--- title: "Best .22 Pistols of 2025" description: "We found the best .22 pistols that are cost-effective and reliable for plinking, competition, and self-defense." date: "2023-02-28" modified: "2025-02-11" authors: - name: "Colton Heward" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/colton-heward/" - name: "Tyler Freel" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/tyler-freel/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/best-22-pistols/" categories: - "Guns" - "Handguns" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # Best .22 Pistols of 2025 ![The best .22 pistols sit on targets.]() *Scott Einsmann* The demand and popularity of .22 pistols continues to rise with each passing year. Manufacturers have taken note of this expanding market and have produced a wide array of .22 pistol configurations. Rimfire handguns provide shooting enthusiasts with endless hours of plinking at the range, a unique variety of hunting opportunities, and can be capable personal defense weapons. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-time gun owner, a .22-caliber handgun is both a practical and valuable asset to own. But it can be tough to know which one will best suit your needs. There are a lot of options out there, so we are here to break down some of or favorites to help you make a more informed decision. Whether for fun or utility, we want you to pick the best .22 pistol for you. - [Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9]() - [Sig P322]() - [Glock G44]() - [Browning 1911-22 A1]() - [Walther WMP]() - [Ruger Wrangler]() - [Taurus TX-22 Compact]() - [Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite]() - [Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory]() - [Walther PPK/s 22 Black]() - [Smith & Wesson 351 PD]() ## How I Picked the Best 22 Pistols Narrowing down the plethora of .22 pistols on the market to just a few was no easy task. I leaned on my own 20+ years of gun knowledge as well as other extremely experienced and qualified individuals to assemble this list. I also did my best to include a variety of .22 pistol configurations to cover the spectrum of 22 handguns. At the end of the day, there are many capable and reliable .22 pistols on the market and this list is intended to hit the high points. What fits and feels good to one person, may not work for the next. ## The Best .22 Pistols: Reviews & Recommendations ### [Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9]() First introduced in 1985, the Buck Mark pistol has been a staple in the Browning lineup for decades. Thirty eight years later the Buckmark has become one of the most recognizable and reliable .22 pistols on the market. Browning currently has numerous models available to appeal to everyone from the backyard target plinker to the serious competitive shooter. One of the newest models (introduced in 2023) is the Buck Mark Hunter 5.9. This handsome Buck Mark rendition sports a precision machined alloy frame with a 5.9 in. matte blued bull barrel and laminated cocobolo-colored target grip plates. The Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 also comes standard with a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, muzzle break, and TRUGLO fiber optic front sight. The cherry on top of this stylish pistol is a Vortex Crossfire Red Dot sight. The Buck Mark is one of the most comfortable pistols to hold in your hand and is well balanced for its size. Buck Marks are known for their accuracy, much of which is contributed to its crisp, easy to control trigger. The Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 does feature several upgrades from a standard Buck Mark and the price reflects that. There are several Buck Mark models that are sub $500 if you are set on a Buck Mark but don’t have the additional funds for the Hunter 5.9 model. ### [Sig P322]() ![Sig P322 22 pistol with suppressor]() *The Sig P322 is a 22 pistol that pairs well with a suppressor. Tyler Freel* The Sig Sauer P322 is an excellent example of a modern .22 pistol. It’s accurate and reliable, and functions well as a trainer for centerfire pistols. The P322’s shape generally follows the lines of the P365 series; though it’s larger than the original [Sig P365](). It has a fixed barrel with a slip-over recoil spring. The slide is aluminum, but features a steel insert that houses the firing pin, extractor, and supports the case head. It’s a hammer-fired pistol that has a concealed hammer and a good trigger pull. The P322 uses 20-round double-stack magazines that feel and load like larger 9mm magazines. I’ve put a couple thousand rounds through my P322 and the only issue I've encountered is that with one type of ammunition the end of the bore would foul substantially. If you want to use a suppressor, shoot a couple hundred rounds of your ammo first to ensure