The 15 Best .22 LR Pistols for Sale in 2026

Last updated March 13th 2026

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At a Glance: Best .22 LR Pistols in 2026

Introduction

The .22 LR pistol is one of the most versatile firearms you can own. Whether you’re training a new shooter, burning through bricks of ammo at the range, or looking for a lightweight trail gun, there’s a .22 LR handgun that fits the bill. Rimfire pistols have come a long way in recent years, and the options available in 2026 are better than ever.

I’ve spent years shooting, testing, and comparing .22 LR pistols across every price range. This list includes 15 of the best options on the market right now, from sub-$200 budget picks to premium competition guns. Every gun on this list has earned its spot through reliability, accuracy, or pure value.

One thing worth noting: .22 LR ammo is dirt cheap compared to centerfire rounds. You can shoot all day for a fraction of the cost, which makes these pistols perfect for skill building and pure fun. Let’s get into the picks.

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1. Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4.4″
• Overall Length: 8.5″
• Weight: 25.2 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	9/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	8/10
Prestige	9/10

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is the gold standard for .22 LR pistols, and it’s my top pick for good reason. Ruger solved the biggest complaint about the Mark series by adding a simple push-button takedown. No more struggling with the old Mark III disassembly process. You press one button, and the upper lifts right off for cleaning.

The 1911-style grip angle feels natural for anyone who shoots centerfire pistols regularly. Accuracy is outstanding, and you’ll be printing tight groups at 25 yards without much effort. The Lite model shaves weight with an aluminum receiver and a ventilated barrel shroud that looks great and keeps things manageable.

The threaded barrel is a nice bonus if you run a suppressor. A suppressed Mark IV shooting subsonic .22 LR is about as quiet as it gets. This is the pistol I recommend to anyone who asks “what’s the best .22 LR handgun?” without hesitation.

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2. Ruger Wrangler

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4.62″
• Overall Length: 10.25″
• Weight: 30 oz
• Capacity: 6-round cylinder

Category	Rating
Price	10/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	5/10
Weight	6/10
Prestige	7/10

The Ruger Wrangler is hands down the best value in the .22 LR pistol market. You’re getting a well-built single-action revolver for around $200 or less. Ruger essentially took the legendary Single-Six design and made it more affordable by using a zinc alloy frame with a Cerakote finish instead of blued steel.

Don’t let the lower price fool you. The Wrangler runs like a champ. The transfer bar safety means you can safely load all six chambers, which is a genuine improvement over old-school single actions that needed an empty chamber under the hammer. It comes in several color options, so you can grab one that fits your style.

This is the gun I hand to people who want to get into shooting without spending a fortune. Pair it with a brick of .22 LR and you’ve got an afternoon of fun for less than a nice dinner out. It’s also a fantastic trail and camping gun.

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3. Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 3.56″
• Overall Length: 6.65″
• Weight: 15.3 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	8/10
Accuracy	8/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	9/10
Prestige	8/10

The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is one of the best striker-fired .22 LR pistols you can buy. It feels like a shrunken M&P duty pistol, which makes it an excellent training companion if you carry an M&P for defense. The controls are in the same spots, and the grip angle is identical.

At just 15.3 ounces, this is a featherweight. It’s perfect for new shooters, younger shooters, or anyone who wants a compact .22 that won’t weigh down a range bag. The threaded barrel adapter comes included, so you’re suppressor-ready right out of the box.

I’ve found it to be quite reliable with most ammo brands, which isn’t always a given with .22 LR pistols. It does prefer high-velocity rounds over the cheap bulk stuff, but that’s true of most .22 semi-autos. Overall, this is a well-rounded little pistol that punches above its weight class.

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4. SIG Sauer P322

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4″
• Overall Length: 7″
• Weight: 17.1 oz
• Capacity: 20+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	8/10
Capacity	10/10
Weight	9/10
Prestige	9/10

The SIG Sauer P322 changed the game when it launched with a 20+1 capacity. That’s double what most .22 LR pistols offer, and it makes a real difference during a range session. You spend more time shooting and less time reloading. SIG engineered a clever double-stack magazine to make it happen.

