Update: Stock lists for the best 22 revolvers are horrible. Most places are so low they may as well have nothing and certain brands are not easy to find.
If you’re looking for a big range of rimfire revolver options to choose from, this is the only place we know of.
The Best 22 Revolvers on Sale Now
The humble 22 revolver remains a perennial favorite at ranges up and down the land.
It doesn’t matter if you’re training for larger caliber handguns, or just enjoying plinking with a low recoil wheelgun. The best 22LR revolvers are a joy to use for experienced hands and new shooters alike, and you might be surprised by some on this list.
With ammo prices on the rise for 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum revolvers, a 22 pistol makes a lot of sense for range work now too. And if you just like shooting boxes of ammo to unwind, the 22 rimfire revolver is about the only affordable way to go right now.
So what is the best 22 LR revolver on sale in 2023?
Here are our top picks.
1. Ruger Wrangler 22LR Revolvers
- Price: $209.99
- Barrel: 4.62 inch
- Total: 10.25 inch
- Weight: 1.875lb
- Capacity: 6
The Ruger Wrangler 22LR is a cost-effective simple six shooter. Get the spirit of the Old West, at a price you can afford with one of the best budget rimfire revolvers of 2023.
Now the Ruger Wrangler 22LR rimfire revolver weighs about the same as the old Colt Single Action Army. That weight means that recoil isn’t even a thing and you can shoot the Cerakote finish Ruger Wrangler 22LR revolver all day long. It’s easily one of the best 22 LR revolvers out there today.
For the price, that finish is a luxury touch and you also get a transfer bar safety mechanism and cold hammer forged barrel.
It is 80% of the gun you’ll get for $1000, for just over $200. It is a great price point for this Ruger Wrangler 22LR revolver and for new shooters that want to try an old American style six with a sweet trigger pull.
2. S&W 317 Kit Gun
- Price: $817.99
- Barrel: 3″
- Total Length: 7.19″
- Weight: 0.8lb
- Capacity: 8
The Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun packs 8 rounds into a gun that weighs significantly less than 1lb fully loaded.
That’s a packaging marvel. Honestly this is the best gun here, if you can stomach the price tag.
Based on the iconic J-frame revolver that has provided personal defense for American citizens for decades in 38 Special and 357 Magnum form as one of the best concealed carry revolvers. The 22LR version comes with the same AirLite technology and it is way less snappy in this package.
A combination of carbon steel, titanium and aluminum alloys produce a gun that is quantifiably lighter than the opposition. That matters to a 22LR rimfire revolver and others that spend most of their time in CCW holsters.
Technically, this may be the best 22LR revolver here.
Sights For Sore Eyes
This one comes with an intriguing 3 inch barrel, which is perfect for plinking at short, undemanding distances. Help with that comes in the form of Hi-Viz sights that are part of the Kit Gun package.
That fiber optic does help with target acquisition, there’s no getting round it. And the adjustable rear sight turns this into a legit target shooter.
The main selling point, though, is the weight that makes this rimfire revolver a viable concealed carry pistol. In more aggressive calibers, of course…
So use the 22 for drills to save money and your eardrums, and it makes sense to have this alongside your home defense 357 Revolver.
3. Ruger LCR
- Price: $624.99
- Barel: 2″
- Total:6.5″
- Capacity: 8 Rounds
- Weight: 0.84lb
This Ruger LCR double action revolver might just be the best gun here for concealed carry, although your definition of concealed carry does tend to change when it’s a 22.
Now the Ruger LCR is one of the legends of the revolver world and you might want to carry a bigger caliber. But then this is a training pistol for the range.
That long trigger pull on this Rugre LCR rimfire revolver just works and the ergonomics of this small handgun truly are great.
4. Charter Arms Pathfinder
- Price: $445.99
- Barrel: 2″
- Total: 6.5″
- Weight: 1.2lb
The Charter Arms Pathfinder is another from the company that always makes an appearance in our lists of the best revolvers in a wide range of calibers.
You can get a larger Target model with a 4 inh barrel, but the shorter 2″ barrel with the exposed hammer fired action is the standard model and we like it. The fixed sights kinda feel right and so does the rubber grip. You can get a massive range of colors and special editions, too, and there are gun deals to be had.
They include the Charter Arms Pink Lady, which comes with a pink cerakote finished frame. It is both fantastic and awful, at the same time. Charter Arms do some other colors for their 22 LR revolvers, though, and a lot of them are good guns.
5. Heritage Rough Rider Small Bore
- Price: $160.67
- Barrel length: 6.5″
- Total: 11.75″
- Weight: 2lb
The Heritage Rough Rider 22LR small bore isn’t just a cheap 22LR revolver in the old Cowboy style, it has also received exceptional reviews from a demanding press.
