The Ultimate Guide to the Ruger American Rimfire Rifle: Model 8351 in .22 LR

Are you searching for a dependable, accurate, and versatile rimfire rifle that can serve multiple purposes, from recreational plinking to small game hunting or even entry-level competitive shooting? Do you need a firearm that’s easy to handle for new shooters, yet offers the precision demanded by experienced marksmen? If you've been asking "What's the best .22 LR rifle for beginners?" or "Which rimfire rifle offers great value and performance?", then look no further than the Ruger American Rimfire Standard Rifle, specifically model 8351 chambered in the popular .22 Long Rifle caliber.

This rifle, known for its blend of robust construction, user-friendly features, and impressive accuracy, has become a top choice for a wide range of shooting enthusiasts. It's an excellent option for anyone looking to refine their shooting skills, enjoy countless hours at the range, or even take to the field for responsible small game acquisition.

Why Choose the Ruger American Rimfire Standard .22 LR?

The Ruger American Rimfire series distinguishes itself through several key innovations and design philosophies that prioritize the shooter’s experience. The model 8351, with its 18-inch satin stainless barrel and durable black synthetic stock, embodies these principles perfectly. It’s engineered to provide reliable performance in various conditions, making it a truly adaptable firearm.

Precision Engineering for Enhanced Accuracy

• Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The 18-inch barrel on the Ruger American Rimfire model 8351 is cold hammer-forged. This manufacturing process creates ultra-precise rifling, leading to exceptional accuracy and longevity. This means consistent bullet flight and tighter groups on your target, whether you’re shooting at paper or aiming for a squirrel. For anyone wondering "How can I improve my shooting accuracy?", a high-quality barrel like this is a fundamental starting point.
• Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger: A crisp, clean trigger pull is crucial for precise shooting. The Ruger American Rimfire features the proprietary Marksman Adjustable™ trigger, which allows shooters to customize the pull weight from 3 to 5 pounds. This adjustability ensures a personalized and consistent trigger feel, eliminating common issues like trigger creep or excessive pull weight that can negatively impact accuracy. This feature is a significant advantage for both novice shooters learning proper trigger control and experienced marksmen seeking to optimize their setup.

Unparalleled Versatility and Adaptability

• Interchangeable Stock Modules: This rifle comes with two interchangeable stock modules, allowing you to easily adjust the comb height and length of pull. One module is designed for use with iron sights (though this specific model is sightless but comes with scope bases), and the other for use with optics, ensuring a comfortable and consistent cheek weld regardless of your preferred sighting system. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for families with multiple shooters or for individuals who prefer different setups for various activities. It addresses the common question, "Can this rifle be adjusted for different users?" with a resounding yes.
• Compatibility with Ruger 10/22® Magazines: A significant advantage for any Ruger enthusiast is the ability to use standard Ruger 10/22® rotary magazines. The model 8351 comes standard with a 10-round BX-1 rotary magazine, but the compatibility with the hugely popular and readily available 10/22 magazines means you have a vast array of capacity options, from 10-round to higher capacity magazines, providing immense flexibility for extended plinking sessions or training drills without constant reloading.

Durability and Reliability You Can Trust

• Black Synthetic Stock: The lightweight, ergonomic black synthetic stock is designed for all-weather durability. It won't warp or crack due to temperature fluctuations or moisture, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use. Its textured grip surfaces provide a secure hold in any conditions.
• Satin Stainless Steel Barrel: The satin stainless finish on the barrel not only provides an attractive aesthetic but also offers superior corrosion resistance compared to blued steel, making it ideal for use in humid or challenging environments. This is a significant benefit for those asking, "Which rifle can withstand harsh weather conditions?"
• Patented Power Bedding® Integral Bedding Block System: This unique system free-floats the barrel, ensuring exceptional accuracy by eliminating any contact between the barrel and the stock, which can negatively impact precision. It rigidly attaches the receiver to the stock, enhancing the rifle's overall stability and accuracy potential.
• Tang Safety: The intuitive tang safety is easily accessible and provides immediate security, allowing for quick and positive engagement or disengagement. This design is highly favored for its simplicity and reliability.

