Description
You’re in the timber, and the rustle in the underbrush is a fox, not a squirrel. You need a round with more authority than a .22 LR, but you’re working in tight quarters where a full-size rifle is a liability. That’s the scenario where the Ruger American Compact Rimfire Rifle .22 Magnum 18″, Satin Blue Finish earns its keep. It’s a purpose-built, no-fuss hunting and utility rifle chambered in the potent .22 WMR cartridge, scaled for shooters of smaller stature or for anyone who needs a highly maneuverable firearm in dense cover or from a blind.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a plinker you outgrow. The .22 Magnum (22 WMR) delivers significantly more energy downrange than standard .22 Long Rifle, making it a legitimate choice for varmints and small game at extended ranges. The compact 18-inch barrel keeps the overall length down to a handy 37.75 inches, perfect for navigating thickets or storing in a truck without getting hung up on every branch. At a lean 5.75 pounds, it carries all day without complaint. The satin blue steel finish provides a classic, durable look that shrugs off the elements, while the black synthetic stock is tough and weather-resistant. This rifle is drop-in ready for its intended role, requiring no modification to be effective right from the unboxing.
Key Features
The heart of the system is Ruger’s reliable, crisp-breaking bolt action. It features a 70-degree bolt lift for fast follow-up shots and a tang-mounted safety that’s intuitive to swipe off as you mount the rifle. The Marksman Adjustable trigger is a standout, allowing you to set the pull weight between 3 and 5 pounds to match your preference—a feature rarely found in rifles at this price point.
Accuracy is built in with the free-floated, hammer-forged barrel and Ruger’s patented Power Bedding system. This system uses a rigid aluminum bedding block embedded in the stock, which cradles the action and creates a consistent, stable platform for the barrel. The result is a level of precision typically reserved for more expensive rifles. The rotary magazine is smooth-feeding and holds 9 rounds of .22 WMR, and it’s compatible with other Ruger American Rimfire models in .22 Magnum for easy spare mag sourcing.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) |
| Barrel Length | 18 inches | Overall Length | 37.75 inches |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 Rounds |
| Finish | Satin Blue Steel, Black Synthetic Stock |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The adjustable trigger is a massive value-add, providing a clean break that enhances accuracy. The compact dimensions make it exceptionally easy to handle, especially for younger shooters or in confined spaces. The .22 WMR chambering bridges the gap between .22 LR and larger centerfire rounds effectively. At $360.86, it represents serious utility for the money.
Cons: Ammunition cost is higher than .22 LR, so high-volume plinking gets expensive. The synthetic stock, while durable, is utilitarian in feel compared to wood. The compact length-of-pull is ideal for its intended users but may feel short for very tall shooters without an aftermarket spacer.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the Missouri hunter who needs a dedicated, ethical tool for dispatching raccoons, foxes, or coyotes at moderate ranges. It’s for the landowner who requires a reliable rifle for farmstead pest control. It’s an ideal first “real” rifle for a responsible young hunter, offering manageable recoil and size with genuine field capability. It’s also a superb backpacking or truck gun where small size and light weight are critical. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .22 Long Rifle ammunition in this rifle?
A: No. This rifle is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR). Firing .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is unsafe and can cause catastrophic failure. Always use only the ammunition for which your firearm is marked.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
A: This specific model with the satin blue finish and 18-inch barrel is not factory-threaded. Ruger does offer threaded versions in their American Rimfire line, so if suppression is a priority, confirm the exact model designation before purchasing.
Q: What optics mount does it use?
A: The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts. It uses a standard 3/8″ dovetail rimfire scope base, which is incredibly common. Bases and rings from brands like Weaver or Leupold are widely compatible, making it easy to mount a quality rimfire scope like a Vortex Crossfire II.
Ready to add this compact, capable .22 Magnum to your rack? See current availability and pricing on our site. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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