Last updated and checked November 8, 2026 · By Nick Hall, .22 LR rifle shooter who has owned or tested every rifle on this list
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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: Of the best .22 LR rifles you can buy in 2026, the Ruger 10/22 is the one I would start with. It’s a 60-year-old design that runs on cheap ammo and has the biggest aftermarket of any rimfire. If small groups matter more than anything else, that’s the CZ 457 Varmint.
The best bolt-action .22 is the CZ 457 for shooters who want a match-grade trigger and swappable barrels. On a budget, pick the Winchester Wildcat 22 SR, a 4-pound semi-auto that turns up around $226 and shoots better than that price suggests. Marlin’s Model 60 used to own this slot, but Ruger lists it as out of production, so it is a used-market buy now.
The biggest mistake .22 LR buyers make is feeding bulk-pack ammo to a tight-chamber match rifle. Bulk priming is inconsistent, the powder is dirty, and the rifle gets the blame. Stick with CCI Mini-Mag or SK Standard Plus for general use, or feed a precision rifle Lapua Center-X. Each of the ten numbered rifles went through 1,000 rounds of mixed bulk and premium ammo.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
At a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Action | Barrel | Capacity | Weight | Street Price, Nov 2026 | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine | The one rifle that does everything | Semi-auto | 18.5″ | 10+1 | 4.9 lb | $277-$379 | Price ↓ |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt-action accuracy on a budget | Bolt | 16.5″ | 5 | 5.5 lb | $260-$409 | Price ↓ |
| Winchester Wildcat 22 SR | All-day carry without the arm ache | Semi-auto | 16.5″ | 10 | 4.0 lb | $226-$308 | Price ↓ |
| S&W M&P 15-22 Sport | Cheap trigger time for AR-15 owners | Semi-auto | 16.5″ | 25+1 | 4.8 lb | $430-$509 | Price ↓ |
| Henry Golden Boy .22 LR | Craftsmanship and lever-action fun | Lever | 20″ | 16 | 6.75 lb | $479-$581 | Price ↓ |
| Tikka T1x MTR | NRL22 and serious precision work | Bolt | 20″ | 10+1 | 6.4 lb | $649-$651 | Price ↓ |
| Chiappa Little Badger | Folding into a pack or a truck bag | Break-action single shot | 16.5″ | 1 | 2.9 lb | $211-$272 | Price ↓ |
| Bergara BMR | Match-barrel quality under $600 | Bolt | 18″ | 5 and 10 | 5.5 lb | $550-$606 | Price ↓ |
| Ruger American Rimfire | Families sharing one adjustable rifle | Bolt | 22″ | 10 | 6.0 lb | $348-$460 | Price ↓ |
| CZ 457 Varmint | Competition and benchrest shooting | Bolt | 20.5″ | 5 | 7.1 lb | $581-$749 | Price ↓ |
Specs above come from the makers’ own current spec sheets: Ruger 10/22, Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester Wildcat 22 SR, Henry Golden Boy, Bergara BMR, Ruger American Rimfire and CZ 457 Varmint. S&W lists the M&P 15-22 Sport at 77.44 ounces.
How I Tested These .22 LR Rifles
Every rifle in the numbered list is one I’ve owned or put rounds through myself, and each went through the same 1,000 rounds of mixed ammo. Roughly half of that was cheap bulk pack, because that’s what most of us actually feed a .22, and the rest was the good stuff: CCI Mini-Mag and SK Standard Plus for general shooting, Lapua Center-X through the precision bolt guns.
Group sizes quoted throughout this guide are at 50 yards, which is the honest distance for judging a rimfire. Every number in the results table is a best 5-shot group from a rest, using whichever load that rifle liked. Anything past that and wind reads start doing more work than the rifle does.
Ammo matters as much as the testing: a tight-chamber match rifle that chokes on bulk pack isn’t broken, it’s just being fed the wrong thing, and that single mistake accounts for most of the “my new .22 is unreliable” complaints I hear.
Each pick’s price card pulls live from retailer feeds and refreshes daily, so it is always the number to trust. The band in the comparison table is a snapshot taken when I last updated this guide, which is close enough for shortlisting but will drift. On several of these rifles the street price sits a long way under MSRP. The Ruger American Rimfire lists at $469 and sells around $350.
This order isn’t a pure accuracy ranking. I ranked these by how many buyers each rifle suits at its price, which is why the CZ 457 Varmint lands at ten even though it’s the most accurate rifle here. If small groups are all you care about, go straight to the CZ at number ten and check the results table further down.
1. Ruger 10/22 Carbine: Best .22 LR Rifle Overall
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Largest aftermarket of any rimfire rifle
- Just 2 stoppages in 1,000 rounds
- Rotary magazine is proven and cheap
Cons
- Older guns may have the heavier trigger
- Stock sights are basic
- Factory stock is underwhelming
![RUGER 10/22 CARBINE (MAGPUL X-22 SERIES) [SILVER]](https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/wp-content/uploads/ugs-pc-img/d12535d359c2e4d6b81f1a522ca378b2.jpg)
The Ruger 10/22 is the .22 LR rifle that every other semi-auto gets measured against. It has been in production since 1964, with something like 8 million built in that time, and that’s a lot of rifles still running. The patented rotary magazine design is the main reason this rifle feeds so reliably, and both stoppages in my test came on the cheapest bulk ammo.
