The .22 round is now 159 years old, and shows no sign of becoming any less popular with age. Shooters have been relying on it for over a century, and it is now older than many of the weapons we have handled, let alone owned. There are many reasons to own a few good .22 caliber weapons. Preppers swear by them, if only because .22 rounds are available everywhere, can be stored and carried easily, and cost next to nothing. We will walk you through our picks for the best 22 pistols to have on hand.
If you are preparing for the apocalypse, you probably already have a few .22s around, but some of the rest of us haven’t shot one since we were children. While .22s remain amazing weapons to take down squirrels and other small game hunting, they have many other uses.
While .22s remain amazing weapons to take down squirrels and other small game hunting, they have many other uses.
Add to this the fact that .22s are normally much cheaper than larger, centerfire rifles and pistols, and getting a decent .22 starts to look like an attractive proposition.
Unpack This Article's Arsenal
- Best 22 Pistols Article Insights
- Why a .22 Pistol?
- Best Overall .22 Pistol
- Best .22 Pistol for Self Defense
- Best Value 22 Pistol
- .22 Pistol with The Best Magazine
- Best .22 Pistol for Plinking
- Best .22 Pistols for Target Shooting
- Best 22 Pistols Buying Guide
- The Best 22 Pistols Final Thoughts
- Recommended Reading
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| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Ruger SR22 |  |
 | Sig Sauer 1911-22 | |
 | Sig Sauer Mosquito | |
 | Walther P22 | |
 | Smith &Wesson Model 17 | |
 | Browning Buckmark | |
Best 22 Pistols Article Insights
In this article, we are going to present you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the best .22 pistol for your needs. We are going to outline our choices based on different categories, so that you can make your decision easier. Each of these are popular 22 pistols and would make a great choice for any shooter, but the most important part is that they match your needs.
This is why you first need to consider what you are actually looking for in a .22, so that you can go into our guide to find the perfect pistol for you.
After this, we will give you a short buyer’s guide to help make your decision even easier. We will outline the top factors to consider in your decision. Having a decision criteria from the outset helps greatly in making a final choice.
Why a .22 Pistol?
I know what you’re thinking – whilst .22 rifles are great while out hunting small critters or for target practice, a .22 pistol is simply too underpowered to make sense.
This is true, in some ways. I wouldn’t recommend .22 pistol shooting to someone looking for some serious firepower. The small, light round doesn’t cause that much damage, and in some pistols can be unreliable. However, there are a few reasons why .22 pistols are a useful part of your armory.
It all depends what you are looking to use your pistol for. If you are a serious hunter, or are into prepping, I probably don’t need to tell you why this is. When hunting small game, or to defend yourself against wild animals, a .22 pistol has more than enough power.
What About a .22 Pistol for Self Defense?
We’re not big fans of choosing a .22 pistol for self defense. Whilst a .22 will not stop an attacker dead in their tracks, it will certainly slow them down. In the right hands, a .22 LR cartridge can do some serious damage. If your looking primarily for a home defense handgun, we suggest you check our article Best Home Defense Handguns.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our six favorite .22 pistols for various purposes.
Best Overall .22 Pistol
Ruger SR22
For most purposes, we think that the Ruger SR22 is the best .22 pistol out there. You’re going to see Rugers appearing quite a lot in this list, and with good reason.
The SR22 has been around for donkey’s years now, and is a good example of why the old designs are the best. Instead of trying to re-invent the .22 pistol every year, Ruger stick with the design that is tried and tested in the field.
Ruger initially became famous for their 10/22 rifles, and they’ve carried over the rugged design of those to this handgun. They’ve removed all of the annoying design features that characterize too many modern .22 pistols, and stuck with what works.
Features of the Ruger SR22 Pistol
We’ve tested a lot of .22 pistols over the years, and this is arguably the best. Let’s take a look at some of the features that make it stand out as a great .22 pistol.
- First and foremost, the controls here are what you would expect from a modern, full-sized pistol, which makes shooting this .22 much like a Glock. The safety is the same, with a frame mounted catch that is easier to use than any slide-mounted safety mechanism.
- The accuracy offered by the SR22 is great right out of the box, although you can always add aftermarket sights to improve your ability to shoot at range. The standard sights are of the standard 3 dot variety, and the rear assembly is adjustable.
