When you’re after small game, reliability in a .22 rifle matters more than anything else. A rifle that misfeeds, loses accuracy, or falls out of zero will cost you opportunities in the field. The best .22 rifles aren’t always the flashiest—they’re the ones that keep working season after season, often after thousands of rounds. Whether you’re running them with bulk ammo or more specialized loads, some rifles have earned reputations for cycling smoothly, staying accurate, and holding up in real-world hunting conditions. These are the rifles hunters keep turning to when they need a trustworthy small game companion.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is probably the most recognized .22 rifle for small game, and that’s because it works. Its rotary magazine design feeds reliably, even when you’re running lower-quality bulk ammo that can trip up other rifles. Hunters value its consistency in the field, where one missed shot can mean a lost rabbit or squirrel.
Part of the 10/22’s staying power is its aftermarket support. You can keep it bone-stock and it’ll perform, or you can upgrade it with endless parts for personal preference. The semi-auto action cycles smoothly, and the barrel maintains accuracy after thousands of rounds. Whether you’re walking fencerows or setting up on the edge of the woods, this rifle won’t let you down. It has been a staple for generations of hunters, and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has put more small game in the bag than nearly any other rimfire. Known for its tubular magazine, it offers a higher capacity than many box-fed .22 rifles. That means fewer reloads when you’re in the field, which can be the difference between getting your limit and heading home early.
Hunters appreciate the accuracy of the Model 60, even with inexpensive ammo. The micro-groove rifling keeps groups tight, and the action runs smoothly after years of use. While it’s been around for decades, its design hasn’t needed much change because it simply works. If you’re looking for a semi-auto .22 that you can count on for squirrel season, this rifle has the track record to prove itself. It remains a practical, affordable, and dependable option for any hunter.
Henry Golden Boy
The Henry Golden Boy isn’t just good-looking—it’s one of the smoothest lever-action .22 rifles you’ll ever shoot. Hunters value it not only for the classic styling but for its ability to cycle a variety of .22 loads without hesitation. That flexibility makes it especially useful when you’re switching between different ammunition in the field.
The rifle’s solid build and American walnut stock add durability, but the action is what makes it stand out. The lever runs like glass, and that reliability translates to confidence when lining up on small game. While it’s heavier than some other rimfires, that weight adds stability for precise shots. If you want a rifle that balances tradition with dependability, the Golden Boy has earned its place. It’s not just a wall-hanger—it’s a rifle you can carry into the woods and trust.
CZ 457
CZ rifles are known for accuracy, and the 457 is no exception. This bolt-action rimfire is built with a cold hammer-forged barrel that delivers precision right out of the box. When you’re after small game, that level of accuracy means cleaner shots and quicker kills, something any ethical hunter wants.
The 457’s action is smooth, and the adjustable trigger makes it easy to dial in for your preference. It also accepts interchangeable barrels, giving it a versatility most .22s can’t match. Hunters who want a rifle that doesn’t just shoot well but feels refined in the hand often end up with a CZ 457. It’s a serious tool for those who value accuracy and reliability above all else. This rifle doesn’t require endless tweaking—it simply performs season after season.
Savage Mark II
The Savage Mark II is a bolt-action .22 that has proven itself both on the range and in the woods. Known for its AccuTrigger system, it allows you to set a crisp, consistent trigger pull that makes accurate shooting easier. For hunters, that means more confidence when taking small targets at distance.
The Mark II is available in multiple configurations, but even the basic models are reliable and accurate. The bolt cycles smoothly, and the detachable magazine feeds consistently. Whether you’re stalking squirrels in the hardwoods or popping rabbits in the brush, this rifle gives you the performance you need without overcomplicating things. It’s durable, straightforward, and trustworthy—a combination every small game hunter appreciates.
Browning SA-22
The Browning SA-22 is a John Browning design that has stood the test of time. It’s lightweight, balanced, and has a bottom-ejecting action that keeps spent casings out of your way. Hunters appreciate its simplicity and the fact that it continues to run reliably after decades of use.
Its takedown feature also makes it easy to pack and clean, which is valuable when you’re moving through rough terrain or need to break it down quickly after a hunt. The SA-22 isn’t the cheapest option, but the reliability and craftsmanship make it worth it. If you want a semi-auto rimfire with proven history and field-ready performance, this one delivers every time. It’s a rifle that doesn’t get as much attention as some, but in the hands of hunters, it has earned a reputation for consistency.
Winchester Wildcat
The Winchester Wildcat is a newer addition to the rimfire world, but it has quickly earned respect among hunters. Built with a lightweight polymer stock and a detachable rotary magazine, it offers a modern spin on a classic design. Hunters like it for its ease of handling and smooth cycling.
The Wildcat is reliable with a wide range of ammo, which is crucial for a hunting rifle you’ll use season after season. Its field-stripping system is also one of the simplest you’ll find, making maintenance a breeze. In practice, that means less downtime and more confidence in the woods. For hunters who want a .22 that blends modern design with proven reliability, the Wildcat is a strong choice. It’s quickly carving out a place in the small game hunting world.
Mossberg 702 Plinkster
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster may not be flashy, but it’s dependable. Affordable and lightweight, this rifle has found its way into many hunters’ hands as a reliable small game tool. Its detachable magazine is easy to use, and the semi-auto action cycles well with standard loads.
Hunters often praise its surprising accuracy, especially for the price point. While it’s considered an entry-level rifle, it has proven itself more than capable in the field. If you want a rifle that won’t break the bank but will still put rabbits and squirrels in the bag, the 702 Plinkster is worth considering. It may not carry the same prestige as some others, but when it comes to function, it doesn’t fall short.
Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire is a bolt-action that blends affordability with reliability. Its modular stock system allows you to adjust length of pull, making it a great option for hunters of all sizes or for teaching younger shooters. The rifle feeds from Ruger’s proven rotary magazines, which are among the most reliable in the .22 world.
Accuracy is consistent, and the adjustable trigger makes it easy to fine-tune for better shooting. Hunters appreciate how rugged the rifle feels, built to handle bumps and scrapes without complaint. It’s not overbuilt, but it’s not delicate either. If you want a modern bolt-action .22 that won’t give you headaches in the field, the Ruger American Rimfire deserves a serious look.
Remington 597
The Remington 597 has its share of critics, but hunters who’ve kept theirs running know it can be a dependable semi-auto. Its twin guide-rail system helps ensure smoother bolt travel and better reliability than some other designs. With proper maintenance, it holds up well through years of small game hunting.
The 597’s magazines have improved over time, and the later versions feed far more consistently. Accuracy is also respectable, especially for a semi-auto at its price point. If you’re willing to keep it clean and run quality ammo, the 597 will serve you well in the field. It may not be the first rifle people mention, but it has quietly taken plenty of game without issue.
Henry Classic Lever Action .22
The Henry Classic Lever Action .22 is about as straightforward as it gets, and that’s a big part of its reliability. The lever action cycles smoothly, feeding everything from .22 Shorts to Long Rifles. That versatility gives you options depending on what small game you’re after and the situation you’re hunting in.
Its solid American construction and lifetime warranty also add confidence for hunters. It’s a rifle you can hand down through generations, knowing it will still perform. Accuracy is more than adequate for small targets, and the action rarely gives trouble. If you want a dependable field gun with a traditional feel, the Henry Classic is hard to beat.
Thompson/Center T/CR22
The T/CR22 takes the proven Ruger 10/22 platform and adds factory upgrades that hunters often pay extra for. Out of the box, you get a threaded barrel, improved stock, and higher-quality trigger. These features make it a strong contender for small game hunting without needing aftermarket parts.
Its rotary magazines are compatible with Ruger’s, ensuring the same level of reliability. Accuracy is excellent, and the rifle handles a wide variety of loads without issue. Hunters who want a rimfire that’s ready for the field as-is, without needing tinkering, find the T/CR22 especially appealing. It’s a newer design, but it has already proven itself as a reliable small game rifle.
Anschütz 1710
The Anschütz 1710 is built with precision in mind, but it’s also incredibly reliable. German craftsmanship shows in every detail, from the smooth bolt to the match-grade barrel. While many see it as a competition rifle, it’s more than capable in the small game woods where accuracy and consistency matter most.
Its build quality ensures that it will hold zero and maintain accuracy for decades. While it’s priced higher than most rimfires, hunters who demand absolute precision often turn to Anschütz. Reliability isn’t just about cycling rounds—it’s about knowing the rifle will place the shot exactly where you want it every time. The 1710 excels in that regard, making it a top-tier choice for those who won’t compromise.
Savage A22
The Savage A22 is a semi-auto rimfire that brings bolt-action-level accuracy to a faster platform. Its delayed blowback action improves cycling and reduces wear, giving you reliability over thousands of rounds. Hunters appreciate that it feeds well with common ammo, making it practical for everyday small game use.
The A22’s AccuTrigger provides a crisp break, adding to its accuracy. Combined with its durable build, it makes for a rifle you can depend on in the field. Whether you’re hunting rabbits or squirrels, the A22 offers the kind of reliability that keeps your focus on the hunt, not your equipment. It’s a modern design that has proven itself worthy of serious consideration.
Marlin XT-22
The Marlin XT-22 is a bolt-action .22 that’s simple, accurate, and durable. Its adjustable Pro-Fire trigger lets you customize the pull for more control, which is helpful when taking small targets at distance. Hunters value its consistent accuracy, even with bulk ammo.
The XT-22’s tubular magazine gives you higher capacity, reducing the need to reload often in the field. The bolt is smooth and dependable, making it easy to keep in action for extended hunts. It may not have the modern flair of newer designs, but when you need a rifle that keeps working season after season, the XT-22 stands strong. It’s an understated but effective hunting rifle.
Bergara BMR
The Bergara BMR is a newer bolt-action .22 designed with both precision shooters and hunters in mind. Built with a match-grade barrel and smooth action, it’s one of the most accurate rimfires you can carry into the woods. For small game, that translates to clean, ethical kills.
Hunters appreciate that the BMR maintains reliability while offering competition-level performance. The magazines feed consistently, and the rifle handles rough conditions without complaint. While it’s more expensive than some options, you’re paying for a rifle that will last. If you’re serious about rimfire hunting and want something that bridges precision shooting and practical field use, the Bergara BMR delivers.
Chiappa Little Badger
The Chiappa Little Badger is a single-shot rifle, but its simplicity is what makes it reliable. With no semi-auto action or magazine to fail, it will fire every time you load it. Hunters often carry it as a lightweight backup or as a survival rifle for small game.
While it doesn’t offer rapid follow-ups, it does encourage accuracy and discipline. The foldable design makes it easy to carry in a pack, and its rugged build stands up to field use. For hunters who want something foolproof, the Little Badger is tough to beat. It’s not fancy, but it always works, and in small game hunting, that’s what counts most.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