The P322 is optics-ready with a removable rear sight plate, so mounting a red dot is straightforward. It also ships with a threaded barrel adapter and suppressor-height sights. SIG clearly designed this pistol with modern shooters in mind. The controls feel very similar to the P320 and P365 family, making it a natural training tool for SIG owners.

Early production runs had some reports of feeding issues, but SIG addressed most of those concerns with updated magazines and minor revisions. The current production P322 runs well with quality ammo. Just be aware that the magazines take a little practice to load all the way to 20. A speed loader helps a lot.

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5. ATI GSG Firefly

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4″
• Overall Length: 7.2″
• Weight: 24.5 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	9/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	7/10
Prestige	6/10

The ATI GSG Firefly is a budget-friendly .22 LR pistol that carries on the legacy of the old SIG Mosquito. If you remember that gun, you’ll recognize the profile immediately. German Sport Guns (GSG) builds these, and ATI imports them. The result is a solid little pistol that won’t hurt your wallet.

For the money, the Firefly delivers respectable accuracy and a fun shooting experience. The zinc alloy slide gives it some heft at 24.5 ounces, which actually helps tame the already-mild .22 LR recoil. The adjustable rear sight is a nice touch at this price point.

I’d recommend running higher-velocity ammo through the Firefly for the best reliability. The heavier slide needs a bit more energy to cycle consistently. CCI Mini-Mags and similar high-velocity loads run great in this gun. It’s not going to win any competition trophies, but as a fun range toy on a budget, it gets the job done.

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6. Glock G44

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4.02″
• Overall Length: 7.28″
• Weight: 14.6 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	8/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	9/10
Prestige	8/10

The Glock G44 is Glock’s first and only .22 LR pistol, and it was built with one purpose in mind: training. It’s the same size as a Glock 19, uses the same holsters, and has identical controls. If you carry a G19, the G44 lets you practice your draw, grip, and trigger press with cheap .22 LR ammo.

At just 14.6 ounces, the G44 is remarkably light. Glock achieved this with a hybrid slide that uses a steel core wrapped in a polymer shell. It feels a bit different than a standard Glock slide, but the weight savings are significant. The gun handles well despite being so light.

Reliability can be ammo-dependent with the G44. I’ve had the best results with CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and other high-velocity loads. Cheap bulk ammo can cause occasional failures to cycle. Keep it clean and feed it decent ammo, and the G44 is a solid training companion for any Glock owner.

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7. Volquartsen Black Mamba

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 6″
• Overall Length: ~10″
• Weight: 32 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	3/10
Accuracy	10/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	6/10
Prestige	10/10

The Volquartsen Black Mamba is the top-shelf choice on this list. If you want the most accurate .22 LR pistol money can buy, this is it. Volquartsen hand-fits their match-grade barrels and competition triggers to deliver precision that mass-produced guns simply cannot match. Every component is built to exacting standards.

The trigger on the Black Mamba is something special. It breaks cleanly with minimal overtravel, and the reset is short and tactile. Competitive rimfire shooters swear by Volquartsen triggers, and once you feel one, you’ll understand why. It makes accurate shooting almost effortless.

Yes, the price tag is steep. This is a premium competition pistol, and it’s priced accordingly. But if you’re into NRL22, Steel Challenge, or just want the best range toy possible, the Black Mamba earns every dollar. It uses standard Ruger Mark IV magazines, which is a smart compatibility choice.

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8. Taurus TX22

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 4.1″
• Overall Length: 7.06″
• Weight: 17.3 oz
• Capacity: 16+1

Category	Rating
Price	9/10
Accuracy	8/10
Capacity	9/10
Weight	9/10
Prestige	6/10

The Taurus TX22 is the biggest surprise on this list. Taurus doesn’t always get the respect of premium brands, but the TX22 genuinely deserves your attention. It offers 16+1 capacity, a quality trigger, and impressive reliability, all at a price that undercuts most of the competition by a wide margin.

The trigger is one of the TX22’s standout features. It’s a clean, crisp break with a positive reset. Most .22 LR pistols in this price range have mushy, vague triggers, so the TX22 feels like a step up. Accuracy benefits from the good trigger, and you’ll find it easy to shoot tight groups at typical pistol distances.

