Last updated August 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: The Ruger 10/22 is the best .22 LR rifle you can buy in 2026, a 60-year-old design that remains the most reliable, accurate, and accessory-supported rimfire on the market.
The best bolt-action .22 is the CZ 457 for shooters who want a match-grade trigger and a Remington 700 footprint for trainers. The best budget option is the Winchester Wildcat 22 SR, a 4-pound semi-auto that turns up around $212 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 trying to shoot bulk-pack ammo through a tight-chamber match rifle, since the inconsistent priming compounds and dirty powder will cycle poorly. Stick with CCI Mini-Mag or SK Standard Plus for general use, or feed a precision rifle Lapua Center-X. Every .22 on this list was tested across 1,000 rounds of mixed bulk and premium ammo to confirm reliability.
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. Where we have not shot a specific variant ourselves, we say so in that section.
At a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Action | Barrel | Capacity | Weight | Street Price (Aug 2026) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine | The one rifle that does everything | Semi-auto | 18.5″ | 10+1 | 4.9 lb | $220-$379 | Price ↓ |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt-action accuracy on a budget | Bolt | 16.5″ | 5 | 5.5 lb | $274-$302 | Price ↓ |
| Winchester Wildcat 22 SR | All-day carry without the arm ache | Semi-auto | 16.5″ | 10 | 4.0 lb | $221-$308 | Price ↓ |
| S&W M&P 15-22 Sport | Cheap trigger time for AR-15 owners | Semi-auto | 16.5″ | 25+1 | 4.6 lb | $430-$504 | Price ↓ |
| Henry Golden Boy .22 LR | Craftsmanship and lever-action fun | Lever | 20″ | 16 | 6.75 lb | $514-$545 | Price ↓ |
| Tikka T1x MTR | NRL22 and serious precision work | Bolt | 20″ | 10+1 | 6.4 lb | $649-$699 | Price ↓ |
| Chiappa Little Badger | Folding into a pack or a truck bag | Break-action single shot | 16.5″ | 1 | 2.9 lb | $224-$289 | Price ↓ |
| Bergara BMR | Match-barrel quality under $600 | Bolt | 18″ | 5 and 10 | 5.5 lb | $550-$707 | Price ↓ |
| Ruger American Rimfire | Families sharing one adjustable rifle | Bolt | 22″ | 10 | 6.0 lb | $337-$430 | Price ↓ |
| CZ 457 Varmint | Competition and benchrest shooting | Bolt | 20.5″ | 5 | 7.1 lb | $653-$764 | 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. Weights for the S&W M&P 15-22 Sport, Tikka T1x MTR and Chiappa Little Badger are the figures their retailers publish, since none of those three lists a weight on its own product page.
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. Anything past that and wind reads start doing more work than the rifle does. The ammo mix 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.
The price card under each pick 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 $340.
1. Ruger 10/22 Carbine: Best .22 LR Rifle Overall
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Largest aftermarket of any rimfire rifle
- Legendary reliability with any ammo
- Rotary magazine feeds flawlessly
Cons
- Factory trigger is mushy (upgrade recommended)
- Stock sights are basic
- Factory stock is underwhelming
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 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.
2. Savage Mark II FV-SR: Best Budget Bolt Action
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- AccuTrigger is adjustable and crisp out of the box
- 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 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
3. Winchester Wildcat 22 SR: Lightest Semi-Auto
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Lightest semi-auto .22 at just 4 lb
- Ambidextrous design works for all shooters
- Suppressor-ready with threaded barrel
Cons
- Proprietary magazine (not interchangeable with 10/22)
- No Picatinny rail included (adapter available)
- Less aftermarket than Ruger
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. 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
4. S&W M&P 15-22 Sport: Best AR-15 Trainer
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 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 for full accessory compatibility
Cons
- Not a real AR-15 (polymer receivers won’t accept AR parts)
- Heavier than purpose-built .22 rifles
- Accuracy is good but not match-grade
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 around $430 to $500, 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.
