The Ultimate Guide to the Ruger American Rimfire Standard Rifle (Model 8311)

Are you searching for a versatile, accurate, and reliable rimfire rifle that excels in everything from precision target shooting to effective varmint control? Do you need a firearm that’s easy to handle for new shooters but still offers advanced features for seasoned enthusiasts? Look no further than the Ruger American Rimfire Standard rifle, specifically model 8311. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes this bolt-action rifle a standout choice, answering common questions and highlighting its core capabilities.

Discovering the Ruger American Rimfire Standard: Your Go-To 17 HMR Companion

The Ruger American Rimfire Standard rifle chambered in .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is engineered to meet the demands of a wide range of shooting disciplines. It's an excellent choice for anyone asking:

• What is the best rimfire rifle for small game hunting?
• Which 17 HMR rifle offers reliable accuracy at a reasonable price?
• I'm a new shooter; what bolt-action rifle should I consider for learning?
• How can I get tighter groups at the range with a rimfire?

This rifle, with its impressive 9+1 capacity and 22-inch satin blued barrel, provides an optimal blend of performance, durability, and user-friendly features. It's designed for right-handed shooters and comes with a robust black synthetic stock, making it a rugged companion for any outdoor adventure.

Why Choose the .17 HMR Caliber?

The .17 HMR cartridge is a modern marvel in the rimfire world, known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and surprising accuracy over considerable distances for a rimfire round. When paired with a quality rifle like the Ruger American Rimfire Standard, it becomes an incredibly effective tool for specific applications:

• Varmint Hunting: The speed and flat trajectory of the .17 HMR make it ideal for dispatching small, fast-moving pests like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and squirrels, even at extended ranges where a .22 LR might struggle with bullet drop.
• Target Shooting: Its inherent accuracy allows shooters to achieve tight groups, making it a popular choice for plinking and honing marksmanship skills without the higher cost or recoil of centerfire cartridges.
• Small Game Hunting: For precise shots on small game where minimal meat damage is desired, the .17 HMR offers a compelling alternative to larger calibers.

The Ruger American Rimfire Standard (model 8311) is expertly designed to maximize the potential of this potent little cartridge.

Core Features That Set the Model 8311 Apart

Ruger has built a reputation for producing firearms that are both innovative and reliable. The American Rimfire Standard model 8311 embodies this philosophy through a series of thoughtful design choices and proprietary technologies.

Precision Engineering: The 22-inch Satin Blued Barrel

The rifle's 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is a cornerstone of its accuracy. Cold hammer-forging results in ultra-precise rifling, ensuring exceptional longevity and consistent bullet trajectory. The satin blued finish provides a classic look while offering excellent corrosion resistance, crucial for rifles used in various environmental conditions. This length is carefully chosen to optimize the velocity of the .17 HMR, ensuring maximum energy transfer and a flatter trajectory, which is paramount for accurate long-range rimfire shooting.

Reliable Feeding: 9+1 Rotary Magazine System

The Ruger American Rimfire Standard utilizes Ruger's iconic, detachable, flush-mounted 9-round rotary magazine. This innovative design is renowned for its reliability and compact profile. With a capacity of 9+1 rounds, shooters have ample ammunition for extended plinking sessions, multiple shots on target, or quick follow-ups when varmint hunting. The flush fit means the magazine doesn't protrude from the rifle, preventing snagging and maintaining a sleek profile. This system is also cross-compatible with Ruger’s widely available BX-1 magazine, adding to its versatility.

The Game-Changing Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger

One of the most praised features of the Ruger American series is its Marksman Adjustable™ trigger. This user-adjustable trigger allows for a crisp release with a pull weight that can be set by the owner, typically ranging from 3 to 5 pounds. A lighter, crisper trigger pull significantly enhances accuracy by reducing shooter-induced flinching and allowing for more precise shot placement. This feature is particularly beneficial for competitive target shooters and hunters who demand optimal trigger control for critical shots. It empowers shooters to fine-tune their rifle for their specific shooting style and discipline.