Out of the box, the 10/22 is a solid shooter. Nothing special. The aftermarket is why you buy one. You can swap the trigger, stock, barrel, bolt and magazine to build something that barely resembles the factory rifle, and I’ve built two custom 10/22s myself but still keep a stock model around because it just works every time I pick it up.
Accuracy with factory sights and bulk ammo runs around 2 to 3 MOA at 50 yards. Drop in a quality scope and better ammo and you’ll tighten that up significantly.
Current Ruger spec sheets list the BX-Trigger as standard, at 2.5 to 3 pounds. If you buy a used 10/22 with the older trigger, a BX-Trigger is about a $75 fix. The Takedown version splits in two for a pack, and it’s the one I’d look at for a truck gun.
If you want a deeper breakdown of this rifle, read our full Ruger 10/22 review. It covers barrel upgrades and suppressor setups too.
Best For: Anyone who wants the most versatile, customizable, and proven .22 LR semi-auto on the market. It’s a great first rifle and a platform you’ll never outgrow.
2. Savage Mark II FV-SR: Best Budget Bolt Action
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- AccuTrigger is adjustable and crisp
- Heavy threaded barrel is suppressor-ready
- Sub-MOA accuracy potential at under $300
Cons
- Synthetic stock feels budget
- 5-round magazine is limiting
- Bolt throw is a bit rough
The Savage Mark II FV-SR is the bolt-action .22 LR that shoots like it costs twice as much. For under $300, you get a heavy threaded barrel, Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger, and accuracy that can go sub-MOA with match ammo. That’s a combination you won’t find anywhere else at this price point.
Start with the trigger. It’s adjustable from about 2.5 to 6 pounds at home with the stock off, using a hex wrench and Savage’s tool, and it breaks cleanly with minimal creep. A lot of cheap bolt-action .22s have triggers that feel like dragging a boot through gravel. The Mark II’s feels like it belongs on a much pricier rifle.
I’ve shot half-inch groups at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity through this rifle. The heavy barrel stays cool during extended sessions and gives you a stable platform for precision work, and if you thread a suppressor on the 1/2×28 muzzle you have one of the quietest setups money can buy. If you’re comparing bolt-action options, our best .22 bolt action rifles guide goes deeper on the category.
The tradeoffs are real, though. That synthetic stock feels hollow and cheap, the 5-round magazine means frequent reloads during range sessions, and the bolt isn’t as smooth as a CZ or Tikka.
But for the money, nothing else comes close on accuracy.
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters who want bolt-action precision and suppressor capability without spending $500 or more.
3. Winchester Wildcat 22 SR: Lightest 10-Round Semi-Auto
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Just 4 lb with a 10-round magazine
- Ambidextrous design works for all shooters
- Suppressor-ready with threaded barrel
Cons
- Less aftermarket than Ruger
- 4 bulk-ammo stoppages in 1,000 rounds
- Skeleton stock looks odd to some
At just 4 pounds, the Winchester Wildcat 22 SR is one of the lightest semi-auto .22 LR rifles you can buy, and the lightest one that still takes a 10-round magazine. It feels almost toy-like when you first pick it up, but don’t let the weight fool you. It’s a light rifle that still runs.
Lefties get a real break here. Left-handed shooters often get ignored in the sub-$300 category, but the Wildcat has a reversible safety button and an ambidextrous magazine release. The ghost ring rear sight paired with a ramped post front sight works well for quick target acquisition out to 50 yards.
I took this rifle on a squirrel hunt and appreciated how little fatigue it caused after a full day of carrying it through the woods. The skeletonized stock keeps weight down and the threaded barrel means you can add a suppressor without any modifications, and reliability has been solid in my experience, with only occasional hiccups on the cheapest bulk ammo.
It also takes 10/22 magazines, which is a big help on spares, and it has a Picatinny rail on top and another under the fore-end. The main drawback is the aftermarket, which is growing but still nowhere near Ruger territory.
Best For: Shooters who want a lightweight, affordable semi-auto for hiking, small game, or all-day range sessions without arm fatigue.
4. S&W M&P 15-22 Sport: Best AR-15 Trainer
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 3/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Identical AR-15 controls for muscle memory training
- 25-round capacity is highest here
- Threaded barrel and M-LOK rail
Cons
- Polymer receivers won’t accept AR parts
- Costs more than a 10/22
- Accuracy is good but not match-grade
If you own an AR-15 and want a cheap training analog, buy the M&P 15-22. The bolt catch, magazine release, safety selector, charging handle, and trigger all work exactly like a real AR-15. Your muscle memory transfers. You also save a fortune on ammo.
