The Best 22 LR Rifles of 2026

We could earn income from the merchandise out there on this web page and take part in affiliate packages. Study extra ›

If you’re an grownup who likes to shoot or hunt, it’s laborious to seek out completeness with out a 22 LR rifle or two. Thought of by many to be essentially the most helpful rifle on the earth, a 22 rifle is ideal for goal apply, looking, competitors taking pictures, and instructing others to shoot. And you are able to do all of that with ammunition that doesn’t price you a greenback each time you pull the set off.

There are numerous 22 rifles to select from, and with trendy manufacturing methods, they’re getting extra inexpensive annually. Affordability could be vital in terms of shopping for a 22 rifle, however different issues—relying on what you wish to use your 22 rifle for—matter as properly. Right here’s a take a look at seven of the most effective 22 LR rifles for nearly any software.

Finest Total: Springfield-Armory Mannequin 2020 Rimfire

Finest Traditional: Ruger 77/22

Finest Lever Motion: Browning Bl-22 Micro Midas

Most Correct: Vudoo Apparition

Finest Worth: Ruger 10/22 Carbine

Finest Survival: Henry H2 U.S. Survival Rifle

Finest for Youngsters: Savage Rascal

How We Picked the Finest 22 LR Rifles

If you develop up with taking pictures and looking being a big a part of your life, and while you increase 4 children to be shooters and hunters, it’s a given that you simply’ll spend loads of time with 22 rifles. Through the years, I’ve owned loads of completely different 22 rifles, and people experiences mixed with all of the 22 rifles I’ve reviewed and examined for that final quarter century guided my picks. After all, these experiences had been additionally tempered with a extra centered and detailed analysis of the next components:

High quality of Building: How properly is the rifle put collectively, and the way does it stand as much as repeated use on the vary and within the subject?

Precision: Will the rifle constantly put the bullets the place the sights are aimed?

Reliability: Will the rifle work? Irrespective of how fairly or exact a rifle shoots, if it doesn’t work, it’s ineffective.

Utility: As a result of 22 rifles can be utilized in a wide range of methods, they should be examined based mostly on software. A plinking rifle shouldn’t be the identical as a match rifle.

Price: Given the rifle’s efficiency, is it well worth the value?

Finest 22 LR Rifles: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest Total: Springfield-Armory Mannequin 2020 Rimfire

Specs

Size: 38.25 inches (varies barely with mannequin)

Weight: 6 kilos, 3 ounces to 7 kilos, 7 ounces

Barrel: 20 inches

Capability: 10+1

Set off: Adjustable

Professionals

Traditional or Trendy look

Correct

Dependable

Cons

A bit heavy for a rimfire

Barrel not threaded on Traditional mannequin

Six years in the past, Springfield-Armory stunned everybody with the introduction of their Mannequin 2020 centerfire bolt-action rifle. Just a few years later, they doubled down on the platform with the Mannequin 2020 rimfire. Now Springfield-Armory affords seven variants of this nice bolt-action 22 rifle, that includes 4 goal fashions and several other traditional fashions with completely different grades of checkered walnut shares. All variations include an interrupted Picatinny scope rail, a threaded bolt deal with, sling swivel studs, rubber recoil pad, a tough chrome bolt, and a sub-inch at 50 yards accuracy assure. Every rifle additionally comes with a soft-sided rifle case. Whether or not you’re in search of a rifle to punch paper or prowl a hickory thicket in search of bushytails, there’s a Mannequin 2020 rimfire for you, and considered one of these rimfire rifles could make a terrific understudy for a Mannequin 2020 centerfire rifle too.

Finest Traditional: Ruger 77/22

SEE IT

Specs

Size: 39.75 inches

Weight: 5.75 kilos

Barrel: 20.0 inches

Capability: 10

Set off: Non-adjustable

Professionals

Traditional appears

Correct

Dependable

Nice cub-caliber coach for Ruger 77

Cons

This might be my Finest Total decide in case you may nonetheless purchase one new. The Ruger 77/22 was initially supplied with an American walnut inventory that elegantly caressed blued metal. Launched in 1983, it was the rifle we’d all been dreaming of—a great trying, good taking pictures, man-sized 22 rifle that wasn’t too costly. It had a three-position thumb security to match the one on Ruger’s Mannequin 77 centerfire bolt motion rifle, and a really handy, flush-fitting 10-shot rotary journal. The rifle even got here with scope rings. A wide range of fashions would finally be supplied in chrome steel, with artificial and laminated wooden shares, and in 17 HMR and 22 WMR. Sadly, the 77/22 (22 LR) was discontinued in 2016. It was put out to pasture by Ruger’s extra inexpensive and modernized American Rimfire Rifle, which can be a really good 22 rifle that’s fairly inexpensive. Shooters and hunters appear to carry onto Ruger 77/22s just like the reminiscence of their first kiss or their first deer, so in case you discover one on the market that’s in good situation, count on to pay a few grand.

