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

Last updated March 13th 2026

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Best .22 LR Rifles in 2026 at a Glance

Introduction: Best .22 LR Rifles in 2026

The .22 LR is the most popular cartridge ever made, and for good reason. It’s cheap to shoot, barely kicks, and can do everything from backyard plinking to small game hunting to serious competition. Whether you’re buying your first rifle or adding a dedicated trainer to the safe, picking the right .22 matters more than most people think.

I’ve been shooting rimfire rifles for over 20 years and have tested dozens of .22 LR platforms. Some of these rifles live in my safe full time. Others I’ve borrowed, rented, or run through multi-day training courses to get real trigger time before writing about them.

This list covers 10 rifles across every category: semi-autos, bolt actions, lever actions, AR trainers, and even a folding survival gun. I picked rifles that are actually in stock at major retailers, not unobtainable custom builds. If you’re also looking for a rimfire handgun, check out our guides to the best .22 LR pistols and best .22 revolvers.

Pair any of these rifles with the right ammunition and you’ll have a setup that’s fun, affordable, and genuinely useful. Our best .22 LR ammo guide breaks down which rounds work best for target shooting, hunting, and reliability testing. Let’s get into the picks.

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1. Ruger 10/22 Carbine – Best Overall

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Barrel Length: 18.5″
• Overall Length: 37″
• Weight: 5 lb
• Capacity: 10+1
• MSRP: ~$319

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
4/5	3.5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5

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 over 70 million sold worldwide, and that kind of track record speaks for itself. The patented rotary magazine design is the main reason this rifle feeds so reliably, even with the cheapest bulk ammo you can find.

Out of the box, the 10/22 is a solid shooter but nothing special. The magic is in the aftermarket. You can swap the trigger, stock, barrel, bolt, and magazine to build something that barely resembles the factory rifle. I’ve built two custom 10/22s and 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. The trigger is the weakest link out of the box, but a BX-Trigger or aftermarket drop-in fixes that for about $75.

If you want a deeper breakdown of this rifle, read our full Ruger 10/22 review. It covers everything from barrel upgrades to suppressor setups.

Best For: Anyone who wants the most versatile, customizable, and proven .22 LR semi-auto on the market. The perfect first rifle and a platform you’ll never outgrow.

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2. Savage Mark II FV-SR – Best Bolt Action Value

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt-Action
• Barrel Length: 16.5″ (threaded, heavy)
• Overall Length: 34.75″
• Weight: 5.5 lb
• Capacity: 5+1
• MSRP: ~$299

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
5/5	4.5/5	4/5	3/5	3/5

The Savage Mark II FV-SR is the bolt-action .22 LR that punches way above its price tag. 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.

The AccuTrigger is the real star here. It’s adjustable from about 2.5 to 6 pounds without any tools, and it breaks cleanly with minimal creep. Most bolt-action .22s under $400 have triggers that feel like dragging a boot through gravel. The Mark II’s trigger feels like it belongs on a rifle costing twice as much.

I’ve shot sub-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. Thread a suppressor on the 1/2×28 muzzle and 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. The synthetic stock feels hollow and cheap, and the 5-round magazine means frequent reloads during range sessions. 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO02kTg_2Dw

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3. Winchester Wildcat SR – Best Lightweight Semi-Auto

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Barrel Length: 16.5″ (threaded)
• Overall Length: 34″
• Weight: 4 lb
• Capacity: 10+1
• MSRP: ~$279

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
5/5	3/5	4/5	4/5	3/5

At just 4 pounds, the Winchester Wildcat SR is the lightest semi-auto .22 LR rifle you can buy. It feels almost toy-like when you first pick it up, but don’t let the weight fool you. This is a well-designed, reliable shooter that Winchester clearly put some thought into.

The ambidextrous controls are a standout feature at this price. Left-handed shooters often get ignored in the sub-$300 category, but the Wildcat has a reversible bolt handle and ambidextrous magazine release. The ghost ring rear sight paired with a fiber optic 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. Reliability has been solid in my experience, with only occasional hiccups on the cheapest bulk ammo.

The main drawback is the proprietary magazine. You can’t swap in 10/22 magazines, which limits your options. Aftermarket support 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQFLrJI5t-0

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4. Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport – Best AR-Style Trainer

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Barrel Length: 16.5″
• Overall Length: 33.75″
• Weight: 5.5 lb
• Capacity: 25+1
• MSRP: ~$449

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
3/5	3/5	4/5	5/5	3.5/5

If you own an AR-15 and want a cheap training analog, the M&P 15-22 is the answer. The bolt catch, magazine release, safety selector, charging handle, and trigger all work exactly like a real AR-15. Your muscle memory transfers perfectly between platforms, and you 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. 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.

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, but internally it’s a completely different platform. Accuracy is adequate for training but won’t win any precision competitions.

At $449, 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. The 15-22 has been the gold standard in this category for 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.

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5. Henry Golden Boy .22 LR – Best Lever Action

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Lever-Action
• Barrel Length: 20″
• Overall Length: 38.5″
• Weight: 6.75 lb
• Capacity: 16 (tubular magazine)
• MSRP: ~$599

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
2.5/5	3/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5

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, and the Golden Boy is no exception. This is the rifle people pick up at the gun shop and don’t want to put down.

The 16-round tubular magazine means you can keep shooting longer than any detachable-magazine .22 on this list without reloading. The 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. For more lever-action options across different calibers, check out our best lever action rifles roundup.

The downsides are practical. At $600 and 6.75 pounds, this is neither the cheapest nor the lightest .22 on the list. There’s no factory scope mount, so if you want optics you’ll need an aftermarket rail. 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 a guaranteed safe queen that actually gets shot.

