A good .22 handgun earns its place in the safe fast. Ammo costs less than centerfire, recoil is manageable, and a solid rimfire pistol lets you get meaningful trigger time without turning every range trip into a major expense. The best .22 pistols are not all built for the same job, though. A target-style pistol, a compact trainer, and a lightweight trail gun can all be excellent choices – for different buyers.
For most shoppers, the right answer comes down to purpose, grip fit, magazine availability, and the kind of ammunition the pistol prefers. Buy the model that makes you want to shoot more often, not just the one with the most features on the box.
What separates the best .22 pistols from the rest
Rimfire handguns can be more particular about ammunition than centerfire pistols. That does not mean a pistol is bad if it has a preference. It means dependable function often comes from matching the gun with quality, consistent .22 LR loads and keeping it reasonably clean.
The practical questions matter most. Is the pistol easy to rack? Does the grip fit your hand? Can you find spare magazines? Are the sights usable for your intended distance? If you are buying a rimfire to mirror your defensive or competition handgun, does it have similar controls and a similar feel?
A quality .22 also needs to make sense at the counter. Check the trigger, work the magazine release, and see whether the balance feels right. A pistol that is too heavy, too small, or awkward to load will spend more time stored than shot.
Best .22 pistols by role
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite remains one of the strongest choices for range shooting and skill-building. Its grip angle feels familiar to many shooters who run modern polymer pistols, while the lightweight upper keeps the gun lively in the hand. The Mark IV platform is also known for a simple takedown system compared with earlier generations.
This is a strong pick for buyers who want accuracy, a good sight picture, and a pistol that can grow with them through optics and accessory options. The trade-off is that its target-pistol layout does not closely duplicate a carry gun, so it is less of a direct trainer for someone focused on a specific centerfire platform.
Browning Buck Mark
The Browning Buck Mark is a proven answer for shooters who want a traditional, accurate .22 pistol with excellent range manners. It has a reputation for a clean feel, good ergonomics, and the kind of steady balance that rewards slow, deliberate shooting.
There are multiple Buck Mark configurations, from practical field models to heavier target-oriented versions. That variety is part of the appeal. If you enjoy shooting tight groups or introducing a new shooter to proper sight alignment and trigger control, this is a platform worth handling in person.
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
The SW22 Victory is built around straightforward range use. Its stainless-steel construction gives it a substantial feel, and its simple design has made it popular with shooters who want a dependable target-style .22 without overcomplicating the purchase.
It is a sensible middle ground between a basic plinker and a dedicated match pistol. The Victory is not the lightest option on this list, but the added weight can be a benefit when stability and repeatable accuracy matter more than carrying convenience.
Taurus TX22
For higher-capacity training and casual range use, the Taurus TX22 has earned real attention. Its modern grip shape, light overall feel, and generous magazine capacity make it easy to run through a long practice session. It is especially appealing to shooters who want a .22 that feels more like a current full-size striker-fired handgun.
The TX22 is not a precision bullseye pistol, and it is not trying to be. It is a practical, fun-to-shoot option for plinking, drills, and bringing newer shooters along. Look closely at the particular version you are considering, since features can vary across standard, compact, competition, and optics-ready models.
SIG Sauer P322
The SIG Sauer P322 brings a feature-heavy approach to the rimfire trainer category. It offers a modern control layout, a high-capacity magazine design, and a size that works well for many adult shooters. For buyers already comfortable with contemporary polymer-framed pistols, the P322 has an intuitive feel.
It makes the most sense for range days where volume matters. Run quality ammunition, keep magazines clean, and take time to learn the loading process. Like many rimfire pistols with higher-capacity magazines, attention to loading can make a noticeable difference in reliability.
Glock 44
The Glock 44 is the obvious .22 option for shooters who already own or train with Glock centerfire pistols. Its controls, grip profile, and overall handling are familiar enough to make it a useful practice companion. That familiarity is the product’s main advantage.
The G44 is best viewed as a training pistol rather than a target gun. It is light, simple, and easy to carry in a range bag, but shooters looking for a heavier barrel, refined target trigger, or competition-style sight radius may be better served by a Ruger, Browning, or Victory.
FN 502 Tactical
The FN 502 Tactical is aimed at shooters who want a modern .22 with optics-ready capability and a tactical-style feature set. It has a more substantial feel than some lightweight trainers and gives buyers a practical path toward a rimfire pistol set up for red-dot practice.
That makes it a good option for shooters who want to build familiarity with an optic without using centerfire ammunition every trip. Accessories add cost, of course, and an optics-ready slide is only valuable if you plan to use it. For iron-sight-only plinking, a simpler model may offer better value.
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact
The M&P22 Compact is a strong fit for shooters who need smaller dimensions without going all the way to a pocket pistol. Its controls and general styling suit the modern trainer category, while the compact frame can work well for smaller hands and younger adult shooters.
The compact size also comes with a compromise: it is not as soft and steady as a full-size target pistol. Still, for a handy .22 that is easy to transport and approachable at the range, it has a useful place in the lineup.
Walther P22 Q
The Walther P22 Q has long been a popular choice for casual shooters who want a compact, lightweight .22 with an approachable grip. It is easy to handle and often appeals to buyers looking for a simple plinking gun rather than a formal target setup.
Because it is compact and light, it rewards buyers who understand its role. This is a practical recreational rimfire, not a heavy-barreled precision pistol. Use quality ammunition, follow the manual, and keep expectations aligned with its compact design.
Ruger LCP II in .22 LR
The Ruger LCP II in .22 LR fills a more specialized role. It is small, light, and designed around easy carry rather than long sessions of slow-fire target work. For someone looking for a minimal .22 to bring along on walks, camp trips, or casual outdoor use where lawful, it is worth considering.
Its small size is both the benefit and the drawback. Shorter sight radius, lighter weight, and a compact grip make precise shooting more demanding. It is a niche pistol, but it is a useful one when portability is the top priority.
Match the pistol to your real use
If your goal is accurate range shooting, start with the Ruger Mark IV, Browning Buck Mark, or SW22 Victory. Their weight, sighting setups, and target-focused design make practice rewarding. If you want a trainer that resembles the controls and feel of a modern defensive handgun, look first at the TX22, P322, Glock 44, M&P22 Compact, or FN 502 Tactical.
For a first-time buyer, simpler is usually better. Choose a pistol that fits your hands, has magazines you can source, and is easy to operate under the supervision of a qualified instructor or experienced range partner. A .22 is an excellent training tool, but safe handling, secure storage, and compliance with all applicable laws come first.
Inventory changes quickly, especially on popular rimfire models and spare magazines. At 507 Outfitters, shoppers can compare available options, ask about current deals, and check whether a specific model can be sourced through dealer channels. Bring your questions, handle a few different pistols, and let the fit in your hand make the final call.
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