With a 6.5 inch barrel there is almost no felt recoil with the Heritage Rough Rider. The steel frame is sturdy and feels like a real lump of old American metal and yet the gun operates like a modern day 22.
You can get one in almost every caliber, including a 357 Magnum revolver that we kind of love as a random home defense option. Also, the Heritage Rough Rider has evolved into a model line that borders on the bizarre at times.
Take a moment to look at the Heritage Rough Rider Barkeep Boot down below , a tiny rimfire revolver with a 1.75″ barrel. Is it the best for concealed carry? Well, argue that point with the Ruger.
Then take a peek at the 16 inch barrel version of the Heritage Rough Rider that is kind of an old west sniper. There’s even one with a rifle stock attached.
The middle ground Heritage 22 LR revolver options are awesome, and there are some weird outliers that we still kinda like. The double action/single action revolver has a real crisp single action trigger and we think you’ll like it more than you probably should.
6. Smith & Wesson Model 17
- Price: $1,256.99
- Barrel: 6″
- Total: 11.25″
- Capacity: 6
- Weight: 2.5lb
The Smith & Wesson Model 17 is a big lump of steel that couldn’t be more of a contrast to the flyweight 317.
It weighs in at 2.5lb, features a 6″ barrel and is more or less the same target gun that was released shortly after World War II.
Now it is produced by S&W Classic and comes with checkered wood grips. The barrel length alone means it’s a hellishly accurate 22 pistol and you can achieve more range thanks to the additional muzzle velocity.
If that matters to you, then these guns are seriously fun to shoot and arguably the best 22 LR revolvers. And that crisp trigger is something else.
7. Ruger New Model Single Six
- Price: $1,019.99
- Barrel length: 6.5 inch
- Total: 11 inch
- Weight: 2.2lb
- Capacity: 6
A classic cowboy six shooter brought up to date, with friendlier ammunition and real engineering tolerances.
This modern day 22 stainless steel revolver is built better, tougher and stronger than any custom gun a cowboy could dream of carrying. An entry-level range toy on the market today is way better than yesterday’s mil spec hardware.
You can go for a variety of different grips, finishes and you can upgrade the red ramp night sights. But polished stainless steel and wood grips feel right on these 22 LR revolvers.
8. North American Arms Mini Revolver 22LR
- RRP: $302.99
- Barel: 1.125″
- Total: 3.6″
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Weight: 0.25lb
The smallest revolver in the world is a real title that firearms manufacturers fight over. Right now, this North American Arms mini revolver holds the belt.
You can see a surprising amount of detail work for such a small gun. We love the single action revolver, the five round chamber and the serrations on the hammer.
Obviously the North American Arms mini revolver design is inherently compromised and you wouldn’t want to actually rely on this little hammer fired pistol.
But guys love scaled down engineering. This is just a simple fact.
Men devote years of their life to producing high quality, functional small engines, small buildings and small single action revolvers. You don’t have to plink endlessly with it to appreciate the North American Arms mini revolver, and you won’t.
This is a gadget to play with while you work, just to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation. Just on that basis alone, NAA deserves to sell tons of these.
9. Ruger SP101
- Price: $769.99
- Barrel: 4.2″
- Total: 9.12″
- Capacity: 8
- Weight: 1.875lb
This comes in a wide range of calibers, and this small frame special can handle everything from 22LR through to 357 Magnum.
Together with the larger Ruger GP100, this spelled the end for the long-serving Ruger Security Six.
Now that was designed as an all-round defensive pistol and the new gun has a lot of the same cues. The fiber optic front sight made a lot more sense as a 357 Magnum home defense gun, but this is still a great 22 pistol with night sights. It’s a great snake gun, too, or vermin hunter if you have the time and the inclination.
Adjustable rear sights mean this is a solid 22 revolver for days punching paper. It won’t break the bank and neither will the 22LR ammo, and it should remain reliable and accurate for a good long while.
Recoil won’t kill you either, thanks to the hardwood inserts in cushioned rubber grips. And the fact that this high price, high spec handgun is a 22…
10. Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider Barkeep Boot
- Price: $184.99
- Barrel: 1.68″
- Total: 6.38″
- Capacity: 6
- Weight: 1.59lb
Objectively, the Heritage Barkeep Boot shouldn’t be anywhere near the head of this list. But, seriously, how much fun is this thing?
The Heritage Barkeep is a Wild West-style mini revolver, with a tiny stainless steel barrel and a bird’s head grip. This is just wild…
Of course Wild Bill Hickock probably didn’t have a Heritage Barkeep. Or 22LR ammunition, for that matter.
