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There may be no better gun for the outdoorsman than a rimfire pistol. Rimfire pistols are guns you can easily pack around, and you can use them for plinking, training, competition, small game hunting, and even survival. It’s almost unfathomable how a true outdoorsman can exist without a handgun chambered for the 22 Long Rifle cartridge. Need to whack a skunk prowling around camp? Get your 22 LR pistol. Need to pot some grouse for the camp meat? Get your 22 LR pistol. And if you need to teach your youngsters how to shoot, get your 22 LR pistol. Here are eight 22 LR pistols we consider to be the best of what is currently on the market.
Best Overall: Sig Sauer P322
Best for Competition: Taurus TX22 Competition
Best Budget: Kel-Tec P17
Most Accurate: Smith & Wesson Model 41
Others We Tested
Best Overall: Sig Sauer P322
best overall
Sig Sauer P322
Pros
- High capacity magazine
- Optics and suppressor ready
- Lightweight
Cons
- Magazines are a bit tedious to load
Specs
Length: 7 inches
Weight: 17.1 ounces
Barrel: 4 inches with an optional threaded adapter
Capacity: 20+1
Currently the highest capacity 22 LR pistol manufactured, we evaluated the Sig Sauer P322 extensively during our handgun test last year. Collectively the testers ranked it second best and as the most fun to shoot. But I liked the pistol so much I kept it, and since then I’ve used it a lot. I think it should have been ranked number one. It comes with fiber optic front and rear sights, but the rear sight is removable, and a mini-reflex sight can be installed. It also comes with a curved and straight trigger that you can easily interchange, and the trigger pull was consistent.
There’s an accessory M1913 Picatinny rail for the attachment of a light or a laser, the manual safety and slide lock are ambidextrous, it ships with two, 20-round magazines, and the inner frame is stainless steel. Also, while this pistol looks like a striker-fired handgun, it’s actually a single action ““ the hammer is hidden inside the slide.
Best for Competition: Taurus TX22 Competition
best for competition
Taurus TX22 Competition
Pros
- Threaded muzzle with compensator
- Comes with three magazines
- Versatile optics mounting solutions
- Lightweight
- Optics ready
Cons
- Needs to be kept clean
Specs
Length: 8.15 inches
Weight: 23.0 ounces
Barrel: 5 inches
Capacity: 16+1
The TX22 Competition SCR is an evolution of the Taurus TX22 rimfire pistol, but it looks like a race gun. The pistol comes with a threaded muzzle to allow attachment of a suppressor or the TandemKross Game Changer PRO compensator that comes with it. Also, because the pistol comes with two, two-sided adapter plates, you have a wide selection of reflex sights to choose from right out of the box. If you choose to use the open sights, the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation and pairs well with the white dot front sight.
During testing we only had one misfire and two failures to feed in 600 rounds. It ships with three ““ one 16-round and two 10-round ““ magazines and comes in a hard sided case. It’s clearly worth the entry fee, whether you want to compete or just have fun in the back yard. It should even work well for small game hunting too.
Best Budget: Kel-Tec P17
best budget
Kel-Tec P17
Pros
- Very affordable
- Extremely light
- Comes with three magazines
Cons
- Requires high velocity ammunition (1200 to 1300 fps)
- Not optics compatible
Specs
Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Barrel: 3.8 inches
Capacity:16+1
A 22 pistol for less than 200 bucks is a steal, but only if the pistol works and if you can use it to hit what you’re aiming at. The Kel Tec P17 is not the most reliable 22 LR pistol we’ve tested, however, if use high velocity 22 LR ammo, and keep the gun clean ““ field strip it, wipe it down, and oil it about every 200 rounds ““ it will make you happy because you can use it to reliably ventilate pop cans or whack small game out to around 15 yards. The pistol is equipped with an ambidextrous magazine release and manual safety, a Picatinny rail, and it surprisingly comes with three, 16-round magazines and a threaded barrel extension. You’ll probably not win a shooting match with this pistol, but you can have a hell of a lot of fun with it without spending a hell of a lot of money.
