The Timney Ruger American Rimfire trigger is one of the few aftermarket upgrades for Ruger’s popular line of rifles. With over 30 variations available across .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR calibers in blue, stainless, polymer, or wood stocks, there’s something for everyone. Yet the aftermarket remains limited. So I’ll take any improvement I can get.
My stainless model (8351) is the eighth Ruger American Rimfire I’ve owned. Because it shoots exceptionally well, I figured it was time for a trigger upgrade. Timney kindly provided one for testing.
Design & Build Quality
The Timney Ruger American Rimfire trigger is as close to a drop-in replacement as you can get. Out of the box, the trigger feels solid with close tolerances and a high level of finish. Timney builds these with high-quality materials. Everything about it feels precise and durable, in typical Timney fashion.
The factory trigger is adjustable from 3-5 lbs and isn’t bad, but it’s overall feel is a bit hampered by the redundant safety. And it could certainly be lighter. However, you can adjust Timney’s trigger between 1.5 and 4 lbs. As a result, you can fine-tune the trigger to your shooting style.
Pro tip: Choose your desired weight at the time of ordering, and Timney will set it up for you before delivery. No need to mess with adjustments – just drop it in and you’re done!
Installation
Timney provides excellent instructions for installation, including transferring the safety from the OEM trigger. You’ll need appropriate hex wrenches for the action, a 1/16″ punch, a light hammer, and some needlenose pliers. Before beginning, I also took a couple of photos. Noting the spring’s position and the safety slide’s orientation simplified the process.
Installing the Timney trigger is fairly straightforward. First, verify that your rifle is completely unloaded. Next, remove the action from your stock. There are two small roll pins to knock out. These separate the trigger from the action (or hold it in). Save the small piece that falls out with it, in case you need to reinstall the original trigger.
With the safety reinstalled, it’s a matter of placing the Timney trigger in position and tapping the roll pins into place. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. For beginners, this easy installation is a big advantage, as you don’t need a gunsmith. However, take a moment to understand the adjustment screw before making changes. Turning the screw clockwise increases pull weight. Likewise, turning it counterclockwise will reduce the trigger pull weight.
Range Performance
After installing the trigger, the difference was clear. The mildly intrusive blade safety is gone, and the trigger now breaks crisp and predictable. Compared to the factory unit, the Timney trigger has a much nicer feel, with a lighter pull. The smooth, rounded shoe feels better, too. It’s just a very light and super clean break. While I have no real issues with the OEM trigger’s extra safety in the middle of the shoe, I much prefer a plain trigger.
Beyond the improved feel, the trigger offers a psychological benefit: it reminds you that safety ultimately lies with the shooter, not mechanical safeties. We shouldn’t rely on mechanical intervention, no matter how well-intentioned it is. Will my rifle be less safe without the redundant trigger safety? The answer to that is a resounding “no”.
Trigger Adjustment
You can easily adjust the Timney Ruger American Rimfire Trigger for pull weight. Using a small hex key, you can fine-tune from 4 lbs down to 1.5 lbs. Unless you state otherwise, they’re set at 3 lbs before shipping. Since this rifle is mostly shot from a table, I have no issues with the 1.5 lb setting. Even for hunting, that weight should be fine, with proper trigger discipline. However, you can leave it heavier for safety if necessary.
Adjusting it is simple enough, but I recommend making small changes and going by feel, rather than just a trigger gauge. The goal should be to find the point that feels right to you, regardless of weight.
Who Should Consider This Trigger?
This trigger is perfect for anyone who shoots a Ruger American Rimfire. First, target shooters and plinkers will notice improved accuracy. Second, small-game hunters benefit from the crisp, consistent break. Finally, shooters who like to tinker will enjoy the adjustable pull weight. And the rifles can be fairly inexpensive, making it easy to justify the $169.99 price to upgrade.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Fully adjustable pull weight (1.5–4 lbs)
- High-quality construction
- Can improve accuracy and control
Cons:
- Costs may be a factor for some shooters
Final Thoughts
The Timney Ruger American Rimfire trigger is a noticeable upgrade. Overall, the crisp break, clean reset, and adjustable pull weight improve shooting confidence. First-time installers will appreciate the easy installation. Finally, it is a smart investment for anyone who shoots their Ruger American Rimfire regularly.
This trigger combines quality, adjustability, and performance. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or casual plinking, it is worth the upgrade. It’s also the only trigger upgrade option for the Ruger American Rimfire series, making it an even easier choice. Find yours on the Timney website.
As always, I’d like to thank Timney for providing their trigger for my testing and evaluation.