8 Best 22LR Pistol Choices in 2024: Fun, Affordable, and Not Just for Plinkers

22LR has lived well beyond the life of any other black round powder rimfire round. The little fella has become an American icon with new 22LR rifles, revolvers, and pistols being produced yearly. The staying power is tied back to the round’s low price, its near nonexistent recoil, and the fact it’s the best plinking cartridge known to man.

With such a swath of 22LR guns on the market, it’s tough to write a best-of-all-time list. Instead, we are going to break it down into 22LR rifles, 22LR revolvers, and 22LR pistol categories.

How We Chose Our Picks

When picking out the best 22LR pistols for this list, I chose the pistols that have worked well for me in a variety of real scenarios and ranked them based on the following factors. 

• Construction – The first thing I see when I evaluate a pistol is whether or not the construction is solid. The design is also important, so I look at the ergonomics, weight distribution, stock material, and quality. 
• Accuracy – With accuracy, you have to look at both how well a pistol’s bullet hits the target and how consistently it works. I tested it out by taking the pistol to the range and shooting at targets placed at different distances. 
• Value – With value, I wanted to make sure the gun gave you a fair value for the price you paid for it. It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on a rifle that won’t last you long, so I evaluated them based on their performance and durability compared to the price. 
• Shootability – The gun should deliver a smooth and consistent shooting experience, so for this metric, I looked at factors like recoil, comfort, and ease of handling. 

Now that you know how I’ve evaluated the pistols on this list, let’s jump straight to the list itself. 

Best 22LR Pistols

Best 22LR Pistols

Editor’s Choice Ruger MkIV 22/45		Superbly accurate Easy to upgrade and accessorize Easy to shoot for all ages and skill levels	Check Price
Sig P938 22LR		Lightweight Superbly crisp trigger Functions as a standalone gun or conversion kit	Check Price
KelTec CP33		Massive 33 round magazine Space-age design Easy to add optics, lights, and kitchen sinks	Check Price
Walther PPQ 22		A perfect replica of the 9mm PPQ Outstanding ergonomics Unbeatable Walther styling	Check Price
Beretta 21A		Tip-up barrel design Superbly small and compact Wonderfully well made	Check Price
Taurus TX 22		Replicates most striker fired polymers 16 round magazines Affordable and budget-friendly	Check Price
Ruger Charger		Lightweight backpacking gun 10-25 round magazines Extremely accurate	Check Price
WALTHER P22 Q		Super ergonomics Very compact DA/SA design	Check Price

SPEC COMPARISON OF THE BEST 22LR PISTOLS

List of the Best 22LR Pistols:

1. Ruger Mark IV Tactical
2. Sig P938 22LR
3. KelTec CP33
4. Walther PPQ 22
5. Beretta 21A
6. Taurus TX 22
7. Ruger Charger
8. Walther P22 Q

Reviews of the Best 22LR Pistols

I’ve spent some quality time with the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to 22LR pistols. The Mark IV series has been around forever, but this latest version really steps it up. What I love most is the new one-button takedown. Close the bolt, pull the mag, pop it on safety, and press a button—the receiver lifts off, no tools needed. It’s a game-changer for cleaning, especially since 22LR ammo can get the gun dirty fast.

I went with the Tactical model because it’s got all the bells and whistles. Rails for optics, lights, and lasers? Check. A threaded barrel ready for a suppressor or other muzzle devices? Absolutely. The polymer frame has a feel similar to a full-size 1911, so recoil is practically nonexistent. The trigger was a bit gritty out of the box, but it smoothed out nicely after a few rounds.

When I tested it at 20 and 25 yards, I was seriously impressed. I managed to get groupings down to 0.75 inches, which is pretty sweet for a 22LR. The only gripe? I had to clean it every 250 rounds, but that’s par for the course with 22LRs.

All in all, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is an absolute blast to shoot. It’s light, accurate, and perfect for plinking or small game hunting.

RUGER MK IV 22/45 PROS AND CONS

I’ll be honest, the SIG P938 set the bar high for Micro 9mms, so when I got my hands on the 22LR variant, I was curious to see if it would live up to its reputation. Having spent plenty of time with this little pistol, I can say it’s a fantastic option for both plinking and training.

