Finding the right .22 pistol isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a ton of options, and they all serve different purposes. Some are built for precision, some are great for training, and others are just plain fun to shoot.
A good .22 should be accurate, reliable, and easy to handle. Whether you want something for plinking, carrying, or just adding to your collection, there’s a solid option out there. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best .22 pistols and what makes them worth a look.
Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory
The Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory is built for accuracy, ease of use, and customization. With its stainless-steel frame and match-grade barrel, it has the weight and precision needed for serious target shooting. The adjustable fiber-optic sights help with fast sight acquisition, and the included Picatinny rail gives the option to mount an optic.
One of the best features is its one-screw takedown design, which makes disassembly incredibly easy. The trigger is adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune the pull to their preference. At 37 ounces, it’s on the heavier side, but that weight helps with stability when shooting. The Victory is a solid choice for those who want a reliable and accurate .22 pistol with plenty of aftermarket support.
Walther PPK/s 22
The Walther PPK/s 22 keeps the iconic look of the original PPK while offering a lightweight, low-recoil shooting experience. Chambered in .22 LR, it’s a fun and practical pistol that works well for both plinking and concealed carry. The threaded barrel is a nice touch, making it suppressor-ready for those who prefer quieter shooting.
With a steel frame and a weight of just 19 ounces, it has a solid feel without being too heavy for everyday carry. The fixed sights and 6.1-pound trigger pull might not be ideal for everyone, but for those who love the PPK’s timeless design, this rimfire version delivers. Whether it’s for training, collecting, or just enjoying a piece of history, the PPK/s 22 is a stylish and reliable choice.
FN 502 Tactical
The FN 502 Tactical is one of the most feature-packed .22 pistols out there. It’s hammer-fired, comes with a 15-round magazine, and has an optics-ready slide—a rare find in a rimfire pistol. FN took the design cues from their 509 series, so the grip and controls feel familiar to anyone who has handled an FN pistol before.
One of the standout features is the threaded barrel, making it easy to attach a suppressor. The ambidextrous controls are another plus, especially for left-handed shooters. While some rimfire pistols can be finicky with ammo, FN built the 502 to be reliable and accurate. It’s not the cheapest .22 on the market, but for those who want a tactical-style rimfire pistol with all the bells and whistles, this one delivers.
Smith & Wesson 351 PD
The Smith & Wesson 351 PD is built for those who want a lightweight, easy-to-carry revolver with a little extra punch. Weighing only 11.4 ounces, this J-frame revolver is chambered in .22 WMR, giving it more stopping power than a standard .22 LR. The seven-round capacity is a nice bonus, and the fiber-optic front sight makes for quick target acquisition.
While revolvers aren’t as common for self-defense these days, the 351 PD is a great option for those who want something simple, reliable, and easy to conceal. The price is on the higher side, but for a defensive revolver that’s this light and compact, it’s a solid choice. With the right .22 WMR defensive ammo, it can be a surprisingly capable carry gun.
Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9
The Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 is a reliable and accurate .22 pistol that has been a favorite for decades. It has a precision-machined aluminum alloy frame and a 5.9-inch bull barrel that helps with stability and control. The laminated cocobolo-colored grip adds a nice touch, and the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot sight makes target acquisition easier.
This model comes suppressor-ready with a threaded barrel and muzzle brake, but it’s not the cheapest option out there. At around $700, it costs more than other Buck Mark models, and at 41 ounces, it’s on the heavier side. For those who don’t mind the weight and price, it’s a solid choice for plinking or competition shooting.
Sig P322
The Sig P322 is a modern .22 LR pistol with a full-size feel, making it a great training tool. It has a 20+1 round capacity, which is a big advantage over many other .22 pistols. It’s suppressor-ready, optics-compatible, and comes with fiber optic sights. The aluminum slide and polymer frame keep the weight down, making it easy to handle.
One downside is that certain ammo types can cause excessive lead fouling in the bore, which can be frustrating for those who shoot a lot. Testing different brands of ammo before running a suppressor is a good idea. Despite this, the P322 offers a great balance of features, reliability, and value at around $400.
Ruger GP-100 .22
The Ruger GP-100 has long been known as one of the toughest revolvers on the market, and now there’s a .22LR version with a 10-shot capacity. This thing is built like a tank with its monolithic stainless-steel frame, making it one of the most durable .22 revolvers available. With a 5.5-inch barrel, fiber-optic front sight, and double-action/single-action trigger, it’s accurate, easy to shoot, and designed to last for generations.
