Every gun owner should own at least one .22LR firearm. The ammo is ubiquitous…and usually affordable.

.22 Long Rifle can be used for hunting, target shooting, practice, plinking, and even defending yourself in a pinch.
There are even competitions you can enter with rimfire firearms like the .22LR that are loads of fun.

Now, we’ve talked about the Best .22LR Rifles before, but we haven’t tackled .22LR handguns.
So today, we change that. Let’s go over the best .22LR handguns and also talk about how to choose the right one for you.
So keep reading if you’ve been considering a .22LR handgun.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Luger Inspired Model
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Most Reliable
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Best Trigger
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Best Semi-Auto
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Best .22LR Revolver
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Best .22LR Trainer
Table of Contents
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.22LR Handguns Comparison Chart
Type | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
Ruger Mark IV | Semi-Auto | 4.4″ / 5.5″ | 8.4″ / 8.5″ / 9.8″ | 34.4 oz | 10 | $403 |
Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory | Semi-Auto | 5.5″ / 6″ | 9.2″ / 11.3″ | 36 oz | 10 | $419 |
Browning Buckmark | Semi-Auto | 5.5″ | 9.5″ | 34 oz | 10 | $430 |
Walther P22 | Semi-Auto | 3.4″ | 6.5″ | 16 oz | 10 | $249 |
Heritage Mfg. Rough Rider | Revolver | 16″ | 21.37″ | 45.28 oz | 6 | $144 |
Ruger GP100 | Revolver | 5.5″ | 11.3″ | 42 oz | 10 | $799 |
FN 502 | Semi-Auto | 4.6″ | 7.6″ | 23.7 oz | 15 | $429 |
Taurus TX22 Competition | Semi-Auto | 5″ | 8.15″ | 23 oz | 10 / 16 | $420 |
How We Tested the Best .22 Pistols
For this article, we gathered a bunch of .22LR handguns we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned. In fact, most of the PPT crew started our firearms journey on a .22LR of some kind. The team, including our editors and freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and specific experience.

We’ve had hands-on time with each of the models listed, spending hours at the range with them and shooting a variety of distances and drills. Our experiences encompass law enforcement, military, competition, instructor, and hobbyist.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of a variety of ammunition. When possible we test each handgun with at least 2-3 magazines to assess reliability and use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to accurately assess trigger pull.
.22LR Ammo In Stock
When creating this list of the best .22 pistols, we narrowed the list down based on several criteria, including price, features, and aftermarket. For a more detailed look at how to choose the best .22 pistol, check out our section at the end of this article.
Best .22LR Pistols
1. Ruger Mark IV – Best Luger Inspired Model
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reliable
- Great ergonomics
- Customizable
Cons
- Lower capacity
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.22 in
- Height: 5.50 in
- Weight: 34.4 oz
- Barrel Length: 4.4 in / 5.5 in
- Overall Length: 8.4 in / 8.5 in / 9.8 in
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rd
There are a number of excellent .22LR pistols with designs that harken back to the iconic Luger shape.
This design is as robust as it is prolific, with a long development history that began almost a decade before John Moses Browning’s masterwork, the 1911.

The Ruger Mark IV is perhaps one of the finest examples of this design — capturing classic lines while updating the older toggle-lock design to a simple, modern blowback design.
It offers a 10+1 capacity that is a pleasure to hold and shoot. The heavy bull barrel makes recoil management a cinch. If you’re used to shooting centerfire cartridges of any size, this gun is going to feel like an absolute pushover by comparison.

Long plagued by complaints from owners that the Ruger Mark X series was a pain to take down, the new Mark IV solves that problem effortlessly.
In previous models, reinstalling the frame was relatively easy, but then you had to try and finagle the bolt-stop pin back in, and it was a nightmare fit to make a grown man weep in frustration.
Now, press a button on the rear of the slide, and the gun opens up almost like an AR-15, ready to be cleaned, lubed, and reassembled without fuss.

