Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Ruger doesn't stand still for very long

American rimfire available with a wooden stock.

Very nice!

Strange to me that they would come out with a rimfire, with ammo being in short supply. I will not buy a new one in these current conditions. Anything that I buy will be re-loadable. miles

Looks good...

Thanks Jim ... any word on pricing ... looks to be birch of some sort.

That could make me part with some pennies if I were so inclined.

Saw Kecatt's post and it appears that the wood comes at about a $110 premium .... for birch .... hmmmm ....

Good that they're offering it, however for the $$ I'd opt for a laminate from Boyds. Now if we can just get them to make a port side RAR!

The email notice I got calls it a hardwood stock so it's probably the same birch as 10/22's. MSRP is $449 compared to $339 and $369 for the various synthetic stock models. They don't show it as being any heavier, 6.1 lbs vs. 6 lbs for the synthetic.

The synthetic models are being offered on gunbroker in the low-mid $200's so I figure once this gets to everyone's shelves you could probably pick one up for $300 or less.

Not really an earth shaking announcement as rifles go but I have to again tip my hat to Ruger for continually bringing out new products or new versions of existing ones. Most companies announce a few new models or variations once per year, Ruger seems to give us something new to gawk at about once per month or sometimes more often than that.

perhaps the wood will make it a bit more palatable, but its sad to see a company that made its fortune designing, building, and selling guns that had classic, traditional styling and tough as nails designs in an era when white-line spacers, glossy finishes were all the rage, suddenly join the race for who can build the cheapest, most plastic guns along with the "in" models of the day. I can only imagine what people like Len Brownell, the great stockmaker who designed the original stocks for the 77 and Number 1, would be thinking about something like the RAR !

Perhaps there will arise another new company, a new ruger if you will, who will cater to traditional good looks and classic designs that work. Oh for the days of the likes of Win. 75 Sporters, Rem. 513s, not to speak of the all time great Win. 52.

And Weaver steel scopes. Oh the good old days!

with the advanced manufacturing abilities with cnc processing i have wondered why Winchester doesn't bring back the 75 and do it right and affordable. the 52 was reproduced for a while but i wish they would keep it going so the prices were more affordable.

There are classic steel and walnut .22s out there: CZs, Ruger 77/22s, Annies, Coopers, and Zastavas. Nice ones often come at a price that the general market won't pay; ask Remington. The CZs are very nicely made and stocked, just as nice as the models you mentioned except maybe the 52, and are great shooters and good buys. The machine work on the RAR I looked at was pretty nice and in general, looked nicer than similarly-priced Marlins and Savages. If the wood-stocked RAR sells, a walnut model won't be far behind, maybe from Lipsey's, but it won't be $300.

Uh yeah ... it's called Ruger .... They still make their "old" line of rifles .... but have added another line. How is that bad? How is making a product folks will buy bad? Using your logic, most firearms manufacturers would be defunct by now.

Yes to the lefties being needed. I have an 8yo that I'd love to get an RAR for. Might have to go Savage or if I splurge a CZ...

milespatton - yes indeed...one has to wonder Ruger's wisdom in bringing this out now w/ the .22LR shortage. Do they know something the rest of us don't? I've a big stash of .22S given to me that I'd spend the money on buying a rifle for rather than one in .22LR just to have something to shoot at my local range. The Henry pump rifle comes to mind...

Instead, I've been upgrading my 10/22's while HOPING the LR shortage ends sometime in the rest of my lifetime (68y/o) LOL.

Homesteader

It's just a d*mned shame that Ruger can't bring the 10/22 and/or RAR out with a decent piece of walnut attached.

They still make the Sporter with an "American Walnut" stock. Now whether that's decent walnut is anybody's guess.



They make this "Altamont" with French walnut as a distributor special for Lipsey's.



Plus TALO has a walnut Mannlicher model in blued and stainless.

I have this "birch Sporter" model with a 22" barrel and have been toying with the idea of finding a take off walnut sporter stock for it.

You should have known Ruger was willing to play the "cheap and ugly" game when they came out with the "boatpaddle" stock. Even with all the ugly stocks out there today that is still in the top 10 for the ugliest stock ever award. JMO.


Dave.

I like this new wood stocked American version, but I don't think I'll be buying one, I'd still spend the extra money on a CZ Myself.................Hb

Ruger has done a lot to keep the classic, good looking line of guns alive. The market simply doesn't support it.



Travis

Was late to the synthetic stuff, being a walnut/blue steel kind of thickheaded ol' bastard, but I tend to give credit where it's due.

The idea of an affordable (but well made) rimfire that's easily adaptable to both young and older shooters, fills a need and Ruger saw that, made it happen.

