The .22 LR is the rifle that just about everyone owns—or at least should. Whether you’re knocking over tin cans in the backyard, hunting small game, or dialing in for serious precision work, a good .22 is one of the most versatile firearms you can have. It’s cheap to shoot, easy to handle, and doesn’t beat up your shoulder. No wonder they’ve been a favorite for generations.
This year, there’s no shortage of great options, from budget-friendly plinkers to competition-ready tack drivers. Some rifles stick to the basics, while others pack in premium features like carbon-fiber barrels, match-grade triggers, and adjustable stocks. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a .22 LR rifle that fits the bill.
Henry Small Game Rifle
There’s just something about running a lever gun that makes shooting more fun. The Henry Small Game Rifle brings that old-school feel with modern reliability, making it one of the best .22 LR lever-actions on the market. It’s got a smooth action, a 12-round tubular magazine, and a classic walnut stock that just looks right.
This isn’t the gun you want to throw in the back of a truck and beat up, but if you take care of it, it’ll last forever. It comes with a Skinner peep sight, which is great for quick target acquisition, and it holds solid groups at 50 yards with quality ammo. If you love lever guns and want a .22 LR that feels as good as it looks, this one won’t disappoint.
Bergara BMR Carbon
Bergara has made a name for itself in the precision rifle world, and the BMR Carbon is proof they know what they’re doing in the .22 LR space too. This rifle is built for serious shooters who want a rimfire that feels like a full-size rifle but won’t weigh them down in the field. At just over 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry all day while hunting small game or punching targets.
Accuracy-wise, it’s impressive, averaging sub-MOA groups at 50 yards with quality match ammo. The trigger is crisp, and the action runs smooth, making it a pleasure to shoot. The stock could be a little stiffer, and the bottom metal being plastic isn’t ideal, but those are minor complaints for an otherwise excellent rifle. If you want a lightweight bolt gun that can perform, this one is worth a look.
MPA Matrix Pro
If you’re into precision rimfire shooting and have some cash to spend, the MPA Matrix Pro is an absolute monster. Built around the Vudoo Three 60 action, this rifle is smooth, accurate, and fully customizable to fit your shooting style. The adjustable competition chassis lets you tweak length of pull, comb height, and grip style, while the ARCA rail and Picatinny fore-end make mounting accessories a breeze.
At 13.5 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to carry through the woods, but for PRS and NRL-style matches, it’s a beast. It held sub-¾ MOA groups at 100 yards with SK and Lapua ammo, and the trigger is about as crisp as it gets. The only downside? Price and lead time. But if you’re serious about rimfire competition, it’s worth every penny.
Savage Mark II FV-SR
The Savage Mark II FV-SR proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid .22 LR rifle. It’s a little rough around the edges—stiff bolt, tricky magazine—but once you get past that, it delivers where it counts: accuracy. Running SK Long Range Match, it printed sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, which is wild for a rifle at this price point.
It’s lightweight, durable, and comes with a heavy barrel and an adjustable AccuTrigger. The stock isn’t fancy, but it’s tough as nails, and the threaded barrel means you can slap on a suppressor. If you need a reliable, accurate .22 without breaking the bank, this one’s a great pick.
Winchester Wildcat Sporter SR
Winchester’s Wildcat series has been a solid budget-friendly option since its release, and the Sporter SR takes things up a notch with a classy walnut stock and suppressor-ready barrel. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and runs aftermarket 10/22 mags, making it a great alternative if you don’t want to spend Ruger money.
The controls can be a little stiff at first, but the accuracy is solid for a semi-auto in this price range. The adjustable ghost ring sights are a nice touch, and the takedown system makes cleaning a breeze. If you want a lightweight .22 LR for plinking, small game, or teaching a new shooter, this one checks all the right boxes.
Ruger 10/22
If you’ve been around .22 LR rifles for any length of time, you already know the Ruger 10/22 is the undisputed workhorse of the category. This semi-auto has been around for over 50 years, and for good reason—it just works. It’s reliable, accurate, and affordable, making it the go-to for everything from plinking to small game hunting. Plus, the aftermarket support is insane. You can tweak this rifle into just about anything you want.
The stock trigger leaves something to be desired—it’s a little stiff out of the box—but that’s an easy fix. Accuracy-wise, with good ammo like Lapua, it can punch tight groups at 50 yards. Whether you’re looking for a reliable first rifle or a platform to build on, the 10/22 is always a solid bet.