Like the other two Luger-centric pistols on this list, the Mark IV is as accurate as the ammo and your skill will allow, so don’t try blaming the gun for your misses.
Fortunately, as with any .22LR, practice is cheap, and so is good ammo (relatively speaking), so no excuses.
We looked at the Ruger Mark IV, so check out our review here.
2. SW-22 Victory – Most Reliable
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accurate
- Great sights
- Easy to mount optics
Cons
- Front-heavy
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action
- Width: 1.1 in
- Height: 5.6 in
- Weight: 36 oz
- Barrel Length: 5.5 in / 6 in
- Overall Length: 11.3 in / 9.2 in
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rd
The SW-22 Victory is another Luger-inspired gun. Smith & Wesson approached the design with their typical eye on the quality of materials and design.
It’s one of the most reliable, especially with mixed ammo.
I shot ammo that came from a ziplock bag — several different bullet types and manufacturers present — and I didn’t have an issue with the Victory.

Like the Mark IV, it’s a 10+1 capacity, mag-fed firearm with a bull barrel, typically a 5.5-inch one. But there are a host of options available from Smith and others.
Where it falls short is aftermarket support.
So if you’re looking for something that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank, this is certainly a strong contender.

Fortunately for the SW-22, it also has one of the lower MSRPs of any of the Lugeresque options.
While aftermarket options and some carefully applied gunsmithing knowledge can certainly make it better, it’s perfectly adequate for most folks out of the box.
Check out our full review of the SW22 here.
3. Browning Buckmark – Best Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ergonomic
- Accurate
Cons
- Price
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action
- Width: N/A
- Height: N/A
- Weight: 34 oz
- Barrel Length: 5.5 in
- Overall Length: 9.5 in
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rd
We round out the Luger-style guns with my personal favorite — the Browning Buckmark.
What makes it stand out?
First, it has the nicest trigger of the three Luger styles out of the box. For me, that’s a big benefit. I really enjoy a nice, crisp trigger, and the Buckmark certainly has that.

It also has a ton of factory options available, which makes it easy to find the Buckmark that best suits your needs.
The one area that really drags it down is, well, taking it down.
To clean the other two Luger knockoffs, you have either a button to push or a pin to rotate, and that’s pretty much it. Baddabing, baddaboom, you’re done.
The Buckmark requires you to remove the slide bridge, which is annoying enough by itself. But it also means you need tools, yes, tools, plural, to take the thing down.

Yes, it’s just two Allen wrenches, and no, it’s not particularly difficult. But it is needlessly complicated.
Of course, the Buckmark also excels in other areas. Like just about every mag-fed gun on this list, it comes in a 10+1 capacity and a 5.5-inch bull barrel. There are also tons of variants.
For aftermarket accessories, I’d recommend Tandemkross, just like I would for the Ruger and the Smith above.

Check out all the best Buckmark Upgrades. And here’s how it shoots…fully upgraded:
Reliability-wise, I’d put it above the Mark IV and below the Victory. Looks-wise, I’d put it at the top of the heap.
What do you think of the Browning Buckmark? Give it a rating below.
4. Walther P22 – Best Semi-Auto
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great training tool for higher caliber pistols
- Can be easily threaded for a suppressor
- Super light recoil
- Ambidextrous controls
- Comfortable grips
Cons
- Cheap feeling sights
- Gets dirty easily
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.1 in
- Height: 4.5 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Barrel Length: 3.4 in
- Overall Length: 6.5 in
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rd
The legendary Walther P22 was noted for its awesome trigger, clean design, and tactical styling.
All in all, it was an excellent little gun save one thing…it only worked when it felt like it, and overly tight tolerances meant you got one mag of reliable function out of it before it needed cleaning.

The new QD model solves this issue and updates the classic design. Not to mention, it keeps that amazingly nice trigger.
Best of all, the P22 is a DA/SA pistol, so you have that second-strike capability if you have a light primer strike — which is a common issue with .22LR ammo.
In DA mode, you’ll be dealing with a stiff but smooth 11-pound trigger pull. With the hammer back, you’ll get an incredible crisp break at 4 pounds of pressure.
Honestly, this is the gun I’d have if I could only own one from this list.