- Another adjustable feature of the SR22 are the two palm swells on the grip. These can be removed and swapped out, which makes adjusting the pistol for different hand sizes simple and easy.
- In our tests, the SR22 was not fussy at all about the ammunition it took, firing everything from the weakest junk cartridges right up to powerful rounds with no trouble. The large, flared base of the .22 LR round still – after all these years – has a tendency to get jammed in poorly made pistols, and we are pleased to report that there were no such problems here.
Cons of the Ruger SR22
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks of the SR22 that might mean it is not suitable for everyone:
- In truth, the only negative I can find about this pistol is that it is not the absolute lightest one you can find. I’m not saying that it is heavy, just that less solid pistols can be lighter.
Overall, this is our best overall pick for today because of the no-nonsense design, and the reliability offered by this classic pistol.
If you are looking to get a .22 pistol for self-defense, plinking, or for a survival situation, you could do much worse than giving this one a look.
22 Pistol With Silencer
We selected the Ruger SR22 with threaded barrel above for a reason. If you are looking for a 22 pistol with a silencer, this Ruger 22 Pistol is ready for a silencer to be added. While it is possible to add a silencer, also known as a suppressor, to a .22 caliber pistol, provided you comply with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. Adding a suppressor to a firearm typically requires obtaining the necessary permits and complying with legal requirements related to firearm modifications.
Where are Suppressors Legal?
Currently, the following 42 states allow private ownership of suppressors: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Best .22 Pistol for Self Defense
A lot of serious enthusiasts will tell you that the .22 cartridge is useless as a self-defense round. It is true, undoubtedly, that getting hit by a .22 round is unlikely to kill anyone.
However, unlike hunters, in a self-defense situation you don’t necessarily need to kill your attacker, but merely stop them. Getting hit with a .22 hurts enough to stop even the most determined assailant, trust me. The other factor to consider when choosing a self-defense handgun is the fear factor.
Nobody wants to get shot, and in a heated situation no-one is going to notice the caliber of your gun. The simple fact that you have it is all that will matter to them.
Sig Sauer 1911-22
For this reason, our choice for the best .22 pistol for self-defense is the Sig Sauer 1911-22. This is a .22 pistol based on the 1911 design. I know that this is going to annoy the traditionalists, but hear me out.
The fact that this pistol follows the 1911 design means it points very well, and is therefore very accurate.
In addition, in a dangerous situation, you are pulling an impressive-looking gun from your holster. Nobody is going to know this isn’t a full-sized 1911. Although it is compact, it packs the fear factor necessary.
Sig Sauer 1911-22 Pros
In addition, this is simply a great .22 pistol, for a variety of reasons:
- Like I said about the Ruger above, the fact that this pistol is identical to a full-sized handgun means that you will get used to it quickly. On the other hand, if you are buying a .22 pistol for a beginner, they can begin to get used to the way a “proper” pistol works right from the beginning.
- It is also astonishingly accurate for a .22 LR pistol. This might, of course, be because we are used to shooting 1911s, but I also think that the high manufacturing quality of this pistol has something to do with this.
- For self-defense purposes, the fact that this pistol is based on the 1911 size is great. This not only means that it looks like a serious handgun, but also means that it fits well in a range of concealed carry holsters.
Sig Sauer 1911-22 Cons
That said, there are some negative features of this pistol:
- The major problem we had was that our model had great difficulty firing cheaper ammunition when we first tried it. After a thorough strip down and clean, and the application of some lubrication, it started to perform better. It seems that it needs to be broken in.
Overall, the Sig Sauer 1911-22 is our choice for the best .22 pistol for self defense because it looks and feels like a much more powerful gun than it is, and the classic design means that you are more likely to hit something in the heat of the moment.
In the end, a .22 LR round is much less powerful than a .45, and if planning on using the smaller round for self defense you have to make up for this somehow.
Best Value 22 Pistol
One of the reasons why .22 pistols have become so popular over recent years is their price. For casual shooters who just want to have a bit of fun with a pistol, for training purposes, or even for getting your kids into shooting from an early age, getting a cheap .22 handgun is a good way forward.
Our choice for the best value .22 pistol is the Sig Mosquito. This is a brand new design, and has several features that make it great value.
It’s based on the famous P series of Sig pistols, but is a bit smaller. 7/8ths smaller, in fact. This makes it a little more lightweight than its larger cousins, and also helps to keep the price down.
