Photo credit: Academy Sports
A good .22 pistol can do more than provide cheap entertainment. It can help new shooters learn trigger control without fighting recoil, give experienced handgun owners a low-cost way to practice fundamentals, and turn an ordinary range trip into something people actually want to repeat. The best rimfire pistols are easy to shoot, accurate enough to reward good technique, and dependable enough that malfunctions do not ruin the experience.
Not every .22 pistol serves the same purpose. Some closely copy full-size defensive handguns, making them useful training tools. Others are built for target shooting, hunting, suppressor use, or casual plinking. Ammunition quality still matters because .22 Long Rifle can be dirtier and less consistent than centerfire cartridges, but the pistols on this list have earned attention by offering the right balance of reliability, handling, accuracy, and plain enjoyment.
Ruger Mark IV Target
The Ruger Mark IV Target is one of the safest choices for someone who wants a traditional .22 pistol that can handle serious practice and casual range use. Its heavy barrel, adjustable sights, and comfortable grip angle make it easy to hold steady, while the single-action trigger gives shooters enough control to see exactly what they are doing right or wrong.
The biggest improvement over earlier Ruger rimfire pistols is the one-button takedown system. Older Mark-series guns were famous for being difficult to reassemble after cleaning, but the Mark IV opens quickly without turning basic maintenance into a puzzle. The pistol is heavier and larger than a defensive training gun, yet that weight is part of what makes it so pleasant to shoot. It stays flat, rewards careful trigger work, and can remain useful long after a new shooter outgrows the beginner stage.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite combines the reliable Mark-series action with a grip angle intended to feel more like a 1911. Its lightweight upper keeps the gun lively, while the threaded barrel makes it one of the most common choices for shooters who plan to use a suppressor.
The pistol is light enough for younger shooters and casual plinking, but it still has the accuracy needed for serious practice. Its controls and grip do not perfectly copy a centerfire 1911, yet the general feel is much closer than the standard Ruger grip angle. The large aftermarket is another major advantage. Owners can replace triggers, grips, sights, charging handles, and nearly every other part. That makes the 22/45 Lite useful as both an affordable trainer and a platform for people who enjoy customizing their guns.
Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX
The Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX has earned a long-standing reputation for accuracy, comfort, and dependable operation. Its aluminum frame keeps the weight reasonable, while the full-size grip gives shooters enough surface area to maintain consistent hand placement.
The factory trigger is one of the Buck Mark’s strongest features. It usually feels cleaner and lighter than the triggers found on inexpensive defensive-style rimfire pistols, which makes the gun especially useful for teaching sight alignment and controlled trigger presses. The Camper model avoids some of the cost of more specialized Buck Marks without feeling cheap. Disassembly is not as quick as the Ruger Mark IV system, but routine care is manageable. For someone who wants a straightforward target pistol without moving into competition-gun pricing, the Buck Mark remains difficult to beat.
Taurus TX22 Competition
The Taurus TX22 Competition offers more capacity and a more modern layout than most traditional .22 target pistols. Its 16-round magazines reduce interruptions during practice, while the optic-mounting system places the sight on a fixed barrel shroud rather than the moving slide.
That arrangement helps the dot remain stable and allows the lightweight slide to cycle without carrying the additional mass of the optic. The pistol has a good trigger, comfortable grip, threaded barrel, and enough accuracy for steel matches or fast-paced range drills. Taurus has had an uneven reputation across parts of its catalog, but the TX22 family has been one of the company’s strongest modern successes. It works especially well for shooters who want a fun rimfire pistol that feels closer to a full-size defensive handgun than a conventional bull-barrel target gun.
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact
The Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact was designed to resemble the company’s centerfire M&P pistols without simply being a full-size gun chambered in a lighter cartridge. Its controls, grip shape, and overall handling make it a useful training option for people who carry or own other M&P models.
The compact size keeps it manageable for new shooters, but it is large enough to avoid the cramped feel of a tiny pocket pistol. The threaded barrel on many versions also makes it suppressor-friendly. Capacity is lower than newer high-capacity rimfires, and the trigger does not perfectly duplicate the M&P9. Even so, the pistol does a good job of teaching magazine changes, sight tracking, and safe handling without the recoil or ammunition cost of 9mm. It is one of the more practical rimfire trainers from a major defensive-pistol manufacturer.
Glock 44
The Glock 44 gives Glock owners a .22 pistol with nearly the same dimensions and controls as the Glock 19. That makes it useful for practicing draws, sight alignment, magazine changes, and trigger manipulation without burning through centerfire ammunition.
Its lightweight slide produces very little recoil, which makes the gun approachable for beginners. The standard ten-round magazines feel limited compared with several newer rimfire pistols, and the lightweight construction can make the gun feel less substantial than the centerfire Glock it copies. Reliability can also depend heavily on ammunition quality and keeping the pistol reasonably clean. When paired with loads it likes, the Glock 44 is an effective training tool. It makes the most sense for shooters already invested in Glock holsters, sights, and handling habits.
