Looking for a reliable, affordable, and downright fun 22LR pistol? As a former Marine, I know the value of a quality rimfire handgun. It’s the perfect tool for honing fundamentals, introducing new shooters to the range, and tackling small game without breaking the bank on ammunition. The market is flooded with options, but not all are built to the same standard of reliability and ergonomics that a professional demands.
Having put countless rounds downrange with various models, I’ve learned what separates a plinking toy from a serious training aid. The best 22LR pistols balance accuracy, durability, and user-friendly features. This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you the top-tier choices that will serve you well, whether you’re practicing your draw or teaching a youngster firearm safety for the first time.
Our Top Picks for 22LR Pistols and Accessories
- Williams 71031 FireSight Pistol S&W M&P Compact 22 LR
- TruGlo Fiber Optics Ruger Pistol Handgun Front Sight Replacement
- EZMAGLOADER Magazine Speed Loader for The Taurus TX22
- Browning Buckmark Holster w/Mag Pouch
- Walther P22 Q 22 LR Pistol
- Sig Sauer P322 22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol
- Kel-Tec P17 22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol
- Ruger SR22 22 LR Pistol
Williams 71031 FireSight Pistol S&W M&P Compact 22 LR
Upgrading your factory sights can make a world of difference in low-light scenarios. The Williams FireSight system is engineered to provide unmatched open sight visibility when the light begins to fade. This is a critical advantage for anyone who trains during dawn or dusk hours or for defensive pistol applications where identifying your sights quickly is paramount.
Unlike electronic sights that require batteries, the FireSight uses no artificial light sources. The design gathers and utilizes ambient light to create a highly visible aiming point, ensuring you maintain a clear sight picture without any extra steps or potential for electronic failure. This set is a direct-fit replacement for the S&W M&P Compact 22 LR, making installation straightforward.
TruGlo Fiber Optics Ruger Pistol Handgun Front Sight Replacement
For owners of Ruger MK series pistols or Browning Buckmarks, the TruGlo fiber-optic front sight is a simple yet highly effective upgrade. A bright front sight is one of the easiest ways to improve your shooting accuracy, and this component delivers exactly that. The fiber-optic rod captures available light to create an exceptionally bright aiming bead that stands out against any backdrop.
This sight is particularly useful for competitive shooters or hunters who need a precise and fast aim point. It remains easily visible even in the challenging light of twilight, helping you make more consistent shots. As a direct replacement for the factory front sight, it’s a low-cost modification that offers a significant return in performance.
EZMAGLOADER Magazine Speed Loader for The Taurus TX22
If you own a Taurus TX22, you know its high-capacity magazines are great for extended range sessions, but loading them by hand can be tough on your thumbs. The EZMAGLOADER is specifically designed to solve this problem. This loader is tailored for a perfect fit with the TX22 magazine, guaranteeing a seamless and secure loading experience that generic loaders can’t match.
The design focuses on effortless and pain-free loading. The large side flanges and collar provide a comfortable grip, allowing you to hold the magazine with one hand and load with the other. You can also rest the loader on a table and push down for quick and easy loading, saving time and frustration at the range.
Browning Buckmark Holster w/Mag Pouch
A reliable pistol deserves a reliable holster. This Browning holster and magazine pouch combo is designed in the USA with quality materials to offer high tensile strength and durability. Whether you’re heading to the range for practice or carrying your Buckmark on a trail, having your firearm securely and accessibly holstered is a fundamental part of safe handling.
The integrated mag pouch ensures you have a spare magazine readily available, which is perfect for training drills or extended plinking sessions. The rugged construction means this gear is built to last, standing up to the rigors of regular use in various environments. It’s a practical and essential accessory for any Browning Buckmark owner.
Walther P22 Q 22 LR Pistol
The Walther P22 Q brings the iconic ergonomics and styling of its center-fire counterparts into the 22LR realm. This pistol is known for its comfortable grip and user-friendly controls, making it an excellent choice for shooters with smaller hands or those new to handguns. Its compact size and manageable recoil make it a joy to shoot for extended periods.
With its accessory rail and threaded barrel option, the P22 Q is also a fantastic host for a suppressor, turning your range time into a quiet and pleasant experience. The overall build quality and reliable performance from a respected brand like Walther make this pistol a solid contender for anyone seeking a fun and functional 22LR handgun.
Sig Sauer P322 22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol
Sig Sauer entered the 22LR pistol market with a powerhouse: the P322. Boasting an impressive 20+1 round capacity, this pistol is designed for high-volume shooting without constant reloading. It features an optics-ready slide, allowing you to easily mount a red dot sight for faster target acquisition, a feature often reserved for more expensive center-fire pistols.
The P322 also includes an adjustable trigger, giving you the ability to fine-tune the break and reset to your personal preference. Combined with Sig’s reputation for quality, the P322 is a modern, feature-rich rimfire pistol that is ideal for serious training, competition, or anyone who just wants to shoot more between reloads.
Kel-Tec P17 22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol
The Kel-Tec P17 stands out as an incredible value in the 22LR market. This lightweight pistol packs a 16+1 round capacity into a very compact and affordable package. Its simple design and easy takedown make it straightforward to clean and maintain, which is a significant advantage for a rimfire pistol that can run through thousands of rounds.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, the P17 doesn’t skimp on features, often including a threaded barrel and an integrated Picatinny rail. For shooters on a tight budget who still demand high capacity and reliable functionality, the Kel-Tec P17 is a hard option to beat.
