Ruger American Rimfire

[d2wing]

I was strolling through Cabala's today drooling along the gun counter when a man asks if he can help me. Since they are usually swamped I did not want to miss a chance to see some guns. I had been looking at Marlin and Savage .22 mags or 17 HMR s, but kinda holding out to find a CZ. I ask him if he has 22mag rifles and he's how's me a RAR and says they are on sale. I had heard they are better than the savage and Marlin and at 259 plus -20 for applying for a card, I got it. I was a little worried that I could not pass the back ground check as I was stopped one night. At the time I was tired and lost and trying to read a sign was weaving. They took a blood test, I had no alcohol but has taken a prescribed Tylenol 3 that has Codeine in it. I was falsely charged with being a illegal drug user. It took months, 4 hearings and some money to get the charges dropped but meanwhile I could not buy guns. Well finally the FBI got it right and I passed. Anyway, anyone have a range report or recommendations on a .22 mag. RAR?

 

[bamajoey]

I would have held out for the CZ. Cost's more but you get what you pay for.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

What he said...

 

[oldways]

The Ruger American rimfire will be as or more accurate than the CZ and have a better trigger.

 

[viking499]

[The Ruger American rimfire will be as or more accurate than the CZ and have a better trigger./QUOTE]

That's funny.

If guess if that's the case, you should also say that it has the smoothest bolt and action too........

 

[oldways]

Nope
Just the accuracy and trigger facts.
Do you have both rifles?
MY two Rugers beat any of my three CZ in accuracy and trigger pull.
They do not look as good nor is the bolt as smooth.

 

[Skylerbone]

I guess there's a first time for everything...be it fact or fiction, none of it changes the OP's question and no need to brow beat him now that he's forked over his hard earned on the Ruger. I cannot proffer an opinion as my Ruger (and CZ) rifles are chambered in .22lr.

From the standpoint of practical (read hunting) accuracy any modern .22 WMR should be more than capable. Given the lack of available ammo lately perhaps the more difficult proposition will be finding a variety of rounds to test potential accuracy with. One trend I do have first-hand knowledge of is the seemingly poor quality of the composite stocks used in many new rifles including the Ruger, many of which display a twisted forend that contacts the barrel. Whether it affects accuracy in any given rifle to a sizable degree I cannot say, but is something to be aware of if wringing out potential is important.

Take it to the range and give us an update OP. if it meets your expectations then you've gotten a bargain of a sporter in my opinion.

 

[Cee Zee]

The Ruger American rimfire will be as or more accurate than the CZ and have a better trigger.

Gee I've shot lots of Rugers and lots of CZ's and I've never seen this happen. The trigger on my 453 is one of the best I've ever seen on any stock rimfire firearm. There are some about as good but a better stock trigger? I don't think so. I've checked out the American and I tried the trigger. It was ok but it wasn't as good as the trigger on my Savage IMO. And my CZ has a much better trigger than the one I handled. The Ruger trigger was a little gritty, had too much uptake and didn't feel as solid as either my Savage or my CZ.

 

[Captcurt]

Gee I've shot lots of Rugers and lots of CZ's and I've never seen this happen. The trigger on my 453 is one of the best I've ever seen on any stock rimfire firearm. There are some about as good but a better stock trigger? I don't think so. I've checked out the American and I tried the trigger. It was ok but it wasn't as good as the trigger on my Savage IMO. And my CZ has a much better trigger than the one I handled. The Ruger trigger was a little gritty, had too much uptake and didn't feel as solid as either my Savage or my CZ.

Got to agree with you Cee Zee. I have had 4 different 452's and all of them would outshoot the American that I had. They are 2 completely different classes. The American will work fine for most shooters but not this one. I tried 5 or 6 brands of match ammo and the Ruger didn't even come close to matching the CZ.

 

[d2wing]

I do have 2 CZ 452's, are they are excellent rifles. I was thinking of a 452 or 455 but have been unable to find any locally. I nearly bought a Savage or Marlin but just could not make up my mind. I happen on the RAR on sale and liked it better than the Savage. It has a better stock, magazine, feels nicer and reports are that they shoot well. And at the price $239.00 I am taking a chance. The weather has not permitted a range trip yet. Maybe I will wish I had a CZ, but I don't know yet.