Sig Sauer Mosquito
This does not mean, however, that you are getting a badly designed gun. This pistol, despite its diminutive size, still includes many of the features of more expensive pistols:
Sig Sauer Mosquito Pros
- In most respects, the Mosquito is just a slightly smaller replica of the P series, and as such gives you the same deadly accuracy, and a well-balanced grip that people who have fired Sig pistols before will be familiar with.
- The three dot sights are easy to adjust, so you can get them set up exactly how you need them.
- In comparison to the “full” P-series pistols, this .22 also incorporates some extra safety features. The safety here is easy to use, and in just the right place for most shooters.
- The Mosquito is extremely popular with law enforcement and serious shooters, because it allows an easy and cheap way to train. Firing a few (hundred) rounds off down the range with this gun is great practice for when you’ve got your full-sized Sig on hand.
All this said, there are a few factors that mean that the Sig Mosquito is not suitable for absolutely everybody:
Sig Sauer Mosquito Cons
- The slightly smaller size can be a problem if you are particularly large. Some of the guys who tested this pistol felt that it was hard to use for this reason.
Overall, however, the Sig Mosquito offers amazing value. If you are looking for a .22 pistol that gives you all the features you would expect in a premium item, while not breaking the bank, this is the one to go for. This is our top value choice because it offers what you would expect out of a high quality gun at a lower price point than you might expect.
.22 Pistol with The Best Magazine
A very common problem with .22 pistols is that the flared rounds tend to jam pretty easily. For this reason, for many years we have recommended getting a .22 revolver pistol.
A revolver keeps the rounds separated better, and reduces the possibility of the gun jamming. This was good as far as it went, but down the range it is a little annoying to shoot a revolver – sometimes you just need more ammunition than it can carry.
Walther P22
Luckily, recent advances in manufacturing now mean it is possible to make magazine-fed .22 pistols that are really reliable, no matter what ammunition you chuck at them.
This is the case, for instance, with the Walther P22. In all of our tests, whether using powerful premium ammunition or junk cartridges, it ate them all.
Being designed from scratch as a .22 pistol, and not as a scaled-down version of a full-sized gun, this pistol also works very well in most other respects:
Walther P22 Pros
- First and foremost, it looks really great. This should not be a surprise, of course, because the pistol is a Walther. While James Bond probably doesn’t use .22s very often, if he ever did this would be his choice.
- In terms of accuracy, this gun is dead on. This is likely aided by the fact that the gun features a fixed barrel, which helps to reduce vibration during firing and keeps the pistol zeroed. The sights themselves can be adjusted for windage, and the front sights can be swapped out to change their elevation.
- Another great thing about this pistol is the threaded barrel, which does not require a thread adapter nut to fit a silencer.
- And back to that magazine. The action is really smooth, and the gun went through a few hundred rounds of variable quality ammunition with no problem, which is quite a mean feat for a .22 pistol. The magazine release is on the trigger guard, which might seem a bit strange to some in the US, but is quite common in Europe and only takes a small amount of practice to get used to.
Walther P22 Cons
In terms of disadvantages, this pistol has one drawback:
- This is the slide mounted safety catch. I know it’s a personal preference, though one I also know is shared by a lot of people, but I find safeties like this very annoying to use.
Apart from that, however, if you are looking for a .22 pistol with a hugely reliable magazine, the Walther P22 is the one to go for.
Looking for a 22 Pistol with High Capacity Magazine?
Most 22 pistols come with a 10 rd Magazine. However, you can add an additional 5 rds with a TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad for a Walther P22.
22 Pistol Not Ejecting Shells?
If you are fed up of your .22 pistol jamming every time you go down the range, it is probably time to get a new one, and this Walther is one of the best. So if this is your primary concern, then this is our top recommendation in this area. Nothing is more frustrating than constant jamming.
Best .22 Pistol for Plinking
Ah, plinking. The quintessential American pastime.
If you’ve recently had a kid and want to re-live those childhood memories of shooting at cans in the back yard, a .22 pistol is by far the best weapon to buy.
However, what you are looking for in a plinking gun is slightly different from the high-performance handguns I have reviewed above.
