10 Best .22 LR Revolvers (2026): Tested & Ranked

Last updated March 2026 · By Nick Hall, .22 LR revolver shooter who has put thousands of rounds through these rimfire wheelguns

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The best 22 revolvers for 2026 run the gamut from sub-$150 plinkers to $800 target guns. In this roundup I rank 10 tested .22 LR revolvers for plinking, training, concealed carry, small game hunting, and pest control. Whether you want a budget single-action cowboy gun, a DAO pocket .22 LR wheelgun for backup carry, or a 10-shot kit gun for the trail, there is a pick here for you. For semi-auto alternatives, see our best .22 LR rifles companion guide.

Best .22 Revolvers At a Glance

Here are the 11 best .22 revolvers for 2026 at a glance. This roundup covers every use case: plinking, training, concealed carry, small game, pest control, and kit-gun backup. Jump to any pick by clicking Check Price.

Model	Action	Capacity	Best For	Check Price
Ruger Wrangler	Single-action	6	Best .22 revolver for the money	Check Price
S&W Model 317 Kit Gun	DA/SA	8	Lightest kit gun	Check Price
Heritage Rough Rider	Single-action	6	Cheapest reliable pick	Check Price
Ruger LCR .22 LR	DAO	8	Best double-action .22 revolver for CCW	Check Price
S&W Model 617	DA/SA	10	Best for target shooting and small game	Check Price
Ruger SP101 .22 LR	DA/SA	8	Overbuilt trail gun for small game and pest control	Check Price
Ruger Single Ten	Single-action	10	Best single-action .22 revolver with adjustable sights	Check Price
Charter Arms Pathfinder	DAO	6	All-steel snub-nose pocket revolver	Check Price
Taurus 942	DA/SA	7 or 8	Best .22 revolver for women and recoil-sensitive shooters	Check Price
NAA Mini Revolver	Single-action	5	Smallest .22 pocket revolver made	Check Price

1. Ruger Wrangler

The Ruger Wrangler is the best-selling .22 LR single-action revolver in America and the best budget pick. Cold hammer-forged barrel, Cerakote finish, transfer bar safety that lets you carry all six chambers loaded safely. Under $220 street price.

Category	Rating
Price	5/5
Performance	3.5/5
Reliability	4/5
Trigger	3/5
Prestige	2.5/5

The Ruger Wrangler is the best-selling .22 LR revolver in America, and it earns that title every day. I’ve put well over a thousand rounds through mine without a single malfunction. At under $220, it’s hard to argue with the value proposition here.

Ruger’s Cerakote finish gives the Wrangler excellent corrosion resistance, and the cold hammer-forged barrel delivers solid accuracy for a gun at this price point. The transfer bar safety means you can safely carry all six chambers loaded, which is a genuine advantage over older single-action designs.

The single-action trigger requires you to cock the hammer before each shot, which slows things down compared to a DA/SA revolver. That said, the trigger pull itself is crisp and predictable. Fixed sights are adequate for plinking but won’t win any bullseye competitions.

If you’re buying your first revolver or just want an affordable .22 to take to the range, the Wrangler should be at the top of your list. It’s also a great option for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of single-action shooting. You can find more affordable handgun options in our best cheap CCW under $400 guide.

Best For: First-time revolver buyers and budget-conscious shooters who want Ruger quality without Ruger prices.

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2. Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun

The Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun is the lightest .22 revolver on this list at under 1 lb fully loaded. Aluminum-alloy AirLite frame, 8-round cylinder, 3-inch barrel, and classic J-frame ergonomics. Built to ride in a kit or pack all day.

Category	Rating
Price	1.5/5
Performance	5/5
Reliability	5/5
Trigger	4.5/5
Prestige	5/5

The Smith & Wesson Model 317 is the ultimate trail gun. At just 12.8 ounces, it’s lighter than most smartphones with a case. I’ve carried one on multi-day hikes and honestly forgotten it was on my belt. That AirLite construction, using a mix of aluminum alloy, titanium, and carbon steel, is genuinely impressive engineering.

Built on the legendary J-frame platform, the 317 gives you the same ergonomics and trigger feel that S&W has refined over decades. The DA/SA action means you can fire it double-action for quick shots or cock the hammer for more precise single-action shooting. The HI-VIZ front sight and adjustable rear sight make target acquisition fast and easy.

