7 Best 22LR Rifles for Plinkers, Hunters, and Survivalists in 2024 [UPDATED]

No armory, arsenal, or collection is complete without some form of a 22LR rifle. The venerable 22 Long Rifle earned its fame by being one of the smallest, most efficient cartridges known to man. It’s the most successful rimfire cartridge known to man and has become super popular due to its affordable price point, its low recoil, minimal noise, and the fact that it’s super fun to shoot.

22LR rifles are and always have been superbly popular and come in all shapes and sizes. You can find semi-auto rifles, bolt actions, lever actions, single shots, pump actions, and heck, even revolving cylinder actions. With so many rifles out there, it can be tough to find the right one for you.

The good news is I’m here today to show you the best 22LR rifles out there and to give you the best rifles for the specific categories 22LR rifles excel in.

The Little Plinker That Could

Way back when sodas only cost a nickel, the 22LR came to be. Born in 1884 from the 22 Long, this round has evolved with smokeless powder and modern projectiles. Even with newer and faster cartridges around, the 22LR remains unbeatable in the world of rimfire rifles. Nothing quite matches its efficiency when you factor in ammo availability, rifle options, and cost.

Why does the 22LR hold the crown? For starters, it’s incredibly cheap. Even the priciest 22LR ammo still costs a fraction of what you’d pay for centerfire rounds. The price might vary, but it’s always easy on the wallet.

22LR rifles provide a very soft shooting experience. The recoil is light, and there’s hardly any concussion, making them great for newbies and kids alike. I remember fondly shooting Coke cans with a 22LR alongside my dad. The low recoil and affordability made it perfect for learning.

Even as an adult, a 22LR rifle can be a game-changer. I once taught a nervous beginner using a 22LR, and after a few shots, she was hooked. The manageable recoil and ease of control quickly turned her into a confident shooter. The 22LR’s low cost and smooth shooting make it a fantastic choice for everyone.

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 following criteria to evaluate each rifle. 

• Construction – Is the construction solid? A well-put-together rifle will last you for a long time, so this is one of my main criteria for evaluating a rifle. 
  
• Accuracy –  Can the rifle shoot well enough to hit the target consistently? The degree of accuracy you’ll need for something like plinking will be different compared to the accuracy of a match rifle but you need your rifle to be fairly accurate, no matter its purpose.
  
•  Value – Does it give long-term value for the price? It doesn’t make sense to drop a lot of cash on a rifle if it doesn’t give you equal value. 

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

Best 22LR Rifles by Category

Best 22LR Rifles by Category

Best Overall Ruger 10/22		Modular Reliable Jack of all trades	Check Price
Best Training S&W M&P 15-22		Replicates AR15 Ergonomic Fun to shoot	Check Price
Best Hunting Tikka T1X		Extremely Accurate Lightweight Refined and well-made	Check Price
Best Fun Gun Henry Classic Lever		Cowboy-style lever action Fun gun from the Wild West Accurate and reliable	Check Price
Best For Kids Ruger American Compact		Built-in irons Adjustable LOP Uses 10/22 Mags Affordable	Check Price
Best Survival Rifle Chiappa Little Badger		Folds in half As compact as it gets Fascinating design	Check Price
Best For Targets CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis		Extremely accurate Easy to adjust Modern handling	Check Price

Specs Comparison of the Best 22LR Rifles

List of the Best 22LR Rifles:

1. Ruger 10/22
2. Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22
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

There is no better example of the 22LR rifle than the famed Ruger 10/22. With over 7 million sold, the Ruger 10/22 sets the standard for semi-automatic 22LR rifles.

I’ve been using my 10/22 for over a decade, and it’s reliably shot tens of thousands of rounds without a hitch. Its action eats through even the cheapest ammo effortlessly, and the cold hammer-forged barrel means it can handle a lot of abuse and keep going strong.

What makes the Ruger 10/22 a great rifle is its versatility. Whether you’re hunting, plinking, practicing at the range, dealing with pests, or teaching a newbie, this rifle does it all. It’s small and lightweight, making it perfect for kids (with supervision, of course), and the cross-bolt manual safety makes it safe to handle.

One of the things I really appreciate about the Ruger 10/22 is how customizable it is. You can swap out almost everything—the receiver, stock, charging handle, even the trigger. My 10/22 carbine model, for example, has a gold bead front sight and an adjustable, folding rear sight, which makes switching between long and short-range shots easy.

While I’m usually not impressed with factory triggers, this one is surprisingly tough and long-lasting. The Ruger 10/22 offers affordability, reliability, and versatility, making it the best overall 22LR rifle. It might not be the absolute best in any single category, but it’s a great rifle that covers all the bases.