There is no need, with a .22 pistol for plinking, for quick reloading speeds. Taking it slow is what plinking is all about, after all. Equally, it’s not necessary that your plinking gun is a super-lightweight firearm that you can carry concealed all day. This gun is going to stay locked up at home for most of the time, save for occasional trips out to the backyard.
Smith &Wesson Model 17
Our recommendation for the best .22 pistol for plinking is therefore to get a revolver, and specifically the S&W Model 17. This gun was originally designed back in 1931, and has been used by several generations for plinking, making it perhaps the original gun for this purpose.
S&W Model 17 Pros
In addition, it has several big advantages as a .22 pistol for plinking:
- It will last for ever. Seriously, I know people who’ve had a Model 17 almost since they were introduced, and with regular care it will essentially never wear out.
- It’s actually really accurate for such an old gun. Whilst having pin-point accuracy is not necessarily required in a pistol for plinking, it certainly helps. Your life is not going to be endangered by missing a plinking target, of course, but ultimately you should be improving your shooting skills every time you handle a gun, and for that reason it is frustrating if a gun can’t hit what you are pointing it at.
- The classic design of this revolver means that it is great for teaching kids about weapons, and about weapon safety. You – and they – can see precisely how the gun works, and this makes it a good educational tool.
S&W Model 17 Cons
That said, there is one drawback to this gun:
- The lack of any safety features. I mean, obviously they were not thinking about this back in the 1930s, but in comparison to some modern pistols you need to be a little more careful with this one.
Overall, though, I think this revolver is the best for plinking. The fact that it is a revolver means that it will never jam, and the classic design and feel give an extra element to messing around in the backyard.
If you are looking for a weapon you can keep in the shed, and just take out to fire off a few rounds occasionally, this is the one for you.
Best .22 Pistols for Target Shooting
Last, but of course not least, we come to the best .22 pistol for target shooting.
Of course, what we are looking for here is accuracy, but bear in mind that accuracy is about a lot more than just machining tolerances.
Which 22 Pistol is the Most Accurate?
For our money, the most accurate 22 pistol is the Browning Buckmark. In order to hit a target reliably, you need to be completely comfortable with a gun, and that means that it needs to have an ergonomic design. If you can’t hold your gun comfortably, then it will be quite difficult to maintain a consistent strategy in shooting.
Browning Buckmark
Our recommendation in this category will come as no surprise to .22 competition shooters – the Browning Buckmark.
You’ll notice that this pistol is a little different from the others we have chosen, being a sports pistol rather than a classic design, but for target shooting you really need something that is specifically designed for the task.
Browning Buckmark 22 Pistol Pros
This pistol is great for the following reasons:
- Despite the barrel and slide being significantly smaller than the other .22 pistols I’ve reviewed above, this one still comes with a full-sized grip. This means that the pistol stays still and stable in your hand, improving accuracy.
- The Buckmark comes with an integrated scope mount, simply because so many people use this pistol for hunting. Even without a scope fitted, the sights are completely adjustable.
- The recoil on this pistol is almost imperceptible. There is a very slight jolt, and that it is. For this reason, the Buckmark is often used to train new shooters, because it is so easy to handle. It also means that when unloading a few rounds in a go, you aim will stay true.
- The accuracy of this .22 pistol is something else. Even a child can hit a tin can with this.
Browning Buckmark Cons
The only disadvantage of the Buckmark is perhaps the fact that:
- The trigger is extremely light, so new shooters should exercise caution when using this pistol.
Overall, however, if you are looking for a .22 pistol for target shooting, and one that will ensure pin-point accuracy, this Browning Buckmark is the one to go for.
Best 22 Pistols Buying Guide
Before we complete our comprehensive guide to .22s, it would be helpful to take you through our recommended way of making a decision. As you can see, there are many options available to you, so much so that you may become overwhelmed by choice. Therefore, we think the best way to make a decision is to first narrow down your selection to a few decision criteria.
In this section, we will run you through the top considerations in choosing the best product for you. Sit down, consider these factors, and then approach the list of .22s above with your own preferences in mind. This will help simplify your decision greatly.
22 Pistols – PRICE VS. QUALITY
Perhaps your top consideration is how much you are willing to spend. Of course, .22s have many different price points. However, you have to consider what the extra quality is worth to you. It is worthwhile to think of how much you are willing to spend, but mostly what the quality is that you are looking for.