The 8-round cylinder is a real bonus. Most .22 revolvers in this size range top out at 6 rounds. The extra two rounds don’t add noticeable weight, and they mean more shooting between reloads.

Yes, it’s expensive at around $770. But S&W quality and the AirLite weight savings justify the premium for serious hikers, backpackers, and anyone who values a featherweight .22 revolver. If you’re interested in other carry options, take a look at our best concealed carry handguns roundup.

Best For: Hikers, backpackers, and outdoors enthusiasts who want the lightest possible .22 revolver with premium S&W build quality.

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3. Heritage Rough Rider

The Heritage Rough Rider is the cheapest reliable .22 LR revolver in production, often under $130 new. Single-action 6-shot cylinder, Cerakote and wood-grip finishes, and an optional .22 WMR combo cylinder. Zero-frills plinker that runs.

Category	Rating
Price	5/5
Performance	3/5
Reliability	3.5/5
Trigger	3/5
Prestige	2/5

The Heritage Rough Rider is the cheapest revolver you can buy new in 2026, often showing up under $130 at online retailers. I bought one as a “throw in the truck” gun and it’s been surprisingly fun. No, it’s not a Ruger or Smith & Wesson, but it doesn’t pretend to be.

Heritage offers the Rough Rider in a wild variety of configurations. Barrel lengths run from 2″ all the way up to 16″ (yes, really). Finishes include blued steel, case hardened, Black Pearl grips, and more. Many models come with a .22 WMR cylinder swap, which gives you the ability to shoot both rimfire calibers from the same gun.

The unusual manual safety lever is the Rough Rider’s most controversial feature. Traditional revolver shooters find it unnecessary and awkward, and I tend to agree. The fit and finish is clearly budget-grade, with visible tool marks and a somewhat gritty trigger. But at this price, you’re getting a functional revolver that goes bang every time.

If you want to shop around for the best deal, check out our list of the best online gun stores where you can compare prices.

Best For: Shooters on a tight budget who want Old West styling and the option to shoot both .22 LR and .22 WMR.

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4. Ruger LCR .22 LR

The Ruger LCR .22 LR is a polymer-framed 8-shot DAO revolver purpose-built for concealed carry. Friction-reducing cam gives the smoothest DA trigger in the category, weighs 15 oz empty, and takes Hogue Tamer grips standard.

Category	Rating
Price	2.5/5
Performance	4/5
Reliability	4/5
Trigger	4.5/5
Prestige	3.5/5

The Ruger LCR in .22 LR is the best concealed carry .22 revolver on the market. I own the .38 Special version as my primary carry gun, and the .22 LR model is my training analog. Same holster, same grip angle, same trigger pull. The only difference is that I’m spending a fraction on ammo during practice sessions.

Ruger’s patented friction-reducing cam in the LCR trigger system is the real star here. It produces the smoothest double-action pull of any production snub nose I’ve tested. The Hogue Tamer grip absorbs what little recoil .22 LR produces and fills the hand nicely.

The 8-round cylinder in this tiny frame is impressive engineering. That’s two more rounds than most snub nose revolvers, and in a DAO package that’s completely snag-free for pocket or IWB carry. The polymer and aluminum frame keeps weight under 15 ounces.

Some shooters will balk at the $579 price tag for a .22 revolver, and I understand that. But if you carry an LCR in .38 or .357 and want affordable training, this is the most practical purchase you can make. For more carry options, see our best concealed carry handguns guide.

Best For: Concealed carry permit holders who want to train affordably with a gun that mirrors their carry revolver.

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5. Smith & Wesson Model 617

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is the ultimate target .22 revolver. Stainless K-frame, full-lug 4- or 6-inch barrel, 10-round cylinder, and a factory action smooth enough to shoot bullseye competition out of the box.

Category	Rating
Price	1.5/5
Performance	5/5
Reliability	5/5
Trigger	5/5
Prestige	5/5

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is the gold standard for .22 LR target revolvers. Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, it features a full 6-inch underlug barrel, match-grade adjustable target sights, and a 10-round cylinder. This is the revolver that competitive rimfire shooters reach for when they want precision.

I’ve shot several 617s at various ranges and competitions, and the trigger is simply outstanding. The double-action pull is glass-smooth, and the single-action break is clean and predictable. You can feel the difference between a $200 revolver and a $900 one the moment you squeeze the trigger.