The slide serrations also make it easy for those with low hand strength to rack a round. Though the sights are a cheap polymer, they’re more than accurate enough for self-defense distances.
It brings a 10+1 capacity, and while it doesn’t have a lot of aftermarket support, it doesn’t need a whole lot.
If you’re going to carry an easy-to-shoot .22, this is the way to go.
Check out our full review of the P22. (Psst…if you want to keep it rimfire but another Walther flavor, check out our review of the Walther WMR – an awesome .22 WMR pistol!)
5. Heritage Rough Rider .22 – Most Fun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Cheap to shoot
Cons
- Fitment could be better
- Sub-par accuracy
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action Only Revolver
- Width: 1.50 in
- Height: 5.25 in
- Weight: 45.28 oz
- Barrel Length: 16 in
- Overall Length: 21.37 in
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rd
If you’re looking for something a little more classic but just as fun, the Heritage Rough Rider is a strong contender.
A single-action 6-shot, like those wielded by your favorite Western heroes, the Rough Rider might just have the best fun-to-money ratio of any gun on the list.

The single action and loading-gate design mean you have to pull back (or fan) the hammer for each shot — loading and unloading each round individually.
All in all, it’s a very slow-paced, almost zen experience to shoot one. You can really stretch a box of ammo for several afternoons at the range.
It’s also a great gun for working on your accuracy, as the low round count and almost-but-not-quite painfully slow reload will have you picking and placing your shots carefully.

The trigger is surprisingly good, no doubt a product of the simple single-action design more than anything, but that’s okay.
It’s more than good enough for the gun’s real purpose…having the most fun for the least money.
Yeah, it’ll shoot snakes or discourage predators of the two and four-legged variety. It’ll certainly make a good training tool for youngins and new shooters, but fun is what this gun is all about.
Of course, you’ll probably have a more usable gun going with a standard-length barrel…
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Read our review of the Heritage Rough Rider here or watch the full video review below.
6. Ruger GP-100 .22 – Best .22LR Revolver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very rugged and durable
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .22LR
- Action: DA/SA revolver
- Width: N/A
- Height: N/A
- Weight: 42 oz
- Barrel Length: 5.50 in
- Overall Length: 11.30 in
- Capacity: 10 rd
One of the most legendary DA/SA revolvers to ever exist, the Ruger GP-100, was once only available in a 6-shot .357 model.
But now, I’m seeing more and more .22LR versions on the shelf at my local gun store.

I can’t sing the praises of the GP-100 enough.
Its rugged monolithic design means that it’ll almost certainly outlive you and possibly your children and grandchildren as well if it’s cared for.
The .22LR version is a 10-shot model available with a 4-inch and 5.5-inch barrel. It’s just about as accurate as you could want, something that’s in no small part due to the better-than-average trigger and factory fiber optic front sight post.
It is one of the pricier guns on this list, but you’re getting one of the best .22LR revolvers around.
You can read up on the Ruger GP100 in our full review!
7. FN 502 – Best .22LR Trainer
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accessory rail
- Extended capacity magazine
- Red dot compatible
Cons
- Finicky on ammo
- Occasional issues feeding/ejecting
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action Only, Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.4 in
- Height: 5.8 in
- Weight: 23.7 oz
- Barrel Length: 4.6 in
- Overall Length: 7.6 in
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rd
FN dove into the .22LR market in 2021 with the FN 502. It’s a first for the company, which is best known for its tactical-style striker-fired handguns and sweet rifles.

The hammer-fired 502 brings an FN 509-inspired frame with a low-profile optics mounting system. This makes adding your favorite red dot super easy.
Ergonomics on the FN 502 are great, and the ambidextrous controls win it some favor among the left-handed crew.

The gun sports a manual safety and threaded barrel. Yep, you heard me, so toss on your favorite suppressor.
FN touts the pistol as super reliable and accurate. Given the company’s stellar reputation, the PPT team thinks the FN 502 falls in line with the rest of FN’s firearms.

(Need some recommendations, check out our favorite pistol red dots.)
See it in all its suppressed glory:
Check out our full review of the FN 502 Tactical here!
8. Taurus TX22 Competition – Best .22LR Competition Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable competition pistol
- Red dot ready
- Reliable performance
Cons
- Slippery grips
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action Only, Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.25 in
- Height: 5.44 in
- Weight: 23 oz
- Barrel Length: 5 in
- Overall Length: 8.15 in
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rd or 16 rd
The Taurus TX22 Competition is a fun option for those looking to burn some rounds at the range.
It offers simple controls and a 16-round capacity in a flush fighting magazine. The TX22 brings a striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol at an affordable price point.