As a general rule of thumb, the more you spend, the more quality you can expect to get, but this is not always the case. You should evaluate each gun within your desired price range to find the one that most matches your tastes. But even narrowing down to a price range will simplify your decision significantly.
YOUR 22 Pistol Usage
Of course, perhaps the most important feature in finding the right gun for you is whether that gun has the features you need. The best way to discover this is to think about how you will actually be using the gun. The only relevant factor in whether a gun has the right features is whether those features are right for you.
The best way to decide this is to think carefully about what your usage will be. Whether you are using it for target practice, for self defense, for training, for plinking, or for anything else, the best gun for you will vary based on your usage. Think both about what you plan to do with it now, and what your future plans are. This way, you can make the perfect choice to meet your needs going forward.
22 Pistol Special Features
Once you know how much you are willing to spend, and what you will be using your gun for, you can start to see which features you actually need in a gun. As you can see, we really want to maintain the focus on picking the best gun for your personal needs. So once you have evaluated what you want from a gun, try to match it to one on our list that has the features you need.
Of course, .22s are all built differently. From the grip, to the trigger, to the optic, to extra tools like a red dot or a suppressor, you can build the perfect gun to match your needs.
We structured our buyer’s guide in this way for a reason, you want to start big picture with what you are willing to spend, and then narrow it down to how you are going to use it, and then look at the specific gun that matches your wants and needs. This way, we are confident you can use our guide to find the perfect pistol for you.
The Best 22 Pistols Final Thoughts
So there you go. Six .22 pistols, all great, and even better for specific circumstances.
If you still don’t own a .22 pistol, now is the time to reconsider adding one to your armory. Whilst not offering the power of larger caliber pistols, they can be reliable, long-lasting, and most importantly great fun.
For serious shooters, getting a .22 pistol is a great an inexpensive way of squeezing in more training. And, if you are looking to train someone up to fire a pistol, getting a .22 pistol is the logical place to start.
So think about your priorities, have at look at our reviews above, and make sure you get the perfect .22 pistol for your purposes.
Happy shooting!
56 Responses
Will You review the Walther ppq which Is also a Great gun and might b the best?
Add the Smith and Wesson M&P .22 compact to the list. Reliable and accurate
I like the part about the Walther going, “…through a few hundred rounds of variable quality ammunition with no problem…” Really? What Walther P22 are you using? Mine will ONLY fire CCI MiniMags. Every other .22 ammo I’ve tried results in failures at least once per magazine. Every. Single. Mag.
I bought it for plinking, and it sits unused in my safe. Worst gun I’ve ever bought.
Same here. I went to the desert yesterday to shoot my brand new P22, and I am completely disappointed. It definitely runs better with CCI MiniMags, but even then there were stoppages. I only put about 300 rounds through it yesterday, so hopefully it breaks in. I wouldn’t recommend this gun to anyone.
I have owned 3 of these and all 3 worked, fed, and fired flawlessly. Perhaps it is an operator issue?
It’s not an operator issue. I have the same gun and it always jams, I have 4 other pistols and non of them jam during the same range visit. It’s great that you have a good one but many of us were not so lucky.
I’ve used the PPQ 22 and never had a problem. If you do send it in an Walther will fix it. I have used a older PPK and TPH without errors. The TPH was a pain but it was fixed.
I agree, the p22 is the worst gun.
My experience with my P22 started off the same. However it soon became one of my favorite pistols. It needs to break in I guess. Keep it lubed and as much of a pain it is to clean till you get it wired keep it clean and you will soon have a handful of fun!
Had my P22QD less than a month and got rid of it. Constant fte & stovepipes with all ammo. Traded it for an SR22 and that gun is phenomenal. It even cycles subsonic ammo most of the time.
With Armscor and CCI, it has not had a single issue. Excellent.
I’ve had a Walther P22 for probably 10 years. I’ve lost track how many rounds I’ve put through it, but overall I can say I’ve had very few FTF/FTE’s or jamming problems. It would be untrue to say it’s NEVER jammed, but it has not been an issue. Quite surprised to read all the issues others are having with it. My complaints with it are where the mag eject is (the trigger guard is NOT the place to put it!) and the safety location is ‘unhandy’ to say the least. Add to that is the fact I have the model with the longer barrel, which includes the front stabilizer – it’s a pain in the ass to disassemble and clean. So, I have issues with it, but not the jamming issues others are experiencing.