I’ve run everything from cheap Remington Thunderbolt to CCI Standard Velocity through my TX22 with very few issues. That kind of ammo tolerance is rare in a rimfire semi-auto, especially at this price. The TX22 Competition model adds an optics-ready slide and compensator if you want to step things up.

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9. Kel-Tec P17

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 3.93″
• Overall Length: 6.7″
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Capacity: 16+1

Category	Rating
Price	10/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	9/10
Weight	10/10
Prestige	5/10

The Kel-Tec P17 is the ultralight champion of .22 LR pistols. At just 11.2 ounces, it weighs less than most cell phones with a case on them. Despite the featherweight build, Kel-Tec managed to pack in 16+1 capacity and a threaded barrel. The value proposition here is hard to beat.

Three magazines come in the box, which is a generous touch at this price point. Most manufacturers give you one, maybe two. The fiber optic front sight is easy to pick up, and the adjustable rear sight lets you dial in your groups. The gun ships with a small rail section for a light or laser, too.

I’ll be honest: the P17 feels a bit like a toy when you first pick it up. The extreme lightweight construction takes some adjustment. But it shoots well, it’s reliable with quality ammo, and the price is almost unbelievable. If you want maximum rounds per dollar spent, the P17 delivers. It’s also the easiest .22 LR pistol to carry on a hike or toss in a backpack.

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10. Walther PPQ M2 22

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 5″
• Overall Length: 8.1″
• Weight: 19 oz
• Capacity: 12+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	9/10
Capacity	8/10
Weight	8/10
Prestige	8/10

The Walther PPQ M2 in .22 LR is a sleeper pick that doesn’t get enough love. If you’ve ever shot a PPQ in 9mm, you know the trigger is legendary. The .22 LR version carries that same excellent trigger feel, and it makes accurate shooting almost too easy. The 5-inch barrel adds sight radius and velocity, which translates to tight groups downrange.

This is a full-size .22 LR pistol that feels like a real duty gun in your hand. The ergonomics are top-notch, with a grip that fits most hand sizes well. Walther includes interchangeable backstraps so you can fine-tune the fit. The 12+1 capacity sits in a nice middle ground between 10-round and high-cap options.

I consider the PPQ M2 22 one of the most accurate semi-auto .22 LR pistols you can buy without stepping into custom gun territory. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who values precision and a great trigger above all else. If you can find one in stock, grab it.

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11. Ruger LCP II Lite Rack

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 2.75″
• Overall Length: 5.17″
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	8/10
Accuracy	6/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	10/10
Prestige	7/10

The Ruger LCP II Lite Rack was designed for people who struggle to rack a standard pistol slide. Ruger engineered the slide with textured grip panels and a lighter recoil spring, making it dramatically easier to manipulate. This makes it an excellent option for older shooters, those with arthritis, or anyone with reduced hand strength.

At just 11.2 ounces and 5.17 inches overall, this is one of the smallest .22 LR pistols you can buy. It disappears in a pocket holster. The 10+1 capacity is impressive for a gun this small. Ruger managed to pack a lot of function into a genuinely tiny package.

The short 2.75-inch barrel does limit your effective range, and accuracy at distance isn’t this gun’s strong suit. But up close, it’s perfectly capable. If you need a “better than nothing” carry gun for situations where a larger pistol isn’t practical, the LCP II Lite Rack fills that role. It’s also just a fun little gun to shoot at the range.

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12. Heritage Rough Rider

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 6.5″
• Overall Length: 11.75″
• Weight: 33.4 oz
• Capacity: 6-round cylinder

Category	Rating
Price	10/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	5/10
Weight	5/10
Prestige	6/10

The Heritage Rough Rider is the cheapest gun on this list, and it might also be the most fun. There’s something deeply satisfying about cocking the hammer, lining up the fixed sights, and squeezing off a round from a single-action revolver. It’s old-school shooting at its finest, and it costs less than a decent pair of boots.

Heritage offers the Rough Rider in a dizzying array of configurations. You can get barrel lengths from 2 inches to 16 inches, multiple grip materials, and even combo models that include a .22 WMR cylinder alongside the .22 LR cylinder. The combo option is worth the extra few dollars for the added versatility.

