When you’re looking for something to run all afternoon without wearing you out, a good .22 pistol is hard to beat. Low recoil, cheap ammo, and solid accuracy make them perfect for range days. The right one will feed reliably, shoot tight, and hold up after thousands of rounds. Whether you’re training new shooters, working on fundamentals, or plinking steel for fun, these .22 pistols have proven themselves as range favorites. They’re reliable, accurate, and worth pulling out every time you hit the line.
Ruger Mark IV Target
The Ruger Mark IV Target is known for its accuracy and durable build. Its fixed barrel design and crisp trigger make it easy to stack shots where you want them. The push-button takedown is a big improvement over older models, making cleaning quick and painless. Its steel frame gives it a steady feel, and with quality ammo, it runs without hiccups. This pistol’s precision and ease of use have made it a favorite among serious .22 shooters for decades.
Browning Buck Mark
The Browning Buck Mark has a reputation for excellent out-of-the-box accuracy and a comfortable grip angle. Its single-action trigger is smooth and predictable, making it easy to keep groups tight. The Buck Mark’s construction feels solid, with a machined aluminum frame and steel barrel that handle high round counts well. It’s available in multiple configurations, so you can pick one that matches your preferred sights, barrel length, and style. It’s a reliable, straightforward choice for both casual plinking and serious target work.
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
The SW22 Victory is a stainless-steel .22 pistol built with a focus on accuracy and shooter customization. Its match-grade barrel delivers consistent groups, and swapping barrels is simple if you want to upgrade later. The Victory’s grip and controls are easy to adapt to, making it comfortable for extended range sessions. Its straightforward takedown system helps keep maintenance quick, so you can spend more time shooting and less time on the bench. It’s a dependable, well-balanced range gun.
Walther P22 Q
The Walther P22 Q brings a compact, modern look to the .22 pistol market while still offering solid reliability. Its adjustable backstraps help fit different hand sizes, and the ambidextrous controls make it accessible for left-handed shooters. The polymer frame keeps it lightweight, while the threaded barrel option makes it suppressor-ready. While it’s not as heavy as some target pistols, it’s accurate enough for range use and easy to run for long sessions.
Ruger SR22
The Ruger SR22 is a lightweight, versatile pistol that eats a wide range of .22 LR ammo without fuss. Its aluminum slide and polymer frame make it easy to handle, even for new shooters. The interchangeable grips help fit different hand sizes, and its controls are simple to learn. It’s not a dedicated target gun, but it’s accurate enough for plinking and training, and its reliability with various loads makes it a great all-around range option.
Beretta U22 Neos
The Beretta U22 Neos has a futuristic look, but it’s built on practical features. Its modular design lets you swap barrels and even mount optics directly to the integrated rail. The Neos has a low bore axis, helping manage muzzle movement for quicker follow-up shots. It’s easy to take apart for cleaning, and the trigger is crisp for a gun in its price range. It’s a fun, accurate choice for casual shooting and skill practice.
Colt Woodsman
While no longer in production, the Colt Woodsman is still sought after for its exceptional accuracy and smooth trigger. Built from all-steel construction, these pistols have a classic feel and outstanding balance. You’ll find them mostly on the used market, but a well-kept Woodsman can still outperform many modern .22s. Their build quality means they hold up over decades, making them both a shooter’s pistol and a piece of firearms history.
Taurus TX22
The Taurus TX22 offers a higher magazine capacity than many .22 pistols, holding 16 rounds in each mag. It’s full-size, which gives it a comfortable, familiar grip for those used to centerfire handguns. The TX22 is known for running well with a variety of ammo types, and its factory trigger is better than you’d expect in this price range. With its reliability, capacity, and modern ergonomics, it’s a strong contender for all-day range fun.
High Standard Supermatic Trophy
The High Standard Supermatic Trophy was built for target shooting and has a reputation for exceptional accuracy. Its adjustable trigger and precise barrel fit make it a true competition-level pistol. While you’ll only find them used now, many are still in excellent condition thanks to their quality craftsmanship. They’re heavier than most modern .22s, which helps steady your aim and absorb recoil, making them enjoyable for extended shooting sessions.
SIG Sauer P322
The SIG Sauer P322 is a newer entry in the .22 market but has already built a solid reputation. It offers a 20-round magazine, optic-ready slide, and threaded barrel right from the factory. The trigger is crisp, and the controls are familiar for anyone used to centerfire SIG pistols. It’s reliable with bulk ammo and accurate enough to ring steel at longer distances than most expect from a rimfire pistol. It’s a versatile, feature-rich option for modern shooters.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