The 25-round magazine is the highest capacity on this list, and the M-LOK handguard accepts all the same accessories you’d run on your centerfire AR, and I use mine for carbine drills at indoor ranges where centerfire isn’t allowed. The manual of arms is identical, so I’m still getting useful practice.
Buying used? Check this first. Smith & Wesson has a safety alert on all M&P15-22 rifles and pistols made before February 1, 2019, because an out-of-spec bolt can fire a round as it closes. It tells owners to stop using the gun until the bolt has been inspected, and the inspection and any replacement are free.
Don’t expect to swap parts between this and a real AR-15, though. The receivers are polymer and the barrel extension is proprietary. It looks and handles like an AR. Inside, it’s a different gun. Accuracy is fine for training. It won’t win matches. Our S&W M&P15-22 review covers the controls and the magazines in more detail.
At around $430 to $509, this is one of the more expensive options here.
But if AR training at .22 LR prices is your goal, nothing else does it better. Nobody’s beaten it at this job in over a decade.
Best For: AR-15 owners who want affordable trigger time with identical controls, and anyone who wants a high-capacity .22 LR for range fun.
5. Henry Golden Boy: Best-Looking Lever Action .22
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Stunning Brasslite receiver and walnut stock
- 16-round tube holds plenty for plinking
- Smooth lever action, a joy to cycle
Cons
- Expensive for a .22 at about $480
- Heavy at 6.75 lb
- Needs a separate scope mount
The Henry Golden Boy is the rifle you buy when you want something beautiful. That Brasslite receiver catches light like jewelry, and the American walnut stock has real figure to it. Every Henry I’ve handled has had excellent fit and finish. This one’s no exception. People pick it up at the gun shop and don’t want to put it down. Our Henry Golden Boy review goes deeper on fit, finish and feeding.
The 16-round tubular magazine beats every other manual-action .22 on this list on rounds between reloads. Its lever action cycles smoothly with a satisfying mechanical feel that semi-autos just can’t replicate. If you enjoy the process of shooting as much as the results, this rifle delivers. Want a slicker action and willing to pay about $700? Read my Browning BL-22 review. For more lever-action options across different calibers, check out our best lever action rifles roundup.
What’s the catch? Money and weight. At around $480 to $580 and 6.75 pounds, this is neither the cheapest nor the lightest .22 on the list. It’s drilled and tapped, so if you want optics you’ll need a mount such as the GB-CSM Henry specifies. Accuracy is fine for plinking and small game but won’t compete with a bolt action at distance.
Best For: Shooters who value craftsmanship, tradition, and the pure fun of running a lever action. An excellent gift rifle and one you’ll actually shoot.
6. Tikka T1x MTR: Best Bolt Feel
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- Match-grade accuracy for the money
- Tikka T3x-quality action and trigger
- Generous 10-round magazine for a bolt gun
Cons
- Pricey at $650 for a .22
- Synthetic stock feels basic for the price
- Limited aftermarket compared to CZ or Savage
Tikka built the T1x with the same philosophy they use on their centerfire T3x rifles: smooth bolt, excellent trigger, and match-grade accuracy right out of the box. The result is a rimfire rifle that feels like a precision tool rather than a plinker. That bolt throw is slick. The single-stage trigger breaks cleanly at around 2.5 pounds.
I’ve shot half-inch groups at 50 yards through the T1x with the ammo it likes. The match chamber is optimized for accuracy rather than feeding reliability with junk ammo, so stick with quality rounds and it’ll shoot.
You get 10 rounds, and that’s rare on a bolt gun. Most competitors in this class ship with 5-round mags. The two-position rocker safety is simple and positive, and the modular synthetic stock accepts aftermarket options from several manufacturers.
Is the Tikka worth about $390 more than the Savage Mark II? Not on groups, since both shot half an inch. Where the Tikka pulls ahead is in bolt feel, trigger quality, and overall build refinement. If those things matter to you, and they should for precision work, the T1x justifies its price.
Best For: Precision rimfire shooters who want centerfire-quality bolt feel and trigger in a .22 LR platform. Ideal for NRL22 and PRS-style rimfire matches, and long-range practice.
7. Chiappa Little Badger: Best Packable Survival .22
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2.5/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Folds to about 17.5 inches
- Weighs only 2.9 lb for pack carry
- Picatinny rail forend for lights and optics
Cons
- Single-shot only, so follow-ups are slow
- Wire stock gets uncomfortable fast
- Limited practical range
The Chiappa Little Badger isn’t trying to be a precision rifle or a range toy. It’s a survival tool. Fold it in half, stuff it in a backpack, and forget it’s there until you need it, because at 2.9 pounds and about 17.5 inches folded, it rides in a daypack with room left for lunch.
The wire-frame stock is the defining feature. It doubles as a storage platform where you can strap extra ammo, a knife, or other small gear. The Picatinny rail on the forend accepts a compact red dot or flashlight. It looks unusual. Everything about it is built for the pack.
