Best .22 Pistols of 2023

The demand and recognition of .22 pistols continues to rise with every passing 12 months. Manufacturers have taken be aware of this increasing market and have produced a wide selection of .22 pistol configurations. Rimfire handguns present taking pictures lovers with infinite hours of plinking on the vary, a novel number of searching alternatives, and double as succesful private protection weapons.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time gun proprietor, a .22 caliber handgun is each a sensible and precious asset to personal. Filtering by way of the infinite fashions of .22 pistols generally is a daunting activity. Below are eight of the very best .22 pistols that must be thought of subsequent time you might be available in the market for a brand new rimfire. 

How I Picked the Best .22 Pistols

Narrowing down the plethora of .22 pistols available on the market to only eight sidearms was no simple activity. I leaned by myself 20+ years of gun information in addition to different extraordinarily skilled and certified people to assemble this record. I additionally did my greatest to incorporate a wide range of .22 pistol configurations to cowl the spectrum of .22 handguns. At the tip of the day, there are numerous succesful and dependable .22 pistols available on the market and this record is an goal compilation of .22 caliber handguns. What suits and feels good to at least one particular person, might not work for the subsequent. 

The Best .22 Pistols: Reviews & Recommendations 

Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Action: semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.9-inch, blued, bull
• Overall Length: 10 inches 
• Weight: 41 ounces
• Frame: Machined aluminum alloy
• Sights: Vortex Crossfire Red Dot; TruGlo fiber optic entrance, adjustable rear
• MSRP: $899

Pros

• Reliable
• Accurate
• Comfortable grip
• Includes 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 some of the recognizable and dependable .22 pistols available on the market. Browning at the moment has quite a few fashions out there 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 customary with a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, muzzle break, and TRUGLO fiber optic entrance sight. The cherry on prime of this trendy pistol is a Vortex Crossfire Red Dot sight.

The Buck Mark is without doubt one of the most comfy pistols to carry in your hand and is nicely balanced for its dimension. Buck Marks are recognized for his or her accuracy, a lot of which is contributed to its crisp, simple to manage set off. The Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 does function a number of upgrades from a regular Buck Mark and the value displays that. There are a number of Buck Mark fashions which can be sub $500 in case you are set on a Buck Mark however don’t have the extra funds for the Hunter 5.9 mannequin.

Sig P322

Key Features

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

Pros

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

Cons

• Excessive lead fouling with some ammunition

The Sig Sauer P322 is a wonderful instance of a contemporary .22 pistol. It’s correct and dependable, and capabilities 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 set barrel with a slip-over recoil spring. The slide is aluminum, however incorporates 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 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 by way of 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. 

Read our full Sig Sauer P322 overview to study extra.

Browning 1911-22 A1

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4.25-inch, chrome steel
• Overall Length: 7 inches (85 % scale of authentic 1911)
• Weight: 15 ounces
• Frame: Aluminum alloy
• Sights: Black A1
• MSRP: $749.99 (road) 

Pros

• Great “trainer” for utilizing 1911 centerfire pistols
• Lightweight (15 oz.)
• Easy to disassemble
• Variety of grip and end configurations

Cons

• Price Tag
• Slightly smaller that customary 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 United States Armed Forces. Today, pistol lovers’ admiration of the 1911 has prompted many producers to maintain constructing fashionable pistols on the long-lasting platform,

together with just a few in .22 caliber. Browning’s 1911-22 A1 full-Size pistol is constructed to 85 % of the size of John M. Browning’s authentic 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.

On the skin, 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 submit entrance sight. The key 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 skin, however are made with mounted barrels and a very completely different recoil system.