Didn't like the RAR when I first looked at one, bought one anyway. It is now one of my favorite rimfires, as issued.

If the look/feel of plastic gets to botherin' me, can always pick up something with a nice walnut handle and shoot that. Even if it doesn't hold a candle to the RAR, downrange?

My opinion, they can stick that birch stock where the sun she's a no shine, especially at a price increase.

I am a happy owner of a 22mag RAR. It is a great gun for what it is. My only hunting rimfire. IMHO, This is a step in the right direction, if Ruger wants to sell me another or compete with CZ. Given I dont need another, it probably take a lot more to sell me another rimfire.

Another step would be too improve the 77/xxx trigger. A 3rd step might be a top grade American truly competitive with CZ or 77/xxx. Serious snob appeal - in a good way. The new design should be less cost to build and about as good as anything out there.

I like this wood option, but for a little more money the CZ looks better (style). Mechanically, or design, I prefer the Ruger American over the new CZ455. It just need a bit more hi class in the wood version.

I seriously believe Ruger is on the RIGHT track here. For every $100 price increase, I bet the market shrinks 90%. So; time will tell, how far up scale Ruger can take this thing. Has anyone one even seen a wood RAR?

No. Now this is sick (and not in a good way):



I could just as easy paste images of stocks painted by owners and posted with pride on the web.

Bingo! They gotta make a living.

The Reactionary Old Fart contingent makes a lot of noise about what the gun companies oughta make, but when they comply, the only ones who buy the stuff are the ROFs, who are noisy but few in number. I buy a few myself, but tend to go for the real deal (old Mausers, Sakos, etc.) instead of the "new classics". The old stuff may have a few love bites here and there, but when fed today's good bullets, they shoot right along with the new stuff and, THEY WORK. And, finding them is half the fun.

Not bad, but it would have looked better checkered like the Walmart Special 10/22s.

If I were King, they would have done a stainless version first

I am old. I like classic. I also appreciate practical and affordable. I like a good design too. The Ruger American is top notch, just as it is. Now what? Wood is good. Left is needed. Stainless is ok I guess. It is all up side from here.

I like the old mausers. I dont have one and dont really want one. I do have several CZ and they are real old school guns for pretty fair price. I have a No1, shoots so/so. Takes more than looks to be a great gun. The RAR has the guts to be great.

First time the above posted image was leaked to the web, I though it was wood colored plastic. Is it that difficult for Ruger to modify the 77/22 stock concept to this gun. Or just shamelessly copy the CZ American? In Walnut? Maybe a Predator bbl action: clean siteless barrel and scope base?

Here you go, posted by Jim:


This gun looks good. Ruger you get it? And include the magnums, please.

Boyds shipped my walnut stock for my RAR Predator today, will try to post pics when it comes.

Wood or plastic, I don't care, just start offering at least the 22LR in LH. I have a son that absolutely NEEDS one! Save him from me buying him a Savage...

A Lh 22mag would be nice

Pretty nice looking rifle that would cause me to bust out my wallet if I saw one locally.

There are several on gunbroker now with starting bids of one penny and no reserve. The ads have better pics than Ruger's catalog photo. Just search for "ruger american wood" to see several for sale.

Obviously they copied the plastic stock identically, right down to the forend shape and checkering pattern. I think a more traditionally shaped forend and standard panel checkering would have looked nicer but overall the rifle ain't too ugly in real life.

^YES!!^ I need one and my grandkids need a couple! I keep writing Ruger "Tell the CEO" but to no avail........ yet.

I'm with Jim on the first part of his statement. As for the last part of the statement, let's just say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. In this case I'm not a beholder

The nice thing about birch on a rifle is that most of it isn't hurt by a coat of paint, and the stability is only improved by greater attempts at sealing it. The bad thing about birch is that most pieces tend to be quite unstable regardless of how much effort is made to seal them.



I haven't seen a better looking plastic stock than this. The only 'u' word that needs to be applied to plastic rifle stocks is "utilitarian'; it goes without saying that they are ugly. (Some people just add paint to improve the opportunity for added adjectives….like gaudy.)

I follow 4 forums and to date not a single person on the web has purchased or even placed an order for one. I ask on every forum about the bottom metal - no reply. Plastic right? It does not look real promising. The gun buyer is a fickle creature.

I was kinda hot to buy a Browning Tbolt and looked over my first one and walked away. For $$$$ plastic bottom metal on otherwise a nice walnut gun. So I got an all plastic RAR for 1/2 the $ and I am very pleased. I also have a CZ, which is a looker and shooter.