The 10-round cylinder is the highest capacity on this list, tied only with the Ruger Single Ten. That full stainless steel construction pushes the weight to 44 ounces, which is heavy for a .22 but actually helps with accuracy. The extra mass soaks up what little recoil there is and keeps the gun steady on target.

The 617 can be difficult to find in stock, and when it is available, the $899 MSRP is just the starting point. Street prices can run even higher for this model. But if you’re serious about precision rimfire shooting, this is the revolver to own. Pair it with a quality red dot sight and you’ll be stacking rounds at 25 yards all day.

Best For: Target shooters and competition enthusiasts who want the most accurate .22 revolver money can buy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mJC2IkQbxw

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6. Ruger SP101 .22 LR

The Ruger SP101 in .22 LR is a stainless DA/SA revolver built on the same beefy SP101 frame as the .357 Mag version. 8-round cylinder, 4.2-inch barrel, and Ruger’s transfer bar safety. Overbuilt for the caliber in the best possible way.

Category	Rating
Price	2/5
Performance	4.5/5
Reliability	5/5
Trigger	4/5
Prestige	4/5

The Ruger SP101 in .22 LR is the revolver you hand down to your grandkids. This is the same all-stainless-steel platform that handles .357 Magnum loads, now chambered in .22 LR with an 8-round cylinder. The build quality is immediately obvious the moment you pick it up. It feels like a precision instrument.

I’ve always admired the SP101’s balance. At 30 ounces, it’s not light, but the weight sits right in your hand and makes follow-up shots effortless. The adjustable sights with a fiber optic front post let you dial in accuracy at various distances, which is a feature you don’t always get on .22 revolvers in this price range.

The DA/SA trigger is Ruger’s best in a compact revolver. It’s not quite as smooth as the LCR’s cam-driven system out of the box, but it smooths out nicely with use. Single-action shots are crisp and clean. If you already carry an SP101 in .357 Magnum, the .22 version is the ideal training companion.

The $799 price tag puts it in premium territory, but you’re paying for a revolver that will outlast you. For more on the .357 Magnum version and its competitors, check our dedicated roundup.

Best For: Shooters who want a virtually indestructible .22 revolver built to the same standard as Ruger’s magnum-caliber SP101.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_PFcEa5ylA

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7. Ruger Single Ten

The Ruger Single Ten is the 10-shot successor to the single-action Single Six. Blued steel frame, adjustable Williams fiber-optic sights, 5.5-inch barrel, and a cowboy-gun profile that handles like a center-fire 1873 Colt.

Category	Rating
Price	2.5/5
Performance	4/5
Reliability	4.5/5
Trigger	4/5
Prestige	3.5/5

The Ruger Single Ten takes the legendary Single Six platform and adds four more rounds to the cylinder. That 10-round capacity, tied only with the S&W 617, means more trigger time between reloads. For a long afternoon of plinking steel at the range, those extra rounds add up fast.

Ruger builds the Single Ten with Williams adjustable fiber optic sights, which are a significant upgrade over the Wrangler’s fixed sights. The hardwood gunfighter grips look great and feel comfortable in the hand. Fit and finish are what you’d expect from Ruger’s higher-end single-action revolvers.

I’ve shot the Single Ten alongside the Wrangler on several range trips, and the difference in refinement is noticeable. The trigger is smoother, the lockup is tighter, and the sights are genuinely useful for precision work. Whether the upgrade from 6 to 10 rounds and better sights justifies the jump from $219 to $699 depends on your budget and priorities.

If you’re a single-action purist who wants the most rounds possible in a traditional wheelgun, the Single Ten delivers. It’s also a natural stepping stone if you want to move up to Ruger’s centerfire single-action revolvers later.

Best For: Single-action enthusiasts who want maximum capacity and the refinement of Ruger’s premium rimfire revolver line.

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8. Charter Arms Pathfinder

The Charter Arms Pathfinder is a snub-nose 6-shot DAO .22 LR revolver for pocket carry. All-steel construction, 2-inch barrel, fixed sights, and the simplest possible manual of arms. Made in America at a sub-$400 price point.

Category	Rating
Price	4/5
Performance	3/5
Reliability	3.5/5
Trigger	3/5
Prestige	2.5/5

The Charter Arms Pathfinder fills an important gap in the .22 revolver market. It’s a DA/SA snub nose with stainless steel construction for under $400. That combination simply doesn’t exist from Ruger or Smith & Wesson at this price point. The Ruger LCR costs $200 more, and S&W’s options are even pricier.