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6. Tikka T1x MTR – Best Precision Bolt Action

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt-Action
• Barrel Length: 16″ (threaded)
• Overall Length: 34.5″
• Weight: 5.3 lb
• Capacity: 10+1
• MSRP: ~$499

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
2.5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4.5/5

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. The bolt throw is buttery smooth, and the single-stage trigger breaks cleanly at around 2.5 pounds.

I’ve shot consistent half-inch groups at 50 yards with SK Standard Plus through the T1x. With match ammo, it tightens up even further. The match chamber is optimized for accuracy rather than feeding reliability with junk ammo, so stick with quality rounds and this rifle will reward you.

The 10-round magazine is a nice touch for a bolt gun. Most competitors in this class ship with 5-round mags. The cross-bolt safety is simple and positive, and the modular synthetic stock accepts aftermarket options from several manufacturers.

At $499, you’re paying a premium over the Savage Mark II. The accuracy advantage is real but marginal. Where the Tikka truly separates itself 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 competition and long-range rimfire practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6_drbp-Y4I

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7. Chiappa Little Badger – Best Survival/Pack Rifle

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Single-Shot (break action)
• Barrel Length: 16.5″
• Overall Length: 31″ (extended)
• Weight: 2.9 lb
• Capacity: 1
• MSRP: ~$229

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
4.5/5	3/5	4.5/5	2.5/5	2/5

The Chiappa Little Badger isn’t trying to be a precision rifle or a range toy. It’s a survival tool, plain and simple. Fold it in half, stuff it in a backpack, and forget it’s there until you need it. At 2.9 pounds and 16.5 inches folded, it takes up less space than a water bottle and weighs about the same.

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, but everything about this rifle is designed around portability.

I keep one in my truck bag. It’s not a rifle I’d take to the range for fun (single-shot gets tedious fast), but for backcountry use it fills a role that nothing else on this list can. Break-action reliability means there’s almost nothing to malfunction. Load, close, fire, repeat.

Accuracy is acceptable for what it is. 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, and manage your expectations on comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Best For: Hikers, campers, and preppers who need a .22 LR rifle that folds into a backpack and weighs next to nothing.

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8. Bergara BMR – Best Mid-Range Bolt Action

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt-Action
• Barrel Length: 18″ (threaded)
• Overall Length: 36″
• Weight: 5.5 lb
• Capacity: 5+1 (10+1 optional)
• MSRP: ~$499

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
3/5	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	4/5

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 at a similar price point.

The BMR comes in several stock configurations, including a carbon fiber option that keeps weight manageable while looking sharp. The performance trigger breaks cleanly and consistently, which is critical for precision shooting. 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, the bolt lift is smooth, and the rifle just feels like quality when you handle it. The 5-round magazine is the standard, but 10-round mags are available and worth picking up.

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqW7v7_BDoE

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9. Ruger American Rimfire – Best Budget Bolt Action

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt-Action
• Barrel Length: 22″
• Overall Length: 41″
• Weight: 6 lb
• Capacity: 10+1
• MSRP: ~$369

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
4/5	3.5/5	4/5	4/5	3/5

The Ruger American Rimfire sits in a sweet spot between the budget Savage Mark II and the premium Tikka T1x. At $369, you get Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable Trigger (adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds), a Power Bedding system that free-floats the barrel, and a 10-round rotary magazine that feeds like a champ.

The modular stock is a thoughtful feature. Interchangeable comb modules let you adjust cheek height for different optics setups, and the length of pull is adjustable with spacers. 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.

Accuracy is solid but not exceptional. Expect around 1 to 1.5 MOA groups at 50 yards with quality ammo, which is perfectly 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 trust), 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8bVNjXbVzA

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10. CZ 457 Varmint – Best Competition/Target Rifle

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt-Action
• Barrel Length: 20.5″ (heavy, threaded)
• Overall Length: 39.2″
• Weight: 7.1 lb
• Capacity: 5+1
• MSRP: ~$569

Price	Accuracy	Reliability	Ergonomics	Prestige
2/5	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	5/5

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. The adjustable trigger is the finest in any production .22 LR rifle, breaking like glass at whatever weight you set it to.

The interchangeable barrel system is a feature unique to the CZ 457 line. You can swap between .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR barrels on the same action without a gunsmith. 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 perfectly on a bag or rest. It’s built for benchrest shooting and NRL22 competition, and it excels at both. I’ve seen CZ 457s consistently print sub-half-inch groups at 50 yards with match ammo, and some rifles do even better than that.

At 7.1 pounds and nearly $600, this is not a casual plinker or a hiking rifle. It’s a precision tool 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV0qfXPNfcA

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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 the answer depends entirely on 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. If your main goal is sending rounds downrange and having a good time, go semi-auto.

Bolt actions win on accuracy, trigger quality, and precision shooting. Rifles like the Tikka T1x, CZ 457, and Bergara BMR deliver tighter groups because the fixed barrel and manual action eliminate the vibration and timing variables that come with semi-auto cycling. 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 the cost factor. Bolt actions tend to be simpler mechanically, which means fewer parts to break and less maintenance overall. But semi-autos with proven track records (the 10/22 being the prime example) can be just as reliable if you keep them clean and use decent ammo.

My honest recommendation: if you can only buy one .22 LR rifle, get a semi-auto for versatility. If you already own one and want a second, add a bolt action for precision work. The two types complement each other perfectly, and .22 ammo is cheap enough that owning both won’t strain your budget.

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FAQ: Best .22 LR Rifles