For a street price of around $450, you get three 16-round mags, a red dot-ready slide, a muzzle compensator, and a very nice trigger.
Add in the lightened slide, adjustable rear sight, plus locked-in reliability and accuracy, and you have a winner, winner chicken dinner!
Do we have a review? You betcha. Head on over and read up on the TX22.
How to Choose a .22LR Pistol
For me, there are a few things I’m looking for in a .22LR handgun.
First, I look at accuracy. The humble .22LR is a surprisingly accurate round at close ranges, so it’s worth getting a gun that can hit what you aim it at.

You’ll have a lot more fun hitting those cans set up on a hill than you will watch shots land just a hair away.
Next, I look at shootability and ergonomics. I want something that I’m going to enjoy shooting, not something that’s difficult.

Finally, I consider the availability and aftermarket support. There’s nothing worse than a $200 gun with $50 mags. I want something with a lot of support and options.
As far as the aftermarket, rimfire handguns and rifles (particularly the Ruger 10/22) have a ridiculous number of aftermarket manufacturers with triggers, stocks, conversion kits, sights, extractors, magazines, mag releases…the list goes on and on.

And with the low cost of entry (usually sub-$400) to a rimfire firearm, you can experiment and really go all out on the upgrades and accessories — without much worry that you’re going to ruin something expensive.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
The original author of this article was former PPT contributor and editor Matthew Collins. Matthew comes from a writing and editing background, but he also loves guns. He is a competitive shooter, hobby-level gunsmith, and general firearms enthusiast.
Editing this article and adding to it is Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, who also runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Like a lot of people, Jacki got her start on a .22 LR pistol, learning the fundamentals of shooting on a Walther P22.
Final Thoughts
I know there are roughly a billion other options out there, but these are just a handful of our favorites.