SIG Sauer P322
The SIG Sauer P322 was built to compete directly with high-capacity modern rimfire pistols. It holds 20 rounds in its standard magazines, uses a familiar striker-style layout, and includes an optic-ready slide and threaded-barrel capability.
Its capacity makes range sessions more enjoyable because shooters spend less time loading magazines. The grip feels more like a compact centerfire handgun than a traditional target pistol, and the controls are easy to understand. Some owners have found the magazines require careful loading to avoid rim overlap, which can create feeding issues. That is a common challenge with high-capacity .22 magazines and worth learning before blaming the pistol. Properly loaded and paired with dependable ammunition, the P322 is an excellent option for fast practice, steel shooting, and recreational use.
FN 502 Tactical
The FN 502 Tactical gives shooters a rimfire pistol with the styling and controls of a modern duty handgun. It includes an optic-ready slide, threaded barrel, ambidextrous controls, and magazines larger than those supplied with many older .22 pistols.
Its size and grip shape make it particularly useful for shooters who want a .22 that does not feel like a miniature toy. The hammer-fired trigger offers a cleaner break than many inexpensive rimfire trainers, and the pistol is easy to configure with a suppressor and red-dot sight. It costs more than several basic .22 handguns, and the price moves it closer to proven target pistols. The FN earns its place by combining training value with features that usually require aftermarket work on cheaper guns.
Walther PPQ 22
The Walther PPQ 22 does a good job of carrying over the excellent ergonomics of the centerfire PPQ series. Its grip shape, control placement, and overall dimensions feel far more like a serious service pistol than a scaled-down plinker.
The trigger is lighter and easier to manage than many budget .22 pistols, making it useful for both new shooters and experienced owners who want inexpensive practice. Several barrel lengths and configurations have been offered, including models with threaded muzzles. The pistol does not perfectly duplicate the recoil or trigger behavior of a centerfire PPQ, but no rimfire copy can. Its real strength is comfort. People tend to shoot better when a gun fits their hands naturally, and the PPQ 22 remains one of the most comfortable defensive-style rimfires available.
Walther P22Q
The Walther P22Q is smaller and lighter than the PPQ 22, making it appealing to younger shooters and people with small hands. Its interchangeable backstrap and familiar controls help it feel more adjustable than many compact rimfire pistols.
The P22 family has developed a mixed reputation because some examples are sensitive to ammunition and maintenance. High-velocity loads often provide the most dependable operation, particularly during the break-in period. The pistol is not the best choice for someone who wants match-grade accuracy or a gun that will run when completely neglected. It is fun, compact, and suppressor-friendly when properly configured. Buyers who understand its preferences can enjoy it, but it requires more ammunition testing than the most dependable pistols on this list.
Beretta 87 Target
The Beretta 87 Target is a refined metal-framed rimfire pistol built around precision rather than low cost. Its long barrel shroud, excellent sights, and comfortable grip make it well suited to deliberate target shooting.
The pistol has the smooth operation and solid feel associated with Beretta’s classic metal handguns. It holds fewer rounds than modern polymer rimfires and costs considerably more than basic plinking pistols. Those drawbacks make it hard to recommend as someone’s first casual .22. Serious shooters often appreciate it because the trigger, balance, and accuracy feel closer to a dedicated sporting pistol. It is especially appealing to people who want a traditional hammer-fired .22 without stepping into highly specialized European competition guns.
Beretta 21A Bobcat
The Beretta 21A Bobcat is one of the smallest .22 pistols still commonly encountered. Its tip-up barrel allows the shooter to load the chamber without pulling back the slide, which can help people who struggle with hand strength.
Its tiny dimensions also make it a challenging pistol to shoot accurately. The sights are minimal, the grip is short, and the short barrel provides little margin for poor technique. Reliability can vary by ammunition, and rimfire ignition is not ideal for a gun someone intends to trust defensively. As a recreational pocket pistol, however, the Bobcat has considerable charm. It is mechanically interesting, easy to carry, and surprisingly enjoyable when used within realistic distances. It is better as a fun specialty gun than as a primary training pistol.
KelTec P17
The KelTec P17 offers one of the best feature-to-price combinations in the rimfire market. It holds 16 rounds, includes a threaded barrel, and weighs very little. It also commonly ships with multiple magazines, which is unusual at its price.
The gun feels inexpensive because it is inexpensive, but that does not mean it lacks value. Its trigger is surprisingly usable, the controls are simple, and recoil is almost nonexistent. The light construction makes it easy for new shooters to handle, though it can also feel less stable than a heavier target pistol. Fit and finish are not on the level of a Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark. For casual range use, hiking, or introducing someone to handguns without spending much, the P17 is hard to ignore.
Ruger SR22
The Ruger SR22 is a compact hammer-fired pistol built around easy handling and flexible ergonomics. It includes interchangeable grip sleeves, ambidextrous controls, and a slide that is easier to operate than many centerfire pistols.