Sell it to me
I completely agree with you. The Walther P22 has to be the least dependable handgun ever produced. What a POS. Do I need to go on?
I ALWAYS have my NAA 22 LR-HG unless I’m in my underwear.. Even with a tucked in shirt it looks like a pocketknife. Its accessible, comfortable and concealable I oftentimes forget im carrying it. I get over 12″ of ballistic gel penetration out of the short little NAA barrel with 36 gr CCI .cphp
I own a Browning Buck mark Camper. This pistol is awesome. I shoot stock. No modifications. I work on my other skills such as breathing/stance/grip. Don’t over think the firearm. Work on yourself.
Have to echo the sentiments regarding the P22 and ejection failures. Copper jacketed ammo works better with CCI performing best but no way I can get thru 20 rounds without a jam. Like the feel and look but jams kill the fun.
Nothing but trouble with my Walther P22. Jams all the time. I’ve tried over 15 different premium ammo types and most of the value priced rounds and it consistently fails to any of them cycle reliably. My friends share the same bad experience. Perhaps the author hasn’t actually attempted to use one?
Not sure about the 22 not likely to kill anyone….FBI website says it has the most deaths
I have the Walter P22 and it does not eat all types of 22 cal. ammo. I have to use a high velocity ammo thru it, 1250 fps. If I don’t it will not recycle correctly.
I agree, the p22 is the worst gun.
Ruger initially became famous for the 10/22…are you daft?
Ruger became famous and built the business on the back of the Ruger Standard / Mark line of 22 Rimfire semi auto pistols.
I’m sorry but this error makes me wonder about the value of all other statements made.
I own a Walther p22, and it jams and misfires all the time. It does better with cci ammunition. The only positive thing I can say about the Walther is it gives you a lot of practice solving gun jams. If any gun jams on me now, no problem I’ve had a lot of practice with my piece of junk Walther p22.
The magnificent SR22 safety operates in reverse of almost every other frame mounted safety out there. As much as I respect Ruger for some of their innovations they just can’t seem to produce a good new design without doing at least ONE bone-headed thing to muck it up.
Great article!
I own a Ruger 10/22 and would love to have the Mark IV 22/45. But they are very expensive in South Africa. More expensive than a Gen5 Glock 17/19
So will probably get the SR22 when my Ruger importer have them available again. But they still cost around the same as a full size 9mm semi-auto in my country. It’s pretty crazy ?
MY Hi SCORE .22 BULL BBL AND 6IM FLUTED WITH WEIGHTS AND MUZZLE BRAKE. FACTORY MAGS SHOOT ANY QUALITY STD VEL AMMUNITION RUNS GREAT, AFTER MKT MAGS MUST BE ADJUSTED WITH A GO NO GO GAUGE. SHOOTS BETTER THAN MY PERFORMANCE .22 S & W.Love them both but now need a slightly smaller pocket pistol.Browning or S& W victory?,
I dropped my Walther P-22 off in a Police Barrel buy back several years ago.
To think they would actually mass produce and market something like that.
No Thank You. I guess I’m going to fly with the replies here before I p/u my next .22
Thanks
Slightly off the .22 topic, but I had a Walther PPK that was the worst firearm I ever owned. Jammed so frequently that it was a waste of time to shoot. I sent it back to the factory and then to a well regarded (at least on the internet) Walther expert. No luck anywhere. The Walther I had was made in Alabama. Switched out for a Ruger Mark III which, while hard to assemble and re-assemble, is for me what a firearm should be: reliable and accurate.
I own and shoot the Smith and Wesson M & P 22 full size. This is a beautiful weapon that works great, reliable & accurate. Never had a reget about buying this pistol!
Just bought the M&P 22…love it. Very well built and fires every “name” brand ammo flawlessly. Expect to get many years of enjoyment shooting it.
The fact you don’t have any of the RUGER MARK SERIES pistols on here is a crime of the highest order. They’ll out shoot ANY pistol you’ve listed. Get your life right.
Didn’t read through all the comments but some of you guys can’t seem to figure out that the Ruger doesn’t have a safety-it is a decocker which makes it even safer and it’s a pretty simple thing if you can get past one way thinking. Sorry to piss some of you off but get with the program!
GSG firefly exactly like the mosquito even uses the same magazine.