that it won’t foul excessively. Read our full [Sig Sauer P322]() review to learn more. ### [Glock G44]() One of the most common uses for a .22 pistol is as a trainer for full-sized 9mm pistols. This allows lots of practice at a much lower ammunition cost. These .22 trainer pistols can also be used to more easily teach new shooters because of the lower recoil and muzzle flip impulse. The Glock 44 is nearly identical in size to the 9mm Glock G19, and features the front slide serrations of the other Gen 5 pistols. **Read More:** [Glock 44 Full Review]() The G44 uses a single-stack 10-round magazine that feeds and functions well, though I found that it cycles most reliably with high-velocity ammunition. It would be nice to see them adopt double-stack magazines like the Sig P322 and Taurus TX22. It can be done. Accuracy of the G44 is ok, but it's not as precise as pistols like the Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark. Overall, this is an excellent plinking pistol, especially if you're already a Glock shooter. ### [Browning 1911-22 A1]() For the better half of the 20th Century (1911-1985), the Colt 1911 served as the standard issue sidearm for the United States Armed Forces. Today, pistol enthusiasts’ admiration of the 1911 has prompted many manufacturers to keep building modern pistols on the iconic platform, including a few in .22 caliber. Browning’s 1911-22 A1 full-Size pistol is built to 85 percent of the scale of John M. Browning’s original 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. On the outside, Browning’s 1911-22 handgun mirrors a modern 1911-A1 with a high strength/lightweight alloy frame, matte black slide, textured hammer, grip safety and laser checkered composite grips. True to its 1911 heritage, the Browning 1911-22 A1 sports a basic fixed dovetail-notched rear sight and a post front sight. The key thing about the Browning 1911-22 pistol is that it generally follows a true 1911 action and recoil system design—just scaled down. Most full-size .22 1911 pistols look like a 1911 on the outside, but are made with fixed barrels and a totally different recoil system. Lackluster trigger pull has been the downside of many fine sidearms. Browning’s 1911-22 A1 does have a stern trigger pull but it breaks crisp and is comfortable to shoot. The Browning 1911-22 A1 provides shooters endless enjoyment plinking at the range, and the ability to improve their marksmanship skills with their standard centerfire 1911s at a fraction of the cost. ### [Walther WMP]() Not long ago, Walther created quite the buzz with the launch of the hammer-fired, semi-automatic WMP (Walther Magnum Pistol) rimfire sidearm. The WMP, differs from the other .22 caliber pistols mentioned in this article in that it is chambered in .22 WMR as opposed to .22 LR. What’s the difference? .22 WMR is a “magnum” .22 caliber cartridge, giving shooters a noticeable advantage in muzzle velocity and downrange energy when compared to the .22 LR. The WMP is primarily advertised as a self-defense .22 pistol designed with a high-capacity mag (15+1) and minimal recoil, but it also doubles as a fun handgun to shoot at the range. Walther’s new WMP features a polymer frame and aluminum slide for a combined length of 8.2 inches and a total weight of 27.8 ounces (with empty magazine). While not considered a compact pistol, its weight and size are easily concealable for most. Other features include Walther’s patented Quad Release ambidextrous reloading mechanism, fiber-optic front sight and serrated rear sight, and an integrated accessory rail in front of the trigger guard. The WMP fills a niche for those that want to carry but are not comfortable handling bigger bored sidearms. In terms of ammo, Walther has done extensive research on what shoots best through the WMP. They conveniently placed a diagram on their website of their findings of what does and does not shoot well. It is also worth noting that .22 WMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR ammo, but not by much. ### [Ruger Wrangler]() Ruger’s single-action Wrangler .22LR revolver is a modern pistol with a nostalgic tie to the Wild West. The Wrangler revolver may not be entirely practical to most applications, but there is no denying the fun that you will have plinking soda cans and ringing steel targets with it. Ruger offers several renditions of the classic revolver with various barrel lengths and metal finishes, but the mechanics remain the same across the board. The Wrangler is comprised of an aluminum alloy frame and cylinder, cold hammer-forged barrel, textured hammer, and a crisp, clean trigger. The hammer also doubles as your safety as the gun cannot fire without manually cocking the hammer back. ![Ruger wrangler 22 pistol]() *Ruger Wranglers are available in a variety of color schemes. Tanner Denton* Coming from