7 Best 22LR Rifles of 2026: Tested & Reviewed

No gun safe is complete without a 22LR rifle.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, the 22 Long Rifle cartridge has probably been part of your story. It’s the most successful rimfire round in history — affordable, reliable, and endlessly fun to shoot.

And the rifles chambered for it? They’re just as versatile. From budget-friendly plinkers to precision-built tack drivers, the best 22 rifles come in just about every configuration you can imagine.

Bolt actions. Semi-autos. Lever guns. Even pump and single-shot options. There’s something for every type of shooter.

But with so many choices out there, picking the right 22LR rifle can feel overwhelming.

That’s where I come in.

I’ve tested a wide variety of rifles over the years, and today I’m breaking down the best 22LR rifles across different categories — whether you’re looking for a reliable range companion, a small-game hunter, or just the best 22 rifle to introduce someone new to shooting.

The Little Plinker That Could

Back in 1884, when a bottle of soda cost a nickel, the humble 22LR was born. It evolved from the older .22 Long and quickly became a household staple for American shooters. Fast forward to today, and despite all the newer, faster rounds on the market, the 22LR still reigns supreme in the rimfire world.

Why? Simple: it’s efficient, accessible, and dirt cheap.

Even with rising ammo prices, 22LR remains one of the most affordable ways to shoot — which is why it’s so popular among beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned pros alike.

It’s also incredibly soft-shooting. Minimal recoil. Low noise. No muzzle blast to scare off new shooters. That’s why it’s the first rifle many of us ever fired. I still remember blasting soda cans with my dad using a 22LR — and years later, teaching a nervous friend to shoot with the same kind of rifle. Within minutes, she was smiling and hitting targets like a pro.

Whether you’re a beginner or just someone who appreciates an easy day at the range, a good 22LR rifle belongs in your lineup. It’s cheap to run, easy to shoot, and endlessly fun.

How We Picked the Best 22 LR Rifles

When choosing the best 22LR rifles for this list, I didn’t rank them in any particular order. Instead, I’ve thought of how shooters use their 22LR rifles and found the best one for each category. In addition to that, I also used the followiWhen I set out to make this list of the best 22LR rifles, I didn’t rank them from first to last. That wouldn’t make sense.

Why? Because what’s “best” depends on how you plan to use it.

Instead, I looked at real-world use cases — plinking, hunting, training, competition — and picked the top 22LR rifle for each purpose. From there, I used a few core criteria to help narrow things down:

• Construction – Is the rifle built to last? Fit and finish matter, especially if you’re putting in range time regularly.
• Accuracy – Can it reliably hit where you’re aiming? You don’t need match-grade performance to pop soda cans, but even a plinker should shoot straight.
• Value – Does the rifle justify its price over the long run? I’m all for spending money on good gear, but only if the performance matches the cost.

Now that you know how I made my picks, let’s jump into the list.

Best 22LR Rifles by Category

Best 22LR Rifles by Category

Best Overall Ruger 10/22		Modular Reliable Jack of all trades	See Price
Best Hunting Bergara BMR-X		Light Weight Adjustable Versatile Affordable	See Price
Tikka T1X		Extremely Accurate Lightweight Refined and well-made	See Price
Best For Kids Ruger American Compact		Built-in irons Adjustable LOP Uses 10/22 Mags Affordable	See Price
Best Fun Gun Henry Classic Lever		Cowboy-style lever action Fun gun from the Wild West Accurate and reliable	See Price
Best Survival Rifle Chiappa Little Badger		Folds in half As compact as it gets Fascinating design	See Price
Best For Targets CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis		Extremely accurate Easy to adjust Modern handling	See Price

Specs Comparison of the Best 22LR Rifles

List of the Best 22LR Rifles:

1. Ruger 10/22
2. Bergara BMR-X
3. Tikka T1X
4. Henry Lever Action 22LR
5. Ruger American Rimfire Compact
6. Chiappa Little Badger
7. CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis

Reviews of the Best 22LR Rifles

Now that we’ve covered a list of the best 22LR rifles, I’m going to go in-depth on each one, their specifications and basically defend my choices for each one winning the category they got. Granted, these are my professional opinions and if you disagree, then make sure to leave a comment explaining your thoughts or observations.

Ruger 10/22 Review

The Ruger 10/22 brings me back to my days as a kid and teenager. It was the rifle of choice when we went to the old quarry to shoot Coke cans. Our family rifle had lord knows how many rounds through it, and I’ve still never seen anyone clean the dang thing. I bought my own 10/22, and it has become my family rifle. 

