Every gun owner should own at least one .22 LR firearm. The ammo is ubiquitous…and affordable at around 5 cents a round.

Ruger Mark IV
Ruger Mark IV

.22 Long Rifle can be used for hunting, target shooting, practice, plinking, and even defending yourself in a pinch.

There are even competitions you can enter with rimfire firearms like the .22 LR that are loads of fun.

Subsonic Fiocchi .22LR
There are few things more fun than ripping holes in a target with a .22 LR handgun.

Now, we’ve talked about the Best .22LR Rifles before, but we haven’t tackled .22 LR handguns.

So today, we change that. Let’s go over the best .22 LR handguns and also talk about how to choose the right one for you.

So keep reading if you’ve been considering a .22 LR handgun.

Summary of Our Top Picks

  1. Best Luger Inspired Model

    Ruger Mark IV

    Luger looks, great performance, must have for dedicated .22 LR shooters.

  2. Best Semi-Auto

    Walther P22

    Great ergonomics and plenty accurate

  3. Most Fun

    Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 16"

    It looks ridiculous, but it’s super fun to shoot

  4. Best Revolver

    Ruger GP-100

    Good quality, reliable, easy to use

  5. Best .22 LR Trainer

    FN 502 Tactical

    Great for FN owners who want to train, decent reliabilty, accurate

  6. Best .22 LR Competition Pistol

    Taurus TX22 Competition

    Loaded with features, affordable, great for .22 LR competitions

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How to Choose a .22 LR Pistol

For me, there are a few things I’m looking for in a .22 LR handgun.

First, I look at accuracy.

The humble .22 LR is a surprisingly accurate round at close ranges, so it’s worth getting a gun that can hit what you aim it at.

.22LR Round
.22 LR Round

You’ll have a lot more fun hitting those cans set up on a hill than you will watching shots land just a hair away.

Next, I look at shootability and ergonomics. 

I want something that I’m going to enjoy shooting, not something that’s difficult.

CCI Minimag .22 LR
CCI Minimag .22 LR

Finally, I consider availability and aftermarket support.

There’s nothing worse than a $200 gun with $50 mags. I want something with a lot of support and options.

As far as the aftermarket, rimfire handguns and rifles (particularly the Ruger 10/22) have a ridiculous number of aftermarket manufacturers with triggers, stocks, conversion kits, sights, extractors, magazines, mag releases…the list goes on and on.

Ruger Mark IV
I want something that I can customize if I want.

And with the low cost of entry (usually sub-$400) to a rimfire firearm, you can experiment and really go all out on the upgrades and accessories — without much worry that you’re going to ruin something expensive.

With that said, let’s dive into our favorite .22 LR pistols and handguns.

Best .22 LR Pistols and Handguns

1. Ruger Mark IV

There are a number of excellent .22 LR pistols with designs that harken back to the iconic Luger shape.

This design is as robust as it is prolific, with a long development history that began almost a decade before John Moses Browning’s masterwork, the 1911.

Ruger Mark IV
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45, a combination of delights.

The Ruger Mark IV is perhaps one of the finest examples of this design — capturing classic lines while updating the older toggle-lock design to a simple, modern blowback design.

It offers a 10+1 capacity that is a pleasure to hold and shoot. The heavy bull barrel makes recoil management a cinch. 

If you’re used to shooting centerfire cartridges of any size, this gun is going to feel like an absolute pushover by comparison.

Ruger Mark IV
Loading Mark IV mags.

Long plagued by complaints from owners that the Ruger Mark X series was a pain to take down, the new Mark IV solves that problem effortlessly. 

In previous models, reinstalling the frame was relatively easy, but then you had to try and finagle the bolt-stop pin back in, and it was a nightmare fit to make a grown man weep in frustration.

Now, press a button on the rear of the slide, and the gun opens up almost like an AR-15, ready to be cleaned, lubed, and reassembled without fuss.

Ruger Mark IV

Like the other two Luger-centric pistols on this list, the Mark IV is as accurate as the ammo, and your skill will allow, so don’t try blaming the gun for your misses. 

Fortunately, as with any .22 LR, practice is cheap, and so is good ammo (relatively speaking), so no excuses.

Best Luger Inspired Model
549

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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We looked at the Ruger Mark IV, so check out our review here.

2. SW-22 Victory

The SW-22 Victory is another Luger-inspired gun. Smith & Wesson approached the design with their typical eye on quality of materials and design.

It’s one of the most reliable, especially with mixed ammo. 