someone who grew up idolizing cowboys, the Ruger Wrangler was one of the very first firearms I purchased. While it isn’t used nearly enough, it still gets pulled out on occasion for some fun at the range and on the ranch. It was also my go-to weapon for dispatching raccoons and skunks when I was a young trapper with more time than brains. No matter your skill level, the Ruger Wrangler should be a welcomed addition to any handgun collection. The Wrangler is simple in design, easy to operate, and easy on the checkbook. ### [Taurus TX22 Compact]() Since its introduction in 2019, the Taurus TX22 pistol has been a favorite amongst .22 pistol enthusiasts. Taurus has continued to build upon that line with their recent announcement of the TX22 Compact pistol. With an overall length of 6.7 in., and an unloaded weight of only 16.5 ounces, this compact rimfire pistol is the ideal candidate for a lightweight EDC sidearm. For a compact pistol, the TX22 is loaded with features. These include a 13-round staggered column magazine, threaded barrel, and an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard. The TX-22 Compact also uses Taurus’s noteworthy Performance Trigger System that aids in accuracy and is a joy to shoot. Ergonomically, the TX22 Compact was well thought through with a comfortable textured grip and easily accessible safety and magazine release. The launch of the TX22 Compact brings the running total of different TX22 models to 16 in configurations for numerous shooting tasks and tastes. ### [Ruger Mark IV 22/45]() Ruger’s Mark IV 22/45 is a recent addition to their long-standing line of semi-automatic .22 pistols that dates back to 1950 when Ruger launched the Mark I Target handgun. The Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a capable pistol that closely resembles the grip angle of the 1911, making it a great “trainer” sidearm. It is also a favorite amongst 22 pistol enthusiasts for its accuracy and ability to use a wide range of accessories. ![The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 can accommodate optics and a silencer.]() *The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 can accommodate accessories like optics and a silencer. Scott Einsmann* One of the primary complaints about previous renditions in the Ruger Mark .22 pistol family was how difficult they are to disassemble. Shooters’ complaints did not fall upon deaf ears and Ruger made several improvements that make the Mark IV 22/45 a cinch to disassemble with its simple one-button takedown. The Mark IV 22/45 is built upon a precision-molded polymer grip frame and a cold hammer-forged barrel. It also comes standard with a drilled and tapped receiver to accommodate either a Weaver or Picatinny style rail to easily attach your favorite [red dot optic](). The Lite version shown here uses an aluminum receiver rather than steel, and incorporates a thin steel barrel rather than a full bull barrel. Unlike most .22 pistols, the Mark IV 22/45 also features an ambidextrous manual safety that can be easily flipped to the left side of the receiver. Coming from a southpaw, that is a feature that I truly appreciate. The Rugler Mark IV is one of the best .22 pistols ever designed. Read [our full review of the Mark IV ]()to learn more about it. ### [Smith & Wesson SW-22 Victory]() Smith & Wesson’s SW-22 Victory pistol is a full-size, internal hammer-fired, .22 caliber sidearm that shooters can use across a wide variety of shooting activities. The SW-22 Victory is built upon a stainless-steel frame and features textured polymer grips and a match-grade, interchangeable barrel to ensure precision and performance. The SW-22 Victory incorporates several high-end features into an affordable price-point sidearm. Like the Ruger Mark IV previously mentioned, one of the hallmark designs in the SW-22 Victory is its simple one-screw takedown design. Other notable features include adjustable fiber optic sights, included Picatinny rail, and a steel reinforced thumb safety. Smith and Wesson worked through the aesthetics and ergonomics of the SW-22 Victory with a fine-toothed comb. While it is a full-size pistol, the SW-22 Victory feels surprisingly comfortable and balanced in the hand and displays better than average accuracy at the range. The finishing touch to the SW-22 Victory is the adjustable trigger stop to fine tune its feel to your liking. ### [Walther PPK/s 22 Black]() German small arms manufacturer, Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen, produced the first PPK pistol in 1930. Fast forward nearly a century and the PPK design continues to be a favorite concealed carry weapon for many handgun aficionados as well as the beloved sidearm of choice for Mr. Bond, everyone’s favorite British spy. Walther saw the potential in a rimfire PPK model and released the first PPK/s 22 in 2013. Ten years later, rimfire pistol enthusiasts continue to hail the PPK/s 22 pistol as a favorite for recreational shooting and everyday carry. ![The Walther PPK/s sits on targets.]