.22 LR Pistols

.22 Long Rifle (LR) Pistols: A Short History and Buying Guide

The .22 Long Rifle, or .22 LR, is a cartridge that's steeped in history. Introduced in 1887, it is a result of the development and evolution of earlier .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Originally designed for rifles, its application in handguns began to grow as the potential for a small-caliber, inexpensive, and low-recoil round became evident.

During its early days, the 22LR was primarily a round used for casual plinking, small game hunting, and basic firearm training. However, its popularity skyrocketed due to its affordability, reduced noise, and less intimidating nature, especially for new shooters.

Over the decades, the 22 LR has earned its place in almost every gun enthusiast's collection, making it one of the most produced and widely used cartridges in the world.

.22 LR Pistols to Buy for Each Shooting Discipline

Plinking

Casual shooting at informal targets like cans, bottles, or any other suitable reactive targets. Given the affordability of .22 LR ammunition, it's the favorite choice for this type of fun, recreational shooting.

• Ruger Wrangler: An affordable single-action revolver, the Wrangler is rugged and ideal for casual shooting sessions.
• Heritage Rough Rider: Another single-action revolver that comes in various finishes and grips, often used for plinking due to its affordability.

Precision Target Shooting

Many shooting competitions exist specifically for .22 LR pistols where shooters aim at paper targets at varying distances.

• Hammerli 208s: Widely regarded as one of the best .22 LR target pistols ever made, the Hammerli 208s is the choice of many competition shooters.
• Walther GSP: A dedicated target pistol, the GSP is another favorite among competitive shooters.

Small Game Hunting

While not as powerful as larger calibers, the .22 LR is capable of taking down small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and birds.

• Ruger Single Six: A single-action revolver that’s been a favorite for decades. Its accuracy and reliability make it perfect for small game.
• Browning Challenger: With its longer barrel options and accurate sights, it's a preferred choice for small game hunters.

Training

The .22 LR's low recoil and noise make it perfect for beginners. Many new shooters start with a .22 pistol before transitioning to larger calibers.

• Smith & Wesson M&P22: A scaled-down version of S&W’s M&P line of handguns, it mimics the feel and controls of its larger caliber siblings, making it perfect for training.
• Glock 44: Modeled after the popular Glock 19, this .22 LR variant allows for similar handling and training at a fraction of the ammo cost.

Self-defense

While not the first choice for self-defense due to its limited stopping power, .22 LR handguns are sometimes chosen for their ease of use and minimal recoil. However, it's crucial to select the right ammunition for this purpose.

• North American Arms Mini-Revolver: Compact and easy to conceal, these tiny revolvers provide a last-resort self-defense option in .22 LR.
• Beretta 21A Bobcat: As previously mentioned, its tilt-barrel design and compact size make it a choice for concealed carry by some.

Metallic Silhouette Shooting

A sport where shooters aim to knock down metal cut-outs of animals at varying distances. The light recoil and high accuracy potential of the .22 LR make it a top choice for this discipline.

• Thompson/Center Contender: Known for its adaptability with different barrels and calibers, its .22 LR variant is often used in silhouette shooting because of its pinpoint accuracy.
• Ruger Charger: Originally based on the 10/22 rifle platform, the Charger is a pistol variant that offers accuracy and a platform familiar to many rimfire enthusiasts, making it suitable for silhouette competitions.

Each of these handguns, given its design, functionality, and accuracy, finds a niche within the diverse world of .22 LR shooting. Whether you're a casual shooter, a competitor, or someone who depends on it for more practical purposes, there's likely a .22 LR pistol perfectly tailored to your needs.

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge, with its versatility and widespread use, has made .22 LR pistols a staple for shooters worldwide. From the early days of simple revolvers to the modern semi-automatics, .22 LR handguns have evolved while maintaining their place in history. Whether for sport, hunting, training, or defense, these pistols prove that sometimes, small calibers can make a big impact. Shop DEGuns to find the perfect .22 LR handgun for your needs.