Whether you are looking to varmint hunt, plink, or brush up on some skills, these models are a great option to get you started in .22LR.
What’s your favorite .22LR handgun? Let us know in the comments below. Looking for ammo or rifles? Check out the Best .22LR Rifles and Best .22LR Ammo.
Latest Updates
- December 2024: Added Walther WMR to P22 section and data on how we tested
- April 2024: Removed Glock 44
254 Leave a Reply
Not sure how you list best 22 pistols and ignore the S&W model 41, considered by many, including myself, as the finest 22 pistol ever made. I have owned and or shot 22 pistols of Browning, Colt, Ruger, Hi-Standard and IMHO there is nothing that compares to the S&W model 41.
Sig Sauer P322?
I don't know... I REALLY like my Ruger Wrangle convertable, 5 1/2 inch barrel. Single action only. Can shoot either 22 LR or 22 Mag. and it IS purty darn accurate, and has an adjustable rear sight. To me, it has a very good heft to it, and fits my hand very well. I am glad I spent the bit extra and got the Ruger vs the Heritage version.
If you want rapid fire, then yes, a semi auto would be better. But for plinking, having fun and for varmints, This one gives some very good solid options.
Nickster
I would have liked to see the Colt Government Model 1911 mfg. by Walther Arms reviewed here. This pistol is nicely finished, tight, & accurate. The issue with it is the magazine. It double stacks the rounds & does not feed properly jamming frequently. It does not matter if you load 5,7,or 10 rounds. When I eject the mag I find the round 'nose down' which prevents loading. I purchased another factory mag, but it does the same thing. Any thoughts ?
I would rent a few different guns at your local range to see which model likes that particular ammo, but even at that sometimes the same 2 exact guns doesn't always like the same ammo, look on different rimfire websites for experienced shooters using this ammo
I bought an FN 502. I really wanted to like this gun, nice fit and feel, really good trigger too. Could not get through a magazine without some sort of failure though. I took it to the range and we tried many kinds of ammo. Some better than others, but nothing reliable. Polished the firing pin and firing pin block, tried a different recoil spring and spring guide. No help. Sent the gun back to FN, they "ironed" the chamber and chamfered the chamber edge, tested with CCI Mini-Mags. Got the gun back, it still gets light strikes about once per magazine. Tandemkross made an extractor and firing pin for this gun, but they're no longer available. Don't think I'll buy another Umarex gun.
For what it is worth 22s are dirty. I have a Beretta NEOs. A feature is it is easy to take apart to clean because if I don't clean it in 200 rounds it will start to malfunction.
Perhaps of interest. I got back into shooting just when ammo was difficult or impossible to find. I dug through my STUFF and found 10 boxes of Thunderbolt that if I recall I bought when Korvetts went out of business-like 40 years ago. They were marked .99 a box. I probably got some kind of deal on them-so less than .99 a box Never properly stored-whatever than means, and they worked fine.
You somehow .managed to leave out the category of 'best full-sized understudy'. My Walther PPQ M2 serves in that role for me as my primary EDC is my Walther PPQ M2 in 9mm.
Do not see how a S&W Model 41 did not make the list.
Whom else is here for affirmation on your decision making process?
While the Ruger may have a slight resemblance to a Luger P08, it was actually inspired by the Japanese Nambu pistol.
You should try the Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO. Reliable accurate, good trigger, great trainer.
So bizarre you left the Sig P322 out despite offering everything the FN and Taurus offer but with more capacity. The aftermarket from Tandemkross and ArmoryCraft is pretty strong and growing as well.
Or its cheaper brother, the Wrangler. Very affordable and accurate. And now there’s a Super Wrangler that can shoot .22WMR.
Walther p22. I can't get thru a 10 round mag without a failure to feed or failure to eject. Got the P22Q which supposedly solved those problems and won't feed and after 300 rounds won't eject.
I was told to only use CCI. The reason I got this gum was to shoot inexpensive ammo.
I always thought of Walther as a reputable brand but if they can't even do a .22, fuck them.
Jeff,
I purchased the Walther P22q approximately two years ago. I don’t shoot it much because of the constant malfunctions. I have never completed a single ten round magazine without a failure. I just purchased a Kel-Tec p17. Hoping to get through a couple of ten round magazines. If anyone has a recommendation for increasing the reliability of the Walther P22q I am willing to listen.
Another handgun not mentioned is the superb Ruger Single Six.
colt woodsman 6 inch barrel, loaned to me one summer by my brother in law who at the time was a agent for NIS later NCIS. I must have gone throught a hundred boxes of shells that summer. Miss it until this day.