Most Accurate: Smith & Wesson Model 41
most accurate
Smith & Wesson Model 41
Pros
- Extremely accurate
- Fully adjustable rear sight
- Comfortable, checkered walnut grips
- Can be converted to 7-inch barrel version
Cons
- Expensive and heavy
- Not optics ready
Specs
Length: 10.5 inches
Weight: 42 ounces
Barrel: 5.5 inches
Capacity: 10+1
Introduced in 1957, Smith & Wesson’s Model 41 is a very simply designed rimfire pistol, but it is also exquisitely assembled and it’s well respected for the precision it can deliver. The trigger pull on the Model 41 ““ which features a user adjustable trigger stop ““ is exceptional. The micrometer click adjustable rear sight is fantastic as well. The pistol is also easy to field strip and the switch-barrel configuration allows you to use either a 5.5- or 7-inch barrel on the same frame. Often regarded as one of the premier 22 LR target pistols ever made, Model 41 production halted briefly in the 90s, but Smith & Wesson is still making them today. A tuned Smith & Wesson Performance Center version is also available for an additional $263.00.
Others We Tested
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact FDE w/ Threaded Barrel
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact FDE
Pros
- Manual safety
- Threaded muzzle
- Sub caliber trainer for centerfire M&P pistol
Cons
- Heavy for a compact 22
- Not optics ready
Specs
Length: 6.67 inches
Weight: 32.0 ounces
Barrel: 3.30 inches
Capacity: 10+1
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 22 rimfire pistol is a great sub caliber training pistol to accompany one of their centerfire M&P pistols. This is because the M&P 22 has the same feel and operational controls. And as a rimfire pistol should be, it’s fitted with a great set of adjustable open sights. It also comes with a threaded barrel, ambidextrous manual safety and a reversible magazine release. As a safety feature ““ particularly for new shooters ““ the M&P 22 will not fire without the magazine inserted.
The M&P 22 comes with two, 10-round magazines and a Picatinny rail for mounting a light or laser is standard. Though a tad heavy, the M&P 22 would be at home on the trail, in a hunter’s hands, and would also be great for just fun on the range. The biggest disappointment with this pistol is that it’s not available in an optics ready configuration.
Glock G44
Glock G44
Pros
- Great sub-caliber trainer for centerfire Glocks
- Reliable
- Extremely light
Cons
- No manual safety
- Not optics ready
Specs
Length: 7.28 inches
Weight: 14.64 ounces
Barrel: 4.02 inches
Capacity: 10+1
Glock fans have been asking for a rimfire pistol version of the Glock for a long time, and in 2020 Glock delivered the G44. The G44 looks like most of the other Glock pistols, and with its 4.02-inch barrel it’s sized similarly to a Glock G19. The big difference is weight ““ the G44 weighs less than 17 ounces, even with a loaded 10-round magazine in place. Glock only offers a single version of the G44 and unfortunately it is not an optics ready pistol. However, what the G44 is, is a fantastic sub caliber training pistol for just about any other Glock. This is because it looks, feels, and operates, just like any other Glock.
This is a reliable, lightweight, and fun to shoot pistol that’s ideal for general plinking, trail use, and especially for training new or young shooters. The G44 does not come with a threaded barrel, so if you want to run a suppressor, you’ll have to look at aftermarket options and prices start at about $150.00.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45
Ruger Mark IV 22/45
Pros
- 1911 grip profile
- Excellent sights
Cons
- Heavy
- Not optics ready
Specs
Length: 9.75 inches
Weight: 34.4 ounces
Barrel: 5.50 inches
Capacity: 10+1
This pistol is an evolved version of Ruger’s original Standard pistol which they introduced in 1949 and that launched the company to stardom. It’s the fourth generation and it features a simple one-button takedown, a cold hammer forged barrel, excellent fully adjustable sights, and the pistol ships with two 10-round magazines. What really sets the 22/45 apart from other Ruger Mark IV pistols is its polymer grip frame that emulates the angle, size, and shape of a 1911 pistol. The grip frame has a checkered front and rear strap, and it will accept aftermarket 1911 grip panels. Though a bit on the heavy side for a rimfire pistol, the 22/45 is ideal for plinking and small game hunting.