I shot ammo that came from a ziplock bag — several different bullet types and manufacturers present — and I didn’t have an issue with the Victory.

Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory

Like the Mark IV, it’s a 10+1 capacity, mag-fed firearm with a bull barrel, typically a 5.5-inch one. But there are a host of options available from Smith and others.

Where it falls short is aftermarket support.

So if you’re looking for something that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank, this is certainly a strong contender.

SW22 Two Parts
SW22 taken down

Fortunately for the SW-22, it also has one of the lower MSRPs of any of the Lugeresque options.

While aftermarket options and some carefully applied gunsmithing knowledge can certainly make it better, it’s perfectly adequate for most folks out of the box.

Most Reliable
417

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[24522] = { ‘id’: “24522”, ‘title’: “Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/SW-sw22-victory-300×300.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Most Reliable”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/kygunco/smith-wesson-victory-2/”, };

Check out our full review of the SW22 here.

3. Browning Buckmark

We round out the Luger-style guns with my personal favorite — the Browning Buckmark.

What makes it stand out?

First, it has the nicest trigger of the three Luger styles out of the box. For me, that’s a big benefit. I really enjoy a nice, crisp trigger, and the Buckmark certainly has that.

Ruger Buckmark with Banish 22
Buckmark with Banish 22

It also has a ton of factory options available, which makes it easy to find the Buckmark that best suits your needs.

The one area that really drags it down is, well, taking it down.

To clean the other two Luger knockoffs, you have either a button to push or a pin to rotate, and that’s pretty much it. Baddabing, baddaboom, you’re done.

The Buckmark requires you to remove the slide bridge, which is annoying enough by itself. But it also means you need tools, yes, tools, plural, to take the thing down.

Tandemkross Everything Kit on Buckmark
Tandemkross Everything Kit on Buckmark

Yes, it’s just two Allen wrenches, and no, it’s not particularly difficult. But it is needlessly complicated.

Of course, the Buckmark also excels in other areas. Like just about every mag-fed gun on this list, it comes in a 10+1 capacity and a 5.5-inch bull barrel.

For aftermarket accessories, I’d recommend Tandemkross, just like I would for the Ruger and the Smith above.

Vortex Venom Mounted on Buckmark
My Fully Upgraded Buckmark

Check out all the best Buckmark Upgrades. And here’s how it shoots…fully upgraded:

Reliability-wise, I’d put it above the Mark IV and below the Victory. Looks-wise, I’d put it at the top of the heap.

579

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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What do you think of the Browning Buckmark? Give it a rating below.

Readers’ Ratings

4.96/5 (1229)

Your Rating?

4. Walther P22

The legendary Walther P22 was noted for its awesome trigger, clean design, and tactical styling.

All in all, it was an excellent little gun save one thing…it only worked when it felt like it, and overly tight tolerances meant you got one mag of reliable function out of it before it needed cleaning.

Walther P22 Side
Walther P22 Side in OD Green

The new QD model solves this issue and updates the classic design. Not to mention, it keeps that amazingly nice trigger.

Best of all, the P22 is a DA/SA pistol, so you have that second-strike capability if you have a light primer strike — which is a common issue with .22 LR ammo.

In DA mode, you’ll be dealing with a stiff but smooth 11-pound trigger pull. With the hammer back, you’ll get an incredible crisp break at 4 pounds of pressure.

Honestly, this is the gun I’d have if I could only own one from this list. 

Walther P22 and ammo
Walther P22 and Ammo

The slide serrations also make it easy for those with low hand strength to rack a round. Though the sights are a cheap polymer, they’re more than accurate enough for self-defense distances.

It brings a 10+1 capacity, and while it doesn’t have a lot of aftermarket support, it doesn’t need a whole lot.

If you’re going to carry an easy-to-shoot .22, this is the way to go.

Best Semi-Auto
313

at Sportsman’s Guide

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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Check out our full review of the P22.

5. Heritage Rough Rider .22

If you’re looking for something a little more classic but just as fun, the Heritage Rough Rider is a strong contender.

A single-action 6-shot, like those wielded by your favorite Western heroes, the Rough Rider might just have the best fun-to-money ratio of any gun on the list.

Rough Rider 16-Inch batman
Rough Rider 16-Inch

The single action and loading-gate design mean you have to pull back (or fan) the hammer for each shot — loading and unloading each round individually.

All in all, it’s a very slow-paced, almost zen experience to shoot one. You can really stretch a box of ammo for several afternoons at the range.