Recently traded off some safe queens and treated myself to a Ruger GP100 5.5" 22LR. I just cannot say enough good about it and since it digests everything I feed it, Short, Long, and Long Rifle without a hiccup and having to buy and maintain high dollar finicky magazines this old man just about breaks out in glad water every time I take it out for a dance. A good 22 wheel gun can make a body feel like a kid again.
Is the Keltec Finicky on ammo?
I just came from the range and my Ruger LCR2 had a 70% failure rate with the Winchester Wildcat ammo. Ammo is not returnable and I have 5000rds of this to get through, so now I am in the market for any fun gun that can get me through this regrettable ammo purchase. I have quality guns for self-defense. I was hoping to just do some relaxing, inexpensive trigger practice today.
I just came from the range and my Ruger LCR2 had a 70% failure rate with the Winchester Wildcat ammo. Ammo is not returnable and I have 5000rds of this to get through, so now I am in the market for any fun gun that can get me through this regrettable ammo purchase. I was hoping to just do some relaxing, inexpensive trigger practice today.
What gun would you recommend? I'd like to stay well under $500.
PS: I have quality guns for self-defense. To me, 22LR is ONLY for plinking.
Is the Keltec Finicky on ammo?
I just came from the range and my Ruger LCR2 had a 70% failure rate with the Winchester Wildcat ammo. Ammo is not returnable and I have 5000rds of this to get through, so now I am in the market for any fun gun that can get me through this regrettable ammo purchase. I have quality guns for self-defense. I was hoping to just do some relaxing, inexpensive trigger practice today.
Funny how I didn't see the Kel-Tec P17 on the list. Not only is it cheaper than any other 22 on the list by far but it is far more reliable than the majority. Myself and several buddies have upwards of 6000 rounds out of 4 to 5 of the pistols. But hey when you're getting kick backs from gun companies....
No kickbacks here! We just haven't had a chance to try it out yet. We do have it in the hands of one of our reviewers who is working on testing it, but until then we only recommend guns we've shot or used. We don't want to list anything we haven't had an opportunity to spend time with.
missed a few.
Best Revolver S&W 617 same size and weight as a S&W 686
Best Target S&W Model 41 Winner for 60 years
Best Pinker Taurus TX22 Mine is accurate and very inexpensive.
If it weren't such a PITA to field strip, I could love my Taurus TX22.
So what was it inspired by, hmmn? In 1904, the Japanese Nambu was doubtless modeled after the Luger P08 released in 1898. Given the close industrial relations between Germany and Japan at the time, this is no stretch.
First recommendation based on false understanding of its history. Ruger semi-auto pistol was not inspired by the Luger. Sheesh.
I have the Browning 1911-22 FS. I’ve tried the compact but the FS is easier for me to shoot.
Not Black Label. Metal is the way to go.
Since when has Ruger had a Luger-inspired gun?
I thought the Nambu was Ruger’s inspiration.
Dyslexic moment
Beretta 71
Mossad was well known to use the Beretta 17
The review is extremely biased, the SW victor has tons of ejection failure issues, i experienced this problem with my own brand new victor, and countless people experienced this same problem and posted their experiences online,just google it. This article completely IGNORED these facts!!
I love my Uberti SA convertible .22.
But talking about pistols and not having the Sig P322 with 20 / 25 capacity, Optic ready and threaded barrell in the list... It's a good list... for 2020.
I wouldn't trade my Old Ruger Single Six .22 revolver to Any NEW gun on the market!
I wouldn't trade my Old Ruger Single Six revolver (New Model) for Any New .22 handgun made!!!
I'd be curious to know if the Kel-Tec P17 came up in your review process, for me it blows a lot of these options out of the water. It comes standard with three 17-round magazines, a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, ambidextrous controls, and rails for mounting additional optics. On top of that, it's cheaper than everything on this list but the Heritage revolvers. It has a bit of a goofy look to it as is the signature of Kel-Tec products, but I think it's charming.
Don't like KelTec I guess!
The Walther P22 shouldn’t even be on this list. If the firing pin gets just a little debris or residue it will stick and not retract back full allowing the hammer to hit it. You have to take it down after about 100 rounds and clean before it gets stuck again. Once you take it down you will be chasing down very tiny springs or steel balls as they are going to jump out and go dancing underneath the most annoying furniture.
Owned a MK3 and sold it to buy a S&W Victory seven years ago. Why? The main reason is the Victory is a whole lot easier to take apart and reassemble, period. Plus, I liked the trigger and sights better on the Victory and it eats all ammo unlike the MK3.
Any list of "best 22LR pistols" that doesnt include a TX22 is a poop list
lol