The Ruger 10/22 reigns as the king of .22LRs for good reason. It’s lightweight, it’s reliable, the magazines are fantastic, and the gun shoots straight. Not to mention that you can easily add a wide variety of accessories, and the aftermarket allows you to do whatever you want with the gun. 

The 10/22 doesn’t do anything fancy. It’s a straight blowback gun with either a wood or polymer stock. The trigger isn’t crazy good, the ergonomics are fine, and the gun runs. Plus, it’s affordable. If you have a budget for one gun or one .22LR, the 10/22 is the way to go. It can accomplish any .22LR task you may have. 

From unloading BX-25 round magazines into cans to hunting small game, removing pests, and even competing in various rimfire competitions. It does the .22RL tasks just right, and does so in a semi-auto, affordable firearm. It’s a great gun to grow up with and a great gun as a grown-up. 

Ruger 10/22 Pros and Cons

Bergara BMR-X Review

Being the upgrade to the original BMR rifle, the Bergara BMR sits nicely within a reasonable price range. 

The stock and barrel are upgrades on both ends with this version. The stock is made with a rubber texture giving the user an ideal and enhanced grip. It also allows for a more versatile vertical grip, which is a bit preferential, and a flattened forend which can be more beneficial with placement. The threaded barrel I personally love as it allows for shooting with a suppressor as well as cutting down on the overall weight. Both ideal when it comes to hunting.

I have always preferred the magazines with BMR’s and with the BMR-X comes a 5 round hold plus the 10 round magazine. 

Now about the bolt action?  Well it’s pretty smooth for the price range and for a 22LR.  I’ve definitely had experiences with worse.  Overall feeding was excellent although I did have a couple of times where I short stroked it and it jammed, but that was not the rifle’s fault.   But when you do a complete cycling of the bolt, it runs smooth – especially for a 22LR bolt action rifle.  

I didn’t find any particular negatives to the rifle.  I’d only say, for my left-handed comrades out there, you were left behind again.  There is no left-handed models….sorry.  

All in all, I personally think that this is one of the better bolt action 22LR rifles on the market in this price range.  It is worth upgrading from the BMR in my opinion and the capability and quality of the rifle fits in the right price range that a gun like this should be in.  

Bergara BMR-X Pros and Cons

Tikka T1x Review

As Tikka’s first 22LR rifle, the T1x had big shoes to fill, and it definitely lives up to the hype. From the moment I got my hands on it, I could tell this rifle was built for serious hunting.

The T1x immediately impressed me with its design. It’s clearly made with hunters in mind. For small game, accuracy and comfort are important, and this bolt gun nails both. Adding an optic to this gun was easy, and once it’s on, you’ve got a powerful setup for taking down squirrels, rabbits, and even coyotes.

I really love how versatile the stock on the Tikka is. It’s compatible with most T3x accessories, so you can customize it to your liking. For precision shooting, I often attach a suppressor to the threaded muzzle and adjust the grip to suit my needs.

When I first used this gun, the bolt felt a bit stiff, but it loosened up nicely with use. The single-stage, adjustable trigger breaks crisply and gives you quick, accurate shots. The adjustment screw lets you fine-tune the pull weight, with minimal creep or overtravel.

The cold hammer-forged barrel combines stability with a lighter weight, making it perfect for a day of hunting without getting tired. The lightweight design also helps prevent muscle fatigue while tracking game, and the low bolt lift ensures you can cycle rounds quickly without disrupting your position.

While the bolt might be a bit stiff at first, the T1x proves to be incredibly smooth and accurate. It’s definitely the best bolt gun for hunting that I’ve used.

Check out our full review on the Tikka T1x

Tikka T1x Pros and Cons

Henry Lever Action 22LR Review

There is no greater tactile joy than cycling a lever-action rifle. The problem is that most lever-action rifles cost a fortune to feed due to their cartridges. The Henry Lever Action .22LR doesn’t have that problem. You can get that sweet down and forward movement of a lever action with a round that costs pennies per shot. 

The Henry Lever Action has an uber short lever stroke that makes it easy to pretend you’re Chuck Connors in The Rifleman. The hammer-fired single-action design gives you an uber-light trigger with a short pull. When I stop pretending to be in a 1950s western, I can take my day and create tight groups inside of playing cards. 

The lever action makes sure it can eat through any normal .22LR ammo. Subsonic ammo, low-powered ammo, cheap ammo, and whatever hits the .22LR profile. This gives you the best reliability you can get from a finicky rimfire rifle. 

The open sights are fine, but they don’t contrast well with each other for fast shots at times. A little paint on the front sight makes it line up perfectly with the blacked-out rear rifle sight. A dab does a lot ot make this thing a bit more shootable when speed is the goal. 