I keep one in my truck bag. It’s not a rifle I’d take to the range for fun, since single-shot gets tedious fast, but for backcountry use it’s the simplest thing on this list, and only the AR-7 packs anywhere near as small. Break-action reliability means there’s almost nothing to malfunction. Load, close, fire, repeat.
How accurate is it? Good enough. You can hit a soda can at 50 yards without much trouble, and that’s plenty for small game or emergency use. Don’t expect precision. Comfort on a long session is a stretch too.
Best For: Hikers, campers, and preppers who need a .22 LR rifle that folds into a backpack and weighs next to nothing.
8. Bergara BMR: Best Barrel For The Money
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Bergara barrel quality delivers match-grade accuracy
- Ships with 5- and 10-round magazines
- Excellent trigger out of the box
Cons
- Pricier than Savage for similar accuracy
- Stock feels plain for the price
- Newer, with a shorter track record
Bergara made their name building precision centerfire barrels, and the BMR brings that same barrel-making expertise to the rimfire world. The 18-inch threaded barrel is the heart of this rifle, delivering match-grade accuracy that hangs right with the Tikka T1x for about $100 less.
You can get the BMR with a steel or carbon fiber barrel, and the carbon version trims weight if you’ll carry it far. The performance trigger breaks cleanly and consistently, which is critical for precision shooting, and I found it comparable to the Tikka trigger, maybe slightly heavier but still well above average for the price.
Where the Bergara separates itself from the Savage but competes directly with the Tikka is in overall fit and finish. The action feels well-machined and the bolt lift is smooth. You can feel the quality in the hand. It ships with both a 5-round and a 10-round magazine, so you are not buying spares on day one.
The BMR is newer to market than the CZ 457 or Tikka T1x, so it doesn’t have the same depth of aftermarket support or long-term track record. But Bergara’s reputation in the barrel business gives me confidence that this platform will hold up over time. If you want more rifle, the chassis-style BMR-X Steel is $699.99 at Brownells. And if you want a full-size trainer that handles like Bergara’s centerfire B-14 rifles, the Bergara B-14R starts around $970.
Best For: Shooters who want Bergara barrel quality in a rimfire package. A strong choice for anyone torn between the Savage Mark II and the Tikka T1x.
9. Ruger American Rimfire: Best For Families
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Marksman Adjustable Trigger excels at this price
- Modular stock fits different shooters
- 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably
Cons
- Heavier than the semi-autos at 6 lb
- 22″ barrel makes it long overall
- Accuracy trails the Tikka and Bergara
The Ruger American Rimfire sits right between the budget Savage Mark II and the premium Tikka T1x. At around $350 to $460, you get Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable Trigger, which sets from 3 to 5 pounds, a Power Bedding system that free-floats the barrel, and a 10-round rotary magazine that feeds without fuss.
I like the modular stock. Interchangeable comb modules let you adjust cheek height for different optics setups, and Ruger sells compact modules that shorten the length of pull. This makes the American Rimfire one of the most adaptable .22 bolt guns for different body types, which is great if multiple family members share it.
How does it shoot? Solid, not exceptional. Expect around 1 to 1.5 MOA groups at 50 yards with quality ammo, which is fine for target practice, small game, and introducing new shooters. The 22-inch barrel gives you a slightly longer sight radius and a bit more velocity than shorter-barreled competitors, but it does make the rifle noticeably longer overall at 41 inches.
If you already trust Ruger’s build quality, and the 10/22 has earned that, the American Rimfire delivers a reliable bolt-action experience without breaking the bank. It’s not trying to be a match rifle. It’s trying to be a do-everything bolt gun for the average shooter, and it does that well.
Best For: Shooters who want a reliable, adjustable bolt-action .22 LR from a trusted brand without spending $500 or more. Great for families and new shooters.
10. CZ 457 Varmint: Best For Competition
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Best trigger on any production .22 bolt
- Interchangeable barrels for different calibers
- Turkish walnut stock is gorgeous
Cons
- Expensive at $580 to $750
- Heavy at 7+ lb for field use
- 5-round magazine limits capacity
The CZ 457 Varmint is the rifle serious rimfire competitors reach for. CZ has been building precision .22 bolt guns for decades, and the 457 platform represents the best of everything they’ve learned. Its adjustable trigger is the finest in any production .22 LR rifle, breaking like glass at whatever weight you set it to.
That interchangeable barrel system is the 457’s party trick, and very few rimfires at any price do it, since you can swap between .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR barrels on the same action without a gunsmith. Our CZ 457 review shows what the accuracy looks like on paper. If you’re curious about the difference between those rimfire calibers, our 22 LR vs 22 WMR comparison breaks it down.
The Turkish walnut stock on the Varmint model has a wide, flat forend that sits flat and steady on a bag or rest. Benchrest and NRL22 are what it’s for. It excels at both. I’ve shot CZ 457s that consistently print sub-half-inch groups at 50 yards with match ammo, and some rifles do even better than that.
