A .22 is one of those rifles or pistols you grab when you want things to work—whether you’re hunting, plinking, or teaching a new shooter. But not all rimfires are created equal. Some models have earned a reputation for feeding smoothly, cycling consistently, and running box after box without a hiccup. When you’re in the field or trying to get work done, you don’t want stoppages. These are the .22s you can rely on when reliability is non-negotiable.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 has been the go-to rimfire for decades, largely because of its semi-auto reliability. It cycles most .22 LR loads without complaint, and aftermarket support means you can fine-tune it even further. The rotary magazine design helps cut down on misfeeds, something that plagues other rifles.
Hunters and target shooters alike know that a 10/22 will fire reliably in nearly any setting. Whether you’re running bulk ammo or premium loads, it tends to keep pace without jams.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has been in circulation since the 1960s and continues to impress with its tube-fed design. That setup alone helps prevent many feeding issues common with detachable magazines. Its micro-groove barrel is also known for excellent accuracy.
This rifle has earned its place by running smooth even under heavy use. It’s not unusual for hunters to put hundreds of rounds through it in a weekend without stoppages. That makes it a trusted .22 for both field and range.
Browning Buck Mark
When it comes to rimfire pistols, the Buck Mark is a top performer in reliability. It has a strong reputation for feeding hollow points and standard rounds with minimal fuss. The controls are simple, and the blowback action has been refined to keep it consistent.
Plinkers and small-game hunters find that the Buck Mark keeps firing when others choke on dirtier loads. You’ll spend more time shooting and less time clearing malfunctions.
Ruger Mark IV
The Ruger Mark IV pistol follows a long lineage of dependable .22 handguns. Its simple blowback design and solid build allow it to digest bulk ammunition that might trip up competitors. The easy takedown feature also makes cleaning fast, which helps reliability long-term.
If you’re training new shooters or carrying a .22 pistol for utility work, this one won’t leave you clearing stovepipes all afternoon. It’s one of the most trusted rimfire pistols out there.
CZ 457
The CZ 457 bolt-action isn’t as fast as a semi-auto, but it makes up for it with rock-solid dependability. Being a bolt-action means jams are rare, and the controlled feed system ensures each round seats correctly. You’ll get consistent accuracy to go with the reliability.
For small-game hunters, this rifle brings the kind of consistency you want when you’re miles from the truck. The CZ’s build quality ensures it runs without the quirks some cheaper rimfires show.
Henry Lever Action .22
Henry’s lever-action .22 combines smooth cycling with durability. Tube-fed and built with Henry’s usual attention to fit, it avoids many of the feeding issues seen in detachable-mag rifles. Lever operation also keeps it running through loads that might cause hiccups in semi-autos.
It’s especially popular among hunters who want a reliable field rifle that doesn’t mind a little dirt or rough handling. When you need a .22 that just keeps going, this lever action is a proven choice.
Savage Mark II
The Savage Mark II is another bolt-action that keeps things simple and reliable. Its controlled-round feed and sturdy magazine design make jams rare. Like the CZ, it trades speed for consistency, which many hunters prefer when accuracy matters more than rapid fire.
Even with lower-cost ammo, the Mark II holds up well in the field. If you want a dependable small-game rifle that won’t fuss over what you feed it, this one deserves a place in your rack.
Smith & Wesson Victory
The SW22 Victory pistol was designed with reliability in mind, featuring a stainless-steel frame and a straightforward blowback action. It handles high-volume shooting with fewer stoppages than many rimfire pistols in its class.
Shooters who run them for competition or range practice know they’ll keep feeding smoothly even as round counts climb. That confidence makes it a trusted .22 when you want something that won’t jam halfway through a session.
Winchester Wildcat
The modern Winchester Wildcat is built as a budget-friendly semi-auto that actually works. With a rotary magazine design similar to the Ruger 10/22, it avoids many of the issues typical of low-cost rimfires. Its polymer receiver is simple but effective, keeping the action running clean.
Hunters and backyard shooters have found that it cycles bulk ammo surprisingly well, making it a standout in the affordable category. For a rifle designed to compete with long-standing leaders, it has proven to be impressively reliable.
Walther P22Q
The Walther P22Q offers rimfire shooters a compact pistol that doesn’t choke as easily as many small-frame .22s. It handles standard and high-velocity loads with better reliability than most in its size class. The design has been refined over time to address early hiccups.
If you want a lightweight pistol for field carry or practice that won’t constantly hang up, the P22Q is worth a look. It runs cleaner and smoother than many other compact rimfire pistols.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