5. Henry Golden Boy: Best Lever Action .22
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Stunning brass receiver and walnut stock
- 16-round tubular magazine (most rounds without reloading)
- Smooth lever action is pure joy to cycle
Cons
- Expensive for a .22 at around $600
- Heavy at 6.75 lb
- No scope mounting without aftermarket rail
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 around $520 to $560 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.
6. Tikka T1x MTR: Best Precision Bolt Action
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- Match-grade accuracy rivals rifles costing twice as much
- Tikka T3x-quality action and trigger
- 10-round magazine is generous for a bolt action
Cons
- Pricey at $500 for a .22 bolt gun
- 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. 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 around $650, you’re paying a serious 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
7. Chiappa Little Badger: Best Packable Survival .22
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5/5 | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 2.5/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Folds to just 16.5 inches for backpack carry
- Weighs only 2.9 lb (lightest rifle here)
- Picatinny rail forend for lights and optics
Cons
- Single-shot only (slow follow-ups)
- Wire stock is not comfortable for long sessions
- Limited practical range
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 about 17.5 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.
8. Bergara BMR: Best Barrel For The Money
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Bergara barrel quality delivers match-grade accuracy
- Carbon fiber stock option saves weight
- Excellent trigger out of the box
Cons
- Pricier than Savage for similar accuracy
- 5-round magazine is standard (10-round available)
- Newer to market with less proven 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 at a similar price point.
Optics for a Rimfire Rifle
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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. 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.
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
9. Ruger American Rimfire: Best For Families
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger is excellent at this price
- Modular stock fits different shooters
- 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably
Cons
- Heavier than competitors at 6 lb
- 22″ barrel makes it longer than compact options
- Accuracy is good but not Tikka/Bergara level
The Ruger American Rimfire sits in a sweet spot between the budget Savage Mark II and the premium Tikka T1x. At around $340 to $445, 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
10. CZ 457 Varmint: Best For Competition
| Price | Accuracy | Reliability | Ergonomics | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Best trigger in any production .22 bolt gun
- Interchangeable barrels for different calibers
- Turkish walnut stock is gorgeous
Cons
- Expensive at nearly $600
- Heavy at 7+ lb (not a field gun)
- 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. 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 comfortably north of $650, 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
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.
Three More Worth a Look
These three didn’t make the numbered list because I haven’t put my own 1,000 rounds through them yet. They come up constantly in this category though, and each one solves a problem none of the ten above really solves, so leaving them out would be doing you a disservice. Treat them as researched recommendations rather than tested ones, and I’ll move any that earns it into the main list once I’ve shot it properly.
Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic: The Newcomer Everyone Is Talking About
Springfield showed up late to the rimfire party and brought something genuinely interesting. 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, though street prices land a fair way under that. 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. The 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.
It’s a semi-auto, so it beats the Chiappa Little Badger on follow-up shots, and it’s lighter than the Winchester Wildcat. Where the Little Badger still wins is 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 by a wide margin. When they outgrow it, the Ruger American Rimfire Compact from pick nine is the natural next step.
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's reliable with any ammo, simple to operate, lightweight at 5 pounds, and 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 at every major retailer, usually for around $319.
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 in most states (and is illegal for deer hunting in many jurisdictions). For small game, a bolt-action .22 with a good scope is the ideal setup.
What is the most accurate .22 LR rifle?
The CZ 457 Varmint and Tikka T1x MTR are the most accurate production .22 LR rifles available. Both are capable of sub-half-inch groups at 50 yards with match ammunition. The CZ 457 has the edge in trigger quality and aftermarket barrel options, while the Tikka T1x has a smoother bolt action. 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?
Most .22 LR rifles are accurate to about 75 to 100 yards for practical purposes. 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. The .22 LR has a standard velocity of about 1,070 fps, which is right at the speed of sound. 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 (1/2x28 threads) specifically for suppressor use, 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 is the runaway favorite for its reliability, huge aftermarket and value, while the Savage Mark II and CZ 457 lead for bolt-action accuracy. The Marlin Model 60 is a classic tube-fed plinker. The best pick depends on whether you want a customizable semi-auto, a precise bolt gun or a budget plinker.
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.
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.