The 77/22 and RAR use the same magazine. Would it take that much to tool up to make an American stock based on the exterior pattern of the 77/22 wood? And maybe modify the 77/22 bottom metal? And, delete the cheezy sites?

I seriously doubt that they want to try to turn their good, solid, economy-priced rimfire into a show piece. That's the niche the 77/22 fills.

The sights are considered a plus by lots of folks as they are becoming rare on rifle of all sorts these days. I do think that they should be screw-mounted so folks like you can remove them cleanly.

I think you are probably right. My reasoning is the RAR was designed with low cost manufacturing as a goal. I think I read that, now it could just be marketing or my bad memory. Regardless, the 77/22 strikes me as way over priced, although I am sure it has some following. The 77/44 and new 17 WSM strike ma as pretty nice or unique guns, bad triggers and all. Since CZ has dumped the 452/453 for a cheaper to build 455 less rigid design, I guess there maybe a niche for the 77/22. Maybe?

My vision is a gun priced competitive with CZ with nice wood and steel. Competitive in looks, accuracy and price. That may not be feasible, just a though. That would fall midway between 77/22 and RAR. That while keeping the current RAR at its excellent price for performance. Not replacing the value packed RAR but adding an upscale option. Walnut, steel and lower cost than 77/22. A lot lower.

A future option of receiver aperture and fr globe, might provide a chance for younger shooters to get a taste of better irons. Nothing fancy, williams and/or lyman quality. Perhaps best handled as after market along with appropriate stocks. Another passing thought. ...

How many 77/22's have you owned? If you're just looking at a $$ perspective maybe. The 77/22 shines on so many avenues I own 3 AND 3 453/2's .... not picking one over the other yet. .... The American 453 is still new to me, but could overhaul the 77/22 Varmint I built (blue/walnut with shilen varmint barrel) .... the 453 Varmint and my Ruger varmint run together ... still no real favorite (& I have the same cash in each rifle!!!)

I test fired a 77/357 but never owned any 77/xxx of my own. I like the concept of 77/44 but not able to justify the buy. Then after the test firing a 357, I lost interest anyway. I also like the 77/17wsm but 17 is not my cup of tea. I really did look seriously into buying a 77 in 22 hornet (years ago) but; rumored accuracy issues scared me away. IMHO, all nit picks aside, the 77 guns shine in the center fire versions.

I also never re-barreled any gun and I dont see that in my future. That is just me.

My main point is the better design and more efficient to manufacture Ruger American is an opportunity for Ruger to challenge the CZ at their price & quality level. I do have a 453 and its a great gun. I think the shift to 455 could be an opening for Ruger. Then agian, that maybe just me, most dont know a 453 or 452 from a 455.

This birch RAR with its a wierd design does nothing for me. So much more seems possible. I can wait. Just like the lefties, in time anything can happen.

Agreed on the Birch RAR ...but then again the RAR doesn't do anything for me and don't see me owning one. Rebarreling an older 77/22 is just like doing a 10/22. Easy peasy lemon squeezey. Did need to open the barrel channel a bit for the heavier barrel though.

I do have a 77/22 Hornet (VHZ) and with Factory rem/win ammo it sucks!!! Put some Hornady 35gr V-max boolits and she sings .... see below (left target).

Plenty of ammo out there albeit at prices most don't like. We won't see prices as before yet if you look long and hard you" ll do better than some. JMOP

The 77/ triggers are easily improved. I lightened my RSI up with a Wolffe spring, then trimmed it to lighten it a bit more. I have a spare sear and the next move is to stone that a bit. I saw instructions here a while back and it looked pretty easy. For about $40, Timney has a good package that installs easily (which explains the spare sear I have) and gives outstanding results.I occasionally itch for another 77/44 or one of the .357s, but they are evilly balanced little stinkers.

I just picked this little beauty up to keep my .22 standard and .22Mag company. The owner of the LGS said it was an Ellett Bros. special.





I wanted to do some 50 yard stuff but it started raining and I don't like my toys out in the rain. That target was shot at 25 just as soon as I got it zeroed.
Rich

Someone posted pics on another forum and he did not know any details such as being an Ellett special or Ruger model number. There is nothing on th Ruger websit. Do you see a unique Ruger model number on the box?

BIG question Number 1, can the sites be purchased separate? This is key because not everyone is going to want the bbl & caliber offered by Ellett. That is assuming, they could find one.

Is the rear site dove tail cut. Slot blank used? No photos of that area shown on either forum.

I like to see the same excellent detail of the front site base, one screw or is that tapped 2 screw (different). I think the assumption is both front and rear are a special Williams for Ruger setup only. I dont think Williams has them cataloged. Did you get a set of front inserts? Photo?

This is very interesting. Thank you for the post and what ever else you can add.