I have a SR-22 that might be the worst pistol I’ve ever owned. I just sent it back to Ruger for repair for the third time and it has only 1000 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag through it. What a piece of crap.
I guess it’s possible to get a lemon, but I have six of them and they are all very impressive shooters. Feed all types of ammo and are impressively accurate fir such short barrels.
I also have a single six a 22/45 and a mark II all are great for feeding with the 22/45 bull barrel being the least accurate.
I think the 22/45 just doesn’t point well for me.
I agree with Kent. SR22 is a piece of crap. Back to Ruger 3x after slide flew off at firing range and landed 10 ft in front of me. Witnessed by others present.3x Ruger replaced cheap plastic take down lever and said to make sure it was “properly seated”to avoid re-occurance.This occured right out of the box direct from Ruger all 3x! Less than 500 rounds through this piece of junk.
you are looking for a great 22 and leave the M & P Compact .22 off the list?….I have never had any failure in mine (using all types of CCI), it shoots great and is lightweight.
I like this gun so much I picked up a Vedder LT with claw and now carry it along with my Glock 42, 43 and g45….
Way better than the Ruger…..(I rented and shot both extensively before purchasing the SW)
The Sig mosquito/Ati Firefly is straight garbage which is why Sig took their name off of it.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 Performance Center. Period. It’s going to take a custom competition pistol from Hammerli or Pardini to best a Model 41.
You’re talking about .22 caliber pistols so why have you avoided the FN 5.7 and the Armscor 22TCM? I’d grade your depth of understanding the subject matter in this article at C- at best.
I thought that these were interesting choices. I have owned 2 of them. The Mosquito was in my opinion junk. The Buckmark was very good but maintainance was not the easiest. Bought a Ruger MK4 Competition last year and now there’s no looking back. Best thing since my first High Standard.
If it helps anyone finding this review of .22 pistols, I too was sold on the SR22 through research alone. I’d done a ton (reading reviews, watching YT videos, etc.) and was convinced the SR22 should be my first ever gun purchase. I went to my range to buy it and when I got there, I was asked by 2 members of staff (independent of each other) if I’d considered the S&W M&P22. I hadn’t so I got the chance to handle both the M&P and the SR22 before I made a final decision. To be honest, I preferred the feel of the SR22’s rubber grip, but the M&P felt better in my hand overall. The deal breakers for me were how balanced the M&P felt to me and the length of the grip compared to the SR22. For the shape and size of my hand, the M&P is the better gun. I also liked the fact if I ever graduate up to a 9mm, there’s a familiar look and feel M&P waiting for me. Moral of the story – reviews are all well and good for things like accuracy and reliability, but using your own senses with the real thing should be your ultimate guide. HTH.
I completely disagree with the review about the Ruger SR22. Now, perhaps, the firearm has been improved upon from when I purchased mine, brand new, in 2012, but I had nothing but problems with it. Multiple brands of ammo, multiple visits to the range, cleaning, even sending it back to Ruger did nothing to improve upon the constant failure to feed. I definitely would not recommend the SR22.
“First and foremost, the controls here are what you would expect from a modern, full-sized pistol, which makes shooting this .22 much like a Glock. The safety is the same, with a frame mounted catch that is easier to use than any slide-mounted safety mechanism.”
The safety is the same? Have you ever looked at a Glock?
“If you are fed up of your .22 pistol jamming every time you go down the range, it is probably time to get a new one, and this Walther is one of the best.”
Good job ignoring the thousands of reviews of the notorious problems with the Walther P-22.
The rest of this article carries so many inaccuracies as to come across as a shill advertisement for the respective companies. And leads me to believe that the author has very little actual firearm knowledge.
But given that all of the links for the pistols go straight to Cabelas, at least we know pay your bills.
I actually own a Walther p22 qd and I’ve put 500 or so rounds through it without any issues at all using various types of cheap bulk box ammo of various brands. I Also however own a ruger sr22 and I personally like it alot more as do pretty much everyone I have let fire them. The ruger has 7 or 8k rounds through it at this point and still going stong with no issues.
