Is your Ruger American Rimfire feeling a little incomplete without a solid scope? Many shooters find that adding a quality scope unlocks the true potential of their rifle, turning good shots into great ones. But attaching that new optic brings a new challenge: choosing the right scope mount. It can feel overwhelming! You worry about alignment, sturdiness, and whether the mount will slip after just a few rounds. A poor mount can ruin accuracy, no matter how good your scope is.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for when mounting an optic on your Ruger American Rimfire. You will learn the key differences between the types of mounts available, ensuring your scope stays locked down tight for consistent performance at the range or in the field. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect mount to pair with your rifle. Let’s dive into securing that glass!
Top Scope Mount For Ruger American Rimfire Recommendations
- Picatinny rail mount built specifically for Rimfire Ruger American rifle platforms
- Compatible with Short Action Ruger American models only including: 22 LR | 22 WMR | 17 HMR
- Scope mount installs directly to receiver via the factory mounting holes and included #6 set screws with no additional hardware required
- Not compatible with short action or with long action rounds
- All Monstrum scope mounts and accessories come with a lifetime guarantee
- For the Ruger American Rimfire model. Length: 4.65". Weight: 1.5 oz.
- 11-slot rail. included set screws into the Ruger American Short Action factory mounting holes
- use for the mounting of Picatinny or Weaver standard scopes, red dots, magnifiers, or laser sight
- Made out of durable high quality material - 6061-T6 aluminium alloy. Sturdy and durable.
- Sleek new design allows you add on any standard 21mm picatinny or weaver accessories. Mounting hardware included.
- Superior precision
- Durable and repeatable
- Lightweight, rigid design
- DESIGNED FOR RUGER AMERICAN RIMFIRE RIFLES Made exclusively for Ruger American Rimfire models in 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 17 HMR. Not compatible with centerfire, short-action, or long-action Ruger American rifles.
- EASY INSTALLATION WITH INCLUDED HARDWARE Mounts in minutes using factory holes and included #6 set screws. No drilling, modification, or additional tools required.
- LIGHTWEIGHT 6061 ALUMINUM WITH 17 SLOTS Machined from 6061 aluminum for durability and reduced weight. The 6.9-inch length and 17-slot design allow versatile optic placement for improved accuracy and comfort.
- BROAD OPTICS COMPATIBILITY Works with Picatinny and Weaver-compatible rings, scopes, red dot sights, and night vision devices. Ideal for hunting, plinking, and target shooting.
- PRE-COATED SCREWS & LIFETIME SUPPORT Includes #6-48 and #8-40 6mm screws with blue threadlocker pre-applied to resist loosening. Supported by a lifetime warranty.
- This Picatinny-style base scope mount fits Ruger American Rimfire
- This Ruger American Rimfire scope mount is a perfect addition to your Ruger American gun. Scope mount allows you to use accessories. This mount works on all Ruger American Rimfire models, including the wood and synthetic stock models.
- Picatinny cross slots run the full length of the rail, which gives flexibility when mounting different accessories. The channel in the center reduces the overall mass of the mount. Also, it will not obstruct usage of factory iron sights.
- We machine these in our shop using one of our machining centers. After machining, the mounts are tumbled, sand blasted, and Type II anodized for long lasting durability.
- Ruger American RIMFIRE Scope Mount
- Picatinny rail mount built specifically for Rimfire Ruger American rifle platforms
- Compatible with Short Action Ruger American models only including: 22 LR | 22 WMR | 17 HMR. Not compatible with short action or with long action rounds
- Scope mount installs directly to receiver via the factory mounting holes and included #6 set screws with no additional hardware required
- Integrated level bubble built into the rear of the rail to help ensure proper vertical alignment of your rifle and to eliminate scope cant error
- All Monstrum scope mounts and accessories come with a lifetime guarantee
Choosing the Right Scope Mount for Your Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire is a fantastic, reliable rifle. To get the best performance from it, you need a solid scope mount. A good mount keeps your scope steady. It ensures your shots go exactly where you aim. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first:
- **Ring Size Compatibility:** Make sure the mount matches the diameter of your scope’s main tube. Common sizes are 1 inch or 30mm. Measure your scope tube before buying!