The P938-22, built on SIG’s Micro 1911 frame, is perfectly sized for a 22LR. It’s one of the smallest and lightest 22LR pistols I’ve shot. The longer model, with its 4.1-inch threaded barrel, really stood out to me. The extended sight radius made it easier to shoot accurately. The shorter 3-inch barrel model is great for carrying and fits perfectly in my standard P938 holsters.

What I love most about this gun is the almost nonexistent recoil. I fired over 500 rounds at 25 yards and consistently kept my groupings tight, often under 2 inches. The SIGLite night sight is a nice touch, though I don’t find myself shooting in the dark much.

The break-in period, though, was frustrating. It jammed a lot at first, with failures to eject and feed. After a thorough cleaning and a few hundred rounds, it finally smoothed out. The single-action trigger is crisp, but since it doesn’t have a restrike capability, I stick to high-quality ammo. The ambidextrous safety and adjustable sights make it an easier shooter for various purposes.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sig P938, but in 9mm, read our Sig P938 review.

SIG P938 22LR PROS AND CONS

I’ll be honest, KelTec’s designs always surprise me, and as a Floridian and KelTec owner, I find the CP33 to be a standout example of their unconventional approach. The concept of quad stacked magazines in a handgun was something I never thought I’d see, but here it is, making a bold statement in the 22LR world.

The CP33’s name reflects its impressive 33-round capacity. While this is fantastic for extended shooting sessions, loading the magazine can be a bit of a hassle. Each round has to be carefully inserted to ensure the rims overlap, which isn’t the quickest process. KelTec does offer a speedloader for the CP33, but it’s another expense when I just want to enjoy some shooting.

The CP33’s design looks like it came from a sci-fi movie, and while it might seem futuristic, the safety is positioned exactly where you’d expect and is easy to use. The grip is a bit bulkier than I anticipated for a pistol of its size, and those with smaller hands might find it challenging. However, I appreciate the 45-degree angle grip and the KelTec texture, which feels comfortable even during extended shooting sessions.

One of the CP33’s best features is its reliability. Despite the quad stacked magazine, I managed to fire all 33 rounds without any issues. The AR-style charging handle makes clearing jams quick and straightforward.

This pistol is definitely too big for concealed carry but shines as a plinker or hunting option. The minimal recoil makes shooting a blast, and KelTec’s claim that it’s competition-ready holds up. It’s quirky, reliable, and a lot of fun to shoot.

KELTEC CP33 PROS AND CONS

When I set out to find the best training pistol in the 22LR category, I considered several options. The S&W M&P Compact 22LR didn’t quite capture the full-size feel, and the Glock 44 seemed like a hot mess.

The Walther PPQ 22LR, however, turned out to be a true sleeper hit. It replicates the exact size and feel of the full-sized PPQ, making it an excellent choice for practical training. For a detailed look at its full-sized counterpart, check out our Walther PPQ review.

The biggest difference is the trigger. While the full-sized PPQ is known for its legendary striker-fired trigger, the 22LR variant has a less crisp but still impressive hammer-fired trigger. Despite this, the PPQ 22LR fits perfectly in standard PPQ holsters.

Weighing in at just 18 oz due to its polymer frame, the PPQ 22LR is lightweight and handles easily with minimal recoil. It also includes two drop safeties and a firing pin block, making it safe for novice shooters.

At the range, the PPQ 22LR delivered accuracy with groups under 1 inch at 15 yards and under 2 inches at 25 yards, even with a slight misalignment of my sights. Its reliability also impressed me—I found it didn’t require cleaning as frequently as other 22LRs. Overall, the Walther PPQ 22LR shines as both a plinker and a training tool, keeping the sleek ergonomics of a duty pistol without the impracticalities of many full-sized 22LRs.

WALTHER PPQ 22LR PROS AND CONS

I have to say, tip-up barrel guns like the Beretta 21A are pretty fascinating. The design lets you load a round directly into the chamber without having to rack the slide, which is a huge plus. For someone like me who finds racking the tiny slide on such a small pistol challenging, this feature is a real relief. Plus, removing a bad 22LR is simple—just pop up the barrel and pull it out.

The Beretta 21A, or Bobcat, is crafted as an ultra-compact pocket pistol ideal for concealed carry. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for concealed carry unless you’re comfortable handling it because 22LR isn’t known for precision, especially under stress. The double action/single action trigger does give you a second chance if a round fails to ignite, which is a valuable feature for self-defense.

