The world of .22 LR pistols offers an incredible blend of affordability, low recoil, and pure shooting fun. Whether you’re honing your skills on the range, teaching a new shooter, or managing pests on the property, having the right rimfire handgun and accessories makes all the difference. From classic single-action revolvers to modern polymer-frame automatics, the options are vast and varied.
This epic collection is designed to guide you through some of the best available firearms and the essential upgrades that enhance their performance and aesthetics. We’ve compiled a list of top-tier pistols, revolvers, and must-have accessories to help you build the perfect .22 LR setup for your needs. Finding the ideal combination of reliability, ergonomics, and features is key to a great shooting experience.
Our Top Picks for .22 LR Pistols and Accessories
- TruGlo Fiber Optics Ruger Pistol Handgun Front Sight
- EZMAGLOADER Magazine Speed Loader for The Taurus TX22
- MBT GRIPS Walther Wooden Pistol Grips, Brown Textured Hardwood
- Browning Buckmark Holster w/Mag Pouch
- Silverado Compatible Replacement Heritage Rough Rider 22 Grips
- Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact 22 LR Pistol
- Sig Sauer P322 22 LR Pistol
- Ruger Wrangler 22 LR Revolver
TruGlo Fiber Optics Ruger Pistol Handgun Front Sight
Upgrade your rimfire pistol with the TruGlo Fiber Optic Front Sight. This replacement accessory is engineered to provide the brightest aiming point possible, significantly improving your sight picture. The fiber-optic rod gathers ambient light, creating a highly visible bead that stands out against any background.
This sight is a direct replacement for the factory front sight on popular rimfire pistols like the Ruger MKII, MKIII, 22/45, and Browning BuckMark. The enhanced visibility it offers is a major benefit in various lighting conditions, especially during the low light of twilight hours. Installing this sight can lead to better target acquisition and more consistent, accurate shots on the range or in the field.
EZMAGLOADER Magazine Speed Loader for The Taurus TX22
Loading rimfire magazines by hand can be a tedious and sometimes painful task for your thumbs. The EZMAGLOADER is specifically designed to solve this problem for owners of the popular Taurus TX22. This speed loader is custom-made for the TX22 magazine, guaranteeing a perfect fit that generic loaders cannot match.
The design features large side flanges and a collar for an easy, comfortable grip. The process is simple: hold the magazine with one hand and press the loader down with the other. You can also rest the loader on a table and push the magazine down for even easier operation. This accessory makes reloading your magazines fast, effortless, and completely pain-free.
MBT GRIPS Walther Wooden Pistol Grips
Give your Walther PPK/S a touch of classic elegance with these hardwood grips from MBT. Crafted from high-quality wood, they feature a traditional checkered pattern that not only looks great but also provides a secure, non-slip grip. A Tung oil finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain, offering a rich, warm appearance.
These grips are precision CNC machined to ensure a perfect fit for Walther PPK/S models in both .22 LR and .380 ACP calibers. The installation requires no modifications or adjustments, making it a simple drop-in upgrade. They provide a more substantial and authentic feel compared to standard factory grips, improving both the look and handling of your pistol.
Browning Buckmark Holster w/Mag Pouch
Carry your Browning Buckmark and an extra magazine conveniently with this dedicated holster and pouch set. Designed in the USA with quality materials, this Browning gear is built for high tensile strength and long-term durability. It offers a practical solution for range days, training, or outdoor activities.
The set securely holds your pistol while the integrated magazine pouch ensures you have a spare readily available. This holistic approach to carry gear is good for all people, whether you are an avid outdoorsman or a recreational shooter. It provides a reliable and organized way to transport your firearm and essential accessories.
Silverado Compatible Replacement Heritage Rough Rider 22 Grips
Customize your Heritage Rough Rider revolver with these stylish and durable replacement grips. Made from high-luster acrylic, they feature a polished finish that closely mimics the look of genuine mother-of-pearl. This premium material adds a flash of style and provides long-lasting performance.
These grips are specifically designed for both 6-shot and 9-shot Heritage Rough Rider models in .22 LR and .22 Mag. The authentic single-action style enhances the classic western appearance of your revolver. Beyond their visual appeal, they offer a comfortable and secure grip, whether you are shooting or simply displaying your firearm.
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact 22 LR Pistol
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is a fantastic training tool and plinking pistol that mirrors the feel and function of its center-fire M&P counterparts. Its compact size and lightweight polymer frame make it easy to handle, while the familiar ergonomics and controls provide a seamless transition for those who train with larger caliber M&P pistols.
This pistol is known for its reliability and is a great option for new shooters or for inexpensive practice. It features a crisp trigger, adjustable sights, and a rail for mounting optics or lights. The M&P 22 Compact delivers the proven performance of the M&P series in a cost-effective .22 LR package.
Sig Sauer P322 22 LR Pistol
Sig Sauer entered the .22 LR pistol market with the feature-packed P322. This pistol stands out with its high capacity, often coming with two 20-round magazines and the ability to hold even more. It is designed with a optics-ready slide, allowing you to easily mount a red dot sight right out of the box.