Innovative Stock Design: Modular and Ergonomic

The rifle features a durable, lightweight black synthetic stock. What truly sets it apart is Ruger's innovative Power Bedding™ integral bedding block system, which free-floats the barrel for superior accuracy. Furthermore, the modular stock system allows for interchangeable stock modules. While the 8311 ships with a standard length of pull and high comb module designed for use with optics, additional modules (sold separately) can be acquired to customize the rifle's fit based on whether you prefer open sights or a scope, and your personal length of pull. This adaptability ensures a comfortable and consistent shooting experience for a wide range of body types and preferences, directly impacting shooting comfort and accuracy. The right-hand configuration of the stock ensures natural ergonomics for the majority of shooters.

Seamless Optics Mounting: Integrated Scope Base

The receiver of the Ruger American Rimfire is factory-drilled and tapped with a standard 3/8" rimfire scope base adapter, making it incredibly easy to mount your preferred optics. This eliminates the need for additional gunsmithing or specialized tools, allowing you to quickly equip a scope for enhanced precision at longer distances. For those who prefer traditional aiming, the rifle is also grooved for rimfire scope rings.

Real-World Applications and User Benefits

The Ruger American Rimfire Standard (model 8311) isn't just a collection of features; it's a tool designed to enhance your shooting experience and address common challenges faced by shooters.

Achieving Exceptional Accuracy

The combination of the cold hammer-forged barrel, Power Bedding™ system, and Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger works synergistically to deliver outstanding accuracy. Users consistently report the ability to achieve sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 50 yards, and even respectable groups at 100 yards, especially when using quality ammunition. This level of precision is critical whether you're aiming for the bullseye on paper targets or making clean, ethical shots on small game.

Durability and Reliability in the Field

Built with a robust alloy steel receiver and a synthetic stock, the 8311 is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It shrugs off moisture, temperature fluctuations, and minor impacts that could damage less durable materials. The renowned Ruger bolt-action system is known for its smooth operation and unfailing reliability, ensuring that the rifle cycles rounds consistently, shot after shot. This makes it a dependable companion for hunting trips or extended range sessions where performance cannot be compromised.

Ideal for New Shooters and Skill Development

For those just entering the shooting sports, the Ruger American Rimfire offers several advantages:

• Low Recoil: The .17 HMR cartridge produces very little recoil, making it comfortable and non-intimidaing for beginners. This allows new shooters to focus on fundamental marksmanship without anticipating discomfort.
• Affordable Ammunition (Relative to Centerfire): While not as inexpensive as .22 LR, .17 HMR ammunition is significantly more affordable than centerfire rifle cartridges, allowing for more practice without breaking the bank.
• Simple Operation: The bolt-action mechanism is straightforward to learn and operate, teaching essential firearm handling skills.
• Adjustable Fit: The modular stock ensures that even young or smaller-framed shooters can achieve a comfortable and proper shooting posture, which is vital for developing good habits.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your Ruger American Rimfire Standard rifle is straightforward, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance. Regular cleaning of the barrel, bolt, and action, along with proper lubrication, will keep your rifle in top condition. The durable materials used in its construction mean it requires less delicate handling than some other firearms, making it a practical choice for active shooters.

Where to Find Your Ruger American Rimfire Standard

When you’re ready to acquire the Ruger American Rimfire Standard model 8311, known for its exceptional performance in the .17 HMR caliber, DEGuns is your trusted source. With a commitment to offering a wide selection of quality firearms and accessories, DEGuns provides a seamless purchasing experience for both seasoned shooters and those new to the sport. Explore the capabilities of this versatile rifle and see why it’s a top recommendation for varmint hunting, target practice, and general recreational shooting.

Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Model	Ruger American Rimfire Standard
Caliber	.17 HMR
Capacity	9+1 Rounds
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Finish	Satin Blued
Stock	Black Synthetic, Modular, Right Hand
Trigger	Ruger Marksman Adjustable™
Receiver	Alloy Steel, Drilled & Tapped (3/8" Rimfire Scope Base & Grooved)
Magazine Type	Detachable Rotary Magazine (Ruger BX-1 compatible)
UPC	736676083112