I’ve handled several Pathfinders at the range and gun shows. The stainless steel frame gives it a solid, reassuring heft at 19 ounces. The exposed hammer lets you use it in both double-action and single-action modes, which is a nice touch that the DAO Ruger LCR doesn’t offer.

Charter Arms also offers the Pathfinder in a variety of fun colors through their Pink Lady, Lavender Lady, and other specialty lines. These make great gifts for new shooters who want something a little different. A 4-inch Target model is also available if you prefer a longer barrel.

The trigger is the Pathfinder’s weakest point. It’s functional but noticeably rougher than Ruger or S&W triggers, especially in double-action. Aftermarket parts and holsters are also limited compared to the major brands. Still, for the money, you’re getting a lot of revolver.

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want a DA/SA .22 snub nose without paying Ruger or S&W prices.

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9. Taurus 942

The Taurus 942 is a 7- or 8-round rimfire revolver with DA/SA action and a J-frame-sized footprint. Stainless and matte black finishes, 2-inch or 3-inch barrels, and one of the softest triggers in a budget .22. Under $400.

Category	Rating
Price	4/5
Performance	3/5
Reliability	3/5
Trigger	3/5
Prestige	2/5

The Taurus 942 is a relatively new entry in the .22 revolver market, and it brings some compelling specs to the table. An 8-round cylinder in a compact DA/SA package for under $400 is tough to beat on paper. Available in both 2-inch and 3-inch barrel lengths, it gives you options depending on whether you prioritize concealability or sight radius.

I’ve put a few hundred rounds through a 942 at the range. The adjustable rear sight is a welcome feature at this price, and the soft rubber grip does a good job of filling the hand. Both the matte black and stainless finishes look clean. Build quality felt solid on my sample, though Taurus’s reputation for inconsistent QC means your mileage may vary.

The trigger is the 942’s biggest weakness right out of the box. The double-action pull is heavy and a bit gritty, though it does smooth out with use. Single-action is better but still not in the same league as Ruger or S&W. Taurus backs the 942 with their lifetime warranty, which provides some peace of mind for a newer model.

If you want 8 rounds of .22 LR in a budget-friendly DA/SA revolver, the 942 deserves a look. Just be prepared to put a few hundred rounds through it to break in the trigger.

Best For: Budget shoppers who want 8-round capacity and DA/SA versatility without spending Ruger money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5-R5DjY3E0

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10. North American Arms Mini Revolver

The North American Arms Mini Revolver is a 5-shot .22 LR pocket gun small enough to disappear in a watch pocket. 1.125-inch barrel, single-action, all-stainless, and bobbed hammer options for snag-free draw. Last-ditch backup gun defined.

Category	Rating
Price	3.5/5
Performance	1.5/5
Reliability	3/5
Trigger	2/5
Prestige	3/5

The North American Arms Mini Revolver is unlike anything else on this list. At just 3.6 inches long and 4 ounces, it literally fits in the coin pocket of a pair of jeans. I own one, and I can tell you it’s equal parts fascinating engineering and impractical novelty. Everyone who sees it wants to hold it.

Built entirely from stainless steel, the NAA Mini is surprisingly well-made for its size. The machining is clean, the cylinder locks up tight, and the single-action mechanism works as advertised. NAA also offers fold-up grip models that let the gun collapse into an even smaller package for deep concealment.

Let me be honest about the shooting experience: accuracy is extremely limited. The 1.125-inch barrel and tiny sights make it difficult to hit anything beyond arm’s length with any consistency. The trigger pull is heavy relative to the gun’s size, and reloading requires removing the entire cylinder. It’s not a practical range gun or a serious self-defense tool.

What the NAA Mini excels at is being a conversation piece, a collector’s item, and a testament to what’s mechanically possible. If you want a functional .22 revolver for actual shooting, pick any other gun on this list. If you want the coolest pocket trinket in your gun safe, the Mini Revolver is hard to beat.

Best For: Collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering marvel of the world’s smallest production revolver.

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Best .22 Revolvers by Use Case

Not every .22 revolver fits every job. Here are the narrower category winners from the 10 picks above, so you can match a best 22 pistol or wheelgun to your specific use case. A .22 revolver beats a semi-auto when you want simplicity; a .22 pistol beats a revolver when you want higher capacity and faster reloads.

