As a Marine, I’ve learned that marksmanship fundamentals are non-negotiable. You build them with repetition, and nothing offers more affordable, low-recoil trigger time than a quality 22LR pistol. Whether you’re a new shooter building a foundation, an experienced hand looking for cheap practice, or someone seeking a reliable plinker, the right 22 pistol is an invaluable tool. The market in 2025 is packed with fantastic options, from classic revolvers to modern semi-autos that mimic their centerfire counterparts.
I’ve spent countless hours on the range with dozens of models, evaluating them not just as range toys, but as serious training aids. My criteria are simple: reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and overall value. A malfunction-prone 22 is worse than no 22 at all, as it ingrains bad habits. This list is built from hands-on experience, separating the truly best 22LR pistols from the rest. I’ve considered everything from rugged durability for field use to fine-tuned accuracy for competition.
11 Best 22LR Pistols in 2025
- Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite
- Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact
- Walther PDP 22 Compact
- Kel-Tec P17
- Ruger SR22 Pistol
- Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver
- Taurus TX22 Competition
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite
If you want a top-tier pistol for punching tiny groups and looking good doing it, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is hard to beat. The star of the show is the one-button takedown. Older Mark series pistols were a nightmare to disassemble and reassemble; the Mark IV fixes this completely. A simple push of a button lets the upper receiver hinge away from the grip frame for effortless cleaning. The “Lite” model features a sleek, ventilated aluminum upper receiver that shaves off significant weight, making it perfectly balanced and a joy to hold on target for extended periods.
From a shooter’s perspective, the trigger is excellent out of the box—clean and crisp. The 22/45 grip angle mimics a 1911, which feels very natural in the hand if you’re used to that platform. I’ve found it runs reliably with a wide variety of standard and high-velocity ammunition. The built-in Picatinny rail makes mounting a red dot sight a breeze, and this pistol truly shines with an optic. It’s my go-to recommendation for anyone interested in precision plinking or getting into rimfire pistol competitions.
Pros
- Effortless one-button takedown for easy cleaning
- Lightweight and well-balanced for reduced fatigue
- Excellent, crisp trigger right from the factory
Cons
- Higher price point than many basic 22LR pistols
- The skeletonized “Lite” design can get dirty faster
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact
For those who train with a modern striker-fired pistol like an M&P, Glock, or similar, the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is the ultimate training tool. It’s not a scaled-down toy; it’s a nearly full-size replica of its centerfire siblings. The controls—the slide stop, magazine release, and takedown lever—are all in the same place and function identically. This means you can practice your draw, sight picture, trigger press, and reloads with cheap 22LR ammo, directly translating those skills to your primary defensive handgun.
In my experience, this pistol is remarkably reliable for a blowback-operated 22. It handles standard and high-velocity rounds well, though it sometimes struggles with the absolute weakest sub-sonic ammunition. The size and feel in the hand are excellent, providing a confident grip. It’s also a fantastic option for new shooters who may be intimidated by larger calibers but want to learn on a platform they might eventually carry. The build quality is solid, and it feels like a real duty weapon, because, in essence, it is.
Pros
- Perfect manual-of-arms trainer for M&P centerfire pistols
- Nearly full-size ergonomics for realistic handling
- Proven reliability with most types of ammunition
Cons
- May have occasional failures with very low-power ammo
- Sights are basic polymer, which some may want to upgrade
Walther PDP 22 Compact
Walther’s PDP series is renowned for its fantastic ergonomics and superb trigger, and the PDP 22 Compact brings those exact features to the rimfire world. This pistol is designed as a direct trainer for the PDP 9mm/40cal models. The grip texture, stippling, and overall feel are identical, making it an incredibly effective tool for honing your skills with your primary handgun. The famous Walther trigger is present here—it’s crisp, clean, and has a short reset that helps with fast, accurate follow-up shots.
From my time with it, the PDP 22 is accurate and easy to shoot well. The sights are a clear white three-dot system that provides a good sight picture. While it’s a compact model, it still feels substantial in the hand, offering a full grip for most shooters. The takedown is simple for routine cleaning. If you own or are considering a Walther PDP as a defensive or competition pistol, this 22LR version is arguably the smartest investment you can make to improve your proficiency with that platform.