Ruger 10/22 Pros and Cons

S&W M&P 15-22 Review

Let’s be real here, most gun owners have an AR15 or two. They’re everywhere because manufacturers churn them out and they’re priced to fit almost any budget. I even put together a list of the best AR15s to help folks find the right one.

But 5.56 ammo can get pricey. For cost-effective training, the 22LR is a game-changer, letting you enjoy the AR15’s look and feel without burning through expensive ammo.

The S&W M&P 15-22 is my top pick for training because it mimics the AR15 format with a 22LR twist. Unlike some AR15-style 22LR rifles that don’t quite hit the mark, the M&P 15-22 gets it right. Sure, some folks might say it looks like a toy, but don’t let that fool you—it’s well-built. The carbon steel barrel and Armornite finish can take a beating.

I love the adjustable stock—it makes it easy to get a perfect fit. Plus, you can customize it with AR15 parts and accessories. The 10-inch M&P slim handguard with the Magpul M-LOK system is great for adding extras, and you can slap on Picatinny rails if needed.

The M&P 15-22 is fantastic for drills, reloads, and accuracy practice. It’s also a great option for teaching kids or anyone who struggles with recoil, thanks to its lightweight and minimal kick. The plasticky look might not be for everyone, but this rifle is a solid training tool and a blast to shoot.

S&W M&P 15-22 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

If you don’t get a rush of dopamine every time you work the lever of a lever-action rifle, I’m afraid you might hate joy.

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about shooting lever-action rifles, and the Henry Lever Action nails that feeling. I’ve been enjoying the Classic Lever Action design for years now, and with over a million sold, I’m clearly not alone in my appreciation. It’s affordable, lightweight, and has minimal recoil, making it a perfect choice for everyone from beginners to seasoned shooters.

Safety is a big deal with Henry. The internal transfer bar is a smart feature that prevents accidental firing if the rifle is dropped or if your thumb slips while cocking. Plus, the crisp trigger pull and short Length Of Pull (LOP) make it a great fit for kids or anyone with a smaller frame.

Despite the high cost of many lever-action rifles, the Henry Lever Action is budget-friendly. I’ve run through a lot of different ammo brands with this rifle and haven’t faced a single jam or misfire. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking to save on ammo.

Shooting this 22LR is as thrilling as firing a larger caliber, and it’s a lot of fun. While I did replace the factory sights with higher-quality ones, the original buckhorn-style rear sight and front sight were pretty good for the price. Adjusting and zeroing them was easy.

Whether you’re hunting, teaching new shooters, or just plinking for fun, the Henry Lever Action stands out as a versatile and enjoyable rifle.

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

Someone once said, “CZ, you come for the handguns, but stay for the rifles.” That statement perfectly sums up my experience with CZ, especially with the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis.

As a target shooter, I can confidently say the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis is one of the best 22LR rifles I’ve ever used. During my test, it shot an incredible .29” group at 100 yards. At first, I thought it might have been a lucky shot, but it consistently delivered sub-MOA groups throughout my session.

The Varmint Precision Chassis really takes the CZ 457 to another level. The adjustable stock lets you customize the length of pull and comb height, so you can tailor it to fit you perfectly. The Luth-AR stock, though it looks heavy, is actually quite light, which is a bonus for target shooters who spend long hours at the range.

The vertical grip is great for maintaining a stable shooting position, and you can easily swap it out with any AR15-type grip if you prefer. The fully adjustable trigger is another highlight. I loved being able to fine-tune the weight, creep, and over-travel to get it just right.

Yes, the CZ 457 is on the pricey side, retailing around $1000, but for serious rimfire competitors, it’s worth every penny. The smooth bolt action and customizable features make it a top pick for anyone serious about precision shooting.

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

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Pros and Cons

22LR Rifle Buyers Guide

Armed with this knowledge of 22LR rifles, you have hopefully narrowed your options down based on use. I know it’s tough when many good rifles chambered in 22LR exist, but keep in mind that you can always have more than one rifle. This is America and all.

Now that you’re on your way to choosing a 22LR rifle, here are a few pointers to help you as a gun owner and make the ownership experience much smoother. Before that, let’s take a quick look at what you can use your 22LR rifle for and its pros and cons.

Best Uses of the 22LR Rifle

As a small-bore, lightweight projectile powered by a low powder charge, the 22LR is limited in its usefulness. It’s hardly the best option for self or home defense. It doesn’t do well hunting anything beyond small game and certainly won’t win long-distance awards.

However, like anything, the 22LR excels in a number of roles. 