Henry Lever Action 22LR Pros and Cons

Ruger American Rimfire Compact Review

Most of the guns on this list are great for kids, but I picked the Ruger American Rimfire Compact as the best for a few key reasons.

When I start new shooters, I prefer single-shot or manually operated rifles for their simplicity and safety. The Ruger American Rimfire Compact fits the bill perfectly. It handles even the cheapest ammo with ease and uses 10/22 magazines, which are easy to find and budget-friendly. The manual tang safety and safety blade are excellent for preventing accidental firings.

What I really like about this rifle are the iron sights. They’re open and user-friendly, making aiming straightforward for young shooters. The compact size and light weight of just 5.3 pounds make it a great fit for kids. Plus, the interchangeable stock modules let you adjust the length of pull as your child grows. The trigger pull is around 3 pounds, which is manageable for smaller hands.

I did run into a few minor issues with ammo getting stuck, but nothing major that I couldn’t fix easily. The only real downside is that this rifle doesn’t use the same barrel as the 10/22, so finding a replacement can be a bit of a hunt.

Despite these small drawbacks, the Ruger American Rimfire Compact’s accuracy, with its cold hammer-forged barrel and adjustable trigger, is impressive. It’s a fantastic choice for young shooters to practice and have fun with.

Ruger American Rimfire Compact Pros and Cons

Chiappa Little Badger Review

Survival rifles come in numerous shapes and sizes, each suited for different roles. For off-road adventures like trucking, ATVing, mountain biking, or hiking, the Chiappa Little Badger stands out.

This single-shot, hammer-fired rifle folds in half, reducing its length from 31 inches to just 17.5 inches. It’s incredibly compact and perfect for stashing away in an emergency kit or backpack. Despite its unconventional look, it performs surprisingly well.

I find the threaded barrel particularly useful, especially if you want to add a suppressor. The adjustable peep sights work fine, but for shots beyond 35 to 50 yards, a red dot optic is a good idea. The quad rail is also handy for adding optics and accessories.

The skeletonized stock helps keep the rifle lightweight and also provides storage for spare rounds. Although it lacks a manual safety, the half-cock position is sufficient to prevent accidental misfires. While it may not be the best in every category, its compact size and practicality make it an excellent choice for survival situations.

If you’re on the fence about this firearm and need some more help to decide, check out our full review on the Chiappa Little Badger.

Chiappa Little Badger Pros and Cons

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Review

Who doesn’t want to drop a pile of many on a poodle shooter? The CZ 457 Varmint Precision takes what’s traditionally a cheap cartridge and cheap rifle combination and amps up the cost, but it does bring you an extremely well-made rifle. Do you like the feel of creating a tiny group that seems almost ought ot believe? 

Pair the CZ 457 Varmint Precision with some Ely Match Grade, and you can do that. CZ gave the 457 the precision rifle treatment. The MDT ACC Premier Chassis feels overbuilt for a rimfire rifle, but it makes it easy to fit the rifle to your precision-oriented needs. You shrink the length of pull, adjust the cheek riser, and grip to make the rifle fit you just right. 

That kind of adjustment helps with comfort, and comfort helps you shoot those tiny little groups. The CZ 457 Varmint Precision comes with a fantastic trigger, so just add a high-quality optic, and you’re on your way to shooting tiny groups or taking the head off a prairie dog. 

At nine pounds, the rifle weighs almost as much as it costs. It’s not going to be for everyone. It’s for rimfire shooters who want to create those little groups. Shooters who employ bipods and tripods, shooters who measure wind, know their dope, and most certainly have a Kestrel in their range bag.

Check out our full review of the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Pros and Cons

22LR Rifle Buyer’s Guide

By now, you’ve hopefully narrowed your choices based on how you plan to use your rifle. Picking the best 22 rifle can be tough — especially when there are so many great 22LR rifles on the market.

But hey, this is America. Nobody says you have to stop at one.

Before you pick your next (or first) 22LR rifle, let’s talk about what these rifles are best suited for, what makes them tick, and what you’ll want to consider as a gun owner.

Best Uses for a 22LR Rifle

The 22LR cartridge isn’t built for everything, but it absolutely shines in certain areas.

• Training and Target Practice
  The low recoil and quiet report make the 22LR ideal for new shooters, kids, or anyone who just wants a relaxed day at the range. Ammo is cheap and easy to find, so it’s perfect for drills, plinking, or even rimfire competitions.
• Small Game Hunting
  Rabbits, squirrels, and other varmints don’t stand a chance. With proper shot placement, a 22LR is more than enough for small-game hunting — especially when meat preservation matters.
• Survival Kits and Backpacks
  A lightweight 22LR rifle and a few hundred rounds of ammo barely tip the scale in your pack. That makes it an excellent choice for bug-out bags or minimalist hunting setups. It’s also relatively quiet, accurate, and suitable for foraging or emergency defense in the backcountry.