Finest Lever-Motion: Browning Bl-22 Micro Midas

SEE IT

Specs

Size: 31.5 inches

Weight: 4.75 kilos

Barrel: 16.25 inches

Capability: 11

Set off: Integral to lever

Professionals

Compact

Light-weight

Quick-throw lever

Cons

Set off pull is a bit on the heavy aspect

The lever-action Marlin 39A is among the most iconic and revered 22 rifles, nevertheless it disappeared from manufacturing previous to Marlin being acquired by Ruger. The primary downside with the 39A was it was lengthy and heavy. The most effective model of this rifle was the Mannequin 39TDS with its 16.5-inch barrel, nevertheless it was discontinued in 1996. The closest you may get to the dimensions and high quality of that rifle in a brand new lever motion in the present day is the BL-22 Micro Midas. This rifle has an especially brief lever throw of solely 33° which makes it extremely quick to cycle. Just like the Marlin 39TDS it additionally has a 16-inch barrel, however this rifle solely weighs 4.75 kilos. This makes it a terrific gun for packing round within the timber and for kids to be taught to shoot with. And it’ll cycle 22 Lengthy Rifle, 22 Lengthy, and 22 Quick ammunition. Possibly we’ll get fortunate, and the brand new Ruger-owned Marlin will reintroduce the Mannequin 39 TDS. Till then, the BL-22 is the most effective presently manufactured lever-action 22 rifle.

Most Correct: Vudoo Apparition

SEE IT

Specs

Size: Varies with mannequin

Weight: 9 to 12 kilos

Barrel: 16.5, 18, 20, or 22 inches

Capability: 10 spherical removable journal

Set off: Timney 510v2

Professionals

Nice set off

Excessive precision

Consumer adaptable shares

Cons

The most effective-shooting 22 rifle I’ve ever fired was made by Vudoo Gun Works. Vudoo has a stellar fame for constructing extraordinarily correct 22 rifles, they usually’re steadily utilized by those that compete in precision 22 rifle matches. They provide 4 variations of the Apparition, and in case you’re severe about threading the needle along with your bullet, this 22 rifle is the best way to go. The JP APAC Apparition is constructed on a control-round feed, Remington 700 short-style motion with collaboration from U.S. Military sniper and precision shooter Brian Whalen, and is housed in a extremely adaptable chassis inventory. 4 different variations are supplied in an assortment of configurations, however all these Vudoo rifles include a Timney 510v2 set off and feed from a 10-round AI sample removable journal.

Finest Worth: Ruger 10/22 Carbine

SEE IT

Specs (Carbine Mannequin)

Size: 37.0 inches

Weight: 5.00 kilos

Barrel: 18.5 inches

Capability: 10 spherical removable journal

Set off: Modular

Professionals

Moderately inexpensive

Simply customizable

Many variations to select from

Cons

Exhausting to withstand spending cash on customization

The Ruger 10/22 has been in steady manufacturing since 1964, and there are presently eight fashions in additional than 50 variations, with costs starting from lower than $400 to greater than $1000. The Ruger 10/22 shouldn’t be the least costly 22 rifle made, however given its document of efficiency and sturdiness, it’s clearly the most effective worth. The rifle contains a 10-shot, flush-fitting, rotary journal and a modular set off design that’s simply changed with both a Ruger BX or considered one of two Timney alternative set off models. However the most effective a part of the Ruger 10/22 is the benefit with which it may be personalized with out the help of a gunsmith. There’s a extensive assortment of aftermarket equipment, together with shares and barrels, and when you customise one 10/22, you’re probably to purchase one other and start tricking it out too.

5: Finest Survival: Henry H2 U.S. Survival Rifle

Specs

Size: 35.0 inches

Weight: 3.5 kilos

Barrel:5 inches

Capability: 8+1

Set off: Non-adjustable

Professionals

Light-weight

Packable/Self-containing case

Corrosion resistant

Reasonably priced

Cons

Archaic appears

Not a tac-driver

Designed by the identical man who gave us the M16, this rifle was initially the selection of Air Drive pilots for survival. For a rimfire survival rifle, the Henry H2 is ideal. The motion and barrel match throughout the rifle’s inventory for safe storage in an airplane, car, or backpack, and you may take it aside and put it again collectively with none instruments. The Henry H2 has an adjustable rear peep sight and a blade entrance sight and can handle small sport handily, however you received’t use it to win any taking pictures matches in opposition to the opposite rifles on this checklist. Lately up to date, the Henry H2 is accessible in three colours, together with black, True Timber Kanati, and True Timber Viper Western camo patterns. Whereas any rimfire rifle may serve you properly to battle off a rabid coyote or to place meals on the spit in a survival scenario, this is among the few designed from the bottom up for that function. It’s been round and been trusted for greater than half a century.