One more note, as a seperate post. Williams does offer a 3/8 dovetail mounted rear peep site. It look like this except for the mounting. This Ellett, uses the 2 screw holes. The dovetail mount would allow easy swapping from a scope to irons. But some times these dovetail mounts, like certain rings, have a problem with the round top on the RAR receiver.

I wonder if the 2 holes mounting is just a more solid attachment (or lower) or a solution due the rounded top of the RAR receiver?

The matching proper fit and height front is another key piece of the setup.

Thinking in terms of versatility, optional height on the front base and a weaver rail on that rear, with ability to swap iron and scope on the rear - would be nice. Maybe the best of all worlds.

The pic above the target shows the sight base, it is secured by the same 2 screws that you'd use for a ring base. It is contoured to fit the receiver. And the front base is secured by a single screw. And that was probably me on the other forum.
Rich

bad pic I know

Looks like it uses the holes for the scope base, which is nice unless you want to switch back and forth. I have a 50year-old Redfield that clamps to the dovetail and works very well. But doesn't have the target knobs. That is a nice sight. I wonder if the Williams clamp-on has target knobs as an option.

My read on the Williams catalog was that the target knobs are optional as is larger diameter eye disk on the dovetail mount rear site. Not even a guess if the dovetail mounted williams will clear the round top of the RAR?

And, that front base is a critical part. I guess if I really had to know I would call. But, for now just making conversation.

Thank you, Ryzzard, for posting and the follow up front photo.

I've gone around a bit with the sights on my RAR standard. This is the model specific Williams made for it.

I sent it back as the elevation adjustment was a set screw that just bore down on the receiver ;-(
Then I got this one but would not adjust enough to get it on target.

Finally
I'd have to rummage through my packages to get the model number of the Williams that's on there now. This is what it looks like.

Rich

I maybe a little slow, please bear with me. You have two guns both setup with Williams peep sites. Are the front globes the same on both? I would like the Williams number for the front base, if you can get your hands on that box. What the heck, one photo, three boxes? I think I prefer a dovetail mount. Huh, I might get another RAR in LR to compliment my magnum

These two different guns use the same front site setup?

Different guns, one in the bottom pic is a standard .22LR which I sacrificed the front sight. Filed it all down then filed some groves into what was left.
The top pic is a factory compact that came with the williams rear which screws on with the 2 screws that would hold the scope base, while the front is held on with the one screw just like the original sight.
Notice the compact with factory peeps does not have a dove tail cut into the barrel for the original sight.
Hope that clears it up, if not ask away.

Rich

Here's what I would like to see Ruger do.. as long as they are not standing still, is...

I would like to think both Ruger and Hornady would like to compete with the 17 WSM market share. And since they have teamed up before, I would like to see a 20 caliber rimfire based on the same parent nail gun case as the 17 wsm or 5mm Rem Mag. Top that with the Hornady 24 gr NTX 20 caliber bullet and I would think it would be a hit. It might not be the velocity king, but I would think it would have more retained splatter factor.

I realize that now is probably not a good time, but someday, when the skies turn blue and the country recovers from Bam Sham 1 & 2.

pointer, Whittaker Guns in Kentucky is pretty good about getting LH guns into stock.

Cooper 57M LH for $1917
http://www.whittakerguns.com/product/cooper-22-classic-6-5x284-left-hand

CZ 452 American 17HMR for $413
http://www.whittakerguns.com/product/cz-452-american-17hmr

I was in Whittaker's yesterday, and they still had ONE CZ 452LH .22LR in stock. Salesman Scott tried to get me to buy it for my LHed wife, but it would be too long for her tiny, tiny self.

She'd be better served with a Scout or one of the little CZ 455s with the short, threaded barrel and synthetic stock, if it were LHed, of course.

Give them a call on Tuesday, and see if they still have it, and buy the daggoned thing before I go back myself!

Where does one get the peep sight factory model? What is the Ruger number on it?

But so eminently practical as rugged, take-anywhere, hunting tools. It's the only non-wood stock I really appreciate.

Model No.08328...Catalog No.AMER-RF-C-PS
That's what was on the box of the one I bought.
Hope it's of some use to you.
This is the thread at RFC http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591454

Rich

Will grant you it's more of a Tony the Tiger Tika-ish stripe than standard point or even leopard print checkering, but otherwise that's a decent looking bolt rimfire in wood. Better than plastic anyway? Wouldn't mind trying one but am full-up on 22's at this point.

Ha! My son is 8yo, so it would be way too big for him. I'm hoping for a LH RARimfire by Xmas. If not, we'll think of something, but he's getting a 22LR for Xmas. Mom and Santa be damned...