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

Walther WMP

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 WMR
• Capacity: 15+1
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4.5-inch
• Overall Length: 8.2 inches
• Weight: 27.8 ounces
• Frame: Polymer
• Sights: Front, fiber optic; Rear, serrated
• MSRP: $549 (road)  

Pros

• Chambered in .22 WMR (Greater velocity and elevated down vary vitality)
• Concealable
• Comes customary with two magazines

Cons

• Chambered in .22 WMR (More costly ammo)

Last fall, Walther created fairly the thrill 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 vitality 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 incorporates 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). While not thought of a compact pistol, its weight and dimension are simply concealable for many. Other options embody Walther’s patented Quad Release 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 wish to carry however are usually not comfy dealing with greater bored sidearms. In phrases of ammo, Walther has carried out intensive analysis on what shoots greatest by way of the WMP. They conveniently positioned a diagram on their web site of their findings of what does and doesn’t shoot nicely. It can also be value noting that .22 WMR ammo is costlier than .22 LR ammo, however not by a lot.

Ruger Wrangler

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: Six
• Action: Revolver, single-action
• Barrel: 4.62 inches
• Overall Length: 10.25 inches
• Weight: 30 ounces
• Frame: Aluminum alloy, black cerakote end
• Sights: Front, blade; Rear, integral
• MSRP: $269  

Pros

• Simple design
• Easy to function
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Cylinder just isn’t a swing-out design, should be taken out utterly to entry

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

Ruger gives a number of renditions of the basic revolver with numerous barrel lengths and steel 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. While 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 after I was a younger trapper with extra time than brains. No matter your talent stage, the Ruger Wrangler must be a welcomed addition to any handgun assortment. The Wrangler is easy in design, simple to function, and simple on the checkbook.

Taurus TX22 Compact

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 13+1
• Action: Semi-auto, SAO
• Barrel: 3.6 inches
• Overall Length: 6.7 inches
• Weight: 16.5 ounces
• Frame: Polymer
• Sights: Front, mounted; Rear, Drift adjustable serrated
• MSRP: $399

Pros

• Compact/simple to hide
• Proven reliability
• Comfortable to shoot
• Two magazines included

Cons

•  Does not provide a fiber-optic entrance sight choice

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

For a compact pistol, the TX22 is loaded with options. These embody 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 Performance Trigger System that aids in accuracy and is a pleasure to shoot. Ergonomically, the TX22 Compact was nicely thought by way of with a snug textured grip and simply accessible security and journal launch.

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

Ruger Mark IV 22/45

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Action: Semi-auto, recoil-operated, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.5 inches, bull
• Overall Length: 9.75 inches
• Weight: 34.4 ounces
• Frame: Polymer
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight (drilled and tapped receiver)
• MSRP: $519

Pros

• Accurate
• 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 Target handgun. The Mark IV 22/45 is a succesful pistol that carefully resembles the grip angle of the 1911, making it an excellent “trainer” sidearm. It can also be a favourite amongst .22 lovers for its accuracy and talent to make the most of a variety of equipment. 

One of the first complaints about earlier renditions within the Ruger Mark .22 pistol household was in regard to its issue 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 customary with a drilled and tapped receiver to accommodate both a Weaver or Picatinny type rail to simply connect your favourite crimson dot optic.

Unlike most .22 pistols, the Mark IV 22/45 additionally options an ambidextrous guide security that may be simply flipped to the left aspect of the receiver. Coming from a southpaw, that may be a function that I actually admire. 

The Rugler Mark IV is without doubt one of the greatest .22 pistols ever designed. Read our full overview of the Mark IV to study extra about it.

Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 5.5 inches
• Overall Length: 9.2 inches
• Weight: 37.1 ounces
• Frame: Stainless metal
• Sights: Fiber optic entrance sight, adjustable fiber optic rear sight
• MSRP: $454

Pros

• Quick and simple takedown design
• Adjustable fiber optic sight
• Adjustable set off
• Aftermarket grips out there

Cons

• On the heavy aspect 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. 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. Other notable options embody adjustable fiber optic sights, included picatinny rail, and a metal strengthened thumb security.

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

Walther PPK/s 22 Black

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 3.3 inches
• Overall Length: 6.1 inches
• Weight: 19 ounces
• Frame: Steel
• Sights: Fixed black entrance blade, windage adjustable rear
• MSRP: $349

Pros

• Easy to hide
• Iconic design
• Proven reliability
• Threaded barrel

Cons

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

German small arms producer, Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen, produced the primary PPK pistol in 1930. Fast 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 lovers 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 a precise scaled duplicate of the PPK/s chambered in .380 ACP with just a few various inside options to accommodate the .22 LR chambering. Weighing a mere 19 oz. and sporting an total 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. Better but, the PPK/s 22 incorporates a 10-round capability journal, packing a considerable quantity of fireside energy into an especially compact pistol.