Finest for Youngsters: Savage Rascal

SEE IT

Specs

Size: 30.6 inches

Weight: 2.71 kilos

Barrel: 16.125 inches

Capability: Single shot

Set off: Adjustable AccuTrigger

Professionals

Compact

Light-weight

Nice set off

Reasonably priced

Cons

Restricted software (won’t develop with the child)

A rifle for a child must be very compact and really light-weight. In any other case, the child will wrestle to carry the rifle up and don’t have any focus left to deal with aligning the sights on the goal. I began all my children out with an ultra-compact bolt-action rifle, and whereas there are just a few to select from, I feel the Savage Rascal has essentially the most to supply. The Rascal weighs lower than 3 kilos, and with a 16-inch barrel, it’s solely 30 inches lengthy. The only-shot rifle can be fitted with Savage’s glorious AccuTrigger. An aperture-style peep sight is normal, however the Rascal’s receiver can be drilled for a scope base so you possibly can mount a pink dot sight, which is right for instructing younger shooters. This rifle shoots means higher than its value or measurement suggests, and when your children are carried out with it, move it on to a good friend to allow them to train their children to shoot.

Issues To Think about Earlier than Shopping for a 22 Rifle

Possibly crucial factor to grasp when shopping for a 22 rifle is that one is never sufficient. That is partly as a result of 22 rifles are a lot enjoyable to shoot, but additionally partly as a result of 22 rifles can be utilized in so some ways. In the event you’re in search of a normal function 22 rifle, a bolt-action that’s fitted with open sights and that may additionally mount a riflescope is an effective place to begin. However some semi-automatic and lever-action 22 rifles can fill that normal function position as properly. Select what suits your fashion and pocketbook. For plinking enjoyable, a semi-auto 22 rifle is difficult to beat, particularly one that’s appropriate with high-capacity magazines. And if excessive precision is what you’re after, go together with a bolt motion 22 rifle that has an adaptable inventory and a fame for excessive accuracy. After all, there’s nothing improper with having a special 22 rifle for each completely different means you may wish to use one.

The opposite factor to think about with 22 rifles is ammunition as a result of there’s such an excessive selection to select from. That is vital as a result of, possibly greater than with some other firearm, 22 rifles are very choosy in terms of ammunition. Whatever the rifle you select, choose a number of hundreds that meet your wants and check out all of them. Chances are high, if one load doesn’t shoot properly in considered one of your rifles, it would shoot nice in one other.

FAQs

Q: What’s .22 LR good for?

A 22 rifle is nice for plinking enjoyable, small-game looking, goal taking pictures, and for instructing new shooters easy methods to shoot a rifle. Some take into account them appropriate for self-defense and survival.

Q: How a lot does a 22 LR drop at 100 yards?

With a 25-yard zero, you possibly can count on normal velocity (1100 fps) 22 LR ammo to drop between 7 to 10 inches at 100 yards. With increased velocity ammo from round 1500 fps to about 1700 fps, the 100 yard drop can be about 2 to 4 inches.

Q: What grain is finest for 22 LR?

This largely relies on what you might be utilizing a 22 rifle for. Bullet weights for the 22 LR vary from between 21 and 60 grains, and like with most cartridges, the most effective normal function efficiency often comes with mid-range bullet weights. Within the case of the 22 LR, that might be 40-grains.

Finest 22 LR Rifles: Closing Ideas

Finest Total: Springfield-Armory Mannequin 2020 Rimfire

Finest Traditional: Ruger 77/22

Finest Lever Motion: Browning Bl-22 Micro Midas

Most Correct: Vudoo Apparition

Finest Worth: Ruger 10/22 Carbine

Finest Survival: Henry H2 U.S. Survival Rifle

Finest for Youngsters: Savage Rascal

Choosing the right 22 rifles is not any completely different than choosing the right of any sort of firearm. It can largely rely on who’s making the choice and what they wish to do with the gun. Everybody has completely different tastes, and everybody has completely different makes use of for a 22 rifle. You’ll be able to make certain that the 22 rifles above will carry out with the most effective in every class and supply a lifetime of dependable use and loads of enjoyable on the vary or within the subject.

Why Belief Us

For greater than 125 years, Subject & Stream has been offering readers with trustworthy and genuine protection of outside gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outside, and that keenness comes via in our product critiques. You’ll be able to rely on F&S to maintain you updated on the most effective new gear. And once we write a few product—whether or not it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cowl the great and the dangerous, so you recognize precisely what to anticipate earlier than you determine to make a purchase order.

content_rifles,content_guns,content_outdoor-gear

THE 1871 CLUB

The most effective outside tales the best way they had been meant to be learn: in print.
160+ pages. Espresso table-quality. 2 points per yr.

Advisable Merchandise