Ideal Use Cases for the Ruger American Rimfire 8351

This rifle's versatility makes it suitable for a multitude of applications, truly making it a firearm that grows with your skills and needs.

1. Beginner and Youth Shooters

For anyone new to shooting, especially younger individuals, the .22 LR caliber is an ideal starting point due to its minimal recoil and manageable report. The Ruger American Rimfire’s adjustable stock, light weight, and intuitive controls make it incredibly forgiving and easy to learn on. It instills good shooting habits without the intimidation often associated with larger calibers. Many ask, "What's the best first rifle for a new shooter?", and the 8351 stands out as a prime candidate.

2. Recreational Plinking and Target Practice

Perhaps the most common use for a .22 LR rifle is recreational shooting. Whether you're hitting tin cans in the backyard (where legally permissible) or punching holes in paper targets at the range, the low cost of .22 LR ammunition means you can enjoy extended shooting sessions without breaking the bank. The Ruger American Rimfire 8351's accuracy and reliability make it incredibly satisfying for just having fun.

3. Small Game Hunting and Pest Control

With its precision and the effectiveness of .22 LR for small game, this rifle is an excellent tool for hunting squirrels, rabbits, and other small game animals. Its light weight makes it easy to carry in the field, and its quiet operation is less disruptive to the environment. For those with a need for ethical and humane pest control, the 8351 offers a precise solution.

4. Skill Development and Training

Experienced shooters often use .22 LR rifles to practice fundamentals like trigger control, breath holding, and sight alignment without the fatigue or expense of larger calibers. The Ruger American Rimfire 8351’s adjustable trigger and consistent performance make it an ideal training platform for honing marksmanship skills, which can then be transferred to other firearms.

5. Prepper and Survival Kits

Due to the small size, light weight, and availability of .22 LR ammunition, this rifle is often considered a valuable asset for survival or preparedness scenarios. Its ability to provide small game for sustenance and its reliability make it a practical tool for long-term readiness.

Maximizing Your Ruger American Rimfire Experience

To get the most out of your Ruger American Rimfire 8351, consider these enhancements and practices:

• Optics: While it doesn't come with iron sights, the receiver is drilled and tapped, and it includes a Weaver-style scope base adapter. This makes mounting a rifle scope incredibly straightforward, allowing you to fully unlock its long-range accuracy potential. For target shooting or small game hunting, a good quality rimfire scope will significantly enhance your precision.
• Ammunition Selection: Different brands and types of .22 LR ammunition can perform differently in any given rifle. Experiment with various loads to find which one your Ruger American Rimfire prefers for the best accuracy.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will ensure your rifle remains reliable and accurate for many years to come. The Ruger American Rimfire is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, making maintenance a simple task.
• Training and Practice: Consistent practice is key to becoming a proficient shooter. Take advantage of the low cost of .22 LR ammunition and spend time at the range, focusing on fundamentals.

The Ruger American Rimfire Standard Rifle, model 8351, is more than just a firearm; it’s an investment in a rewarding shooting experience. Its thoughtful design, robust construction, and impressive performance make it a standout choice in the rimfire market. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your shooting journey, this rifle offers a compelling blend of features that cater to accuracy, versatility, and enduring reliability. These products are all available at DEGuns, ensuring you receive a genuine Ruger firearm from a trusted source.

Product Specifications: Ruger American Rimfire Model 8351

Feature	Description
Model	Ruger American Rimfire Standard
Caliber	.22 LR
Capacity	10+1 rounds (BX-1 Rotary Magazine)
Barrel Length	18 inches
Barrel Material	Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish	Satin Stainless
Stock Material	Black Synthetic
Trigger	Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ (3-5 lb range)
Safety	Tang Safety
Sights	None (Receiver is drilled & tapped for scope, includes Weaver-style base adapter)
Weight	Approximately 5.3 lbs
Overall Length	Approximately 37 inches
Length of Pull	Adjustable (interchangeable stock modules included)
Magazine Compatibility	Accepts Ruger 10/22® magazines
Rifling Twist	1:16" RH

UPC	736676083510
Manufacturer	Ruger
Product Line	American Rimfire