8 Best 22LR Pistols in 2026: 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
FN 502		Lightweight Cowitness Height Sights Threaded Barrel	See Price
Bersa Thunder 22		Affordable Compact Design Tons of Fun	See Price
S&W M&P 22X		Modern Capacity Outstanding ergonomics Optics Ready	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
Rossi RS22 Pistol		Lightweight backpacking gun Brace Ready 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. FN 502
3. Bersa Thunder 22
4. S&W M&P 22X
5. LCP 2 Literack
6. Taurus TX 22 TORO
7. Rossi RS22 Pistol
8. SIG P322

Reviews of the Best 22LR Pistols

#1 Ruger MK IV 22/45 : Editor’s Choice

Ruger MK IV 22/45

Highly customizable and overall excellent choice for anyone looking to get into 22LR shooting.

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• Shootability A
• Reliability A
• Ergonomics B+
• Accuracy A
• Value A+

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

A+

Based on 17 Reviews

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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

#2 FN 502

FN 502

A compact 22LR handgun that is optics, suppressor, and light ready.

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• Shootability A+
• Reliability B+
• Ergonomics A+
• Accuracy A+
• Value B+

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A

Reader’s Grade

TBD

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FN slid into the rimfire pistol market with a fairly interesting little pistol they called the 502. The 502 isn’t a direct replication of the FN 509 or any similar pistol, but a polymer-frame, single-action-only, hammer-fired pistol. Nothing crayz there, but what they did do right was fill the thing with features. 

Predictably, it’s optics-ready, but they took it a step further and added suppressor height sights from the factory. Up front, the barrels are threaded, and let’s be real, if we are shooting a lot of .22 LR, we are probably shooting suppressed. It’s a ton of fun, and such an easy round to suppress. 

Features don’t mean much if the gun sucks, but the 502 doesn’t suck. The trigger pull more or less feels like your average duty-rated striker-fired trigger at around 5.5 pounds. The pull is short and sweet, but a little stiff. Accuracy is good enough that if I mount a red dot I can hit targets out to 50 yards, as long as those targets are fairly large anyway. 

FN tossed on ambidextrous controls, which are fairly rare for a rimfire pistol in this configuration. It’s a nice little feature for lefties who don’t get many ambidextrous rimfire options. The gun feels a lot like the 509 and weighs a little over 23 ounces, giving it a nice heft that mimics a duty pistol. 

In terms of reliability, it’s mostly good. The main problem with the FN 502 comes down to a mix of suppressed shooting and a filthy gun. It’s got a lot of gas blowback, and the gun gets filthy dirty when run suppressed. When it reaches 400 or 500 rounds, it’s going to start having issues, so it needs to be kept clean. 

Other than that, the FN 502 is a fairly solid little shooter. I do wish they adopted the same mags used by Taurus and SIG for their pistols, but a single-stack 10-rounder or an extended 15-rounder isn’t too bad. 

FN 502 PROS AND CONS

#3 Bersa Thunder 22

Bersa Thunder 22

If you’re a fan of Bersa, don’t overlook this affordable 22LR pistol.

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If you’re looking for an affordable, compact little .22LR pistol, then Bersa has you covered. Like most Bersas, the Bersa Thunder 22 is more or less a Walther clone. However, the Thunder 22 sells for a whole lot less than the Walther PP-series in .22LR. At less than 300 dollars, you’re getting a fairly nice little gun for not a lot of money. 

I’m a big DA/SA fan in general, but on .22LR it tends to make even more sense. The little rimfire rounds aren’t always the most reliable igniters, so having the second strike capability is nice. The Bersa triggers aren’t fantastic, but they’re adequate. They tend to be a little heavy, a little stiff, but they won’t knock your shots off target. 

I do appreciate the size and shape of this gun as a .22LR. It’s just perfect for the .22LR cartridge. It’s enough grip to fill the hand, but still small enough to fall into the compact realm. It’s just handy in general, and with ten rounds of .22LR tends to be enough to settle whatever problems you might have. 

