.22 rifles are easy to overlook, but some of them outperform what most folks expect. Whether you’re hunting small game, running drills, or stacking groups at the range, a few .22s hold their own next to rifles that cost twice as much and weigh more. If you need accuracy, reliability, and performance without lugging around a full-size rifle, these are the ones that have proven they can do more than you’d think.
Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire feels like a full-size bolt gun, but it runs smooth and shoots better than most expect from a .22. With its adjustable trigger and free-floating barrel, it stays consistent across brands of ammo. The synthetic stock is durable, and the bolt throw is short and smooth. It accepts standard 10/22 magazines, which makes it even easier to run in the field or on the bench. For the price, it outperforms plenty of pricier options.
CZ 457 Varmint
The CZ 457 Varmint isn’t lightweight, but the accuracy it delivers makes up for the heft. The heavy barrel keeps shots tight and stable, and the adjustable trigger is crisp right out of the box. The build quality feels more like a centerfire than a rimfire, and it’s popular among competition shooters for a reason. If you’re looking for sub-MOA groups with the right ammo, this rifle can pull it off without aftermarket work.
Savage B22 Precision
Savage built the B22 Precision to perform, and it does. The aluminum chassis adds weight and balance, giving it a more stable feel than most rimfires. It’s threaded for a suppressor, and the AccuTrigger lets you dial it in for exactly the break you want. Whether you’re target shooting or teaching a new shooter, it handles like a proper rifle and hits with surprising consistency. You’d have a hard time finding tighter groups without doubling the price.
Tikka T1x MTR
Tikka’s T1x MTR borrows a lot from their centerfire line—and it shows. The trigger is crisp, the bolt is smooth, and the stock is sturdy enough for rough use. It’s built to fit in T3x stocks too, which makes it highly customizable. It’s not picky about ammo and has no problem producing tight groups out past 100 yards. For those who want centerfire performance in a rimfire platform, this one comes close.
Bergara BMR
The Bergara BMR delivers the kind of accuracy you usually have to pay more for. It’s lighter than their B-14R and easier to carry if you’re hunting or hiking. The stock is stiff enough to keep zero, and the barrel has a clean finish that helps with consistency. It runs standard rimfire magazines and holds tight groups even with bulk ammo. If you’re looking for something between bench and field-ready, the BMR walks that line well.
Browning T-Bolt Target
The T-Bolt’s straight-pull bolt action makes it fast and fun to shoot, and the Target model takes that a step further. The heavy barrel and target-style stock give you the control needed for precision, while still being handy enough for field use. It’s got a reputation for consistent feeding and clean cycling. You don’t see many straight-pull .22s, and even fewer that can compete with bolt-action accuracy. This one does both.
Christensen Arms Ranger 22
This is a lightweight tack driver with a carbon fiber barrel and aluminum receiver. The trigger is adjustable, and the whole setup feels like a premium rifle in a compact rimfire body. It’s designed for precision shooting, and while it’s on the pricier side, the performance is there to back it up. The bolt is smooth and the barrel stays cool longer than most thanks to the carbon wrap. If weight matters and accuracy counts, this one delivers.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has been around forever, but it’s still one of the best shooting .22s out there for the money. The tube-fed design is smooth and surprisingly reliable. It’s lightweight and handles well in the woods. While it’s not a precision rifle by any stretch, the barrel and action are tuned well enough to shoot small game and targets out to 50 yards without much effort. It’s a classic for a reason, and it still holds its own.
Anschutz 1710 D KL
If you want top-tier craftsmanship and dead-on accuracy, Anschutz still leads the pack. The 1710 D KL is expensive, but it’s built like a precision tool. The trigger is unmatched, and the build tolerances are tight enough that nothing shifts—even after years of use. It’s more suited for the range than rough field work, but the performance speaks for itself. Shooters who’ve used one will tell you there’s a reason it still wins in small-bore competitions.
Winchester Wildcat
The Wildcat doesn’t look traditional, but don’t let that fool you. It’s lightweight, easy to field strip, and surprisingly accurate for a rifle that costs this little. The rotary magazine is reliable, and the trigger is better than most expect from a budget semi-auto. It’s not designed to win matches, but for plinking, small game, or training, it holds zero and stays consistent. You get more out of it than the price tag would lead you to believe.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