Pros
- Perfect ergonomic match for the centerfire PDP series
- Excellent trigger with a short, tactile reset
- High-quality build and reliable performance
Cons
- Priced at a premium compared to some competitors
- Magazine capacity is standard (10 rounds), not high-capacity
Kel-Tec P17
If your top priority is value, the Kel-Tec P17 is almost unbelievable. For a very affordable price, you get a feature-packed 22LR pistol that includes three 16-round magazines, a thread-protected barrel, and an integrated Picatinny rail. In a market where magazines alone can cost a significant portion of the pistol’s price, getting three is a huge benefit. The P17 is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great companion for a hike or backpacking trip.
Don’t let the low price fool you into thinking it’s cheaply made. The P17 is a well-engineered pistol that functions surprisingly well. I’ve found it cycles reliably with high-velocity ammunition, though like many 22s, it can be finicky with sub-sonics. The sights are basic but functional. It’s not a refined target pistol like the Ruger Mark IV, but it is an incredibly fun, reliable plinker that offers more features per dollar than anything else on the market. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time at the range.
Pros
- Exceptional value, includes three 16-round magazines
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Threaded barrel for suppressor use
Cons
- Best performance is with high-velocity ammunition only
- Build feel is more utilitarian than refined
Ruger SR22 Pistol
The Ruger SR22 has been a cornerstone of the 22LR pistol world for years, and for good reason: it just works. Its primary strength is its incredible ammunition versatility. I’ve run everything from hot CCI Stingers to weak bulk-pack ammo through the SR22, and it handles them all with remarkable consistency. This is partly due to the adjustable sights that can be dialed in for different ammunition velocities. The ergonomics are another high point, with interchangeable palm swell grips to fit small, medium, or large hands.
This pistol is an ideal choice for a household with multiple shooters. The manual safety/decocker is ambidextrous and easy to operate, and the slide is easy to rack, which is great for new or younger shooters. It’s durable, reliable, and has a proven track record. While it may not have the high-capacity magazines of some newer models or the target-grade accuracy of a Mark IV, the SR22 is the workhorse of the rimfire pistol world. It’s the gun you can count on to function every time you pull it out of the safe.
Pros
- Extremely reliable with virtually any type of 22LR ammo
- Excellent, adjustable ergonomics with interchangeable grips
- Durable and proven design with a long track record
Cons
- 10-round magazine capacity is lower than some newer designs
- Design is starting to show its age compared to newer models
Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver
Sometimes, you just need absolute reliability, and that’s where a revolver like the Smith & Wesson 617 shines. As a Marine, I appreciate tools that work under any condition, and a double-action revolver is about as simple and dependable as it gets. The 617 is a full-size, 10-shot K-frame revolver built to last a lifetime. It’s heavy, thanks to its stainless steel construction, but that weight soaks up recoil, making it feel like you’re shooting a laser beam.
The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp and clean. This revolver will fire any 22LR cartridge you put in it—standard velocity, hyper-velocity, shorts, longs, even snake shot. There are no magazines to load or feeds ramps to worry about. It’s the perfect tool for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of trigger control without any mechanical distractions. While it’s an investment, the 617 is a classic piece that will never go out of style and will provide unmatched service for generations.
Pros
- Ultimate reliability; fires any
Taurus TX22 Competition
The Taurus TX22 shook up the market with its high capacity and reliability, and the Competition model takes that excellent foundation and optimizes it for the range or competition. The most noticeable feature is the threaded barrel, which comes with a thread protector and is ready for a suppressor or compensator right out of the box. The slide is cut for a red dot optic, a huge advantage for speed and accuracy. This factory-ready approach saves you the cost and hassle of sending a slide out for milling.
What impresses me most about the TX22 line is its 16-round magazine capacity, which is among the highest in the class. This means more shooting and less reloading during a session. The ergonomics are superb, with a comfortable grip that fits a wide range of hand sizes. I’ve found it to be one of the most reliable 22 semi-autos on the market, cycling a wide spectrum of ammunition without a hiccup. For the shooter who wants a feature-rich, competition-ready pistol without a custom shop price tag, the TX22 Competition is an outstanding value.