Ruger SR22 22 LR Pistol
The Ruger SR22 has earned a stellar reputation for one primary reason: reliability. This pistol is known for cycling a wide variety of 22LR ammunition, from high-velocity rounds to standard velocity target loads, which can be a challenge for some rimfire handguns. Its ambidextrous controls and multiple grip panel sizes make it adaptable to a wide range of shooters.
With its durable construction and proven track record, the SR22 is a workhorse. It’s a pistol you can count on for consistent performance, whether it’s your primary trainer, a tool for introducing new shooters, or a companion on small-game hunts. Ruger’s customer service and support further solidify its position as a top-tier choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 22LR Pistol in 2025
As a former Marine, my perspective on firearms is built on reliability, function, and practical application. A .22LR pistol isn’t a battle weapon, but it’s one of the most useful tools you can own. Whether you’re looking for a training aid, a plinker, or a small-game getter, knowing what to look for is key. Here’s my straightforward guide to picking the right one for your needs in 2025.
First, decide on the primary action type. Semi-automatics are the most common. They offer faster follow-up shots and often have higher magazine capacities, making them fantastic for training drills and general range time. Revolvers, on the other hand, are the epitome of simplicity and reliability. They handle a wider variety of .22LR ammunition, including lower-powered rounds that might not cycle a semi-auto. If you want absolute certainty it will go “bang” every time you pull the trigger, a revolver is a solid bet.
Next, consider the pistol’s intended use. For a new shooter or for teaching fundamentals, you want something with mild recoil, simple controls, and good ergonomics. A heavier pistol can help with stability. For a seasoned shooter looking for a training tool to mimic their duty or carry gun, you should look for a .22LR version of that specific model, like a Glock 44 or a SIG P322. This allows for cheap, high-round-count practice that directly translates to your primary firearm’s manual of arms.
Don’t overlook the sights. Basic iron sights are fine, but if you plan on running a red dot, make sure the pistol has an optics-ready slide or a readily available mounting solution. This is a huge advantage for training and competition. Finally, think about the magazine. How many rounds does it hold? Is it easy to load? Are spare magazines affordable and in stock? A 10-round magazine is standard, but some modern pistols, like the Taurus TX22, offer 16 rounds, which means less time reloading and more time shooting.
My final piece of advice is to handle the pistol before you buy if you can. Check the grip angle and texture. Work the slide and feel the trigger pull. A pistol that feels good in your hand is a pistol you’ll shoot more often. This hands-on approach, combined with a clear understanding of your goals, will point you toward the perfect .22LR pistol for your collection. This process is exactly what I used to evaluate the 8 best 22LR pistols in 2025 for this review.
FAQ
Is a .22LR pistol a good choice for self-defense?
As a Marine, I was trained to use tools that provide a high probability of stopping a threat immediately. While a .22LR is certainly better than nothing, it is not my first, or even my fifth, recommendation for self-defense. The round is small, has limited stopping power, and rimfire ammunition can be less reliable than centerfire. For defending your life, a centerfire pistol in 9mm or larger is a far more effective and reliable option. The .22LR’s primary roles are training, plinking, and small game hunting.
Why are .22LR pistols so good for training?
This is where the .22LR truly shines. The low cost of ammunition and minimal recoil allow you to practice the fundamentals—grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger press—for hours without developing a flinch and without breaking the bank. You can work on drills and shoot hundreds of rounds for the price of a few boxes of 9mm. It’s the most cost-effective way to build and maintain core marksmanship skills, which is a principle we lived by in the military.
What is the most reliable .22LR pistol you’ve tested?
Based on my experience, revolvers generally offer the highest reliability because they aren’t dependent on the ammunition’s power to cycle the action. For semi-autos, it’s a tighter race. The Ruger Mark IV is a legendary workhorse known for its robustness, and the Browning Buck Mark is right there with it. Among the newer, polymer-frame pistols, the Taurus TX22 has a stellar reputation for eating just about any ammunition you feed it, which is a critical trait for a training pistol.
How do I deal with a .22LR pistol that keeps jamming?
Jamming is often an ammunition issue. .22LR is a rimfire cartridge, which can be dirtier and sometimes less consistent than centerfire. First, try switching to a higher-quality, high-velocity round like CCI Mini-Mags. If that doesn’t work, the issue is likely the pistol itself. A thorough cleaning is step one; .22LR fouls quickly. Next, check the magazine for debris or damage. If problems persist, the recoil spring might be worn out or the pistol may need a professional look. A clean, well-lubricated pistol with good ammo should run smoothly.
Should I get a suppressor for my .22LR pistol?
Absolutely, if you can legally own one. A .22LR pistol with a suppressor is one of the quietest and most fun shooting experiences you can have. It’s hearing-safe without bulky ear protection, which is great for new shooters or for extended training sessions in your backyard (where legal). It also significantly reduces noise pollution. Many of the 8 best 22LR pistols in 2025 come from the factory with threaded barrels, making suppressor attachment a simple process.