Ruger American Rimfire Compact .22 LR 18-inch Threaded
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory 1/2-28 tpi threads eliminate $150+ gunsmithing for suppressor readiness
- Modular stock with two LOP modules allows 0.75-inch reduction for smaller shooters
- Cold hammer-forged 18-inch barrel provides consistent accuracy without NFA SBR classification
- User-adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5-4 pounds out of the box
Trade-offs
- No included picatinny rail or optic mounts—adds $30-$60 to initial setup
- Synthetic stock exhibits moderate flex under firm benchrest pressure
- Rotary magazine design requires specific loading technique unfamiliar to AR-15 shooters
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger American Rimfire Compact .22 LR 18-inch Threaded is a modular, suppressor-ready bolt-action rifle built for practical rimfire application where compactness and regulatory-compliance awareness are priorities. It represents one of the most deliberately simple factory platforms for integrating Title II accessories into a rimfire system without permanent modification. From my perspective at Ironclad Armory, its value lies in Ruger’s cold hammer-forged barrel paired with an 18-inch length, which sidesteps unnecessary NFA classification for a standard rifle while providing sufficient dwell time for proper burn with most subsonic and high-velocity .22 LR loads.
What is the Ruger American Rimfire Compact .22 LR 18-inch Threaded used for?
This rifle is configured for three primary roles: foundational marksmanship training, suppressed small-game harvesting, and compact rimfire plinking. The 18-inch barrel with 1/2-28 tpi threads is a conscious design choice for suppressor mounting without dropping into Short-Barreled Rifle territory, while the 5.38-pound weight and 35.75-inch overall length make it manageable for smaller-statured shooters or extended field carry. It’s an ideal platform for introducing new shooters to bolt-action fundamentals or for experienced shooters wanting a quiet, low-recoil rifle for predator control under 50 yards.
How does the Ruger American Rimfire Compact compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?
Objectively, the Ruger American Rimfire Compact and the Stevens 334 in .243 Win serve fundamentally different purposes—rimfire versus centerfire—but illustrate a key tradeoff in platform design. The Stevens 334 is better suited for deer hunting at intermediate ranges due to its .243 Winchester chambering and heavier recoil impulse, while the Ruger American Rimfire is superior for low-cost, high-round-count training and suppressed small-game work where noise and cost-per-round are critical factors. The Ruger’s modular stock and adjustable trigger offer more immediate ergonomic customization for a wider range of shooters compared to the Stevens’ fixed synthetic stock.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.38 pounds (2.44 kg) unloaded and measures 35.75 inches (908 mm) in overall length with an 18-inch (457 mm) cold hammer-forged barrel. These specifications create a handling profile that balances stability for offhand shooting with the maneuverability needed for blind or vehicle use. The inclusion of two short length-of-pull modules allows the stock to be reduced by approximately 0.75 inches (19 mm) from the standard configuration, directly addressing fitment for shooters with shorter arms or when wearing bulky winter clothing.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters seeking a dedicated precision rimfire competition platform or those wanting maximum velocity from their .22 LR ammunition. The 18-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 50-75 feet per second compared to a 22-inch precision barrel, which matters for long-range rimfire matches where trajectory consistency is paramount. It’s also not ideal for those unwilling to invest in a quality suppressor mount or muzzle device, as the factory thread protector is functional but not robust for repeated installation and removal cycles common in suppressed use.
What’s in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with a 10-round rotary magazine, two interchangeable short length-of-pull stock modules, a factory thread protector, and basic owner’s documentation. Notably absent are optics, rings, or any suppressor-specific accessories—Ruger assumes you will source those based on your intended application and local regulations. The rifle ships in a standard cardboard container with minimal padding, so I recommend immediate transfer to a proper hard case during transport to the range or field.
Is the Ruger American Rimfire Compact worth it at $401.99?
At $401.99, this rifle represents solid value for a suppressor-ready, modular rimfire platform with Ruger’s reliability pedigree. Compared to adapting a non-threaded rimfire rifle for suppressor use—which typically involves a $150-$250 barrel threading service plus potential gunsmithing fees—the factory-threaded configuration saves both money and time. For context, the comparable Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga shotgun costs approximately $150 less but serves an entirely different ballistic role without the modularity or suppressor readiness. If your use case includes training, small game, or suppressed plinking, this rifle justifies its price through deliberate engineering choices.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676083060 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8306 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 44.00 |
| model | American Rimfire LRT |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.495 |
| sights | Williams Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
| youth rifle | Yes |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- What suppressors are compatible with the factory threads?
- The rifle features standard 1/2-28 tpi right-hand threads, making it directly compatible with virtually all .22 caliber suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged Suppressors. You will need to verify your chosen suppressor’s thread pitch matches precisely, as mismatched threads can damage both the barrel crown and the suppressor mount—a proper alignment check takes approximately 15 seconds with a thread gauge.
- Does this rifle accept aftermarket stocks?
- Yes, the Ruger American Rimfire action uses a standardized bedding block system, allowing compatibility with aftermarket stocks from Boyd’s, Magpul, and several custom makers. Installation typically requires a basic set of hex wrenches and about 20 minutes of careful fitting to ensure proper barrel channel clearance and trigger function without binding.
- What optics base pattern does it use?
- The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard #6-48 scope base screws, compatible with Ruger-specific bases or universal 22mm rimfire rings from brands like Warne and Leupold. I recommend using a torque wrench set to 15-18 inch-pounds when mounting optics to avoid stripping the aluminum receiver threads during installation.
- Can I use other Ruger 10/22 magazines with this rifle?
- No, this rifle uses Ruger’s proprietary American Rimfire rotary magazine, which is not interchangeable with the more common Ruger 10/22 box magazines. Magazine availability is consistent through Ruger’s direct store and major distributors like Brownells, with additional 10-round magazines typically priced at $28-$35 each before shipping.