Pros
- Factory-ready for optics and suppressors
- High 16-round magazine capacity
- Exceptional reliability across various ammo types
Cons
- The slide is aluminum, which is lighter than steel
- Some competition purists may prefer a heavier frame
Buying Guide: 11 Best 22LR Pistols in 2025: Reviewed by a Marine
As a Marine, I have a specific way of looking at firearms. It’s not just about what’s fun; it’s about reliability, ergonomics, and purpose. A .22LR pistol is one of the most valuable tools you can own, whether you’re teaching a new shooter, practicing fundamentals on a budget, or handling pests. The low recoil and cheap ammo mean you can shoot more, and shooting more makes you better. But not all .22LR pistols are created equal. Here’s what I consider before making a recommendation.
First, think about why you want it. Is this for precision target shooting, plinking cans, or as a training aid for a larger centerfire pistol? A target pistol like a Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark is hard to beat for accuracy, but it’s not something you’d carry. If you want to simulate your duty or carry gun, a .22LR version of a Glock 44 or Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact makes a lot of sense. The manual of arms is identical, which is a huge training benefit.
Next, consider the action type. Revolvers, like the Ruger Wrangler or Heritage Rough Rider, are incredibly simple and reliable. They’ll cycle any ammunition, even the low-powered stuff that can jam a semi-auto. Semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots and higher capacity, but they can be picky about ammo. If you go with a semi-auto, be prepared to test a few different brands of high-velocity ammunition to find what runs best in your gun.
Ergonomics and controls are non-negotiable. The pistol should feel good in your hand. Can you reach the safety and the magazine release easily? Is the slide easy to rack? This is especially important for shooters with less hand strength. A pistol that’s difficult to operate won’t get used. Simplicity is key. The Taurus TX22, for example, is famous for its great grip feel and easy-to-use controls, which is why it’s a top pick for many.
Finally, look at maintenance. How easy is it to take apart and clean? .22LR ammunition is dirty, and your pistol will need regular cleaning to function properly. The Ruger Mark IV fixed the one major complaint about its predecessors by adding a one-button takedown. What used to be a frustrating puzzle is now a 10-second job. A gun that’s easy to clean is a gun that will get cleaned, and that means it will last longer and run better.
FAQ
What is the most reliable .22LR pistol?
In my experience, revolvers are generally the most reliable because they aren’t dependent on ammunition power to cycle the action. For semi-autos, reliability often comes down to using quality, high-velocity ammunition. Models like the Taurus TX22 and Ruger Mark IV have excellent reputations for eating all types of ammo with minimal issues. Keeping any semi-auto clean is the number one factor for reliability with .22LR.
Is a .22LR pistol good for self-defense?
This is a complex question. As a Marine, my view is that a .22LR is not my first choice for a primary self-defense weapon. Centerfire cartridges like 9mm are far more effective at stopping a threat. However, a .22LR pistol you can shoot accurately and confidently is infinitely better than a .45 you can’t handle. It can be a viable option for situations where recoil sensitivity is a major concern, but you must understand its limitations and prioritize shot placement.
What should I look for in a .22LR pistol for a beginner?
For a new shooter, focus on simplicity and comfort. A revolver is fantastic because it’s simple: load it, point it, shoot it. There’s no safety or slide to manage. If you prefer a semi-auto, choose one with mild recoil, easy-to-operate controls, and a simple takedown process for cleaning. The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is a great example, as it mimics a common service pistol but is sized and powered for a beginner.
Why are some .22LR pistols so picky with ammunition?
.22LR semi-autos rely on the energy from the fired round to cycle the slide. Standard velocity or sub-sonic ammo often doesn’t generate enough pressure to work the action consistently. This is why most manufacturers recommend using high-velocity ammunition. The action is physically smaller and lighter, making it more sensitive to variations in ammunition quality compared to a centerfire pistol.
How often should I clean my .22LR pistol?
You should clean it after every shooting session if you want it to run perfectly. .22LR ammunition is notoriously dirty and leaves a lot of powder residue and lead fouling. If you put a few hundred rounds through it, a basic field strip and cleaning will prevent carbon buildup from affecting performance. A quick wipe-down and re-lubrication of the slide rails takes only a few minutes and is worth the effort.
Are there any .22LR pistols that feel like full-size service handguns?
Absolutely, and they are excellent for training. The Glock 44 is designed to be the same size and weight as a Glock 19, offering identical handling. The Walther PDP 22 and the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact also provide a very similar feel to their larger-caliber counterparts. This allows for affordable, high-round-count practice that directly translates to your primary firearm. This is a key reason for considering the 11 Best 22LR Pistols in 2025: Reviewed by a Marine, as several models fit this specific training need.