- **Height/Cant:** Mount height affects how comfortably you can look through the scope (cheek weld). A 0 MOA (Minute of Angle) mount is usually fine for rimfire ranges. If you shoot very far, you might need a 10 or 20 MOA cant, but this is rare for rimfire.
- **Mounting Style:** Most Ruger American Rimfire rifles come with integrated Weaver or Picatinny bases already attached to the receiver. Ensure your rings or base system matches these slots.
- **Locking Mechanism:** How does the mount attach to the rifle? Look for strong screws or quick-detach levers that lock tightly without slipping.
Important Materials
The material of your mount greatly affects its strength and weight.
Aluminum: Most quality mounts use strong, lightweight aluminum alloys (like 6061-T6). Aluminum resists rust well and keeps the rifle light. This is a great choice for hunting or casual plinking.
Steel: Steel mounts are heavier but offer maximum durability. They are often overkill for light .22 LR use but provide ultimate rigidity if you plan on heavy use or using a magnum rimfire caliber.
Finish Quality: A good matte black anodized finish prevents glare and protects the metal from scratches. Avoid shiny finishes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality matters for accuracy. A poor mount ruins a great scope.
What Improves Quality?
- **Precision Machining:** Mounts cut precisely by a computer (CNC machining) fit perfectly onto your rifle. This prevents any wobble.
- **Torque Specs:** Good manufacturers provide recommended tightening specifications (torque specs). Following these ensures a secure fit without damaging screws.
- **Interlocking Design:** Some rings use a design where the top and bottom halves lock together, adding extra strength.
What Reduces Quality?
- **Soft Metal:** Cheap, soft metals can strip screws easily or bend under pressure.
- **Poor Tolerances:** If the holes or slots do not line up perfectly with the rifle’s receiver, the scope will never hold zero (stay accurate).
- **Sharp Edges:** Rough edges can scratch the finish of your expensive scope tube.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your rifle should guide your mount choice.
Hunting/Carrying: If you carry your rifle through brush, choose a lightweight, one-piece aluminum mount. These keep the overall setup trim and snag-free. They handle occasional bumps well.
Target Shooting/Varmint Control: For precision shooting at a bench or field, rigidity is key. Two-piece, high-quality steel or robust aluminum rings offer the most reliable hold, ensuring your scope stays perfectly aligned shot after shot.
Quick Adjustments: If you frequently switch scopes or remove the scope for storage, look for Quick Detach (QD) levers. These allow fast removal and reattachment without losing your zero significantly. However, QD mounts can sometimes be bulkier.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ruger American Rimfire Scope Mounts
Q: Does the Ruger American Rimfire come with scope bases?
A: Yes, most models come with integrated Weaver-style bases already machined into the receiver.
Q: Should I buy a one-piece or two-piece mount?
A: For the Rimfire, a two-piece ring set is usually fine and offers flexibility. A one-piece mount is often sturdier, especially if you need extra elevation.
Q: Do I need special rings for a .22 LR scope?
A: You need rings that match the scope tube diameter (usually 1 inch). You do not need special “rimfire rings” unless you are worried about recoil, which is very low on most rimfire cartridges.
Q: What is the standard scope height I should choose?
A: Low or Medium height rings usually work best for the Ruger American Rimfire, depending on the objective lens size of your scope.
Q: What is MOA, and do I need it?
A: MOA measures the angle of elevation built into the mount. For typical rimfire distances (under 100 yards), 0 MOA is standard. You rarely need more.
Q: Can I use Weaver rings on a Picatinny rail?
A: Yes, Weaver and Picatinny rails are very similar. Most Weaver-style rings fit Picatinny bases securely.
Q: Is a steel mount too heavy for a rimfire rifle?
A: Steel adds noticeable weight. Unless you need extreme durability, lightweight aluminum is usually preferred for rimfire rifles.
Q: How tight should I screw the rings onto the scope?
A: Tighten them just enough so the scope cannot rotate in the rings. Overtightening can crush the scope tube and damage the internal optics.
Q: What is the easiest mounting system for beginners?
A: A simple, high-quality, one-piece aluminum mount that clamps directly onto the existing bases is often the easiest to install correctly.
Q: Will my mount affect my rifle’s accuracy?
A: Absolutely. A loose or poorly made mount is the number one reason a new scope setup seems inaccurate. A good mount maintains accuracy.