Description
The Ruger American Rimfire Target, .17 HMR, 18″, 9rd, Laminate Black Stock is a purpose-built, bolt-action rifle designed for precision rimfire shooting. It offers a stable platform for target practice and varmint control, combining Ruger’s reliable American action with a heavy-contour 18-inch barrel and a rigid, laminate stock for consistent accuracy without a custom rifle price tag.
Key Features
- Target-Focused Barrel: The 18-inch, heavy-contour barrel is cold hammer-forged for durability and enhanced accuracy, providing a solid foundation for the flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge.
- Stable Laminate Stock: The black laminate stock isn’t just for looks—it’s more rigid and stable than standard synthetic stocks, reducing point-of-impact shift and improving consistency.
- Adjustable Trigger: The Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger allows you to fine-tune pull weight to your preference, a feature rarely found on rifles in this price bracket.
- 9-Round Rotary Magazine: Comes with a reliable, detachable 9-round magazine that feeds smoothly and is compatible with other Ruger American Rimfire models in .17 HMR and .22 WMR.
- Integrated Scope Base: The receiver is machined with integral 3/8″ dovetail scope mounts, so it’s drop-in ready for standard rimfire rings, saving you the cost and hassle of buying a separate base.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 18″ |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 Rounds |
| Stock Material | Laminated Wood |
Weighing in at 6.2 pounds, the rifle balances well on the bench or in the field. The 38.5-inch overall length makes it maneuverable, while the 18-inch barrel is the sweet spot for the .17 HMR—long enough to get full velocity but not so long it becomes unwieldy. The real value is in the laminate stock; it resists warping from moisture and provides a more solid bedding surface than cheaper plastics. At $479.01, you’re paying for functional upgrades over the standard synthetic-stock model, not just cosmetics.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the shooter who wants a dedicated, no-fuss platform for punching small groups at the range or taking precise shots at small game and varmints. It’s ideal for the budget-conscious precision enthusiast, the rimfire competitor who doesn’t want to spend four figures, or the Missouri hunter needing a flat-shooting, low-recoil option for coyotes or groundhogs. If you’re tired of tweaking a basic .22 and want a rifle that’s serious about accuracy from the start, this is a compelling option.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The laminate stock and heavy barrel are a significant accuracy upgrade for the money. The adjustable trigger is a huge benefit. The integrated scope base is convenient. It uses the proven Ruger American action, known for reliability. You get Ruger’s customer service and widespread aftermarket support.
Cons: Laminate is heavier than synthetic—this isn’t an ultralight walking rifle. The .17 HMR cartridge is more expensive to shoot than .22 LR. Some may find the stock’s aesthetics too plain. That said, for a target/varmint tool, the weight is a feature, not a bug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the magazine interchangeable with other calibers?
A: No. This rifle’s 9-round rotary magazine is specific to the .17 HMR and .22 WMR chamberings. It will not function with the .22 LR version of the Ruger American Rimfire, which uses a different 10-round magazine.
Q: What scope rings does it need?
A: The receiver has a built-in 3/8″ dovetail, so it accepts standard .22-style rings from brands like Weaver, Leupold, or UTG. No separate base is needed—just a pair of medium-height rings will work for most 40mm objective scopes.
Q: How does it compare to a Savage Mark II or CZ 457?
A: It sits in a smart middle ground. It’s typically more feature-rich (like the adjustable trigger) than a base Savage Mark II FV-SR, but comes in at a lower price point than a CZ 457 Varmint. You’re getting a lot of the CZ’s target-oriented feel for several hundred dollars less.
Ready to add this precise, value-packed rimfire target rifle to your collection? This Ruger American Rimfire Target model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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