Some .22s are picky, fragile, or just plain fussy. Others? You can drag them through the dirt, knock them around, and they still feed, fire, and hit where you need them to. These rimfires might not get babied, but they keep showing up ready to go. Whether you’re plinking, pest controlling, or just knocking cans around, these are the .22s folks keep trusting because they’ve earned it. Here are ten that take a beating and don’t flinch.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 has been the go-to .22 for decades, and for good reason. It’s dead simple, easy to clean, and parts are everywhere.
You can beat one up on the range or in the backwoods, and it still runs. Toss it in a truck or pack and forget about it—until you need it. Then it works.
Marlin Model 60
It may not get the same attention as the 10/22, but the Marlin Model 60 has quietly outlasted plenty of newer rimfires. It just keeps going.
The tube-fed design is rugged and reliable, and the micro-groove barrel helps it stay accurate. Many folks have had theirs for years and never needed to do much more than clean it.
Henry Classic Lever Action .22
This little lever-action isn’t just fun—it’s tough. The Henry Classic feels solid in hand and holds up to plenty of rough handling.
Whether you’re teaching kids or using it on the trapline, it keeps feeding and firing with all sorts of ammo. The action’s smooth, and the build quality is better than you’d expect for the price.
CZ 457
The CZ 457 isn’t the cheapest on this list, but it’s built like a real rifle—not a toy. The bolt is tight, the steel is solid, and it feels like it’ll outlast you.
Even under heavy use, it holds zero and keeps stacking shots. If you want a serious .22 that shrugs off hard use and still shoots well, this one’s a strong pick.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22
A .22 AR might sound finicky, but the M&P 15-22 is surprisingly durable. It handles abuse better than many full-sized rifles in its class.
It eats a wide variety of ammo, runs clean, and holds up to thousands of rounds without issues. If you want a rimfire trainer that can get knocked around, this one’s ready.
Savage Mark II
The Savage Mark II is a no-frills bolt-action that just works. It’s been a farm and ranch favorite for years because it doesn’t need babying.
Throw it behind the seat, take it out in the weather—it still fires true. The AccuTrigger helps tighten up your groups, but even with basic ammo, it stays consistent.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 is one of the best cheap .22s that refuses to quit. It’s simple, rugged, and accurate enough for most casual shooting.
It’s built on a blowback action that’s been proven reliable over time. For the money, it takes a surprising amount of use—and even abuse—without needing constant attention.
Browning Buck Mark
For a .22 pistol that takes a beating, the Buck Mark is a solid bet. It’s got a sturdy frame, solid slide, and a reputation for long-term reliability.
It handles thousands of rounds without much complaint and doesn’t seem to care if it’s dirty or dropped. If you want a rimfire handgun that just runs, this one’s worth a look.
Ruger Mark IV
Ruger’s Mark series pistols have always been known for their longevity, and the Mark IV continues that streak. It’s easier to clean, but still as tough as ever.
These pistols can run filthy, cycle standard or high-velocity ammo, and still keep spitting rounds reliably. Drop it, drag it, or use it hard—it’ll be fine.
Keystone Crickett (Synthetic Stock)
It might be a youth rifle, but the Crickett is built like a tank. The synthetic-stock version especially takes knocks without complaint.
It’s a single-shot, which means fewer moving parts to break or gunk up. Plenty of folks hand these down through generations, and they’re still working just like day one.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