I have a TX22 though not the competition. I haven’t shot it a lot but so far it’s been very nice.
I own 2. I like the 16 rounds. Rear sight blew off. Yesterday the metal on the slide at front of barrel where spring rod ends sheared off. There is nothing left to hold the spring in. Miss fires are common but hey it is a .22. Got to send to factor for repair. Any thoughts on another brand I might conseder?. I checked on the Sig 250? They discontinued the over quality control issues. Any thoughts?
why did you remove the glock 44?
Another vote for the Glock 44
I just picked up a Diamondback Tactical Sidekick for under $300. Its a single/double action 22lr/22mag that shoots great. I haven't tried the 22 mag cyl yet, but I don't see it being anything but great. My only real complaint is the black on black sights, I painted the front after the first range trip.
It would have nice to get the trigger pull weights of the pistols tested.
Proud owner of the Ruger MARK 1 (target model) been with me since 1975 and still reliable as the day I first bought it.
I have several .22lr pistols but the all around best one is the Beretta 92 look alike. Here's why.
First, it eats anything! No fuss, no muss. It even eats stuff none of my other 22's will cycle. I added an adjustable rear sight and it's just as accurate as my classic late 80's buckmark flat side. Ergonomics? Just like a 9mm 92 only lighter.
TX22. Love it so much I have two. Higher capacity, cheap mags and loves any ammo. Easy on the wallet all the way around.
My Colt Woodsman 1929 for a religious experience, and the SR22 for burning ammo
If you are picking the "best" of something, shouldn't you have at least two of whatever you're claiming to be the best of? Only one SA/DA revolver mentioned. Or another way of stating this, better because of or compared to what?
What??? No mention of the Volquartsen Black Mamba or Mamba TF?
Best “Luger inspired”…
WTF!? Really?
INFLATION. I had like ten boxes of 22s. They were marked ninety-nine cents a box. A guess I bought them for half that price when Korvetts went out of business. Sat in my draw ??? like 30 years. To my surprise only one failed to fire. I put it back into the gun hit in another place and it fired fine. Must be the ammo? For me seems to apply in all calibers.
For a wheel-gun, the Ruger Single-Six shoots great patterns and of course, being a 22lr is cheap to shoot!
When displaying targets please put the distance it was shot.
Distance shot makes a lot of difference in accuracy and grouping.
I have a Ruger Mark IV Lite. I had never shot the gun.... until a rattlesnake appeared inside our garage. With no help to get rid of it, I couldn't risk the dogs (or myself) getting bit. I just so happened to finally receive my suppressor for it the week before, so I screwed it on and put a few rounds in the mag and stepped into the garage and waiting for the snake to come out. After a few minutes, it slithered from one hiding spot to another and when it lifted it's head... BAM! One shot to the head about 12 feet away at 10pm. It wasn't a very large snake.. head about the size of a quarter. I was extremely pleased with the accuracy of this brand new gun! *** Note: I always be sure to shoot in a safe direction. Thankfully there were multiple boxes of stuff to block any potential shots from exiting the garage (and only one shot was needed). :-)
I do not allow pictures when fishing. It prevents growth after they are dead.
Nambu inspired the Ruger mk1
The Taurus TX 22 $350.00 at the store down the Rd. Comes with 2, 16 round mags and threaded barrel attachment. I wanted the Ruger Mark IV(the one that looks like an old Luger) but I read the reviews on this. Made in S or N Carolina , 16 rnd mags. , very light, and $350 at the local store. I shot 500 +- rnds thru it before I cleaned it for the 1st time and it is easy to clean. I do use jacked hollow points. You can get them cheaper also. This model has the thumb safety( I like) you can get them without. Has the shorter(4.25 inch) barrel. You can buy the 5 inch one and install. Came with the rear sight all the way to to left(review said the same thing). Seem to work for short range but rodents at 50 to 100 feet. I slid it over to center and it works great. I've done a lot of them in, Ground hogs too. I carry it all the time so it's full of hay and cow hair. Plus slide the stream lite on for raccoons at night. Many of those too. I really wanted the Ruger it being steel and looks like a Luger. But this thing is amazing !!!!! Really, light , accurate, 16 rounds of anything, Reliable, easy to clean, made in USA, threaded barrel, and very good price. Wish the made a 22mag one. The SW 6 inch 8 rnd revolver or the SW 30 rnd 4 inch pistol. Is a 4 inch barrel long enough for 22mag? This TX 22 IS GREAT !!!!!!!!! Nick