Who’s it for? Not the casual plinker or the hiker, at 7.1 pounds and $580 to $750. It’s built for shooters who care about wringing every bit of accuracy from the .22 LR cartridge. If that’s you, the CZ 457 Varmint delivers in a way few other production rifles can match.
Best For: Competition shooters, benchrest enthusiasts, and anyone who demands the absolute best accuracy and trigger from a production .22 LR bolt action.
Scopes and Ammo for Your .22
Whichever rifle you pick, it needs rimfire rings, a scope that parallaxes down to 50 yards and a few bricks of ammo it likes. These are the live deals I’d start with.
Rimfire Scopes, Rings and Targets
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Best .22 Rifle by Job
Most people searching for a .22 rifle want one for plinking, small game or teaching a new shooter. Here’s where I’d start for each. If you’re after the semi-auto, also read our guide to every Ruger 10/22 model, and for bolt guns see the best .22 bolt action rifles.
| If you want | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First .22 for almost anyone | Ruger 10/22 Carbine | Reliable, simple and endlessly upgradeable |
| A child’s first rifle | Savage Rascal | Single-shot, youth-sized, about $152 |
| Precision on a budget | Savage Mark II FV-SR | Half-inch groups at 50 yards for about $260 |
| Competition and NRL22 | CZ 457 Varmint or Tikka T1x MTR | Best triggers and accuracy here |
| AR-15 practice | S&W M&P 15-22 Sport | Same controls as your AR-15 |
| Small game and squirrels | Winchester Wildcat 22 SR | 4 pounds, threaded and easy to carry all day |
| A lever gun | Henry H1 Classic, Golden Boy or Browning BL-22 | Smooth, fun and classic |
| A survival or pack rifle | Henry AR-7, Chiappa Little Badger or a 10/22 Takedown | All stow small, and the first two weigh almost nothing |
Best Semi-Auto .22 LR Rifles
The Ruger 10/22 is still the one to beat, mostly because you can change anything on it later. If you want lighter, the Winchester Wildcat 22 SR is 4 pounds and starts around $226. For AR-15 owners, the M&P 15-22 Sport at about $430 is the trainer. And if you won’t upgrade anything, the Savage A22 at $243.99 is a simple way in with a good trigger.
The Most Accurate .22 LR Rifles
The CZ 457 Varmint is the most accurate rifle here, with the Tikka T1x MTR, Bergara BMR and Savage Mark II FV-SR right behind. Note the Savage: at about $260, it matches the rifles costing twice as much on paper, and what you pay for above that is the bolt and the feel. All of these groups come from a rest at 50 yards, using the best ammo each rifle liked.
| Rifle | Rounds | Stoppages | Best 5-shot group, 50 yds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine | 1,000 | 2 (bulk ammo) | 1.2″ |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | 1,000 | 1 | 0.5″ |
| Winchester Wildcat 22 SR | 1,000 | 4 (bulk ammo) | 1.2″ |
| S&W M&P 15-22 Sport | 1,000 | 3 | 1.1″ |
| Henry Golden Boy | 1,000 | 1 | 1.4″ |
| Tikka T1x MTR | 1,000 | 2 (bulk ammo) | 0.5″ |
| Chiappa Little Badger | 1,000 | 0 | 2.0″ |
| Bergara BMR | 1,000 | 1 | 0.5″ |
| Ruger American Rimfire | 1,000 | 1 | 0.7″ |
| CZ 457 Varmint | 1,000 | 1 (bulk ammo) | 0.4″ |
Best .22 LR Rifles Under $500
Seven of the ten numbered rifles come in under $500 new, so you don’t need to spend big to shoot well. Here they are cheapest first, at the lowest new price in the cards on November 8, 2026.
| Rifle | Action | From | Pick it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiappa Little Badger | Break-action single shot | $210.96 | A pack or truck bag |
| Winchester Wildcat 22 SR | Semi-auto | $226.12 | Light carry and squirrels |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt | $259.99 | Half-inch groups on a budget |
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine | Semi-auto | $276.99 | A first .22 you can upgrade forever |
| Ruger American Rimfire | Bolt | $347.99 | A family rifle with an adjustable stock |
| S&W M&P 15-22 Sport | Semi-auto | $429.99 | AR-15 practice |
| Henry Golden Boy | Lever | $478.75 | Brass, walnut and a lever |
If I had $300 and wanted one rifle, I’d buy the Savage for groups or the 10/22 for everything else. Lever fans have three good options under $400 further down: the Henry H1 Classic, the Rossi Rio Bravo and the Winchester Ranger. The CVA Cascade 22 is the bolt-action alternative to the Ruger American Rimfire.
Best .22 LR Rifles for a Suppressor
Seven of the ten sell under $500, and the threaded ones are the place to start if a can is in your plans: the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester Wildcat 22 SR, Tikka T1x MTR and Bergara BMR all have 1/2×28 threads. Under $500, start with the Mark II or the Wildcat.