Browning Buck Mark Plus Vision Suppressor Ready
Browning Buck Mark Plus Vision Suppressor Ready
Pros
- Adjustable rear sight
- Threaded barrel and muzzle brake
- Optics ready
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
Length: 9.90 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
Barrel: 5.875 inches (Threaded w/ muzzle brake)
Capacity: 10+1
Since 1985 there have been a plethora of Buckmark pistol variations offered and there are now still more than 40 to choose from. Often considered the modern replacement for the John Browning designed Colt Woodsman, the Browning Buckmark has long been a staple with outdoorsman as a camp gun for plinking, small game hunting, and for target shooting.
During the Field & Stream handgun test, we extensively evaluated the Plus Vision American Suppressor Ready version. It comes standard with a manual thumb safety and magazine disconnect, and in terms of quality of construction it earned high marks.
Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact Suppressor Ready w/ Rail
Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact
Pros
- Classic 1911 look
- Compact and lightweight
- Loaded with custom 1911 features
Cons
- Expensive
- Not optics ready
Specs
Length: 7.25 inches
Weight: 13 ounces
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Capacity: 10+1
Trigger: Single action
This might be the coolest of all 22 LR pistols because it’s a shrunken version of one of America’s most iconic and popular handguns ““ the Colt 1911. Introduced in 2011, the Browning 1911-22 was meant to be a 100-year celebration of the 1911, and it’s 85% the size of, and only 36% as heavy as, a 1911 chambered for the 45 Auto. Currently there are 20 variations offered but this version sort of exemplifies the design and the current trend of modern 1911 centerfire pistols. It has suppressor height sights, an ambidextrous thumb safety, extended slide lock, a threaded barrel, and an accessory M1913 Picatinny rail. Its compactness and light weight make this pistol feel almost toy-like, but it will impress you with its reliability and precision on target. It’s a great modern example of a general purpose 22 LR pistol.
How We Tested 22 LR Pistols
It’s hard to just outright declare a single rimfire pistol as the best because they come in so many varied configurations, designed for different purposes, and they exist at radically different price points. The primary appeal of the 22 LR pistol is general purpose application and that criteria ““ tempered with price ““ is what we used to select the best. Selecting the most accurate 22 LR pistol or the one that offers the best value is a bit easier. These rimfire pistols simply shot the best or they performed very well for the least amount of money. Of course, other things were considered to:
Quality of Construction: What is the quality of the fit and finish and how well does the pistol stand up to repeated use? Is the trigger pull light, heavy, bad, or good?
Precision: Often thought of as accuracy, the shooting precision of a firearm is the measure of the dispersion of shots fired at the same point of aim. In other words, how well did the pistol shoot?
Reliability: Rimfire ammunition muzzle velocities can range from as slow as 700 fps to as much as twice that. Because of this, rimfire pistol reliability is often dependent on the ammunition used and is also impacted by how clean the pistol is kept. We considered this, too.
Application: There are many accepted uses for a rimfire pistol, and you cannot compare one designed for plinking or for fun on the range, with one designed to win a bullseye shooting match. That’s why our list of the best 22 pistols is so diverse.
Cost: For most of us, money matters too. The cost of every pistol as it related to everything else was considered. In other words, given its performance, was the pistol worth the money?
How to Choose a 22 LR Pistol
Most outdoorsmen would probably prefer a rimfire pistol they could use for a variety of tasks, like plinking, hunting, trail carry, and even competition. A 22 handgun like this provides true general purpose application and is the main appeal of owning a rimfire pistol. However, not all 22 pistols are designed or purchased for general purpose use. How you intend to use a 22 pistol is important and that means there are a lot of features to consider.
Size & Weight
Just as with centerfire pistols, rimfire pistols comes in all sizes and can vary in length from as short and compact as six inches to nearly twice that long. Just the same, the weight of a rimfire pistol can vary even more. The 22 pistols we’ve covered here vary in weight from less than a pound to as much as 2.5 pounds. It’s important to choose a handgun that is of the weight and size that will suit you.
For example, if you’re looking for a trail gun to carry all day, you’ll probably want something reasonably light. Similarly, if you want a rimfire pistol to use as a trainer for young shooters, you’ll want a lightweight pistol and one that is not too big. For precision shooting with open sights, a longer barreled and slightly muzzle heavy pistol is easier to shoot accurately. And in addition to basic size and weight considerations, the pistol needs to fit the hand of the person who will be shooting it most often.
Sights & Suppressors
One of the most important considerations with a rimfire pistol is the sights. Your interface with the sight system is what will allow you to aim efficiently and accurately. Some 22 pistols like the Kel Tec P17 have minimalist sights. Others like the S&W 41 and Sig Sauer P322 have higher profile sights that offer easy adjustments and a more precise aim. Some rimfire pistols are also compatible with miniature reflex sights which generally allow for more precise aim and accuracy too. Your needs will vary with application. For informal plinking, rudimentary sights might be just fine, but for small game hunting and competition, higher quality open sights and reflex sight compatibility become very important.
Rimfire pistols are not nearly as loud as centerfire pistols, but with standard rimfire ammo they’re not hearing safe. This means you’ll need to wear hearing protection. However, with a suppressor a 22 pistol becomes hearing safe and even incredibly quiet when you use subsonic ammo. This quietness can add to your shooting enjoyment and if you’re hunting it can also spook game less. If you have a rimfire suppressor or are even considering one, it would be a wise to choose a rimfire pistol with a threaded muzzle.
Cost
The key to finding the best rimfire pistol for you is to start your search with your intended use/s in mind. But for most all of us, price matters too, and just because a 22 pistol is expensive, does not mean it’s your best option. For example, a fantastically precise shooting 22 LR pistol like the S&W Model 41 might be dime splitting accurate, but after you spend the money necessary to get one, will you have enough cash left over for the ammunition needed to enjoy it?
Generally, you’ll find the best value for your money when you spend between $400 and $600 for a 22 pistol. The pistols in this price range tend to offer the most features and they also deliver adequate precision for most of the tasks you’ll ask a 22 pistol to perform. Also, versatility tends to be a product of money spent, but not always. The Glock G44 is about the same price as the Sig Sauer P322, but when compared ““ side by side ““ the P322 is the more versatile of these two pistols. Ideally you should purchase the pistol that best fits your needs, even if you need to save a little longer to get it.
FAQs
Q: Who makes a .22 pistol with a threaded barrel?
Lots of manufacturers make pistols with threaded barrels, including Browning, Ruger, and Sig Sauer.
Q: Is a longer barrel better for a pistol?
It depends. A longer barrel can increase velocity by as much as or even more than 30 fps per inch. And if you’re shooting with open sights, the longer sight radius that comes with a longer barrel can make getting hits easier. When it comes to carrying a pistol in a holster, the longer the barrel, the more difficult it will be. For general purpose use, a barrel length of between four and six inches is most common.
Q: What is the most powerful .22 pistol bullet?
Velocities and reliability will vary from pistol to pistol, but the Aguila Supermaximum 30-grain load has the fastest advertised muzzle velocity, and the 32-grain CCI Stinger load is not far behind it.
Final Thoughts
I can’t imagine calling yourself an outdoorsman or even a gun guy if you do not own a .22 pistol. This is partly because .22 pistols are some of the most fun guns to shoot, but mostly because when the totality of the circumstances is considered, a .22 pistol might be the most useful firearm ever made. They’re also the most affordable guns to shoot, and the probability is high that after you purchase your first one, you’ll buy another. Fortunately, there are a lot of them to choose from, with prices starting at about $200 and extending to almost 10 times that much. All of the guns recommended above are great options, but the Sig Sauer P322 is king of the .22 pistol family.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
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