8 Best 22LR Pistols in 2025: Fun, Affordable, & Reliable

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	See Price
KelTec P17		Lightweight Ambidextrous Controls Modern Tackle Box Gun	See Price
KelTec CP33		Massive 33 round magazine Space-age design Easy to add optics, lights, and kitchen sinks	See Price
Walther PPQ 22		A perfect replica of the 9mm PPQ Outstanding ergonomics Unbeatable Walther styling	See Price
Ruger LCP 2 .22LR		Ten Round Magazine Superbly small and compact LiteRack Slide Design	See Price
Taurus TX 22 TORO		Replicates most striker fired polymers 16 and 22 round magazines Optics Ready	See Price
Ruger Charger		Lightweight backpacking gun 10-25 round magazines Extremely accurate	See Price
SIG P322		Superb ergonomics Suppressor Ready Optics Ready	See Price

SPEC COMPARISON OF THE BEST 22LR PISTOLS

List of the Best 22LR Pistols:

1. Ruger Mark IV Tactical
2. KelTec P17
3. KelTec CP33
4. Walther PPQ 22
5. LCP 2 Literack
6. Taurus TX 22 TORO
7. Ruger Charger
8. SIG P322

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

The KelTec P17 sits in a class by itself. Taurus makes guns like the CP33 and PMR-30, often overshadowing the humble P17. The P17’s niche to me is a modern tackle box gun. Tackle box guns of yesteryear were cheap, small, and often chambered small calibers. The P17 fits this role perfectly, and does so with a little modern flair.

The KelTec P17 is not a pocket pistol but much smaller than the Rugers, SIGs, and Taurus guns on the market. Yet, it still holds 16 rounds in its polymer magazine. Every edge is melted, and KelTec reduces weight everywhere it can to create a compact, ultra-light firearm that stands alone in its size and weight categories.

The KelTec P17 comes with some impressive flair. We get ambidextrous controls, a threaded barrel, and three magazines packed into a micro-sized box. The grip is short, but long enough to fill the hand; it’s also thin and well-suited for shooters with any hand size. The sights are adjustable, but sadly, the gun isn’t optics-ready. You have to purchase a separate optics-ready slide that comes with the optic.

The P17 series is highly reliable, fun to shoot, and a bit modular. Mine now sits inside a PDW-style chassis, making shooting incredibly fun! The KelTec P17 is a lot of fun to shoot, it’s reliable, but I have a complaint. The slide slaps my thumb anytime I use the slide release. I must remember to slingshot this gun rather than use the slide release.

KelTec P17 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

Tiny cartridges can equate to tiny guns, and that’s what the Ruger LCP .22 LR gives you. It’s a tiny gun designed perfectly for deep concealment and small hands. If you have trouble racking most automatics, put that concern away with the Ruger LCP. The little gun still packs a punch of rounds of .22 LR and comes from a proven line of defensive firearms.

The LCP is based on a 380 ACP design that ruled the pocket pistol market. Ruger refined the LCP into the LCP 2 and released it in .380 and .22 LR. The .22 LR model is an ultra-small firearm with a 2.75-inch barrel and an overall length of 5.15 inches, and it weighs only 11.2 ounces.

The Lite Rack moniker means the weapon is straightforward to cycle. Even those with weak hands won’t face much difficulty with the Ruger LCP 2 .22 LR. It glides rearward so easily that it surprised me the first time I handled one. It’s also a light recoiling weapon that’s a blast to shoot. You also get ten rounds of .22 LR, which is quite a bit of ammo for the tiny little gun.

The worst part about the LCP 2 is the tiny sights. They are tiny nubs and are tough to use effectively. It’ll hit the bad guy, but where it hits them will be the question.

The Ruger LCP 2 in .22 LR gives you a tiny little gun with a fair bit of ammo for its size. It’s super easy to rack, and recoil is minimal and quite soft. It’s also quite reliable and has good-quality ammo.

Wanna know more? Go read our full Ruger LCP II 22 review!

Ruger LCP 2 Literack PROS AND CONS

The Taurus TX 22 is one of my favorite .22LR pistols. I didn’t have high expectations, but I was impressed with it. The TX 22 helped mark a change in Taurus and the quality of their firearms. The Taurus TX 22 has evolved into what’s essentially a second generation. The TX 22 TORO gives you the same great design as the TX 22, but with an optics-ready design.

The optic cut uses the popular RMSc footprint for your red dot of choice. Taurus ensured the gun would still cycle with the optic reliably by lightening the slide, which helps balance the slide’s weight and ensures the blowback operation keeps the reliability of the original TX 22. The TX 22’s biggest draw will be the optic-ready slide, but a few more changes are worth mentioning.

The barrel is slightly extended and threaded, adding a suppressor a little easier, which is a lot of fun with .22LR. There is also the old compensator option, which might seem silly on a .22LR, but could help save precious seconds at a competition shoot, like Steel Challenge. The TX 22 TORO would be a serious competitor in the rimfire Steel Challenge world.

Taurus also now includes an extended 22-round magazine alongside the flush-fitting 16-round magazine. You can’t beat that kind of capacity with a .22LR. Gone are the days when we were stuck with 10-round single-stack magazines. The TX 22 TORO brings the .22LR handgun into this millennium, and they do so in an impressive way.

If you’d like to learn more about our thoughts on this plinker, check out our full Taurus TX-22 review.

TAURUS TX 22 TORO 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

SIG entered the .22LR once more with a gun that’s not trying to replicate another gun but is an original design. The P322 is a big gun, and it’s perfect for firearms training. It can also be a great kit gun, small game hunting gun, and even a competition gun for things like Steel Challenge. The P322 packs more than a handful of ammo and outfits the weapon with all the modern accessories. It’s a bigger gun, but it’s a competent semi-auto .22LR.

The main draw to the P322 will be the 20-round magazines. That’s a ton of ammo in a small compact pistol. The P322 gives you a gun with modern ammunition capacities. There are even +5 magazines that take it to 25 rounds total. You can’t beat that kind of capacity for a modern .22LR.

The P322 is a full-sized gun, just a little lighter and thinner. The larger size, full-sized grip, and comfortable grip angle make it very easy to control with recoil, which is more akin to an airgun than a real gun. Shooters of all skill levels will handle the P322 easily. You can attach an optic, a light, and suppressor if you like to play that way.

The downside of the P322 is its enclosed, single-action hammer design. A visible hammer would at least allow for recocking the hammer for a second try if the rimfire doesn’t ignite.

This is the most modern .22 LR tactical pistol on the market. With a 20-round magazine, optic, and light capability, it provides a modern light recoiling tool and is easy to operate as a .22 LR.

You can read the full SIG P322 review here.

SIG P322 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