The fit and finish reflect the price. You’re not getting Ruger-level refinement here. But the Rough Rider works, it’s fun, and it puts a smile on everyone’s face. I’ve introduced more new shooters to firearms with a Heritage Rough Rider than any other gun. It’s simple, safe, and impossible to be intimidated by.

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13. Ruger SR22

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 3.5″
• Overall Length: 6.4″
• Weight: 17.5 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	8/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	8/10
Prestige	7/10

The Ruger SR22 has been a reliable choice in the .22 LR pistol market for years, and it continues to earn its place on this list. It features a DA/SA trigger with an external safety and decocker, giving you multiple carry and shooting options. The ambidextrous controls make it accessible for both right and left-handed shooters.

Reliability is the SR22’s calling card. I’ve put thousands of rounds through mine over the years, including the cheapest bulk ammo I could find, and malfunctions have been rare. The gun just works. That kind of dependability is worth a lot in a .22 LR pistol, where finicky feeding is a common complaint across the category.

The SR22 ships with a threaded barrel adapter and two magazines, which is a nice value add. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense pistol that does everything you need a .22 LR to do. The design may not be as flashy as some newer options, but proven reliability never goes out of style.

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14. Walther PPK/S 22

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 3.35″
• Overall Length: 6.1″
• Weight: 20.8 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	7/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	7/10
Prestige	9/10

The Walther PPK/S in .22 LR lets you own one of the most iconic handgun designs in history without paying the premium price of the centerfire version. This is the James Bond gun, and it looks every bit the part. The all-metal construction gives it a satisfying heft, and the classic lines are timeless.

Beyond the cool factor, the PPK/S 22 is a genuinely fun shooter. The DA/SA trigger gives you a long first pull in double action, followed by a shorter, lighter single-action pull for follow-up shots. The fixed barrel design contributes to consistent accuracy. It’s a well-made pistol that Walther has done right.

One word of caution: the PPK design is notorious for slide bite if you ride your grip too high. Keep your support hand thumb clear of the slide, and you’ll be fine. The sights are also quite small, which is authentic to the original design but not ideal for target work. This is a gun you buy because you love the platform, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

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15. Browning Buck Mark

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 5.5″
• Overall Length: 9.5″
• Weight: 34 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

Category	Rating
Price	7/10
Accuracy	9/10
Capacity	7/10
Weight	5/10
Prestige	9/10

The Browning Buck Mark is the other legendary name in .22 LR target pistols, and it’s been going head-to-head with the Ruger Mark series for decades. The Buck Mark earns its reputation with excellent accuracy, a quality single-action trigger, and a lineup of models that covers everything from basic plinking to serious competition use.

The 5.5-inch bull barrel on the Challenge model provides a long sight radius and added weight up front for steady hold. Groups at 25 yards are impressively tight, and the crisp trigger makes it easy to shoot to the gun’s potential. Browning’s Pro-Target rear sight is fully adjustable and clicks precisely.

At 34 ounces, the Buck Mark is on the heavier side of this list. That weight is a benefit on the range, where it soaks up recoil and helps you hold steady, but it’s not a gun you’ll want to hike with. If you’re shopping for a dedicated target and plinking pistol, the Buck Mark is one of the best in the business. It has earned its place alongside the Ruger Mark IV as a true classic.

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Best 22LR Ammo

Choosing the right ammo matters just as much as choosing the right pistol. Cheap bulk .22 LR will work for casual plinking, but if you want reliable cycling and better accuracy, step up to quality brands. CCI Mini-Mags are the gold standard for semi-auto reliability. For target work, CCI Standard Velocity and SK Standard Plus are hard to beat.

We’ve put together a full breakdown of the best .22 LR ammo for every purpose. Check out our Best .22 LR Ammo Guide for detailed recommendations on hunting, target shooting, and self-defense loads.

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Where to Buy

All of the .22 LR pistols on this list are available from major online retailers. Here are some of the best places to shop for competitive pricing and wide selection:

• Palmetto State Armory – Great prices and frequent sales on Ruger, Taurus, and Heritage models.
• Guns.com – Large inventory with detailed product listings and reviews.
• Brownells – Excellent selection of accessories, magazines, and parts alongside complete firearms.

Remember that all online firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer in your area for the background check and transfer. Most dealers charge between $20 and $50 for the transfer fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions