The 10 Best .22 Pistols, Reviewed

The demand and recognition of .22 pistols continues to rise with every passing yr. Producers have taken word of this increasing market and have produced a wide selection of .22 pistol configurations. Rimfire handguns present taking pictures fanatics with infinite hours of plinking on the vary, a singular number of looking alternatives, and double as succesful private protection weapons.

Whether or not you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time gun proprietor, a .22 caliber handgun is each a sensible and invaluable asset to personal. Filtering via the infinite fashions of .22 pistols generally is a daunting job. Beneath are eight of the perfect .22 pistols that must be thought-about subsequent time you’re available in the market for a brand new rimfire. 

How I Picked the Greatest .22 Pistols

Narrowing down the plethora of .22 pistols available on the market to simply eight sidearms was no straightforward job. I leaned alone 20+ years of gun information in addition to different extraordinarily skilled and certified people to assemble this record. I additionally did my finest to incorporate quite a lot of .22 pistol configurations to cowl the spectrum of .22 handguns. On the finish of the day, there are a lot of succesful and dependable .22 pistols available on the market and this record is an goal compilation of .22 caliber handguns. What matches and feels good to at least one particular person, might not work for the following. 

The Greatest .22 Pistols: Opinions & Suggestions 

Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9

Key Options

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.9-inch, blued, bull
• Total Size: 10 inches 
• Weight: 41 ounces
• Body: Machined aluminum alloy
• Sights: Vortex Crossfire Purple Dot; TruGlo fiber optic entrance, adjustable rear
• MSRP: $899

Professionals

• Dependable
• Correct
• Comfy grip
• Consists of Vortex crimson dot sight

Cons

First launched in 1985, the Buck Mark pistol has been a staple within the Browning lineup for many years. Thirty eight years later the Buckmark has change into one of the crucial recognizable and dependable .22 pistols available on the market. Browning at the moment has quite a few fashions accessible to enchantment to everybody from the yard goal plinker to the intense aggressive shooter. 

New for 2023 is the Buck Mark Hunter 5.9. This good-looking Buck Mark rendition sports activities a precision machined alloy body with a 5.9 in. matte blued bull barrel and laminated cocobolo-colored goal grip plates. The Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 additionally comes normal with a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, muzzle break, and TRUGLO fiber optic entrance sight. The cherry on prime of this fashionable pistol is a Vortex Crossfire Purple Dot sight.

The Buck Mark is likely one of the most snug pistols to carry in your hand and is nicely balanced for its dimension. Buck Marks are identified for his or her accuracy, a lot of which is contributed to its crisp, straightforward to manage set off. The Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 does characteristic a number of upgrades from a regular Buck Mark and the value displays that. There are a number of Buck Mark fashions which are sub $500 if you’re set on a Buck Mark however don’t have the extra funds for the Hunter 5.9 mannequin.

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Key Options

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 20+1
• Motion: semi-auto, recoil-operated, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4-inch, carbon metal, threaded
• Total Size: 7 inches 
• Weight: 17 ounces
• Body: Polymer/ stainless-steel
• Sights: Fiber optic 3-dot, adjustable rear
• MSRP: $399 (road)

Professionals

• Full-size pistol really feel
• glorious capability
• Suppressor and optics prepared
• Nice coach

Cons

• Extreme lead fouling with some ammunition

The Sig Sauer P322 is a wonderful instance of a contemporary .22 pistol. It’s correct and dependable, and features nicely as a coach for centerfire pistols. The P322’s form typically follows the strains of the P365 sequence; although it’s bigger than the unique Sig P365. It has a hard and fast barrel with a slip-over recoil spring. The slide is aluminum, however encompasses a metal insert that homes the firing pin, extractor, and helps the case head. It’s a hammer-fired pistol that has a hid hammer and a very good set off pull. The P322 makes use of 20-round double-stack magazines that really feel and cargo like bigger 9mm magazines. I’ve put a pair thousand rounds via my P322 and the one concern I’ve encountered is that with one sort of ammunition the tip of the bore would foul considerably. If you wish to use a suppressor, shoot a pair hundred rounds of your ammo first to make sure that it gained’t foul excessively. 

Learn our full Sig Sauer P322 evaluation to study extra.

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Key Options

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4.25-inch, stainless-steel
• Total Size: 7 inches (85 p.c scale of unique 1911)
• Weight: 15 ounces
• Body: Aluminum alloy
• Sights: Black A1
• MSRP: $749.99 (road) 

Professionals

• Nice “coach” for utilizing 1911 centerfire pistols
• Light-weight (15 oz.)
• Straightforward to disassemble
• Number of grip and end configurations

Cons

• Value Tag
• Barely smaller that normal full dimension 1911 handguns

For the higher half of the twentieth Century (1911-1985), the Colt 1911 served as the usual concern sidearm for the USA Armed Forces. Right now, pistol fanatics’ admiration of the 1911 has prompted many producers to maintain constructing trendy pistols on the enduring platform,

together with a number of in .22 caliber. Browning’s 1911-22 A1 full-Measurement pistol is constructed to 85 p.c of the size of John M. Browning’s unique 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.

On the surface, Browning’s 1911-22 handgun mirrors a contemporary 1911-A1 with a excessive power/light-weight alloy body, matte black slide, textured hammer, grip security and laser checkered composite grips. True to its 1911 heritage, the Browning 1911-22 A1 sports activities a fundamental mounted dovetail-notched rear sight and a put up entrance sight. The important thing factor in regards to the Browning 1911-22 pistol is that it typically follows a real 1911 motion and recoil system design—simply scaled down. Most full-size .22 1911 pistols appear like a 1911 on the surface, however are made with mounted barrels and a completely completely different recoil system.

Lackluster set off pull has been the draw back of many effective sidearms. Browning’s 1911-22 A1 does have a stern set off pull however it breaks crisp and is snug to shoot. The Browning 1911-22 A1 supplies shooters infinite enjoyment plinking on the vary, and the power to enhance their marksmanship abilities with their normal centerfire 1911s at a fraction of the associated fee.

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 WMR
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4.5-inch
• Total Size: 8.2 inches
• Weight: 27.8 ounces
• Body: Polymer
• Sights: Entrance, fiber optic; Rear, serrated
• MSRP: $549 (road)  

Professionals

• Chambered in .22 WMR (Better velocity and elevated down vary power)
• Concealable
• Comes normal with two magazines

Cons

• Chambered in .22 WMR (Costlier ammo)

Final fall, Walther created fairly the excitement with the launch of their new hammer-fired, semi-automatic WMP (Walther Magnum Pistol) rimfire sidearm. The WMP, differs from the opposite .22 caliber pistols talked about on this article in that it’s chambered in .22 WMR versus .22 LR. What’s the distinction? .22 WMR is a “magnum” .22 caliber cartridge, giving shooters a noticeable benefit in muzzle velocity and downrange power when in comparison with the .22 LR. The WMP is primarily marketed as a self-defense pistol designed with a high-capacity magazine (15+1) and minimal recoil, however it additionally doubles as a enjoyable handgun to shoot on the vary.

Walther’s new WMP encompasses a polymer body and aluminum slide for a mixed size of 8.2 inches and a complete weight of 27.8 oz. (with empty journal). Whereas not thought-about a compact pistol, its weight and dimension are simply concealable for many. Different options embrace Walther’s patented Quad Launch ambidextrous reloading mechanism, fiber-optic entrance sight and serrated rear sight, and an built-in accent rail in entrance of the set off guard.

The WMP fills a distinct segment for those who need to carry however are usually not snug dealing with larger bored sidearms. By way of ammo, Walther has finished intensive analysis on what shoots finest via the WMP. They conveniently positioned a diagram on their web site of their findings of what does and doesn’t shoot nicely. It’s also value noting that .22 WMR ammo is costlier than .22 LR ammo, however not by a lot.

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: Six
• Motion: Revolver, single-action
• Barrel: 4.62 inches
• Total Size: 10.25 inches
• Weight: 30 ounces
• Body: Aluminum alloy, black cerakote end
• Sights: Entrance, blade; Rear, integral
• MSRP: $269  

Professionals

• Easy design
• Straightforward to function
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Cylinder shouldn’t be a swing-out design, have to be taken out fully to entry

Ruger’s single-action Wrangler .22LR revolver is a contemporary pistol with a nostalgic tie to the Wild West. The Wrangler revolver might not be totally sensible to most functions, however there isn’t any denying the enjoyable that you’ll have plinking soda cans and ringing metal targets with it. 

Ruger gives a number of renditions of the traditional revolver with varied barrel lengths and metallic finishes, however the mechanics stay the identical throughout the board. The Wrangler is comprised of an aluminum alloy body and cylinder, chilly hammer-forged barrel, textured hammer, and a crisp, clear set off. The hammer additionally doubles as your security because the gun can not fireplace with out manually cocking the hammer again.

Coming from somebody who grew up idolizing cowboys, the Ruger Wrangler was one of many very first firearms I bought. Whereas it isn’t used almost sufficient, it nonetheless will get pulled out from time to time for some enjoyable on the vary and on the ranch. It was additionally my go-to weapon for dispatching racoons and skunks once I was a younger trapper with extra time than brains. Regardless of your talent degree, the Ruger Wrangler must be a welcomed addition to any handgun assortment. The Wrangler is easy in design, straightforward to function, and straightforward on the checkbook.

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 13+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, SAO
• Barrel: 3.6 inches
• Total Size: 6.7 inches
• Weight: 16.5 ounces
• Body: Polymer
• Sights: Entrance, mounted; Rear, Drift adjustable serrated
• MSRP: $399

Professionals

• Compact/straightforward to hide
• Confirmed reliability
• Comfy to shoot
• Two magazines included

Cons

•  Doesn’t provide a fiber-optic entrance sight choice

Since its introduction in 2019, the Taurus TX22 pistol has been a favourite amongst rimfire pistol fanatics. Taurus has continued to construct upon that line with their current announcement of the TX22 Compact pistol.  With an general size of 6.7 in., and an unloaded weight of solely 16.5 oz., this compact rimfire pistol is the perfect candidate for a light-weight EDC sidearm. 

For a compact pistol, the TX22 is loaded with options. These embrace a 13-round staggered column journal, threaded barrel, and an adjunct rail in entrance of the set off guard. The TX-22 Compact additionally makes use of Taurus’s noteworthy Efficiency Set off System that aids in accuracy and is a pleasure to shoot. Ergonomically, the TX22 Compact was nicely thought via with a snug textured grip and simply accessible security and journal launch.

The launch of the TX22 Compact brings the working complete of various TX22 fashions to 16 in all kinds of configurations for various taking pictures duties and tastes.

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, recoil-operated, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.5 inches, bull
• Total Size: 9.75 inches
• Weight: 34.4 ounces
• Body: Polymer
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight (drilled and tapped receiver)
• MSRP: $519

Professionals

• Correct
• Accommodates a crimson dot sight
• Two 10-round magazines included

Cons

Ruger’s Mark IV 22/45 is a current addition to their long-standing line of semi-automatic .22 pistols that dates again to 1950 when Ruger launched the Mark I Goal handgun. The Mark IV 22/45 is a succesful pistol that intently resembles the grip angle of the 1911, making it an amazing “coach” sidearm. It’s also a favourite amongst .22 fanatics for its accuracy and skill to make the most of a variety of equipment. 

One of many major complaints about earlier renditions within the Ruger Mark .22 pistol household was in regard to its problem to disassemble. Shooters’ complaints didn’t fall upon deaf ears and Ruger made a number of enhancements that make the Mark IV 22/45 a cinch to disassemble with its easy one-button takedown. The Mark IV 22/45 is constructed upon a precision-molded polymer grip body and a chilly hammer-forged barrel. It additionally comes normal with a drilled and tapped receiver to accommodate both a Weaver or Picatinny type rail to simply connect your favourite red dot optic.

Not like most .22 pistols, the Mark IV 22/45 additionally options an ambidextrous handbook security that may be simply flipped to the left facet of the receiver. Coming from a southpaw, that may be a characteristic that I really recognize. 

The Rugler Mark IV is likely one of the finest .22 pistols ever designed. Learn our full review of the Mark IV to study extra about it.

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.5 inches
• Total Size: 9.2 inches
• Weight: 37.1 ounces
• Body: Chrome steel
• Sights: Fiber optic entrance sight, adjustable fiber optic rear sight
• MSRP: $454

Professionals

• Fast and straightforward takedown design
• Adjustable fiber optic sight
• Adjustable set off
• Aftermarket grips accessible

Cons

• On the heavy facet at 36 ounces (empty)
• Non-threaded barrel

Smith & Wesson’s SW-22 Victory pistol is a full-size, inside hammer-fired, .22 caliber sidearm that shooters can use throughout all kinds of taking pictures actions. The SW-22 Victory is constructed upon a stainless-steel body and options textured polymer grips and a match-grade, interchangeable barrel to make sure precision and efficiency.

The SW-22 Victory incorporates a number of high-end options into an reasonably priced price-point sidearm. Just like the Ruger Mark IV beforehand talked about, one of many hallmark designs within the SW-22 Victory is its easy one-screw takedown design. Different notable options embrace adjustable fiber optic sights, included picatinny rail, and a metal strengthened thumb security.

Smith and Wesson labored via the aesthetics and ergonomics of the SW-22 Victory with a fine-toothed comb. Whereas it’s a full-size pistol, the SW-22 Victory feels surprisingly snug and balanced within the hand and shows higher than common accuracy on the vary. The completion to the SW-22 Victory is the adjustable set off cease to effective tune its really feel to your liking.

Walther PPK/s 22 Black

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 3.3 inches
• Total Size: 6.1 inches
• Weight: 19 ounces
• Body: Metal
• Sights: Mounted black entrance blade, windage adjustable rear
• MSRP: $349

Professionals

• Straightforward to hide
• Iconic design
• Confirmed reliability
• Threaded barrel

Cons

• Heavy-ish set off (6.1 kilos)
• Mounted sights

German small arms producer, Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen, produced the primary PPK pistol in 1930. Quick ahead almost a century and the PPK design continues to be a favourite hid carry weapon for a lot of handgun aficionados in addition to the beloved sidearm of alternative for Mr. Bond, everybody’s favourite British spy. Walther noticed the potential in a rimfire PPK mannequin and launched the primary PPK/s 22 in 2013. Ten years later, rimfire pistol fanatics proceed to hail the PPK/s 22 pistol as a favourite for leisure taking pictures and on a regular basis carry.

The PPK/s 22 is an actual scaled reproduction of the PPK/s chambered in .380 ACP with a number of various inside options to accommodate the .22 LR chambering. Weighing a mere 19 oz. and sporting an general size of solely 6.1 in., the PPK/s 22 can simply match within the palm of your hand and is good for an on a regular basis hid carry sidearm. Higher but, the PPK/s 22 encompasses a 10-round capability journal, packing a considerable quantity of fireplace energy into a particularly compact pistol.

For the reason that launch of the PPK/s 22, Walther has launched varied fashions that incorporate completely different metallic finishes and grip supplies. The PPK/s, just like the 1911, is a timeless sidearm that can proceed to be praised for a very long time to return.

Smith & Wesson Model 43C

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Key Options 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: Six
• Motion: Revolver, double-action
• Barrel: 1.88 inches
• Total Size: 6.25 inches
• Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Body: Aluminum
• Sights: Entrance: XS Sights, white dot; Rear: mounted U-notch
• MSRP: $759

Professionals

• Compact and Mild
• Straightforward to hide

Cons

Is a .22 pistol an satisfactory alternative for self protection? For some of us, in some very particular conditions, the reply is sure. Just lately, OL taking pictures Editor John B. Snow and Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills evaluated Federal’s Punch .22 LR self-defense ammo and located that the hundreds “penetrated greater than 12 inches [into ballistic gel], which is the brink that the FBI likes to see. They need from 12 to 18 inches of penetration and this bullet achieved that.”

“With 8 rounds on faucet that may be fired shortly and precisely in an easy-to-carry and conceal revolver with purpose-built ammo, you’ll be able to see how a .22 LR for self-defense turns into a viable choice,” Snow wrote in his review. “Is a .22 going to displace my compact carry 9mms or my 5-shot J-Body as an on a regular basis carry choice? Most likely not. However I gained’t look down my nostril the identical approach at somebody who opts to make use of a .22 LR for private safety.”

With that in thoughts, you must think about the & Wesson Mannequin 43C in case you’re trying to concealed-carry a .22 pistol for private safety. The 43C is an AirWeight variation of S&W’s Centennial Mannequin. It’s svelte and light-weight because of its aluminum body and aluminum cylinder (it weighs simply 11.4 ounces) weighing 11.4 ounces. The hammer is hid throughout the body, and it’s a double-action solely pistol. 

Snow ran a sequence of drills on paper and metal at 3, 7, and 15 yards and located that he was capable of shoot the pistol shortly and precisely. Recoil was negligible and as lengthy with strong fundamentals.

Learn Subsequent: The Glock 44: Tested and Reviewed

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for One of many Greatest .22 Pistols

There are a number of components to think about when buying a pistol, or any firearm for that matter. These break down into three classes: value, perform, and reliability.

Price

The primary issue that have to be considered when buying a .22 pistol is value. Set your price range and follow it. When you solely have $500 to spend on a brand new pistol, don’t even trouble trying on the costlier choices behind the gun counter irrespective of how arduous the gross sales affiliate pushes you. I’m a proponent of the “purchase as soon as, cry as soon as” mentality, however I additionally perceive a price range and do my finest to get probably the most bang for the cash that I do have. Additionally needless to say you’ll want to put aside a piece of change for ammo and different equipment that your pistol might have when setting your price range. Your fancy new pistol is nothing greater than a paper weight if you don’t put aside adequate funds for ammunition.

Perform

.22 pistols are utilized in all kinds of situations to incorporate every thing from leisure goal taking pictures, to dispatching vermin on the entice line, to high-stake taking pictures competitions, and plenty of different endeavors. Deciding what .22 pistol will fit your wants finest will largely be pushed by your meant function for it. If you’re searching for an every-day-carry, you’ll almost definitely flip most of your consideration to compact choices which are straightforward to hide. On the flip facet, if you’re merely searching for a enjoyable gun to punch holes in cans with then you definately would possibly think about a full-frame pistol. Line out what you propose to make use of your .22 pistol for many and start your search with that in thoughts. 

Reliability

Whereas most of us buy firearms with hopes of by no means having an issue, the truth is that it’s normally solely a matter of time earlier than a jam happens or another minor setback. Do your homework earlier than buying a pistol and see what others need to say. Whereas I at all times take the data dished out on the web with a grain of salt, there may be some good info on the market to be consumed. When mulling via homeowners’ opinions, look ahead to patterns. If one particular person has had a nasty expertise, they might have simply gotten the unhealthy apple. Nevertheless, if there are a number of customers working into the identical points then these are value noting. Greatest case state of affairs is that you understand somebody that owns one and may choose their mind on their private expertise with it. They’re much extra doubtless to offer you a straight reply than the gun counter affiliate attempting to make a sale. 

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Ultimate Ideas on the Greatest .22 Pistols

The advantages of proudly owning and taking pictures among the best .22 pistols are tangible. A few of these perks embrace elevated proficiency and luxury with larger bored pistols, nice EDC sidearms and distinctive looking alternatives. However most significantly, they’re downright enjoyable to shoot.