Run subsonic ammo, and the sound of the action is most of what’s left. That’s a bolt gun’s real advantage here, because nothing cycles until you lift the handle. It’s also the quietest shooting you’ll ever do, which is good news for neighbors and for new shooters who flinch at noise.
What Shooting a .22 Really Costs
The .22 Long Rifle is a rimfire cartridge dating to 1887 that pushes a light 36 to 40 grain bullet at around 1,200 feet per second, with next to no recoil, and that’s why it’s the cartridge most of us learned on. It’s also why you’ll shoot one more than anything else you own.
Today the cheapest .22 LR at our trusted retailers is about 7.5 cents a round, against about 24 cents for 9mm and 48 cents for 5.56, so 1,000 rounds costs about $75 in .22, $240 in 9mm and $476 in 5.56. In other words, a $300 rifle pays for itself in practice ammo quickly.
Cleaning is cheap too. Semi-autos do foul faster on dirty bulk ammo. Our best .22 LR ammo guide covers what to feed it, because rifles can be picky.
Semi-Auto vs Bolt Action: Which .22 LR Rifle is Right for You?
This is the most common question I get from first-time .22 LR buyers, and it comes down to what you want to do. Semi-autos like the Ruger 10/22 and Winchester Wildcat are more fun for plinking, faster for follow-up shots and better for high-volume shooting, so if your main goal is sending rounds downrange and having a good time, go semi-auto.
Bolt actions win on accuracy and trigger. Rifles like the Tikka T1x, CZ 457, and Bergara BMR deliver tighter groups because the action stays locked while the bullet is in the barrel, with no bolt slamming back and forth. If you want to shoot small groups, compete in NRL22, or build strong marksmanship fundamentals, bolt action is the way to go.
There’s also less to go wrong. Bolt actions tend to be simpler mechanically, which means fewer parts to break and less maintenance overall. But a semi-auto with a proven track record, and the 10/22 is the prime example, can be just as reliable if you keep it clean and use decent ammo.
Here’s my take. If you can only buy one .22 LR rifle, get a semi-auto for versatility. Already own one and want a second? Add a bolt action for precision work. The two types complement each other well, and .22 ammo is cheap enough that owning both won’t strain your budget.
More Worth a Look
These didn’t make the numbered ten, but each one solves a problem the ten don’t, so here’s when I’d pick them instead.
Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic: A Walnut Bolt Gun That Takes 10/22 Mags
Springfield showed up late to the rimfire party and brought something clever. The 2020 Rimfire Classic is a 20-inch walnut-stocked bolt gun with a Remington 700 pattern adjustable trigger, and it takes Ruger 10/22 magazines, which is a smarter piece of design than it sounds. Springfield backs it with a one-inch-at-50-yards accuracy guarantee.
It weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces, holds 10 rounds, and MSRP is $529. Shop around on this one. The Classic in select walnut is about $460 at Primary Arms, the Grade AA walnut version is $729.99 at Brownells, and the synthetic Target model drops to about $388 at KYGUNCO. If you want the classic walnut bolt-action look without paying CZ 457 money, this is the one to watch.
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7: The One That Packs Smallest
The AR-7 does something nothing else here can. Its barrel and action come off and stow inside the buttstock, which then floats. Assembled it’s 35 inches, stowed it’s 16.5 inches, and the whole package weighs 3.5 pounds with two 8-round magazines included. Our Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 review has the full 500 round test and the loads it likes.
It’s a semi-auto, so it beats the Chiappa Little Badger on follow-up shots, and it’s lighter than the Winchester Wildcat, but the Little Badger still wins on simplicity, since a break action has almost nothing in it to jam. Pick the AR-7 if stowed size and repeat shots matter more to you than mechanical simplicity.
Savage Rascal: The Right First Rifle For A Kid
None of the ten rifles above is really sized for an eight-year-old, and that’s a gap worth naming out loud. The Rascal is a single-shot bolt gun built to youth dimensions: a 16.13-inch barrel, 2.71 pounds, and a stock short enough that a small shooter can actually mount it without stretching for the trigger.
Single-shot is the point here, not a compromise. A new shooter loads one round, fires it, and reloads under supervision, which is exactly the pace you want while someone is learning. It’s also the cheapest rifle on this page, at about $152. When they outgrow it, the compact version of the Ruger American Rimfire from pick nine is the natural next step.
Henry H1 Classic: The Lever Gun for Less
This is the lever .22 most people should actually buy. It’s about $313 at Battlehawk Armory, about $165 less than a Golden Boy, and it shoots just as well. You give up the brass, the octagon barrel and two rounds.
Savage Revel Classic: A Modern Lever .22
The Revel is the newer take on a lever .22, with a walnut stock and a 12-round tube magazine. It’s $400.99 at Guns.com, about $88 more than the H1 Classic. Buy it if you prefer how it looks and handles, and look at the DLX if you want a step up. The MDT-stocked version gets its own write-up in our Savage Revel Tactical piece.
