Like most people, I began with a.22 handgun and couldn't wait to upgrade to a centerfire. But, after years of pummeling myself with heavyweights, I finally reached the point where it was a joy to pick up a rimfire again. A .22 pistol or revolver is a must-have for anyone who shoots firearms on a regular basis. The handgun delivers a low noise signature, negligible recoil, and sheer economy, whether you use it for plinking, small game or varmints, paper punching, or introducing new shooters to the pleasures of the range (a factor less significant with the .22 Magnum). However, just as purchasing .22 ammo is very inexpensive, pricing can also play a role in deciding which handgun to buy.
Let's have a look at the best.22 LR pistols and how to find the appropriate one for you.
What to Look for in a .22 LR Pistol
In a.22 LR pistol, there are a few features that I seek for.
1. Accuracy. The .22 LR is a very accurate round at close ranges, so investing in a gun that can hit what you're aiming at is worthwhile. You'll have a lot more fun striking cans put up on a hill than watching bullets land just a hair's breadth away.
2. Ergonomics and Shootability. I want to shoot something that I'll love, not anything that will be challenging.
3. Aftermarket support. Nothing is more infuriating than a $200 rifle with $50 magazines. I'm looking for anything with a lot of help and options. There are a ludicrous amount of aftermarket manufacturers for rimfire handguns and rifles, with triggers, stocks, conversion kits, sights, extractors, magazines, mag releases...the list goes on and on. Because a rimfire firearm is so inexpensive to purchase, you may experiment and go all out on upgrades and extras without fear of ruining anything valuable.
Forget about all those high-tech weapons. Rimfire guns shouldn't be prohibitively expensive. You're doing life wrong if you spend more on a.22 handgun than a case of ammo, in my opinion. These.22s are designed to be fired quickly, in large numbers, and for as little money as feasible. This is a list of pistols that can accomplish just that.