Best Single-Action .22 LR Wheelgun: Ruger Single Ten

If you want that classic cowboy-gun feel with modern sights and capacity, the Ruger Single Ten beats the Wrangler and Heritage Rough Rider. Adjustable Williams fiber-optic sights, 10-round cylinder, and the same transfer bar safety that made the New Model Blackhawk famous. For a budget alternative stick with the Ruger Wrangler, which is hands down the best 22 revolver for the money under $220.

Best Double-Action .22 Revolver: Ruger LCR

For DAO concealed carry and training at rimfire prices, the Ruger LCR .22 LR has the smoothest factory trigger in the category thanks to its friction-reducing cam. Smith & Wesson Model 617 is the alternative if you want a DA/SA K-frame target gun instead of a pocket CCW piece.

Best .22 Revolver for Women and Recoil-Sensitive Shooters

Recoil is not an issue with .22 LR, but weight, grip circumference, and trigger pull weight are. The Taurus 942 fits most smaller hands with its J-frame-sized grip, and the DA/SA trigger lets recoil-sensitive shooters learn hammer-cock single-action before moving to full double-action. The Smith & Wesson 317 Kit Gun is the premium alternative, but the airweight alloy frame means it can feel snappy with hot ammo.

Best Pocket .22 Revolver: North American Arms Mini

For a deep-pocket pocket revolver backup or boot-gun role, nothing beats the North American Arms Mini. It is the smallest .22 revolver made, weighs under 5 oz, and disappears into a watch pocket. The Charter Arms Pathfinder is your pick if you want a standard-size J-frame-style snub-nose instead.

Best .22 Revolver for Small Game and Pest Control

For small game hunting (squirrel, rabbit) and pest control work around the farm, you want a 4 to 6 inch barrel, adjustable sights, and enough capacity for a missed shot. The Smith & Wesson Model 617 (10+1 shots, 6-inch barrel) is the top pick. The Ruger SP101 in .22 LR is the rugged trail-gun alternative with a shorter 4.2-inch barrel. Both handle subsonic CCI Quiet and standard CCI Mini-Mag loads cleanly.

Best .22 Magnum / .22 WMR Revolver

Three picks above ship with .22 WMR convertible cylinders: the Heritage Rough Rider, Ruger Wrangler Arrowhead, and Smith & Wesson Model 648. If you want dedicated .22 Magnum performance without running .22 LR, the S&W 648 is the flagship. The .17 HMR chambering is not common in revolvers, so stick with .22 WMR for small varmints at longer ranges.

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Why Own a .22 LR Revolver?

.22 LR is the most-fired cartridge in America by volume, with the NSSF ranking it as the gateway caliber for new shooters. The SAAMI pressure spec runs 24,000 psi, and rimfire primers mean no reloadable brass. Pair a .22 revolver with CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch for reliable ignition and pennies-per-round practice.

The best 22 revolvers earn their spot in a collection for one reason: economics. At current prices, you can shoot .22 LR for roughly 5 to 8 cents per round. Compare that to 25 to 30 cents per round for 9mm, and you’ll see why serious shooters keep a rimfire revolver in the rotation. A 500-round range day costs $25 to $40 in .22 LR versus $125 to $150 in centerfire ammo. For more on ammo, see our best 9mm ammo guide for comparison.

Training value is the second major advantage of the best 22 revolvers. If you carry a revolver for self-defense, owning a .22 LR version of the same platform lets you practice trigger control, sight alignment, and reloads at a fraction of the cost. The Ruger LCR in .22 LR is a perfect example of this concept. Same gun, same holster, same muscle memory, one-fifth the ammo cost.

For new shooters, a .22 revolver is one of the best possible starting points. The minimal recoil builds confidence instead of flinching habits. The simple manual of arms (load, cock, shoot) teaches fundamentals without the complexity of semi-automatic operation. The NRA Basic Pistol and Project Appleseed clinics both recommend a .22 revolver as a first training platform. I’ve introduced dozens of people to shooting with a .22 revolver, and it works every time.

Finally, .22 revolvers are just plain fun. There’s something deeply satisfying about cocking a single-action hammer and plinking steel targets all afternoon. If shooting has started to feel like work, spend a day with a .22 revolver and remember why you got into this hobby in the first place. Check out our best .22 LR rifles guide if you want to round out your rimfire collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about the best 22 revolvers, rimfire priming reliability, .22 LR vs .22 WMR, and dry-fire practices across the major manufacturers.