• Training and target practice –  The 22LR is perfect for training new shooters. It’s also very affordable, making it a great choice for training and casual shooting. It has a low recoil and almost no concussion, so it makes for a pleasant shooting experience. The 22LR competition presents one of the cheapest shooting sports out there. Ammo for 22LRs are widely available at a low cost, so it’s convenient for instances like target practice that require several rounds in an outing. 
• Hunting small game – Squirrels, rabbits, and similar animals quickly become stews with a well-placed 22LR projectile. For pest removal, snake defense, and similar tasks, the little 22LR excels. As for larger animals, I would only recommend a  22LR to well-experienced hunters who know the weak spots of their targets. 
• For survival kits – The 22LR rifle is an excellent choice for survival purposes. With rifles and ammo as light as this, it’s easy to put a rifle and 300 rounds of ammo in a backpack without adding a ton of weight. It’s relatively silent and has low recoil, so it’s easy to do follow-up shots while maintaining accuracy. Plus, the 22LR cartridge works well for taking small games and even for some limited self-defense in the brush roles. When used correctly, the noise of a gunshot can be a signaling device.

If you are thinking of getting a 22LR, it’s best to know exactly what you are getting into. So I’ve broken down the benefits and disadvantages of this gun below. 

Pros and Cons of the 22LR Rifle

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of handling the 22LR.  

Pros

• Light recoil – The 22LR has a super low recoil so it makes for a comfortable (and fun!) shooting experience. You can take quick and accurate follow-up shots because you have better control over the rifle.
• Silent – The quietness of the rifle makes it a great option for varmint hunting because you can take down your target without alerting the critters to your presence. 
• Affordable – The 22LRs are great for beginners who don’t want to break the bank on their first gun. With the 22LRs, you can get the hang of the sport and then later upgrade to something that better fits your goals.  
• Great for hunting small game – The low power and reduced recoil of the 22LR cartridge is ideal for small game (at short range) because it won’t destroy the meat like some big cartridges will.  
• Lightweight and portable – Its compact design and reduced weight make it easy to carry and maneuver, especially for kids. Its portability means you can easily carry it for outdoor activities, including hiking, plinking, and small game hunting.
• Available in a range of sizes and styles – 22LR rifles are available in a variety of different stocks and actions, so there’s something for everyone with this rifle. 

Cons

• Low bullet speed – The 22LR is not a very fast gun and low bullet speed means that you don’t get a lot of range or penetration out of it.  
• Low range – While a 22LR rifle is great for shooting small game at a short distance, it becomes less accurate the further away your target is. 
• Not the best for self or home defense – I don’t recommend using the 22LR rifle for home defense because it doesn’t have much stopping power or penetration. If you are looking for a serious home defense option, something with a larger caliber would be the better choice. 

Now that you know the pros and cons of the 22LR, here’s what you should know about when buying a 22LR rifle. 

What to Consider When Buying a 22LR Rifle

When buying guns, you need to know that not all specs are created equal. Let me walk you through some of the more important ones you need to keep in mind when purchasing a 22LR rifle. 

Action 

You can get your 22LR in all sorts of actions. Here are the most common ones. 

• Semi-auto – These are the most common rifles you can find. They use magazines and you can fire several shots one after the other by pulling on the trigger. 
• Lever action – A lever action rifle is operated by hand where you feed the cartridge into the system by pulling back on the lever. These are pretty old and are often only found in the reissues of the Old West guns. 
• Single shots – These rifles, like their name indicates, only lets you fire a single round before having to round. 
• Bolt action – Bolt action is a combination of single shots and lever action; it only allows for a single shot but you can refill your chamber with the lever.
• Pump action – With pump action, you load your gun by sliding your forestock back to load the cartridge into your chamber. 
• Revolving cylinder action – Revolving action uses a revolving cylinder containing a bunch of cartridges to line up the shot before firing. 

With actions, I mostly recommend going with personal preference. While some actions are better than others for certain situations, the difference is not really noticeable with 22LR rifles. 

Stock

You have a few stocks to go for when you’re choosing your 22LR.

• Wooden – Many lever action and bolt action rifles come with wooden stocks. The stock is ergonomically built with a durable finish so it can handle the elements well. Wooden stocks give a good balance to your rifle because they add weight plus they look good on your rifle. 
• Synthetic – Synthetic stocks are usually lighter than wooden stocks if they are hollow, but there are solid stocks that are not as lightweight; your choice should depend on how comfortable it is for you to handle. Synthetic stocks endure wear and tumble much better than wooden stocks, so consider that when you’re looking for a 22LR rifle.
  
• Chassis – The chassis is a super stable platform that is good for competitive shooters because it has excellent precision. It has good ergonomics and often, you have the ability to adjust it to your fit.

At the end of the day, the right stock for you really depends on what you want from your gun. 

Accuracy

While you want your gun to be accurate for whatever purpose you are going to use it for, the type of accuracy you want for each use case is going to be different. For example, if you’re hunting small game within short ranges, you wouldn’t need tight-spread long-distance accuracy, but it may be necessary if you’re using the rifle for competitions.