Pros and Cons of the 22LR Rifle

Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide if a 22LR rifle fits your needs:

Pros

• Light recoil – Easy to shoot, even for beginners
• Quiet – Great for discreet pest control or backyard plinking
• Affordable – Both rifles and ammo are budget-friendly
• Perfect for small game – Doesn’t obliterate your target like higher-caliber rounds
• Portable – Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry
• Versatile – Tons of styles, from tactical to traditional

Cons

• Limited power – Not ideal for larger game or home defense
• Shorter effective range – Starts dropping fast past 100–150 yards
• Occasional misfires – Rimfire ammo isn’t as consistent as centerfire

What to Consider When Buying a 22LR Rifle

Let’s go over the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best 22 LR rifle:

Action Types

• Semi-auto: Most popular; great for fast follow-ups
• Bolt action: Reliable, accurate, and ideal for slow, deliberate shots
• Lever action: Classic cowboy feel, still smooth and fun
• Pump action: A bit rarer, but reliable and cool to run
• Single-shot: Great for training or simplicity
• Revolving cylinder: Niche, but unique and functional

???? My advice: Pick what feels best in your hands. With 22LR, the action type often comes down to personal preference more than performance.

Stock Options

• Wooden stocks look great, add balance, and feel solid
• Synthetic stocks are durable and weather-resistant
• Chassis systems offer modularity and precision, great for competitors

Choose based on comfort, weight, and intended use. There’s no wrong answer here — just what fits you.

Accuracy

All 22LR rifles can be accurate, but the level of precision you need depends on your use case. Plinking? You’ve got wiggle room. Hunting or competition? Go with a tighter-shooting setup.

Speed & Range

A standard 22LR round moves at about 1,125 FPS, with an effective range of around 150 yards — though most real-world shooting happens between 50 and 100 yards.

Keep in mind: bullet drop becomes noticeable past 100 yards, so plan your zero accordingly.

Barrel Length

Longer barrels improve velocity and accuracy — good for hunting or precision shooting. Shorter barrels are easier to handle for plinking and backpack carry.

If you’re planning to add a suppressor, factor that into your overall length.

Trigger Quality

A clean-breaking, light trigger can improve accuracy and shot timing. Some 22LR rifles offer adjustable triggers — a nice bonus if you’re picky about pull weight.

Safety Features

Many 22LR rifles come with tang safeties, trigger safeties, or manual thumb safeties. These matter even more if the rifle will be used by a beginner or young shooter.

Price

• Entry-level plinkers start around $200–$300
• Mid-range models land in the $400–$600 range
• Competition or precision builds can hit $1,000+

Buy for your goals. No need to overspend if all you want is a backyard can-killer.

22LR Ammo Tips

• Rimfire rounds can misfire more than centerfire — even high-end brands occasionally go “click” instead of “bang”
• Bulk ammo works fine for plinking, but semi-autos often run smoother on high-velocity loads
• For reliability, try Federal Automatch, CCI Mini-Mag, Aguila Super Extra
• For suppressors, subsonic rounds (like CCI Quiet or Eley) keep the volume down
• For hunting, choose jacketed hollow points for better terminal performance

22 Rimfire Rifle Variants

Not all “.22” ammo is interchangeable.

• 22 Short and 22 Long can usually be fired in 22LR rifles (especially tube-fed), but may not feed well from box magazines
• 22 Magnum (22 WMR) will not chamber in a 22LR — they’re entirely different cartridges

Always check your rifle’s manual before mixing rounds.

Accessories Worth Considering

• Optics: A decent scope can make a huge difference — especially at 50–100 yards. Here’s my list of favorite 22LR scopes.
• Scope Mounts: Mount directly to the barrel if you’re using a takedown rifle (like a Ruger 10/22 Takedown), or risk losing zero every time you reassemble. Here’s my list of 22LR scope mounts that should help you choose.
• Bipods: Even for a lightweight 22, stability = accuracy. I’ve got a list of the best bipods if you need help picking one. Here’s my list of best rifle bipods if you decide to get one.

Best 22LR Rifles – FAQs

Conclusion

I can’t overstate how much fun a 22LR rifle is to shoot. Even when ammo’s scarce or budgets are tight, my stash of rimfire keeps me happily plinking, training, and pest-controlling without stress.

I own several 22LR rifles and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. They’re reliable, inexpensive, and genuinely useful — whether you’re starting out or just want to make sure the squirrels know who’s boss.

What’s your favorite 22LR rifle?

Let me know in the comments.