Proof Latitude
If you’re looking for a high-end .22 LR that delivers insane accuracy, the Proof Latitude is in a class of its own. Built around a Zermatt Arms RimX action with a carbon-fiber barrel and stock, this rifle is light, smooth, and ridiculously precise. The controlled-round feed system ensures every shot loads perfectly, which helps maintain top-tier accuracy.
It’s expensive—there’s no getting around that. But if you’re serious about precision rimfire shooting, this rifle delivers. It averaged under 1 MOA at 100 yards in real-world conditions, which is better than a lot of centerfire rifles. The ergonomics are dialed in too, making it one of the best shooting bolt-action .22s you can buy. If budget isn’t a concern, this is a dream rifle.
Savage Rascal Target XP
For a single-shot bolt-action .22, the Savage Rascal Target XP packs a surprising punch. Designed with new shooters in mind, it’s simple, safe, and easy to use—no messing with magazines or complex controls. The adjustable AccuTrigger is a standout feature, letting you dial in a crisp break for better accuracy. Plus, the factory-mounted 4x32mm scope and included bipod mean you can get right to shooting out of the box.
It’s compact and lightweight, making it ideal for young shooters or anyone wanting a small-bore precision trainer. It’s a bit small for full-grown adults, and the extraction can get sticky if you don’t keep it clean. But if you want a solid starter rifle with serious accuracy potential, this little Rascal is worth a look.
Henry AR-7 U.S. Survival Rifle
Designed for Air Force pilots as a survival tool, the Henry AR-7 is all about portability and reliability. It breaks down into three pieces—barrel, receiver, and stock—which all pack neatly inside the hollow ABS stock. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, it’s light enough to stash in a backpack, truck, or boat without even noticing it’s there.
Accuracy and ergonomics aren’t its strong suits, but it cycles reliably, and that’s what matters in a survival situation. The peep sights are functional, and you can mount an optic using the built-in 3/8-inch rail. It’s not a rifle you buy for fun at the range, but if you want a compact, no-nonsense survival gun that’s been around for decades, the AR-7 gets the job done.
Marlin 39A
If you know .22 rifles, you know the Marlin 39A. It’s one of the most respected lever-action rimfires ever made, and for good reason—smooth cycling, outstanding accuracy, and a takedown design that makes cleaning a breeze. This rifle can handle .22 LR, .22 Long, and .22 Short, feeding from a generous 21-round tubular magazine.
It’s not in production anymore, so prices are all over the place. Ruger now owns Marlin, and there’s talk that they might bring the 39A back. If that happens, it’ll be a must-buy. Until then, if you can find one in good condition, grab it—you won’t regret it.
Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rimfire
If you like precision rifles but don’t want to lug around a heavy rig, the Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rimfire is the answer. Weighing just over 5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest precision .22s out there. The carbon-fiber stock and barrel keep the weight down without sacrificing accuracy, and it runs a 10-round Ruger-pattern rotary mag—so extra mags are easy to find.
The TriggerTech trigger is fantastic, and the dual extractors ensure smooth cycling. Accuracy is right up there with the best, especially with match ammo. If you want a lightweight precision rifle that shoots like a dream, this one’s a winner.
Rossi Rio Bravo Gold
The Rossi Rio Bravo Gold is proof you don’t have to spend big to get a good lever-action .22. It’s got a classic western-style look with a polished gold-colored receiver and wood furniture, and it’s surprisingly accurate. The 14+1 round tubular magazine means more shooting and less reloading, making it a blast for plinking or small-game hunting.
It’s not as refined as higher-end lever guns—finishes aren’t as nice, and the action could be smoother—but for the price, it’s hard to complain. The receiver cover is easy to remove for maintenance, which is a big plus since rimfire lever guns can get dirty fast. If you want an affordable, fun-to-shoot lever gun, this one’s worth considering.
Springfield 2020 Rimfire
Springfield got a lot right with the 2020 Rimfire. This bolt-action .22 is built for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. It runs 10/22-style mags, so finding extras is simple, and the hard-chrome bolt cycles smoothly every time. Dual extractors make sure spent rounds come out cleanly, and the built-in Pic rail makes mounting an optic easy.
Accuracy is solid, averaging just under an inch at 50 yards with multiple types of ammo. The only complaint? The trigger only adjusts down to about 4.25 pounds, which is a little heavy for some shooters. But since it follows the Remington 700 pattern, swapping it out is easy. Whether you’re hunting, plinking, or just want a reliable .22, this rifle is a great value for the price.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