Since the launch of the PPK/s 22, Walther has launched numerous fashions that incorporate completely different steel 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

Key Features 

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: Six
• Action: Revolver, double-action
• Barrel: 1.88 inches
• Overall Length: 6.25 inches
• Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Frame: Aluminum
• Sights: Front: XS Sights, white dot; Rear: mounted U-notch
• MSRP: $759

Pros

• Compact and Light
• Easy to hide

Cons

Is a .22 pistol an sufficient alternative for self protection? For some people, in some very particular conditions, the reply is sure. Recently, 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 more than 12 inches [into ballistic gel], which is the threshold that the FBI likes to see. They want from 12 to 18 inches of penetration and this bullet accomplished that.”

“With 8 rounds on tap that can be fired quickly and accurately in an easy-to-carry and conceal revolver with purpose-built ammo, you can see how a .22 LR for self-defense becomes a viable option,” Snow wrote in his overview. “Is a .22 going to displace my compact carry 9mms or my 5-shot J-Frame as an everyday carry option? Probably not. But I won’t look down my nose the same way at someone who opts to use a .22 LR for personal protection.”

With that in thoughts, it is best to take into account the & Wesson Model 43C when you’re seeking to concealed-carry a .22 pistol for private safety. The 43C is an AirWeight variation of S&W’s Centennial Model. It’s svelte and lightweight because of its aluminum body and aluminum cylinder (it weighs simply 11.4 ounces) weighing 11.4 ounces. The hammer is hid inside 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 rapidly and precisely. Recoil was negligible and as lengthy with strong fundamentals.

Things to Consider Before Buying One of the Best .22 Pistols

There are a number of elements to contemplate when buying a pistol, or any firearm for that matter. These break down into three classes: price, perform, and reliability.

Cost

The first issue that should be considered when buying a .22 pistol is price. Set your finances and stick with it. If you solely have $500 to spend on a brand new pistol, don’t even hassle wanting on the costlier choices behind the gun counter irrespective of how onerous the gross sales affiliate pushes you. I’m a proponent of the “buy once, cry once” mentality, however I additionally perceive a finances and do my greatest to get probably the most bang for the cash that I do have. Also needless to say you’ll want to put aside a piece of change for ammo and different equipment that your pistol may have when setting your finances. Your fancy new pistol is nothing greater than a paper weight if you don’t put aside enough funds for ammunition.

Function

.22 pistols are utilized in all kinds of situations to incorporate every little thing from leisure goal taking pictures, to dispatching vermin on the lure line, to high-stake taking pictures competitions, and lots of different endeavors. Deciding what .22 pistol will fit your wants greatest will largely be pushed by your supposed function for it. If you might be searching for an every-day-carry, you’ll most certainly flip most of your consideration to compact choices which can be simple to hide. On the flip aspect, in case you are merely searching for a enjoyable gun to punch holes in cans with then you definately would possibly take into account a full-frame pistol. Line out what you plan to make use of your .22 pistol for many and start your search with that in thoughts. 

Reliability

While 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. While I all the time take the data dished out on the web with a grain of salt, there’s some good data on the market to be consumed. When mulling by way of homeowners’ opinions, look ahead to patterns. If one particular person has had a foul expertise, they could have simply gotten the dangerous apple. However, if there are a number of customers operating into the identical points then these are value noting. Best case state of affairs is that you already know somebody that owns one and might decide their mind on their private expertise with it. They are more likely to offer you a straight reply than the gun counter affiliate attempting to make a sale. 

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Final Thoughts on the Best .22 Pistols

The advantages of proudly owning and taking pictures the most effective .22 pistols are tangible. Some of those perks embody elevated proficiency and luxury with greater bored pistols, nice EDC sidearms and distinctive searching alternatives. But most significantly, they’re downright enjoyable to shoot.