Ruger America Rimfire range report.

[bssybeep]

I was at Reed's today checking out a Ruger American 22 lr standard size.

I was checking the action of the bolt and found it somewhat sticky and rough. So I asked to look at another rifle from the back and it was worst. It was incredibly rough and hung up in several spots while operating the bolt. The salesman also acknowledged that the bolt action was very rough.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a purchase, but decided to hold off, kind of dissapointed. I did check out a cz 455 while I was there and it was smooth as butter.

[Rosebud22]

When I first got mine the bolt was a little sticky. I cleaned the gun before first shoot and a light coat of gun oil on the bolt. Now ~ 400 round later it has gotten better.
Not quite as smooth and my Savage 17hmr.

[donutfila]

I checked one out at turners and noticed the same thing, rough and it got a bit sticky at several locations, especially right before closing completely.

[jyo]

First, I think the Ruger American is equipped with the synthetic stock to keep the price point down---same with the somewhat rough bolt, trigger, etc---keeping the price down. A little work with fine steel wool on the metal parts---some good oil, and a couple of trips to the range should help a great deal. The American line was built to a price point---that's what you get...

[lt05deluxe]

Great review and inputs! I was thinking of getting the same rifle.

[Ricky-Ray]

Hopfully I can take mine out and break it in this weekend if I can get the scope mounted in time.

['ol shooter]

Boyd's is now making stocks for the LR version, none for the Mag, so far.

[Occams Rasor]

Boyd's is now making stocks for the LR version, none for the Mag, so far.

Where did you see this? I just checked the Boyd website and did not see a listing. The issue is on Ruger American Rimfire there are metal "V" blocks in the stock that the action mounts to. Not your typical mouting. I was just wondering if Boyd's provided these metal mounts.

['ol shooter]

Rim Fire Central. Boyd's is a sponsor there, so we often get information before anyone else. They probably are not far enough along in production to post them for sale on their site.

[Rosebud22]

I was the original poster for this tread. Since the Ruger bolt is new and there is little real world experience written about it, here is an update after the first 5 range trips. As noted by other posters the bolt is quite stiff when new. After about 400 rounds and some gun oil it is now much smoother. Not quite as smooth as my Savage 93R but getting there. Hopefully, more shooting will make the operation even smoother. The machining on the bolt is quite good. The receiver, not so much with plenty of visible tool marks.
There was a rumor that Boyd’s Gunstock would be making a wood stock for this gun. I call Boyd’s but they were not sure when or if they would . So that one is a "wait and see".
I had hoped to get some high quality match grade Wolf ammo for a accuracy test. So far the Ammo Gods have not blessed me. I had to settle for some Standard Velocity CCI.
For the accuracy test I used a rifle rest to take out as much of the “human” factor as possible. There was little or no wind during the test. Results are in pictures below.
I had bought this gun to shoot from the bench at 100yds. So far I am pleased with the results.
On a side note, I am quite happy with the Nikon scope up top. I have jacked it back and forth from 50yds to 100yds. Up/down 28 clicks. Every time it has come back to zero with in +/- 2 clicks.

[santamonica9]

Nice shooting & great review, i cant wait to get one for myself. thanks

[jcjt]

Does anyone have any insight or comments to the 22" barrel vs 18"? Or is this mainly a preference for LOP?

[joe47]

Does anyone have any insight or comments to the 22" barrel vs 18"? Or is this mainly a preference for LOP?

The powder is all burned up in the first 18 in. The only advantage to a longer barrel is a longer distance between sights.

[H2H]

I'd like to get the compact. who carries them in L.A / OC .area ?

[brassburnz]

I need another .22 rimfire rifle like a hole in the head, but the new Ruger looks like it could be a lot of fun. I think I'll wait a while and see if any show up on the used market although MSRP of $329 is not too bad. I wonder what the street price is?