Yep. Any discussion of "best 22LR pistol" that doesnt include a TX22 is just a poorly put together list. Especially one that has the Walther p22 on it in the "best semiautomatic" category. I have a p22 and although its a great 22 pistol, it is incredibly picky with ammo, you cant use ANY bulk/cheap ammo at all or it just straight up doesnt feed, not even with some of the more expensive bulk ammo. I only got it to reliably run CCI mini mags and Remington 22 thunderbolt (dunno why it liked this over any other bulk ammo). Plus a 10 round capacity vs the TX22 15 round capacity (not to mention the taurus runs ANY 22LR ammo and only needs to be cleaned about every 1000 rounds or more). TX22 is just straight up better than the Walther p22.
For serious target work, I go with my Pardini Fiocchi and High Standard Victor, both 41/2"
Followed by numerous other High Standards, both slant and military gripped. Another favorite is a Ruger MKI with a heavy tapered 5 1/4" barrel, mfg'd when Sturm was still alive.
Also have a soft spot for my Woodsman Target 4 1/2" and my Buckmark 4". When it comes to
revolvers, it's hard to beat my S&W 34 with 4" barrel or my S&W 18 with 4" barrel.
The number 1 gun to buy on my wish list is the Taurus 22X competition whenever and if we can get our rights back in Canada to purchase handguns again. Meanwhile, I'll keep shooting all the old gems that I own.
Where’s the mention of the Anschutz Exemplar .22lr? And what about the highly accurate Volquartsen Black Mamba? It should be considered for one of the top five. If you haven’t tried either of the above mentioned, you’re missing out on some fine pistols.
The tx22 doesn’t come with a comp, it just has a thread protector on it. (Source: new tx22 box in my lap.)
The tx22 comp SCR (steel challenge ready) version DOES come with a tandemcross comp and other upgrades though.
Love the article, just thought I’d point that out
Best 22 pistol for distance shooting, Ruger Mark II 10” with aftermarket sights and trigger. My trophy gun for IHMSA.
Best 22 pistol for bullseye competition Ruger 22/45 with a red dot and after market trigger
No P322? Surprising considering its features and great, price is low, easily at least as good as the 502, and for the same price as the 502... you get a red dot.
You left out my favorite 22lr pistol which I shoot regularly. That is the Smith anscWesson Wesson Model 41 which is not cheap and in limited production. However it has a very nice trigger, balance is perferct for me and comes to hand lined up perfectly. Yes it duplicates 1911 eeewergonomics which suit me just fine thanks.
You could mention it as a footnote, however it deserves mention in a best 22 cal pistol review.
For the past year or so, gun magazines have been featuring articles on 22LR handguns. One of them even went so far as to say that the "crown jewels" of the Ruger GP100 was their 22LR version. I'm wondering what all the fuss is over 22LR. I mean, there is no way I will pay close to $1000 for a 22LR revolver.
I then found this article. You are the first ones who have actually given sensible reasons why someone would want a 22LR handgun.
(Actually, I would like a 22 magnum handgun; but I digress.)
If I get one of these, it will probably be the Ruger Mark IV.
Do you know if the Ruger ReadyDot would fit well on the Ruger Mark IV?
And why aren't there more 22 magnum handguns?
Same, if you I would much rather get a shot gun or real riffle at that price. Even though if they are super fun to shoot.
A .22 Mag cylinder can be purchased for the Heritage revolvers. The cost last time I purchased one was $39 from Heritage. I’ve since seen the cylinders at Sports Academy for about the same price if I recall correctly.
Jim, Keltec has their PMR-30, S&W has just come out with a .22 Mag pistol, and .22 Mag cylinders can be purchased for the Heritage Rough Rider revolvers for, like, $30-35 and can be ordered from Heritage and I’m probably places like Midway, Brownell’s, etc., I’ve even seen the cylinders at Academy Sports.
P.S. Jim, sometimes you can can find the Heritage combo which includes a Mag cylinder.
If money is not too much of an object, the Volquartsen Black Mamba, or Mamba TF - good lord they are nice. Ruger take-down frame (push button), Made in Iowa by top notch gunsmiths. The trigger ...splendid... Any Volquartsen firearm will make you smile every time you pick it up... but your list is excellent!! stay awesome!
You are exactly correct I was trying to decide between a new buckmark or a mark 4 and now I've got the volquartsen to contend with haha excellent quality
I think you should have all three.
Merry Christmas to you
Great article! Now I’m torn between getting the Walther 1911 to train for my Savage 1911, or getting a classic single action .22. Any thoughts?
The Hammerli/Sig Trailside is by far one of the best 22 LR pistols made. It is no longer being manufactured under the Hammerli/Sig name but is still available as the Hammerli Xesse.
Check it out on YouTube
i liked it.
How about the Advantage Arms .22lr Glock Slide and mags?
For Glock owners, I feel this is the most inexpensive and effective solution. You retain your lower w/the trigger you train with, the mag count is 15 rounds, assembly and disassembly is as easy as swapping slides and mags, and it all costs less than a G44. For the most part, reviews online have been positive
Well done, Jacki!
I might have included the Ruger SR22 in the mix as well.