Winchester Ranger: A Walnut Lever Gun With 15 Rounds
Winchester’s .22 lever gun has a 20.5-inch barrel, a walnut stock and a 15-round tube. At $382.69 at Shooting Surplus it sits between the H1 Classic and the Revel, and it’s the one to pick if you like the Winchester name on the receiver.
Rossi Rio Bravo: The Cheapest Lever .22 Here
An 18-inch lever gun with a 15-round tube, and the lowest-priced lever action on this page at $301.99 at Guns.com. It’s plainer than a Henry and the action is a bit rougher, but it shoots and it feeds. Make sure you buy the .22 LR, since Rossi also makes it in .22 WMR.
Ruger Precision Rimfire: A Trainer for Long-Range Shooters
It’s built to feel like a centerfire chassis rifle, with an adjustable stock and a 15-round magazine, so your practice transfers. At $463.99 with the 15-round magazine, it costs about $185 less than a Tikka T1x. Choose it if you already shoot a Ruger Precision Rifle or want that layout. Ruger is finishing the centerfire Ruger Precision Rifle with a final 2026 production run, but the Precision Rimfire stays in Ruger’s lineup.
CVA Cascade 22: A Bolt Gun From a Muzzleloader Maker
CVA built its name on muzzleloaders and the centerfire Cascade, and the rimfire version keeps the same look. It’s a bolt-action .22 LR from $372.99 at Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore, with an 18-inch barrel and a 10-round magazine on the XT. Pick it over the Ruger American Rimfire if you like the stock better. Nothing else separates them by much.
Savage A22: A 10/22 Alternative
A simple semi-auto with a good trigger for the money, at $243.99 at Guns.com. It doesn’t have the 10/22’s aftermarket, but it’s a good choice if you won’t upgrade anything and just want to shoot.
Rossi Gallery: The Budget Pump
A pump .22 is pure fun, and this is the cheap way to own one. It’s $239.99 at Guns.com with a 15-round tube, in the style of an old shooting-gallery rifle. Don’t expect refinement, but do expect to smile.
![ROSSI GALLERY [DISTRESSED FLAG]](https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/wp-content/uploads/ugs-pc-img/25a4df12a9894ea79c1c51ea5d8bbed5.jpg)
CZ 457 Pro-Varmint Suppressor-Ready: The Varmint, Threaded
If the Varmint’s accuracy appeals but you plan on a can, this is the one I’d look at first. It’s the same swappable-barrel action with a threaded muzzle, from $699.99 at GritrSports.
Rossi RS22: The Cheapest Repeater Here
The cheapest repeating rifle on this page, and a threaded one. It won’t match a 10/22 for parts or polish, but it’s the place to start when the budget really is under $200. It’s $160.53 at Battlehawk Armory.
Ruger American Rimfire Compact: The Step Up From a Rascal
The next step after a Rascal. It’s the American Rimfire with a shorter barrel and shorter length of pull, for a shooter who’s outgrown a youth gun but isn’t full size yet. It’s $361.99 at Palmetto State Armory.
Ruger 10/22 Takedown: The 10/22 That Packs
A 10/22 that splits in two for a pack or a truck, with the same magazines and most of the same upgrades. It’s $399.99 at Palmetto State Armory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best .22 LR rifle for beginners?
The Ruger 10/22 is the best .22 LR rifle for beginners. It ran 1,000 rounds in my test with just 2 stoppages, it's simple to operate, it weighs 4.9 pounds, and it has a massive aftermarket for upgrades as your skills improve. The rotary magazine feeds smoothly and the manual of arms is straightforward. It's also widely available, from about $277.
Is a .22 LR rifle good for hunting?
Yes, a .22 LR rifle is excellent for hunting small game like squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs. It's also commonly used for pest control on farms and ranches. The .22 LR is not suitable for deer or other large game, and it's illegal for deer hunting in many states. The best .22 LR rifle for hunting small game is a light one, so I carry the 4-pound Winchester Wildcat 22 SR with a scope, and a bolt gun is the better choice if you want one careful shot at longer range.
What is the most accurate .22 LR rifle?
The CZ 457 Varmint, at 0.4 inches for five shots at 50 yards in my test. The Tikka T1x MTR, Bergara BMR and Savage Mark II FV-SR all came in at 0.5 inches. Ammo selection matters as much as the rifle, so test several brands to find what your specific rifle shoots best.
Semi-auto or bolt action .22 LR: which is better?
Neither is objectively better. Semi-autos are more fun for plinking and offer faster follow-up shots. Bolt actions deliver better accuracy and trigger quality for precision shooting. For a first .22 LR, most shooters are happier with a semi-auto like the Ruger 10/22. For a second .22 LR focused on accuracy, a bolt action like the Tikka T1x or CZ 457 is the better pick.
How far can a .22 LR rifle shoot accurately?
The practical effective range for most .22 LR rifles is about 75 to 100 yards. With a precision bolt action, quality match ammo, and a good scope, skilled shooters can make consistent hits on steel targets out to 200 yards. Beyond 150 yards, wind drift becomes a major factor because the light, slow .22 LR bullet is very susceptible to crosswinds. The .22 LR maximum range is roughly 1.5 miles, but accurate shooting beyond 100 yards requires significant skill and the right equipment.