In this size realm, it’s easy to teach new shooters, but still fun for those more experienced shooters. The Bersa Thunder 22 delivers in the reliability department and lights up magazine after magazine. Years ago there was a genre of revolvers called tackle box guns, and they were beloved for their small size and low price. I like to think of the Bersa Thunder 22 as the modern tackle box gun. 

Bersa Thunder 22 Pros and Cons

#4 S&W M&P 22X

S&W M&P 22X

A high-tech, modern rimfire race gun

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• Shootabilty A+
• Reliability A+
• Ergonomics A
• Accuracy B+
• Value B+

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

TBD

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When the original M&P 22 came out, it was fine. It looked and handled like an M&P, just in .22LR. While fine, it was rather plain, but the M&P 22X takes things into a radical direction. It’s no longer your basic 10-round, iron-sight-equipped gun that looks like a centerfire M&P. It not only has its own features, but it doesn’t even look like it’s trying to replicate the centerfire M&P guns. 

The M&P 22X is its own gun and proud to be. From front to rear, we get an optic-equipped, rail-equipped gun with a threaded barrel, ambidextrous safety, ambidextrous slide lock, and reversible magazine catch. In the thin, svelte grip, you get 20 rounds of .22LR. It’s ready for all the modern features you could ever want on a gun. 

The S&W M&P 22X might be a good plinker or trainer, but to me, where it shines bright would be in Steel Challenge. It’s not afraid to be large, and large guns are easy to handle. It comes with all the features most Steel Challenge shooters would embrace. It’s not a dedicated race gun, but it’s a great option for the casual competitor. 

The trigger delivers a light 3.5-ish pound pull with a crisp reset. The gun’s grip is very 1911-like, and let’s be real, John Browning’s most famous gun is famous for a reason. It’s super reliable, and chews through most .22 LR I can put through it. This isn’t a gun that only runs with high-velocity ammo; it runs quite well with standard-velocity ammo. 

What are the downsides? The safety is a little too flush, and the magazines are a bit stiff to load. The barrel uses a thread adapter to mount suppressors, so make sure it’s nice and tight before you start shooting. 

S&W M&P 22X PROS AND CONS

#5 Ruger LCP II 22LR

Ruger LCP II 22LR

A 22LR perfect as a defensive pocket pistol or a fun plinker.

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• Shootability A+
• Reliability B
• Ergonomics B
• Accuracy C
• Value A

Our Grade

B+

Reader’s Grade

B+

Based on 30 Reviews

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Have you ever had a gun stolen? I have, and it was my Ruger LCP 2 Literack in .22LR. The thief was my wife, who isn’t a ‘gun person’ so to speak. I took her to the range with the LCP 2, and after a few magazines of ringing steel, I never saw the gun again. It became her dedicated concealed carry piece, and for the first time in our marriage, she was consistently carrying the gun. 

The Ruger LCP 2 in .22LR has barely any recoil. It might be quite loud, but the gun isn’t fighting its way out of your hands. She isn’t an experienced shooter and has small hands. The limited recoil of the LCP 2, even when loaded with hot defensive ammunition, is just perfect for her. Beyond being willing to carry the gun, she’s willing to go out to practice with it. 

A lack of recoil makes it easy to shoot fast with your sights barely moving. Scoring ten rounds at ten yards into an IPSC A-zone is utterly easy. The gun feels soft, even when it’s shot fast. The LCP 2 Literack is light everywhere it matters. 

The fact that the sights are large helps her a lot. We did add a little paint to the front sight, making it a bit easier to see than the all-black sights that come standard. The LCP 2 even holds ten rounds of ammo in a tiny grip. That’s more than most and gives us a capable self-defense load. 

This is a purely defensive-oriented gun, but it might be a decent training alternative to the LCP .380. I’m betting most people who shoot the LCP .22LR do not want to go back to the .380 ACP. 