It’s also a great gun for working on your accuracy, as the low round count and almost-but-not-quite painfully slow reload will have you picking and placing your shots carefully.

Rough Rider 16-Inch Loading Gate
Rough Rider 16-Inch Loading Gate

The trigger is surprisingly good, no doubt a product of the simple single-action design more than anything, but that’s okay.

It’s more than good enough for the gun’s real purpose…having the most fun for the least money.

Yeah, it’ll shoot snakes or discourage predators of the two and four-legged variety. It’ll certainly make a good training tool for youngins and new shooters, but fun is what this gun is all about.

Most Fun
119

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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Read our review of the Heritage Rough Rider here or watch the full video review below.

6. Ruger GP-100 .22

One of the most legendary DA/SA revolvers to ever exist, the Ruger GP-100, was once only available in a 6-shot .357 model.

But now, I’m seeing more and more .22 LR versions on the shelf at my local gun store.

Ruger GP 100
Ruger GP 100 (Photo: Chris Eger, Guns.com)

I can’t sing the praises of the GP-100 enough. 

Its rugged monolithic design means that it’ll almost certainly outlive you and possibly your children and grandchildren as well if it’s cared for.

The .22 LR version is a 10-shot model available with a 4-inch and 6-inch barrel. It’s just about as accurate as you could want, something that’s in no small part due to the better-than-average trigger and factory fiber optic front sight post.

It is one of the pricier guns on this list, but you’re getting one of the best .22 LR revolvers around.

Best Revolver
854

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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7. FN 502

FN dove into the .22 LR market in 2021 with the FN 502. It’s a first for the company, which is best known for its tactical-style striker-fired handguns and sweet rifles.

FN 502

The hammer-fired 502 brings an FN 509-inspired frame with a low-profile optics mounting system. This makes adding your favorite red dot super easy.

Ergonomics on the FN 502 are great, and the ambidextrous controls win it some favor among the left-handed crew.

It’s a great shooter

The gun sports a manual safety and threaded barrel. Yep, you heard me, so toss on your favorite suppressor.

FN touts the pistol as super reliable and accurate. Given the company’s stellar reputation, the PPT team thinks the FN 502 falls in line with the rest of FN’s firearms.

(Need some recommendations, check out our favorite pistol red dots.)

See it in all its suppressed glory:

Check out our full review of the FN 502 Tactical here!

Best .22 LR Trainer
499

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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8. Glock G44

If you’re a Glock fan but don’t want to fool with 9mm or above, then the G44 is for you.

The G44 offers a classic Glock look…seriously, it looks just like a G19, with similar dimensions too.

Glock 44 at the Range
Glock G44 at the Range

Perfect for cheaper training at the range, the G44 brings the same controls and ergonomics as its older sibling, the G19.

While some may roll their eyes at the need for a .22 caliber Glock, the PPT team sees the benefits.

For one, .22 LR ammo tends to be cheaper, so you can easily train with the G44 without breaking the bank.

Johnny and the Glock 44
Johnny and the Glock G44

And it’s a great starter gun for newbies.

It does feel like it’s worth a mention that some reviewers experienced cracking on the G44 slide. That said, when PPT reviewer Johnny tested it, he didn’t have any issues.

For those that want a Glock but in a rimfire format, the G44 fits the bill.

359

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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Check out our written review or watch the full video review of the Glock G44 below.

9. Taurus TX22 Competition

The Taurus TX22 Competition is a fun option for those looking to burn some rounds at the range.

It offers simple controls and a 16-round capacity in a flush fighting magazine. The TX22 brings a striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol at an affordable price point.

Taurus TX22 Targets
The TX22 Competition brings a few extras.

For a street price of around $450, you get three 16-round mags, a red dot-ready slide, a muzzle compensator, and a very nice trigger.

Add in the lightened slide, adjustable rear sight, plus locked-in reliability and accuracy, and you have a winner, winner chicken dinner!

Best .22 LR Competition Pistol
412

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

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Do we have a review? You betcha. Head on over and read up on the TX22.

Final Thoughts

I know there are roughly a billion other options out there, but these are just a handful of our favorites.

Buckmark with Stock Barrel
Buckmark with Stock Barrel

Whether you are looking to varmint hunt, plink, or brush up on some skills, these models are a great option to get you started in .22 LR.

What’s your favorite .22 LR handgun? Let us know in the comments below. Looking for ammo or rifles? Check out the Best .22 LR Rifles and Best .22 LR Ammo.

The post 9 Best .22 LR Pistols/Handguns [Hands-On]: Tiny & Awesome appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

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