Unlike many modern pistols, the Beretta 21A sports an all-metal frame, weighing 11.8 ounces. While some might find this weight a bit much for a pocket pistol, I feel it’s necessary to balance the small grip, which barely fits two fingers.

Despite its quirks, the Beretta 21A is a lot of fun to shoot. The minimal recoil and affordable 22LR ammo make for an enjoyable range experience. It’s a classic Italian design that, while not as modern or customizable as other options, delivers a satisfying plinking experience with a nod to the 60s vibe.

BERETTA 21A PROS AND CONS

22LR as an ammo source is all about its low price, which makes shooting affordable for both plinking and training. The Taurus TX22 is a perfect match for that, giving you a reliable, budget-friendly pistol that’s a blast to shoot.

When I first picked up the TX22, I noticed right away that Taurus didn’t just copy another design—they created something that feels genuinely modern. It’s got a full-sized polymer frame with a Picatinny rail, and the controls are just like what you’d find on a Glock or S&W, so it felt familiar from the start. The 16-round magazine is a nice touch, giving you plenty of shots before needing to reload.

I’ll admit, Taurus has had some misses in the past, but the TX22 isn’t one of them. This thing is reliable, accurate, and just plain fun to shoot. On my first trip out with it, I managed to bag a few squirrels, so it’s definitely accurate enough for a small game. The grip fits my hand perfectly, and the mag release is right where I need it—easy to use but not too sensitive.

Overall, the Taurus TX22 impressed me. It’s affordable, easy to find, and performs way above its price point. If you’d like to learn more about our thoughts on this plinker, check out our full Taurus TX-22 review.

TAURUS TX 22 PROS AND CONS

This is a bit of an oddball, admittedly, and is basically a Ruger 10/22 trimmed to pistol size. Ruger and rimfires naturally go together, but the Charger stands out as a bit quirky. Still, it’s earned a spot in my collection for its compact, versatile package featuring the reliable Ruger 10/22 action.

Originally designed as a lightweight backpacking gun, the Ruger Charger quickly proved itself as a solid benchrest target gun. Ruger later added a Picatinny rail, making it easy to add a brace, optics, or other accessories for hunting or plinking. The 22LR’s light recoil makes this pistol easy to handle, and with a bipod, it becomes a small game powerhouse at impressive distances.

The Ruger 10/22 is renowned for its customization options, and the Charger benefits from this as well. I attached a triangle brace to mine, which made it easier for my sons to handle and added stability.

For ammo, the Charger prefers Remington Golden Bullets and CCI Mini Mags, delivering tight 1 to 2-inch groups at 25 yards. With a suppressor, Remington’s Subsonic rounds are whisper-quiet and spot-on. Beyond hunting and plinking, there isn’t much the Charger can do; however, if you want an extremely accurate and easy-handling rimfire 22LR pistol, this is the one to beat.

If you’d like to learn more about this rimfire pistol, check out our full Ruger 22 Charger Review.

RUGER CHARGER PROS AND CONS

The Walther P22 Q had a bit of a rough start when it premiered, but Walther quickly ironed out the problems and made the P22 Q a modern classic.

From my experience, the P22 Q is a standout when it comes to ergonomics. It fits perfectly in my hand, and the adjustable backstraps let you customize the grip to your liking. The texture is just right—not too rough, so you can shoot it all day without discomfort.

This fun gun follows the design cues of the PPQ and P99, with its polymer frame and trigger guard magazine release. The DA/SA action is user-friendly, offering a long initial trigger pull and a shorter follow-up. Plus, the double action allows for a restrike if needed.

The P22 Q comes in various colors and configurations, including a suppressor-ready model and one with a laser. If you’re into quiet shooting, you might want to go for the suppressor-ready version, though the adapter is sold separately and requires disassembly to attach.

On the downside, the safety is hard to reach, especially if you have smaller hands. It’s reliable as a fun gun, but I’ve seen occasional malfunctions every 100 rounds. While it’s great for plinking and training, remember that rimfire ammo isn’t ideal for daily carry. Overall, the P22 Q is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a cost-effective way to practice.

WALTHER P22 Q PROS AND CONS

America’s Rimfire Round – Buyers Guide

The 22LR has been kicking the hell out of tin cans since 1884 and is still going strong. America’s favorite rimfire round remains a favorite for a reason. It’s affordable, fun, and incredibly common. That being said, when it comes to choosing a 22LR pistol, there are lots of things to consider regarding both the guns and the ammunition.

