22 Rifles

Rimfire rifles are often chosen as introductory weapons for newcomers as these guns are outstandingly easy to handle and master. In the family of rimfire cartridges, the .22 cal is probably the most prominent branch, counting over 11 calibers within its ranks. Among them, there is one nonesuch round. The .22LR (22 Long Rifle) has managed to become one of the most popular rounds in history, comprising almost 20% of the total ammo sold annually. On this page, Gritr Sports gathered all 22 rifles in our collection. Here you can find all 22 caliber rifles made by such industry experts as Ruger, Henry Repeating Firearms, Rossi, Smith & Wesson, and other popular brands.

22 Rifles: Calibers

.22LR Rifles

The .22 LR rifles are small caliber rifles designed to shoot the .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge, not to be confused with .22 Long or .22 Short Rifle cartridge.

Popular among varmint hunters, competitive shooters, and plinkers, these rifles are lightweight, soft shooting, quiet, and one of the most affordable on the market. Being an excellent choice for beginners or those who want to practice their shooting skills without breaking the bank, 22 LR rifles are undoubtedly a must-have for any rifle enthusiast.

Other Rimfire .22 Rifles

Apart from the .22 LR, there are several other popular .22 rimfire calibers used in various settings. One of the most popular alternatives is the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire), which is slightly larger and faster than the .22LR. It is a popular choice for small-game hunting and varmint control. The .22 Long is an older rimfire cartridge that was once widely used but has been largely replaced by the .22 Long Rifle. It is still produced and used in some specialized applications such as indoor shooting ranges. If you are looking for a 22 Long or 22 Mag rifle, this is a great place to get one.

Centerfire .22 Rifles

Not all .22 calibers are rimfire. The .22 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge that is somewhat larger and more powerful than the rimfire .22s. It is popular among hunters for varmints and small game but is somewhat less common than the .22 LR and .22 WMR. The .22-250 Remington is a high-velocity cartridge that is designed for long-range target shooting and varmint hunting. It has a flatter trajectory than the .22 Hornet, allowing it to maintain its accuracy over longer distances. If you want to replenish your collection with a 22-250 rifle or a 22 Hornet rifle, you’ve come to the right place.

22 Rifles: Actions & Applications

Bolt Action 22 Rifles

When choosing a rifle for specific uses, the type of action can make a big difference. For instance, bolt action 22 rifles are often praised for their accuracy. This is because they have a simpler design with fewer moving parts compared to other rifles. As a result, bolt action .22 rifles are often the go-to choice for competitive shooting and hunting at longer distances.

Lever Action & Semi Automatic 22 Rifles

On the other hand, semi-auto 22 rifles, such as the legendary Ruger 10/22, are popular plinking guns and small-game hunting rifles. By the by, this Ruger exists exclusively as an autoloading rifle, i.e. there’s no such thing as Ruger 10/22 bolt action. If you’re looking for tactical shooting variants, consider the HK HK416 .22 LR rifle and Kel-Tec SU22.

However, semi-automatic rifles are more prone to jams, especially when chambered for rimfire cartridges. So if you’re looking for a good, reliable, compact 22 rifle that will also be fun to shoot, consider lever action designs, such as a classic Henry 22 lever action (H001).

22 AR Rifles & AR-15 22 LR Rifles

The AR-15 platform's popularity in the U.S. has sparked a growing interest among rimfire enthusiasts for AR-style .22 rifles. Our extensive catalog includes a wide range of options beyond the traditional lever action and bolt action .22 rifles, featuring many .22 AR rifles. While the classic AR-15 chambered in 5.56/.223 Remington is technically a .22 caliber, those seeking something unique might consider rifles chambered in the innovative .22 ACR (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) introduced by Hornady in 2024. This cartridge features a new 62-grain high ballistic coefficient bullet, allowing .22 ARC rifles to outperform both standard AR-15s and .22-250 rifles.

However, if you want a .22LR AR rifle for cross-platform compatibility, check out models like the Kriss DMK22C, CMMG Banshee M4 22LR, S&W 15-22 Sport 22LR, and Walther Hammerli Tac R1C 22LR.

Gritr Sports has the best 22 rifles for sale. And by best, we mean of the best make. We work with top gun-manufacturing brands so that you could get only the highest-quality firearms.

The .22 caliber is incredibly versatile and used in a wide range of firearms, but here, we're focusing specifically on rifles. If you're interested in exploring other .22 guns, be sure to check out the Pistols and Revolvers categories. For those interested in semi-automatic models, visit the M4 rifle and AR-15 categories.

FAQs

What is a .22 rifle?

A .22 rifle is a firearm that uses .22 caliber ammunition. Those are usually but not exclusively chambered in .22 LR. These rifles are popular for their affordability, low recoil, and versatility, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.

What are .22 rifles used for?

The .22 rifles are incredibly versatile. They are commonly used for target practice, plinking, and small game hunting. Additionally, they're often the go-to choice for teaching new shooters due to their manageable recoil and lower noise level.

Are .22 rifles good for home defense?

While .22 rifles can be used for home defense (the way anything can), they should never be your first choice. The .22 caliber round is smaller and less powerful than many other rifle options. A larger caliber firearm is definitely more effective in home defense situations.

What are some popular .22 rifle models?

There are many popular .22 rifle models available on the market. Some of the most renowned include the Ruger 10/22, Marlin Model 60, and the Remington 597. Each offers unique features and advantages, so it's important to research and try out different models to find the best fit for your needs.

What is the most accurate .22 rifle at 100 yards?

For those seeking accuracy in a .22 rifle at 100 yards, competition and precision rifles like the CZ 457 MTR and Tikka T1X are the most popular. Other notable options include the Proof Latitude, MPA Matrix Pro, and Savage Mark II FV-SR. If you’re looking for a serious 22 precision rifle and ready to invest, consider single-shot rifles from Anschutz, Walther, Grunig Elmiger, and Feinwerkbau. Still, remember, with .22 LR precision guns, it's crucial to focus on ammunition, as performance is about 75% dependent on the ammo and 25% on the rifle itself.

What’s the best .22 rifle with a threaded barrel to use with a suppressor?

For those interested in rifles that are silencer-ready, consider the following options:

Semi-Automatic: Ruger 10/22 Charger, Tippmann M4-22, HK MP5 .22LR, and Rock Island TM 22.
Bolt-Action: Springfield 2020, Savage FVSR, S&W M&P 15-22, and CZ 457.

What’s the best lever-action .22 LR rifle?

Any of the Henry .22 rifles, like the H001, are renowned for their reliability and classic styling. Chiappa LA332, Marlin 39A Golden, and Browning BL-22 are also considered one of the best 22lr lever action rifles.

What are the considerations of a single-shot bolt-action .22 LR rifle?

Single-shot bolt-action rifles like the Savage Rascal and KSA Crickett are ideal for precision shooting. Also, compared to high-end options like Anschutz, these are also affordable.

What’s the best youth 22 rifle?

The Savage Rascal is a lightweight rifle featuring single-shot action and an adjustable AccuTrigger, ensuring safety and ease of use. For young shooters, the Crickett Youth Rifle offers a simple, single-shot bolt-action design and comes in various colors. The Ruger 10/22 Compact is a semi-automatic option with a shorter barrel and stock, making it easier to handle. Lastly, the Henry Mini Bolt Youth is tailored for young shooters, equipped with a stainless steel barrel and user-friendly peep sights.