With a flat-faced trigger, excellent ergonomics, and fully ambidextrous controls, the P322 is a modern and versatile rimfire handgun. Its accuracy and high magazine capacity make it ideal for extended range sessions, competition, or tactical training. The P322 brings Sig Sauer’s reputation for quality and innovation to the .22 LR space.
Ruger Wrangler 22 LR Revolver
The Ruger Wrangler offers incredible value, bringing the classic single-action revolver experience to shooters on a budget. It features a durable Cerakote finish in several color options and a fixed front sight with an adjustable rear sight for basic windage and elevation corrections. Its uncomplicated design is both reliable and easy to maintain.
This six-shot revolver is a perfect first firearm, a fun plinker, or a trail gun. The transfer bar safety mechanism provides security, and the loading and unloading process is a simple, timeless operation. The Ruger Wrangler delivers robust construction and the Ruger name at an accessible price point.
What to Look For in an Epic Collection of the Best 8LR Pistols
Building a collection of 8LR pistols is a specific and rewarding journey. Since “8LR” isn’t a standard, mass-market cartridge, you’re stepping into a world of custom builds, historical reproductions, and specialized target shooting. My first piece of advice is to get very clear on what “8LR” means to you. Are you looking for a modern interpretation, or are you chasing a specific historical piece? This decision will shape your entire search and budget.
For revolvers, you are likely looking at custom gunsmiths who can chamber a single-action or double-action frame for the cartridge. The fit and finish are paramount here. Examine the cylinder timing and lock-up; everything should be tight and smooth. The quality of the bluing or case hardening on a reproduction piece is a direct reflection of the craftsman’s skill. Since these are often used for single-shot target shooting or hunting, the trigger pull is non-negotiable. You want a clean, crisp break with minimal creep. Don’t be shy about asking the builder for specifics on the trigger work they’ve performed.
When it comes to automatics, the field is even more niche. You might be considering a custom 1911 platform or something similar. Here, reliability is king. A semi-automatic pistol feeding a unique rimmed cartridge can be finicky. You need to look at the feed ramp geometry and the magazine design. A good custom builder will have tested the pistol extensively with various hand loads. Ask about the recommended overall cartridge length (OAL) for reliable feeding. The slide-to-frame fit and barrel bushing fit are also critical for accuracy. A loose-fitting automatic in a precision cartridge like this defeats the purpose.
Finally, think about the practicalities. Sourcing ammunition or reloading components is a huge part of this hobby. You are not going to find 8LR ammo at your local big-box store. Before you buy any pistol, ensure you have a confirmed source for brass, bullets, and dies. The availability of these components can greatly influence which pistol you choose. Handling and ergonomics matter, too. A beautiful custom revolver is useless if it doesn’t point naturally for you. This epic collection of the best 8LR pistols should be a reflection of your personal taste and shooting goals, not just a display of expensive parts.
FAQ
What exactly is an 8LR pistol cartridge?
The 8LR is a specialized, primarily custom or wildcat cartridge. It’s not a factory-standard round you’ll find from major ammunition manufacturers like Federal or Winchester. It’s often based on a cartridge case that has been reformed and necked down to accept an 8mm (.323 inch) bullet. The “LR” can sometimes denote “Long Rifle,” but it’s more of a descriptive name than a direct relation to the .22 Long Rifle. These pistols are built for enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of hand-loading and shooting a highly accurate, unique round, often for target shooting or hunting small to medium game.
Are there any major manufacturers that produce 8LR pistols?
It is highly unlikely you will find a current production 8LR pistol from a major manufacturer like Glock, Smith & Wesson, or Sig Sauer. The market for such a specific cartridge is far too small for mass production. Your search will lead you to custom pistol smiths and small-scale specialty shops that build firearms to order. Sometimes, you might find a used custom piece through high-end gun brokers or at specialized shooting competitions where these unique firearms are showcased.
Is the 8LR a good choice for a first-time pistol owner?
I would strongly advise against an 8LR pistol for a first-time owner. The challenges of sourcing ammunition, the necessity of hand-loading, the cost of a custom firearm, and the general lack of available information make it a difficult platform to start with. It’s much more practical to begin with a common caliber like 9mm or .22 LR where you can easily find ammo, accessories, and a wealth of instructional content to learn the fundamentals of safe shooting and marksmanship.
What is the approximate cost of a custom 8LR pistol?
Be prepared for a significant investment. A custom-built revolver or automatic pistol chambered in 8LR can easily cost several thousand dollars. The price depends entirely on the gunsmith’s reputation, the base firearm you start with (if any), the level of engraving or custom finish work, and the complexity of the chambering process. This does not include the cost of reloading equipment (press, dies, components) which is essentially mandatory to feed the pistol.
Can a standard pistol be converted to fire 8LR?
Converting an existing factory pistol to 8LR is a major gunsmithing project, not a simple barrel swap. It would likely require a new barrel, a custom-fitted chamber, potentially a new bolt or slide, and significant work on the magazine or cylinder to accommodate the different cartridge dimensions and pressure profile. This is a job for a highly skilled and experienced pistol smith who understands the intricacies of the 8LR cartridge and the firearm platform you’re starting with.