It’s on the heavier side at 42 ounces, but that extra weight helps with recoil control and keeps it steady while shooting. The trigger is smooth, and the 10-round cylinder means less reloading and more shooting compared to most rimfire revolvers. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for those who want a high-quality, rock-solid .22 revolver, the GP-100 is worth the investment.
Glock G44
The Glock G44 is a solid training pistol for those familiar with Glock handguns. It shares the same grip size and controls as the Glock 19, making it a great option for affordable practice. The polymer frame keeps it lightweight, and it has a simple design that works well for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
It only holds 10 rounds, which is lower than some competitors, and it’s not optics-ready. While accuracy is decent, other .22 pistols like the Browning Buck Mark or Ruger Mark IV tend to be more precise. Still, for Glock users looking for a budget-friendly way to train, the G44 is a good fit.
Browning 1911-22 A1
The Browning 1911-22 A1 is an 85% scale version of the classic 1911, making it a fun and familiar option for fans of the platform. It has an aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel barrel, and a design that stays true to the original 1911 layout. The grip safety, hammer, and dovetail-notched rear sight all add to its traditional feel.
The slightly smaller size might take some getting used to, and the trigger is a little firm, but it has a clean break. At around $660, it’s more expensive than some other .22 pistols, but for those who love 1911s, it’s a great training pistol that allows for plenty of affordable range time.
Walther WMP
The Walther WMP takes rimfire to the next level by chambering .22 WMR instead of .22 LR. That means higher velocity and better downrange energy, making it a step up in power. With a 15+1 capacity, it offers more rounds than most magnum pistols, and it’s built to be lightweight with a polymer frame and aluminum slide. The fiber-optic front sight and serrated rear sight help with quick target acquisition.
While the WMP is marketed for self-defense, it also makes for a fun range gun. Just keep in mind that .22 WMR ammo costs more than .22 LR, so shooting all day gets pricier. Walther did their homework and even provides a list of recommended ammo to avoid cycling issues. For those looking for a magnum rimfire pistol with minimal recoil and solid capacity, this one stands out.
Ruger Wrangler
The Ruger Wrangler is about as simple as it gets—a single-action .22 revolver that looks and feels like something out of an old Western. This thing isn’t built for speed or competition, but it’s a blast to shoot, whether you’re knocking down cans or ringing steel. The aluminum alloy frame keeps it durable, and the cold hammer-forged barrel delivers solid accuracy.
Revolvers like this don’t have a swing-out cylinder, so each round has to be manually loaded and unloaded through the loading gate. It’s not the most convenient, but for $200, it’s a steal. If you’ve ever wanted a budget-friendly cowboy gun that’s simple, reliable, and just plain fun, this one’s worth considering.
Taurus TX22 Compact
The TX22 Compact brings the reliability of the original TX22 into a lighter, more concealable package. With a 13+1 capacity, a threaded barrel, and a lightweight polymer frame, it has everything needed for plinking, training, or even a lightweight carry option. The grip is well-designed, with just enough texture for control without feeling rough.
It would have been nice to see a fiber-optic front sight option, but the fixed front and drift-adjustable rear sights do the job. Taurus has been refining this line since 2019, and with 16 different TX22 models available, there’s no shortage of configurations to suit different needs. For under $300, it’s a great little .22 pistol with plenty of features.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 is a modern take on a classic. Built with the grip angle of a 1911, it offers a familiar feel for those who shoot centerfire pistols but want a .22 LR for training. The 5.5-inch bull barrel gives it excellent accuracy, and the adjustable rear sight and optics-ready receiver make it a strong choice for target shooting.
One of the biggest complaints about earlier Ruger Mark models was how difficult they were to take apart. Ruger listened and introduced a one-button takedown, making maintenance much easier. The trigger pull is a little long, but for a precision .22, the Mark IV 22/45 delivers. Whether you’re adding a red dot or running it as-is, it’s a well-built, reliable pistol that shooters love.
Heritage Rough Rider
The Heritage Rough Rider is as close as you’ll get to an old-school cowboy gun without spending a fortune. This single-action, six-shot revolver gives off serious Wild West vibes, and it’s easily one of the most fun .22 pistols out there.
Shooting the Rough Rider is a slower, more deliberate experience. The single-action design means you have to manually cock the hammer for each shot, and reloading takes time since every round is loaded and ejected individually. But that’s part of the fun. It forces you to focus on accuracy and shot placement rather than just blasting away. It may not be the most practical pistol on this list, but if you’re looking for something fun, nostalgic, and affordable, the Rough Rider is hard to beat.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