Uses of 22LR Pistols

22LR pistols range rather widely in size, design, price, and intention. Handguns can be used for a wide variety of different roles in general, and 22LRs specifically can fit in every category. The main categories for a 22LR pistol are target shooting, hunting, training, and concealed carry.

Target Shooting

Target shooting, and by extension plinking, is the best role for a 22LR pistol. The cartridge is uber cheap and pleasant to shoot, so it’s a natural fit for casual and competitive target shooting. 22LR pistols designed for these roles are often full-sized handguns that can often be larger than a centerfire pistol.

22LR pistols designed for these roles are often full-sized handguns that can often be larger than a centerfire pistol. Usually, they have a lightweight design that helps reduce fatigue, so you can easily shoot 22LRs for extended periods without tiring–pretty awesome when target shooting. 

Hunting

Pest controls and small game hunting are both excellent roles for a 22LR pistol. Pest control is a necessary evil that small calibers excel in. Hunting with a 22LR pistol is a fun challenge that allows shooters to humanely and effectively take rabbits, squirrels, and similar small game. Hunting pistols have a large overlap with target and plinking pistols. The need for accuracy is a must.

Some specific models may be equipped with bipods and even magnified optics for longer-range engagements on smaller targets. Optic’s compatibility is almost a must-have, and even a bipod may be a viable accessory.

Training

22LR is a very affordable round that allows shooters to get in some real training for pennies on the dollar. Firearms companies have released this and now produce a wide variety of pistols that replicate popular firearms already on the market. This allows for similar ergonomics, holster design, and even magazine capacities. Training pistols replicate the look and feel of larger caliber centerfire guns and allow for cheap training.

Concealed Carry

Describing 22LR as optimum for concealed carry is a stretch. Without a doubt, the 22LR is a deadly round, but the small caliber projectile often lacks penetration and expansion properties. Rimfire rounds like the 22LR have a higher rate of failure than centerfire rounds.

That being said, the 22LR provides nearly no recoil and often makes a gun very lightweight. For those with arthritis or hand strength issues, the 22LR might be the only choice. It’s not perfect, but it’s an option.

It’s best to consider the pros and cons when you’re picking a 22LR for any purpose, so let’s dive in.

Pros and Cons of 22LR Pistols

Here are some reasons why I like 22LR pistols: 

• Budget-friendly – There are high-end 22LR rifles and pricey ammo, but generally, the pistol and the rounds are super affordable. That’s one reason why it makes a good training and plinking gun as you can get a lot of rounds in without a huge investment. 
• Low recoil – These pistols have very low recoil thanks to the 22LR round so it makes for a soft and pleasant shooting experience. 
• Lightweight – The pistol frame is often made of polymer or another high-quality plastic, so the 22LR is generally lightweight and easy to handle.
• Ammo availability – The 22LR rounds can be found easily on the market, and because most 22LR pistols feed all kinds of ammo, you’re not going to run out of rounds any time soon.
• Reliability – You get consistent aim and accuracy from a 22LR that you can count on this pistol to land effective shots on small game and take up competitive shooting. 

Here are some cons you need to watch out for.

• Needs lots of maintenance – 22LR is a messy round and it leaves your pistol unclean after a few hours of shooting. This means you need to spend more time cleaning and lubricating the gun.
• Low power – The shot doesn’t have a lot of penetrating power, so while you can slow down a target with this pistol, you won’t have enough power to take down one.

Now, let’s have an in-depth look at some things you should particularly consider if you’re a first time buyer. 

22LR Pistols Can Be Finicky

For a long time, semi-auto shotguns and 22LR pistols were often met with skepticism due to their reliability issues. While Benelli and Ruger dominated these categories, it’s still wise to approach new designs with caution. Research and I mean research a lot. Our gun reviews are a great place to start, but so are forums, and even Reddit can often be an excellent source of information.

Even the best 22LR pistols are more finicky than centerfire handguns. The ammo, often lead-backed by dirty powder, requires extra maintenance.

Keep Your 22LR Pistol Clean

You’ll need to clean and lubricate your 22LR pistol more frequently than a centerfire gun. Regular deep cleaning, including scrubbing the bore to remove powder and lead deposits, is essential for maintaining accuracy and reliability. Use gloves and a dedicated bore cleaner for the best results.