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

Ruger LCP 2 Literack PROS AND CONS

#6 Taurus TX 22 TORO

Taurus TX 22 TORO

A 22LR pistol in a full-size polymer frame that shoots straight and is an amazing bang for your buck.

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• Shootability A+
• Reliability A-
• Ergonomics A+
• Accuracy A+
• Value A-

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

A+

Based on 11 Reviews

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The Taurus TX22 has no right to be as good as it is. I feel silly sleeping on it for so long and never giving it a chance. I picked one up for a bargain, and it blew my mind. Not only did it offer a reliable, problem-free experience, but it checked all the right boxes for a good .22LR pistol. The TX22 comes in a few different configurations these days, and honestly, you’d be well-suited with any of them. 

What do I want a .22LR pistol to do? First, I want it to shoot reliably. .22LR can be finicky, and semi-auto .22LR handguns are the only guns more finicky than semi-auto shotguns. The TX-22 will eat whatever you ask, seemingly without malfunction. Even a cheap bulk pack tends to just work through the gun. 

Next, I want it to shoot straight. My TX22 has irons only, but there are a number of optics-ready versions. Even with irons only, I can land solid hits at a range from 50 to 5 yards. Of course, my target needs to get a little bigger at those longer ranges. At 15 yards, you can drill the black out of a B8 target repeatedly. 

The Taurus TX22 is a great option as a training pistol. A gun that’s cheaper than a 9mm and allows you to work on some basic shooting skills. The TX22 feels just like any other modern striker-fired handgun. It’s not too small or too big, and looks and handles a lot like a Glock 19. Even the magazine capacity meets modern standards at 16 rounds. 

The TX22 is tough to beat for a bargain-priced, modern semi-auto .22LR handgun. My advice is get the TORO model with an optics-ready cut.

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

#7 Rossi RS22 Pistol

Rossi RS22 Pistol

This franken-gun is essentially a trimmed down Ruger 10/22. And we love it just the way it is.

 

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• Shootability A+
• Reliability A-
• Ergonomics A-
• Accuracy A-
• Value A+

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

TBD

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I like a wildcard. I’m doing a list of the best .22LR pistols, and technically the RS22 Pistol is a pistol. It’s a large-format pistol version of the RS22 rifle. It’s a big, somewhat silly pistol, but sometimes silly is a completely valid reason to own a gun. The RS22 Pistol has a short little six-inch barrel that’s threaded and ready for a suppressor. 

The gun has three rails in three different places. We have one on top for an optic, another up front for a weapon light, laser, or cupholder, and one at the very back for mounting a brace. Rossi makes a few models of this setup, and one even comes with a brace. Toss a brace, a red dot, and a suppressor on the RS22, and it’s the most fun you’ll have legally. 

The RS22 is delightful. It’s a blast to shoot, and I found myself chewing through magazines of .22LR over and over. Which brings us to the only downside to this gun. It only comes with ten-round magazines. That’s all you get, and it goes way too fast from this fun little gun. 

As you drain the gun, you’ll notice absolutely zero recoil. It doesn’t even move. The accuracy is absolutely awesome with an amazing trigger. You can stack all ten rounds into a single hole at ten yards if you try and take your time. While it’s not the most practical gun, the RS22 could be a fantastic little pest control gun or small game gun.

The RS22 is just a ton of fun. Sure, for a handgun it’s big and heavy, but it’s just so much fun. It’s an extremely enjoyable little gun, and I can’t get enough of it. I just really need some longer, quality magazines. 

Rossi RS22 Pistol PROS AND CONS

#8 Sig Sauer P322

Sig Sauer P322

Wonderfully ergonomic pistol with a ton of modern features/

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• Shootability A+
• Reliability B+
• Ergonomics A+
• Accuracy A+
• Value A

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

B+

Based on 39 Reviews

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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