The Ruger American Rimfire line has earned a solid reputation among shooters for its blend of affordability, accuracy, and reliable performance. This review will delve into the specifics of the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) variant, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for various applications.
What Makes the Ruger American .22 WMR Stand Out?
The Ruger American .22 WMR isn't just another .22 Magnum rifle; it incorporates several design elements that set it apart from the competition. These features contribute to its accuracy, ease of use, and overall value.
Key Features:
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Lightweight and Maneuverable: The Ruger American Rimfire is known for its lightweight design, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions and easy to carry in the field. This is particularly beneficial when hunting small game or plinking.
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Rugged and Reliable: Built with a robust design, this rifle can handle the rigors of regular use and various environmental conditions. Its reliability is consistently praised by owners.
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Accurate Barrel: The barrel is designed for precision, contributing to the rifle's impressive accuracy. Many users report excellent grouping at various ranges.
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Adjustable Trigger: The Ruger American Rimfire features a user-adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to customize the pull weight to their preference. This is a significant advantage for both experienced and novice shooters.
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Versatile Stock: The stock is well-designed, providing a comfortable and secure hold. Its design is suitable for various shooting styles.
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Reliable Bolt Action: The smooth bolt action ensures reliable feeding and ejection of cartridges, adding to the overall shooting experience.
Performance and Applications
The .22 WMR cartridge itself offers a significant advantage over the standard .22 LR. Its increased power makes it suitable for a wider range of applications:
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Small Game Hunting: The .22 WMR is an effective cartridge for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs. Its flatter trajectory and greater penetration compared to .22 LR make it ideal for longer shots.
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Target Shooting: The accuracy and reliability of the Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR make it a great choice for target practice. Whether you're shooting at paper targets or engaging in informal plinking, this rifle delivers consistent results.
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Pest Control: The increased power of the .22 WMR makes it suitable for controlling pests, particularly at longer ranges where a .22 LR might be less effective.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Ruger American .22 WMR boasts many positives, it's important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:
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Recoil: The increased power of the .22 WMR results in more noticeable recoil than the .22 LR. While manageable for most shooters, it could be a concern for those sensitive to recoil.
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Ammunition Cost: .22 WMR ammunition is generally more expensive than .22 LR ammunition. This should be considered when factoring the overall cost of ownership.
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Availability: While widely available, the .22 WMR ammo might occasionally be less readily available than .22 LR, particularly during periods of high demand.
Conclusion
The Ruger American Rimfire in .22 WMR is a strong contender in the rimfire market. Its blend of accuracy, reliability, affordability, and versatility makes it a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and pest control. While the recoil and ammunition cost are considerations, the overall performance and value of this rifle make it a compelling option for shooters seeking a reliable and accurate .22 Magnum. Its adjustable trigger and lightweight design further enhance the user experience, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters alike. For those seeking a powerful and accurate rimfire rifle, the Ruger American .22 WMR is definitely worth considering.
