the factory-installed thread protector. This is the standard thread pitch for most .17 caliber suppressors. You'll need to file a Form 4 and pay the $200 tax stamp, then wait approximately 8-10 months for ATF approval before taking possession of the suppressor.
- Does this work with standard 3/8" rimfire scope rings?
- Absolutely. The receiver includes an integrated, machined 3/8" rimfire scope base that accepts all standard rimfire rings from brands like Burris, Leupold, and Vortex. I recommend using medium-height rings (0.87" to 1.0" centerline) to clear the barrel and provide sufficient eye relief with most optics.
- How long does shipping take for this rifle?
- Most orders ship within 2-3 business days after FFL verification is completed. Transit time depends on your location but typically ranges from 3-7 business days via FedEx or UPS. You must have the rifle shipped to a licensed FFL dealer who will conduct the required background check before transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- All firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. However, if the rifle has a manufacturing defect, Ruger's warranty covers repair or replacement for the original owner. Contact Ruger customer service directly—they typically respond within 24-48 hours and provide prepaid shipping labels for warranty service.