But don’t let details like authenticity, or long range accuracy, or lots of other stuff, get in the way of an awesome 22 pistol on the market today.
You probably won’t fire the Heritage Barkeep all the time, even though it is fun to shoot.
But you will find yourself playing with these 22L revolvers and smiling at the scaled down engineering. It might also be the best little snake gun you ever owned and it might be the best gun here for if you’re looking for the best concealed carry. If that’s your thing with a 22. Just don’t expect miracles at the shooting range.
11. Ruger New Bearcat
- Price: $689.99
- Barrel: 4.2″
- Total: 9″
- Capacity: 6
- Weight: 1.5lb
The one piece frame on the Ruger New Bearcat is a hat tip to the Civil War-era Remington revolvers we still love to admire from afar. Well this is a simple and easy way to own one, kind of.
The unfluted cylinder is engraved with a bear and cougar, real North American tough guys and exactly the kind of animals you shouldn’t be taking on, even with the best 22 LR pistols.
You need the most powerful handguns in the world for bears, in particular, and you really shouldn’t get too carried away with the symbolism here. It is a nice gun, though, and it features an internal transfer bar safety to help prevent accidental discharges with these 22LR revolvers.
12. Smith & Wesson Model 617
- Price: $732.99
- Barrel length: 6″
- Total: 11.1″
- Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Weight: 2.77lb
This full size revolver is almost too big for the caliber, and that’s really the twisted appeal of these 22LR revolvers.
I mean sure this big double action/single is a trainer, too, for a wide variety of more serious calibers, including 44 Magnum, but really the whole point of this is that it’s a massive stainless steel revolver that weighs 2.77lb and fires 22LR ammunition.
You can use these 22LR revolvers for target shooting, or competition shooting thanks to that long barrel and adjustable rear sights. It’s also kind of accurate for small game hunting, if you want to be slightly weird about that.
13. Taurus 992 Tracker
- Price: $852.99
- Barrel: 6.5″
- Capacity: 9
- Weight: 3.4lb
The weighted barrel, heavyweight frame and cushioned grips of the Taurus Tracker are real benefits with the 44 Magnum and 357 variants. In the 22 pistol, it all feels like overkill.
We’re looking forward to welcoming a version of the Taurus Raging Hunter, which is our favorite big revolver. But if you’re looking for a 22 version of a big Taurus revolver, then this is the one for now.
This firearm was built for much bigger ammo. So one of the cool things with the 992 Tracker is the 9-round capacity in this big double action/single revolver.
I mean that is a lot, and that makes this great for hobby shooters that want to reload their rimfire revolvers that little less often. If you’re target shooting, you’ll definitely feel the difference at the shooting range with these 22LR revolvers.
You Sure You Don’t Want a Semi-Automatic Pistol?
Rimfire revolvers are great, but there are some fantastic 22LR semi-auto pistols out there for you to consider as well. It would be a shame if you didn’t honestly.
Have a look at our post on the best 22 pistols for rimfire revolvers, too, including single action revolvers. But you know, we’re here and we’ve got space. Soooooo, here are a couple of options.
1. Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical
- Price: $499.99
- Barrel: 6.5″
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 2.2lb
The best selling Ruger Mark 4 is the undisputed best 22LR champion. Just like the 10/22 is the best 22 rifle.
Now this is a favorite range toy, plinker and rat gun for way too many of us for it to be an accident. It is even the best home defense gun here, if you’re thinking ‘like that’.
These are fun to shoot and the single action trigger is famous. So if you want a 22 and you’re just not sure which one, you probably do want a Ruger Mark 4 after all.
There’s a whole line of pistols, from the Ruger Mark 4 standard through to the garish race gun Ruger MkIV Tactical Lite. You will be happy, whichever one you end up with. Inevitably you get adjustable sights, but there is also a Picatinny rail for red dot sights or a scope.
Get the full buyer’s guide for the Ruger MkIV here and buy a gun online now.
2. Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
- Price: $397.99
- Barrel: 5.5″
- Capacity: 10
- Weight: 3.4lb
The S&W SW22 Victory is one of the best budget guns. You can spend more, but we think the basic Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is perfect for plinking and one of the best shooting pistols you’ll find.
Now the SW22 Victory is a great gun for the range or the backyard and it’s one of the best shooting 22 pistols, handguns & revolvers you will find when you buy a gun online.
You can get more advanced versions with a Picatinny rail and carbon fiber barrel from the Performance Center with a threaded barrel for a variety of muzzle devices and target sights.