 

[Captcurt]

D2wing, just because my American didn't impress me, yours might. From what I have seen with the bargain models is that they are inconsistant in quality and accuracy. When you put out an inexpensive product quality control usually goes out the window. We need to compare apples to apples. A CZ will cost $100 - $150 more than a Ruger. That can make a difference.

 

[Skylerbone]

Every camp has its fans but at that price it would be difficult to find a downside. While my lone CZ is fast distinguishing itself in so many ways- not the least of which is accuracy- I do own rifles costing far less that are nearly as satisfying, at least accuracy-wise.

The RAR being such a new offering, it might be worth a look at RFC (heck it's always worth it) to see what guys in the subforum have discovered about theirs. Lookin forward to a range report and congratulations on straightening out that legal business and on the purchase of your new rifle.

 

[viking499]

The 22 mag RAR's seem to be better out of the box than the 22's as far as quality and consistency.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

At the price, I wouldn't mind one for a knock around gun to keep in one of my trucks.

 

[Cee Zee]

It's not like you couldn't buy another rifle down the road. It's OK to buy more than one.

 

[danez71]

OP, keep in mind that its nearly impossible for a single post about any Ruger rimfire rifle to be posted with out the Marlin and CZ guys coming out in droves.0

 

[Skylerbone]

its nearly impossible for a single post about any Ruger rimfire rifle to be posted with out the Marlin and CZ guys coming out in droves.

Well that's true...but, and I'm sure I'm not alone here, I own rimfires from multiple brands. Savage, Marlin, Ruger, Mossberg, Rossi and CZ. I've also got handguns from Ruger and Beretta in rimfire chamberings so it's not fandom or fiction that guides my opinion. Still, it's just an opinion.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The OP brought up the other brands. It's not like the other guys showed up and hijacked his thread.

 

[WYO]

Here is a picture of the first 3 shots I fired at 100 yards while sighting in a new RAR 22 magnum compact using CCI 30 grain V-Max with the polymer tip.



I made a scope adjustment and shot 3 more. The next 3 shot group opened up a little due to what I consider to be one flyer that probably was my fault.

For the price I think the gun is a great buy. The March edition of American Rifleman had a good article on the RAR.

I can't wait for winter to finally be over so I can wring this gun out.

 

[d2wing]

Thanks for the report WYO, looks real good.

 

[Cee Zee]

I shot this the first day I had my Marlin 60SS out. Obviously it doesn't shoot this way all the time but it does shoot pretty well. The bull is on a 5/8" Shoot N C, 8" target. It's a 3 shot group and it measured around .35". The distance was 90 yards. I didn't shoot any other groups like that but I did shoot some other groups under an inch. I have a Nikon ProStaff 3-9X40 scope on it. Those of you that can't shoot and think no one else can, feel free to flame away. But I can post lots of groups I shot with that rifle that are pretty tight. Obviously not all of my groups are like that and not all Marlins shoot this well. The main point is that every rifle is different and it's hard to guess which one will be best until you try them. I have several other Marlins and none of them can match what the 60SS will do including my bolt action Marlins with the ProFire trigger. Go figure.

 

[d2wing]

True, the proof is in the shooting. It is encouraging to know that these new Ruger rifles tend to be very accurate for sporter 22 mags.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

My Son was here the other day and wanted to shoot my RAR 22mag. I have 25 round mags for it and the seventeen. He doesnt shoot much but he sat there and mad one big hole and emptied the mag doing it with no fliers. I might have a pic. Totally amazed me but I did tell him that it will outshoot the 17hmr.

 

[danez71]

The OP brought up the other brands. It's not like the other guys showed up and hijacked his thread.

He did mention other brands.... and only 1 question.

Anyway, anyone have a range report or recommendations on a .22 mag. RAR?

This thread is fairly tame but its funny to me that anytime a Ruger rimfire rifle is mentioned, its always the Marlin and CZ guys that pile on as if they have something to prove. Its almost like the glock guys anytime a 1911 or a M&P is mentioned.

 

[viking499]

This thread is fairly tame but its funny to me that anytime a Ruger rimfire rifle is mentioned, its always the Marlin and CZ guys that pile on as if they have something to prove. Its almost like the glock guys anytime a 1911 or a M&P is mentioned.

There is nothing wrong with my 10/22 as far as a rimfire goes. But it is not as accurate or consistent as any of my CZ's. That's comparing stock gun to stock gun.

I would buy another Ruger if I was in the market for one and found the right gun or deal.