Can you suppress a .22 LR rifle?
Yes, and .22 LR is one of the best calibers to suppress. Standard velocity .22 LR runs about 1,070 fps, which is just under the speed of sound on a mild day. Using subsonic ammunition under 1,050 fps with a suppressor makes a .22 LR rifle extremely quiet. Many rifles on this list come with threaded barrels with 1/2x28 threads, including the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Tikka T1x MTR, Winchester Wildcat SR, and Bergara BMR. You will need to purchase a suppressor through an NFA dealer and complete the required ATF paperwork.
What is the best .22 LR rifle?
The Ruger 10/22 for most people, because of its reliability, huge aftermarket and value. For bolt-action accuracy, the CZ 457 Varmint is the most accurate I tested and the Savage Mark II FV-SR is the value pick. The budget pick is the Winchester Wildcat 22 SR at about $226. The Marlin Model 60 is out of production, so it's a used-market buy now.
Is the Ruger 10/22 the best .22 rifle?
For most people, yes. The 10/22 is reliable, affordable, accurate enough for plinking and small game, and backed by the largest aftermarket of any rimfire, so you can build it into almost anything. Bolt guns beat it on raw accuracy, but for all-around fun and versatility the 10/22 is the standard.
What is the best semi-auto .22 LR rifle?
The Ruger 10/22, for its reliability and the biggest aftermarket of any rimfire. The Winchester Wildcat 22 SR is the lighter pick at 4 pounds, and the S&W M&P 15-22 Sport is best if you want to practice with AR-15 controls.
How much does a good .22 rifle cost?
A good one starts around $260 to $280, including the Savage Mark II FV-SR and Ruger 10/22. Competition rifles such as the Tikka T1x MTR and CZ 457 Varmint run about $580 to $750. Ammo is the real bargain, at about 7.5 cents a round.
What is the best .22 rifle for a kid?
The Savage Rascal, a single-shot bolt gun sized for youth at about $152. Loading one round at a time keeps the pace right for someone learning. When they grow, move up to the Ruger American Rimfire Compact.
Is a .22 LR rifle good for home defense?
It's a weak choice. Use a .22 for practice and small game, and pick a centerfire for home defense.
Is there a recall on the S&W M&P 15-22?
Smith & Wesson has a safety alert on all M&P15-22 rifles and pistols made before February 1, 2019. It tells owners to stop using the gun until the bolt has been inspected, and the inspection and any replacement are free. It matters most if you're buying used.
Which .22 LR semi-auto is the most accurate?
Of the semi-autos I tested, the S&W M&P 15-22 Sport shot the best group at 1.1 inches for five shots at 50 yards, with the Ruger 10/22 Carbine and Winchester Wildcat 22 SR at 1.2 inches. Bolt guns still beat all three.
What is the best .22 LR rifle under $500?
The Ruger 10/22 Carbine for most people, from about $277. If accuracy matters most, the Savage Mark II FV-SR shot half-inch groups at 50 yards for about $260. Seven of the ten rifles on this list sell new for under $500, from the $211 Chiappa Little Badger to the $479 Henry Golden Boy.
Which .22 LR rifles take Ruger 10/22 magazines?
The Winchester Wildcat 22 SR and the Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire both take 10/22 rotary magazines, and so does every 10/22 including the Takedown. That makes spares cheap and easy to find.
Where To Go Next
If the .22 LR starts feeling limited, the two obvious steps up are both rimfires. Our best .22 WMR rifles roundup covers the magnum option with bolt, semi-auto and lever picks, and best .17 HMR rifles covers the flattest-shooting rimfire varmint round.
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Hi Nick.what gun better gsg 16 or HK416.Thanks
For the money, and the fun, probably the GSG. It’s a nice little package, but you can’t go wrong with either one. That’s probably less helpful than it’s intended to be!
Nick, I am thinking about going into rimfire steel compitition but cant decide on my long gun. Im set with my pistol, so Im half way there. Any suggestions? Btw great article.
Thank you! And if you’re a beginner I’d stick with the classics. The Browning Buckmark if you want to spend a little more, or a Ruger 10/22 or Mossberg Plinkster if you’re doing it on a tight budget.
If you’re just starting out, inevitably there’s a lot more to come from you than the gun anyway. Always bear that in mind when you’re getting big ideas with your budget! But if you want to go nuts, Tactical Solutions seem to offer the most rifle this side of custom gun money. Hope that helps!
What is the rifle in the very first picture with the stainless steel barrel and synthetic stock semi auto with scope
It’s an old Tactical Solutions X-Ring rifle. The current line-up is here on their site. https://tacticalsol.com/Products.aspx?CAT=13297 I just liked that old picture and never wanted to change it. It’s a pretty great looking rifle!
CZ at 22? Your off by 21 on that call.