Speed and range

The speed of the bullet when it leaves the gun (muzzle velocity) can vary depending on your rifle. A Standard Velocity 22LR round can reach 1,125 FPS (Feet Per Second), and the maximum effective range of an LR is about 150 yards. In my experience, when I hunt small game like squirrels or rabbits, the most effective range I’ve seen with a long rifle is between 75-100 yards. This is because the bullet drop is almost zero at this range, and I’ve seen a bullet drop of close to 5 inches below my line of sight past 120-150 yards.

Barrel length 

Choose your barrel length based on what you’ll use your rifle for. Longer barrels are great for hunting, offering better accuracy and muzzle velocity. Shorter barrels are lighter and easier to handle, making them perfect for plinking. If you prefer to add a silencer to your rifle, the length will go further up, so keep that in mind. A good balance of the barrel length and the weight of the rifle can give you better control of the firearm, so consider the balance factor too.

Trigger

The trigger is another thing I pay close attention to. The trigger pulls and weight differ from rifle to rifle, so I recommend finding one with your ideal weight. You would want to go with a light pull, crisp, and clean trigger because the way a trigger breaks can help you time your shots and impact your accuracy. Some 22LRs come with adjustable triggers that help you customize the pull weight, so keep an eye out for that too!

Safety features

Most 22LRs on this list have multiple safety features to prevent accidental firing, including trigger guards/blades and tang safety (like the Ruger American Rimfire Compact, for example). The safety factor needs extra attention if you’re planning to buy a rifle for a beginner or for a kid. 

Cost

22LR rifles can cost from $200 to over $1000, and your cost really depends on how you’re planning on using it. If you’re a competitive shooter, you might want to invest in a competition-grade rifle with high precision and durability, which will drive up your price. If you’re only looking for a plinking rifle, you can get good value out of low-cost 22LR rifles.

22LR Ammo

The 22LR uses rimfire primers, unlike the centerfire primers in most modern cartridges. Rimfire tech is older and less reliable, which is why you might sometimes hear a click instead of a bang with 22LR ammo. Even high-quality ammo can have its share of duds, and cheaper bulk ammo can lead to problems in semi-auto rifles.

For better performance, go for ‘hot’ ammo like Federal Automatch, CCI Stinger, or Aguila Super Extra. Subsonic rounds are great if you want quieter shots, especially with a suppressor. They stay below supersonic speeds, minimizing noise. For hunting, high-quality ammo with a copper jacket and hollow point is more reliable and effective for a humane kill.

The Many Different 22 Rounds

Projectiles .22 inches in diameter tend to be quite popular, and in the rimfire world, we get four total 22 caliber rounds. We have the 22 Long Rifle, as mentioned extensively in this article, but also the 22 Long, the 22 Short, and 22 Magnum.

The 22 Long Rifle is not compatible with 22 Magnum, and the rounds won’t chamber or fit in most rifles and magazines. 22 Long and Short can be chambered and often fired safely in 22LR rifles. As always, refer to your manual to ensure compatibility. Be warned they won’t fit in most 22LR removable magazines.

In tube-fed rifles, using these shorter cartridges can grant you higher capacity but tend to underperform and be somewhat uncommon compared to the classic 22LR.

Other Things to Consider with your 22LR Rifle

Once you choose your 22 long rifle, there are a couple of things you should think about.

• Optics – They are incredibly affordable and can really improve your experience with your rifle. If you aren’t sure which one to get (because the needs of a 22LR are very different from other rifles), then be sure to check out my list of favorite 22LR scopes. 
• Scope mount – It is really important that you look into how you choose to mount a scope. I made the mistake of using normal rings on my 10/22 Ruger takedown, and this caused accuracy issues. This is because the barrel detaches and if you don’t attach the red dot to the barrel itself, every time you remove and attach the barrel, you’ll have to re-zero. So, if you get a scope, be sure to check out my list of 22LR scope mounts. That should really help.
• Bipod – A bipod is a good idea because your accuracy and consistency improves when your 22LR is stable and balanced. Have a look at my list of best rifle bipods if you’re going for one.

Conclusion

I can’t describe sufficiently how much fun a 22LR rifle is. As I write, this ammo is tough to obtain, yet my stash of 22LR keeps me entertained without worry. I own several 22LR rifles and will likely own several more. Having a 22LR in the armory means worry-free shooting that often remains unconstrained from financial burden.

Plus, we can’t forget their overall usefulness as training rifles, pest removal rifles, and the means by which I plan to obtain rabbit stew this fall.

What’s your favorite 22LR rifle? Let us know below.

Best 22LR Rifles – FAQs