A lot of folks treat .22 rifles like they’re only good for plinking or teaching kids how to shoot. But with the right setup, these rifles can do a lot more than most people give them credit for. From small-game hunting to survival situations, a good .22 can punch above its weight—quietly, accurately, and without beating up your shoulder or your wallet.
If you’ve overlooked .22s because they seem underpowered, it might be time to take another look. These rifles can hold their own in more situations than you think.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 has been around for decades, and there’s a reason for that. It’s reliable, accurate, and endlessly customizable. Out of the box, it’ll take down small game and ring steel all day, and with a few upgrades, it can run with rifles twice its price.
It feeds most ammo without complaint and is easy to maintain. Whether you’re using irons or mounting a scope, it stays consistent. This rifle has earned its place in the safe—and it’s more than just a plinker.
Henry Lever Action .22
Henry’s lever-action .22 rifles are smooth, accurate, and built better than most people expect. The action cycles cleanly, and the sights are easy to pick up. It handles like a full-size rifle, but with the low recoil and cost of .22 LR.
It’s a great option for small game or target shooting, and it’s reliable enough for light survival work too. It might look old-school, but it gets the job done with very few complaints.
CZ 457
The CZ 457 series offers serious accuracy right out of the box. These rifles are well-machined, have excellent triggers, and feel solid in the hands. They’re built with precision in mind, but you don’t need to be a competition shooter to notice the difference.
Whether you’re bench shooting or popping varmints, this rifle is more than capable. With match-grade ammo, it’ll stack shots tighter than you’d expect from a rimfire. It’s not flashy—it’s just accurate and well-built.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin 60 has quietly earned a solid reputation for reliability and accuracy. It’s a tube-fed semi-auto that’s been putting meat on the table for generations. The stock trigger’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.
It cycles standard and high-velocity ammo well and doesn’t need much upkeep to keep running. For a budget rifle, it holds its own and has proven itself useful well beyond backyard cans.
Savage Mark II
The Savage Mark II is a bolt-action .22 with a surprisingly good trigger and consistent accuracy. The AccuTrigger is adjustable, and it gives the rifle a more refined feel than most rifles in this price range.
It’s a great tool for learning marksmanship, but it’s also capable of making tight groups at longer rimfire distances. If you want a dependable .22 that doesn’t cost much and shoots better than expected, this is a solid pick.
Tikka T1x MTR
The Tikka T1x MTR feels like a scaled-down centerfire rifle. It has a smooth bolt throw, solid build quality, and excellent out-of-the-box accuracy. Tikka didn’t cut corners here—it’s built to shoot well and last.
The rifle uses the same stock as their larger calibers, so it balances naturally and accepts many of the same upgrades. It’s a bit pricier than basic rimfires, but it earns it with performance that stretches what a .22 can do.
Thompson/Center TCR22
The TCR22 takes the Ruger 10/22 concept and refines it. It uses 10/22 mags and shares parts compatibility but includes features like a threaded barrel, fiber optic sights, and a better stock straight from the factory.
It runs reliably with all kinds of ammo and has a more ergonomic feel than some of the older .22s. It’s a great option for anyone who wants the functionality of a 10/22 with a few upgrades already built in.
Browning SA-22
The Browning SA-22 is a takedown semi-auto with top-notch build quality and smooth cycling. It ejects downward, which makes it great for left-handed shooters or anyone who wants a unique rimfire setup.
It’s been around a long time, and for good reason. It’s compact, reliable, and easy to break down for transport. Don’t let the old-school look fool you—this rifle can still shoot with the best of them.
Christensen Arms Ranger 22
The Ranger 22 brings a more modern feel to rimfire precision shooting. It comes with a threaded barrel, lightweight stock, and a match-grade chamber. Accuracy is tight right out of the box, and it pairs well with optics for longer-distance rimfire work.
It’s not cheap, but it’s built to perform. If you want a .22 that can punch tiny groups or take down varmints with precision, this rifle can handle it without much tweaking.
Winchester Wildcat
The Winchester Wildcat is lightweight, affordable, and surprisingly capable for the price. It uses a rotary mag similar to the 10/22 and features a simple takedown system that makes it easy to clean and maintain.
It’s got a decent trigger, good accuracy for the cost, and a modular feel that appeals to newer shooters. For a basic .22 that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, the Wildcat is worth a second look.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