If you seriously get into recreational shooting with the best 22LR, then all that, and red dot sights, will happen in the end.
3. Ruger SR22
- RRP: $440.99
- Barel length: 3.5″
- Total: 6.4″
- Capacity: 10+1 Rounds
- Weight: 1.09lb
This Ruger SR22 is a great gun, a great pistol and a training gun for the best 9mm sub compact pistols you carry every day.
Now the Ruger SR22 is a great way to train for the best 9mm semi automatic pistols. A light double action trigger and super tight single action trigger help prepare you for something bigger, and also feels nice.
So get a polymer frame Ruger SR22, save money at the range with one of the best budget and enjoy yourself with these high-quality semi-autos. That’s what the best shooting experiences are all about with handguns & revolvers.
4. Walther P22
- RRP: $329.99
- Barel length: 3.42″
- Total: 6.3″
- Magazine capacity: 10+1 Rounds
- Weight: 1.06lb
The Walther P22 might be the best budget 22 LR pistol on this short list, although we know we could offer you other double action/single action revolver.
You get an ornate undercut trigger guard, interchangeable backstraps and some other neat touches for a factory pistol on the Walther P22.
Now that makes the polymer frame 9mm pistols even more attractive for concealed carry, although the Walther PDP is even better…
Treat the Walther P22 like a training gun, or a fun little plinker, and you won’t go too far wrong. You can order a version with a threaded barrel and run it suppressed.
Where to Buy 22LR Ammo
So really it comes down to where you want to buy your ammo and our current favorites are Palmetto State Armory and Sportsmans Guide.
Palmetto State Armory is normally one of our favorite places to buy guns, too. But their stock of revolvers in the smaller calibers really isn’t that hot right now. So look at Guns.com to buy your pistol, and Palmetto State Armory.
What can we say? The top gun stores tend to change according to the type and Guns.com? It’s a good source of 22LR revolvers at the moment. Firearms, handguns, revolvers, all that stuff.
But for 22 ammo, 9mm ammo, rifle ammo, rimfire ammo, handgun ammo, shotgun ammo and bullets for your 22 LR pistols and revolvers, go here:
- Palmetto State Armory – Ammo for a 22 LR revolver right here.
- Sportsman’s Guide – Long Rifle ammo, shotgun ammo, rimfire ammo for your 22 LR revolvers, best 9mm handguns and more.
Gun Parts, Accessories, Optics, Accessories, Red Dot Sights
We have lots of things for you to buy for your firearms, handguns & revolvers, even a wide variety of rimfire red dot sights or night sights can slot on to the top of a 22LR revolver if you really try. So if you’re looking for things for firearms, handguns, pistols, revolvers, gun cleaning stuff, well we can help.
You can get a best selling red dot, 22 Long Rifle ammo, most things really, on the site. Just enter your email address up top if you want the best offers.
We got rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers, optics, accessories, all of it. Gun cleaning stuff too. Again we are going to link to the likes of Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Sportsman’s Warehouse and maybe a little more Palmetto State Armory.
Can We Sell You 22LR Rifles While You’re Here?
If you want to see a buyer’s guide for bolt action rifles and semi auto rifles chambered in 22LR, then check this post out first.
22LR bolt action rifles are some of the best sellers in North America. You can spend hours at the range, control pests and just have fun.
I you’re shopping for rifles chambered in 22 Long Rifle ammo then the likes of Ruger, Mossberg, Howa and more have special offers all the time.
Obviously we have bigger calibers on offer, too. 308 Win Mag night be the sweet spot for hunting and general shooting sports. Rimfire ammo has spawned a number of shooting sports, though, and it’s a cost effective way to start target shooting.
Lever Action RIfles Too
Lever action rifles are beautiful things and you get a wide selection to choose from in 22LR. Henry has lots of lever action rifles for every budget and style.
But you can get custom lever action rifles from Marlin, Winchester and Patriot Ordnance Factory that cost well over $3000 and come in serious calibers like 308 Win Mag, and 45-70 Government.
We’ll get round to a lever action rifles piece soon, as well as scopes, optics etc
And Pump Action Shotguns?
A great 12 gauge pump action shotgun is a good addition to any home firearms kit. It will cover everything from home defense and pest control through to proper hunting with slugs.
We have a solid post on pump action shotguns here, and you can find more pump action shotguns chambered for 410 and also 20 Gauge shotguns.
Modern pump action shotguns are some of the most reliable and intriguing guns for home defense. Add weapon lights and sights as you see fit.
Semi auto shotguns are getting better and better, too, with the mag fed semi auto shotguns getting seriously fierce.
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