Ammo Quality Matters

Not all 22LR ammo is created equal. While CCI and Remington 22LR ammo may look similar, CCI typically offers higher quality and better performance for semi-auto pistols. Ammo like CCI Stingers, Federal Automatch, and CCI AR loads are great choices. Test different brands to see what works best with your firearm.

Concealed Carry 22LRs

While I don’t usually recommend 22LR for concealed carry, I understand some might choose it. If you can handle a 9mm, .380 ACP, or .32 ACP, I’d suggest those instead.

If you opt for a 22LR, prioritize high-quality ammo like CCI Stingers or Speer defensive loads. These are reliable and designed to cycle in 22LR pistols, offering good performance in terms of expansion and penetration.

Choose a pistol with an external hammer, preferably DA/SA, though SAO can work as well. This allows you to retry firing if a round doesn’t ignite. If you are buying a 22LR for its ease of use due to hand strength, ensure it is easy to rack in case you need to clear a dud round.

The Many Different 22 Rounds

The 22 caliber includes various rimfire rounds, such as 22 Short, 22 Long, and 22 Magnum. Magnum rounds are too long for 22LR pistols, while Short and Long can chamber but won’t cycle the slide. Stick to 22LR ammo designed for your pistol to avoid issues.

Factors to Consider When Buying a 22LR Pistol

Here’s a rundown of factors you should consider when buying a 22LR pistol. 

• Purpose – The pistol you get for some plinking might not work for precision shooting you need in a competition. Similarly, new shooters might need to prioritize a pistol with a good hand feel while it might not matter as much to a seasoned shooter. So consider your purpose for buying a 22LR when you start looking for one.
• Cost – 22LR pistols are generally priced between $300 – $550, so you can find an affordable option easily. However, if you can spend a bit more, there are high-end pistols you can consider. 
• Safety – If you’re using this as a training pistol for new shooters or kids, it’s best to look at a pistol with safeties that can be easily engaged.
• Modularity – Some 22LR pistols come with a base platform and a lot of space to upgrade, so if you like having the chance to customize your gun, consider looking at the aftermarket for the availability of attachments and the pistol for modularity.
• Aftermarket support – If the pistol has a strong aftermarket, you have endless options for customizations and a lot of support as well. 
• Barrel Length – While longer barrels improve your bullet’s velocity, shorter barrels are more suited for conceal carry. Choose according to your purpose. 
• Capacity – How much capacity you need depends on what you are planning to use it for. Most semi-auto .22LR pistols have 10 rounds in them which should be plenty for plinking while you can get by with 5-6 rounds for defense and concealed carry. 
• Trigger – Triggers are going to be either single stage or two stage. Single stage triggers fire at the first press while two stage triggers have a smooth first stage before hitting a wall. Then, the second stage is the weight needed to break the fall to fire the gun. If you are new, go for a two stage trigger as it is more safe but otherwise, one isn’t really better than the other. Try out both and go with whatever you prefer. 

In addition to these factors, I’ve listed some accessories and upgrades you might want to look at.

Great Accessories for Your 22LR Pistol

Cleaning Kit – You got to keep these bad boys clean, so one must-have accessory is a cleaning kit. If you’re unsure what you need to keep your firearm clean and well-oiled, check out our handy guide to gun cleaning kits. You’ll find all the info you need to purchase one complete and ready to go OR to build one yourself.

Optics – A lot of these guns are designed to accept optics and make it easy with long Picatinny rails across the top of the gun. If you want a red dot suggestion, the Vortex Venom is a great little choice. It’s well made, relatively affordable, and provides a crisp easy to see dot for precision shooting.

Snap Caps – A-Zoom Snap Caps are important for .22s. Most are not designed to be dry-fired, and the firing pin can break when dry-fired. Some Snap Caps allow you plenty of dry fire practice without breaking your firing pin. They are a cheap addition that allows you to train safely.

Conclusion

A 22LR pistol is a must-have in everyone’s gun safe. They are fun, easy to shoot, and often cheap to shoot guns that are perfect for plinking, hunting, and even competition. I’m not sure how you were introduced to firearms, but my start was with a 22LR pistol, and they are an excellent tool for news shooters to learn the basics of shooting with. If you don’t have a 22LR pistol, rifle, or revolver, it’s time to rectify that!

Best 22LR Pistol – FAQs