() *The PPK/s 22 is a fun gun for plinking, especially when suppressed. Scott Einsmann* The PPK/s 22 is an exact scaled replica of the PPK/s chambered in .380 ACP with a few varying internal features to accommodate the .22 LR chambering. Weighing a mere 19 ounces and sporting an overall length of only 6.1 inches, the PPK/s 22 can easily fit in the palm of your hand and is ideal for an everyday concealed carry sidearm. Better yet, the PPK/s 22 features a 10-round capacity magazine, packing a substantial amount of fire power into an extremely compact pistol. Since the launch of the PPK/s 22, Walther has introduced various models that incorporate different metal finishes and grip materials. The PPK/s, like the 1911, is a timeless sidearm that will continue to be praised for a long time to come. ### [Smith & Wesson 351 PD]() The Smith & Wesson 351 PD is a potent .22 handgun, chambered in .22 Win. Mag. It's a seven-shot revolver that has an aluminum frame and is part of S&W's AirLite series. This little J-frame is the same size as others chambered in .38 Special and .357 Magnum, but is substantially easier to shoot well. **Read More:** [Smith & Wesson 351 PD Full Review]() It has a black finish and wooden grip scales, and a bright fiber-optic front sight. The 351 PD is accurate out to about 20 yards, but it's meant to be a close-range self-defense tool. Rimfire .22 pistols and revolvers aren't everyone's first choice for self defense, but this one is easy to carry and easy to shoot. For many folks, this will be the optimal concealed-carry gun. Paired with modern defensive loads from Hornady, Federal, and Speer, the short barrel produces 1,000 fps velocities, and the revolver functioned well through several hundred rounds of testing for us. ## Things to Consider Before Buying One of the Best 22 Pistols There are several factors to consider when purchasing a pistol, or any firearm for that matter. These break down into three categories: cost, function, and reliability. ### Cost The first factor that must be taken into consideration when purchasing a .22 pistol is cost. Set your budget and stick to it. If you only have $500 to spend on a new pistol, do not even bother looking at the more expensive options behind the gun counter no matter how hard the sales associate pushes you. I am a proponent of the “buy once, cry once” mentality, but I also understand a budget and do my best to get the most bang for the money that I do have. Also keep in mind that you will want to set aside a chunk of change for ammo and other accessories that your pistol may need when setting your budget. Your fancy new pistol is nothing more than a paper weight if you do not set aside sufficient funds for ammunition. ### Function Twenty-two rimfire pistols are used in a wide variety of scenarios to include everything from recreational target shooting, to dispatching vermin on the trap line, to high-stake shooting competitions, and many other endeavors. Deciding what 22 pistol will suit your needs best will largely be driven by your intended purpose for it. If you are looking for an every-day-carry, you will most likely turn most of your attention to compact options that are easy to conceal. On the flip side, if you are simply looking for a fun gun to punch holes in cans with then you might consider a full-frame pistol. Line out what you intend to use your 22 pistol for most and begin your search with that in mind. ### Reliability While most of us purchase firearms with hopes of never having a problem, the reality is that it is usually only a matter of time before a jam occurs or some other minor setback. Do your homework before purchasing a pistol and see what others have to say. While I always take the information dished out on the internet with a grain of salt, there is some good information out there to be consumed. When mulling through owners’ opinions, watch for patterns. If one person has had a bad experience, they may have just gotten the bad apple. However, if there are multiple users running into the same issues then these are worth noting. Best case scenario is that you know someone that owns one and can pick their brain on their personal experience with it. They are much more likely to give you a straight answer than the gun counter associate trying to make a sale. ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts on the Best .22 Pistols The benefits of owning and shooting one of the best 22 pistols are tangible. Some of these perks include increased proficiency and comfort with bigger bored pistols, great EDC sidearms and unique hunting opportunities. But most importantly, they are downright fun to shoot.