Its double-action and single-action trigger gives new shooters exposure to two different trigger pulls. That can be helpful for training, though it also adds complexity compared with a single-action target pistol. The SR22 is small enough for younger shooters but still comfortable for many adults. It is not known for extraordinary precision, and its ten-round capacity now feels modest. What it offers is dependable recreational performance in a compact package that works well for teaching basic handgun manipulation.
Browning 1911-22
The Browning 1911-22 is a reduced-size rimfire version of the classic 1911. It preserves the general control layout, grip safety, thumb safety, and single-action operation while scaling the gun down to better match the .22 cartridge.
Its smaller dimensions make it especially useful for younger shooters who are not ready for the weight and recoil of a full-size centerfire 1911. Adult shooters with large hands may find the reduced frame cramped, and it is not an exact training substitute for a Government Model. The pistol is more refined than many inexpensive rimfire copies and has a strong visual appeal. It works well for teaching 1911-style controls and providing a fun range experience without the cost of .45 ACP.
Colt Gold Cup Trophy .22
The Colt Gold Cup Trophy .22 is designed to offer the look and handling of a competition-style 1911 while firing inexpensive rimfire ammunition. Its full-size frame and familiar control arrangement make it more useful as a 1911 trainer than smaller scaled-down copies.
It does not have the weight, trigger quality, or internal construction of a true centerfire Colt Gold Cup. Buyers should view it as a licensed rimfire trainer rather than a direct substitute for the original. The pistol can still be enjoyable for practicing manual-safety operation, sight alignment, and basic trigger control. Its appeal is strongest for shooters who already enjoy 1911s and want a familiar range gun. Those seeking maximum rimfire accuracy may be better served by a dedicated Ruger or Browning target pistol.
Smith & Wesson Model 41
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is one of the finest American target pistols ever produced. It was designed for precision competition and features a carefully fitted action, excellent trigger, and balance that encourages deliberate shooting.
The Model 41 is much more expensive than most recreational .22 pistols, and it demands a level of care that casual plinkers may not want to provide. It can also be particular about ammunition, especially when shooters expect flawless function with cheap bulk loads. With quality target ammunition, the pistol is capable of exceptional accuracy. It belongs on this list because serious training can still be fun, and few pistols reward careful technique as clearly as a Model 41. It is the kind of gun owners can spend decades learning to shoot better.
Volquartsen Black Mamba
The Volquartsen Black Mamba takes the Ruger-style rimfire platform and upgrades nearly every important component. It combines a lightweight barrel assembly with a premium bolt, excellent trigger, improved controls, and competition-ready accuracy.
The pistol is expensive, but it saves owners from buying a basic Ruger and replacing half the parts. It cycles quickly, balances well, and is especially effective in steel matches where fast transitions and reliable operation matter. The threaded barrel also makes it useful with a suppressor. A new shooter does not need this level of performance to learn the fundamentals. Experienced rimfire shooters who want a pistol capable of keeping up with their skill will find the Black Mamba far more satisfying than an ordinary plinker.
Tandemkross Manticore X
The Tandemkross Manticore X is another premium rimfire pistol built around competition and customization. It combines a lightweight upper with upgraded controls, a refined trigger, and components intended to make rapid shooting easier.
Its aggressive design may look excessive to someone who only wants to punch paper at 15 yards. For steel-challenge shooters, the large charging handle, oversized controls, and low reciprocating mass have practical value. The pistol is easy to operate under time pressure and can be configured around a red-dot sight from the start. Like the Volquartsen, it costs far more than a basic .22. It is aimed at shooters who already know they enjoy rimfire competition and want equipment that will not hold them back.
Browning Buck Mark Hunter
The Browning Buck Mark Hunter gives the proven Buck Mark action a longer, heavier barrel suited to hunting and precision shooting. Its extended sight radius and stable balance make it easier to place accurate shots on small targets.
The gun is heavier than the Camper and less convenient for casual carry, but that weight helps when shooting from a rest or supported field position. The grip and trigger maintain the qualities that make the Buck Mark family popular. It can also accept an optic, turning it into a very capable small-game pistol where regulations allow. Shooters who only want rapid plinking may prefer a lighter model. Those who enjoy testing their accuracy or carrying a rimfire handgun in the field will appreciate what the Hunter adds.
Smith & Wesson Victory
The Smith & Wesson Victory is a stainless-steel target pistol designed to compete directly with the Ruger Mark series and Browning Buck Mark. Its modular barrel system allows owners to swap barrels more easily than with many traditional rimfire pistols.
The pistol is substantial and stable, making it comfortable for long practice sessions. The factory trigger is decent, and aftermarket support from companies such as Tandemkross allows owners to improve controls, barrels, and internal components. Its takedown system is simpler than older Ruger designs but not as effortless as the Mark IV. The Victory offers strong value for shooters who want a durable target pistol with room for customization. It may not have the history of the Ruger or Browning, but it has earned a place beside them.
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