S&W model 41 or Ruger Mark series. I prefer the model 41 but they’re expensive however takedown is a breeze. This list is bogus
Where do they find these so-called “experts” anyway? Getting hit by a .22 round is unlikely to kill anyone? Undoubtably true? The .22 caliber pistol was favored by many clandestine operatives and assassins during WWII and the Mossad “ain’t no slouches neither” lol. I’ve carried a gun, professionally, for over 25 years and whenever I hear some clown say that a .22 won’t kill a human being or that it doesn’t cause much damage, I know for a fact that I’m dealing with a total ignoramus–and, the clown who wrote this stupid article is a total IGNORAMUS lol.
Raymond, we certainly appreciate your perspective. Especially considering you have carried a gun for “25 years professionally”. That said, you are taking excerpts from the article out of context. There is no doubt a .22 caliber round can be deadly. The article even states upfront, “In the right hands, a .22 LR cartridge can do some serious damage.” Those clandestine operatives you speak of were more likely working in very close range. A double tap to the back of the head with a .22 would be very deadly to your point. But the article is also trying to set expectations in that a .22 caliber doesn’t have the “stopping” power compared to other caliber options for self defense. I had a friend shot in the face and chased his assailant for for 3 blocks before he realized he’d been hit. Again, I don’t think the point you are making and the point the author tried to make are too far apart. Thanks again for your comments, we always welcome thoughtful commentary. However calling people “total-ignoramus” & “Clown” seems a bit harsh.
Well just like they said, a good .22LR pistol in the right hands with well placed shots can make a differences. Correct, 22lr does not have the knock down power as a .45.
But if this is all that you have & faced a personal defense situation. You can pounced lead multiple times at close range quickly with almost no recoil. You can’t beat a .22 magnum at that level.
Chances are you’d probably can shoot it faster than the heavier caliber with accuracy. Think about it you probably can put 4 rounds (two double tap) to the facial area in under 2-3 seconds faster than with a 9mm or .45.
As I said, this is if you only have a 22 pistol as a last resort (backup). http://bit.ly/360Zjhe
Will, you are concerned on the lack of safety on a double action revolver? I really don’t understand why. The double action is heavy to pull, and it takes a deliberate action on the shooters part to cock the hammer for single action.
Who makes a double action revolver today that has a safety, and readily available to the public? Not Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Colt, or Taurus.
Also, I agree with some of the other posters. You chose the P22 over any of the Ruger MK series? In my opinion, only the Browning Buck Mark and S&W 17 deserves to be on this list.
You ABSOLUTELY do not want the Sig Mosquito/Firefly. I bought a mosquito for my son, thinking it would be pretty neat for him to have one his size to match my P226. In the 3 years I have owned it, I can probably count on one hand how many times we have made it through a mag without a malfunction. He gets discouraged and would rather deal with the extra weight and greater recoil to shoot my P226. I guess at the very least, he is very well versed in clearing a malfunction because of the mosquito.
Not enough “safety features on the M17”? That’s a load of bologna. Look how Ruger totally crapped up the MKII design with the MK3 pistol with what my buddies and I call the californicated model. Loaded chamber indicator is stupid, Mag cut off is idiotic, and the internal safety lock is idiotic. Safety is not a button or a mechanical device.
SAFETY IS A MINDSET.
In this article, I Enjoyed reading the opinions of each model written about, I looked for my Sweetheart Ruger Pistol that was apparently left out & for the Price, Barrel Length added oomph and Deadly accuracy it Will Drop an Assailant quickly & with 2 shoulder hits leave Anyone sitting on their arse with immobile arms. 2 hits on each shoulder would be a kill without immediate medical attention.
My Ruger Charger, looking like a mini Rifle with a Detachable folding Bipod on the forearm, is Listed as a Pistol. With the 15 round magazine that comes with the Purchase I also have a 50 round flip flop clip, 25 rounds each side and a low price starting at $250.00 up to $500.00 for the Takedown & Anniversary Editions.
An article on the Ruger Charger would be nice to read your thoughts on.
I see that everyone has their favorites, surprised that the Walther performed so poorly. Try looking at the Phoenix HP22A, low cost mine eats anything including Russian steel case. They are more accurate than I am capable of, hit eggs at 25 yards. Ya, more than once. Lifetime warranty and it is styled like a Walther. Just do not forget to replace the recoil spring every 500 rounds or so.
Browning Buck Mark is the most accurate 22 semi automatic pistol ever made. I purchased a used one twenty or so years ago and it is the only one I carry during deer season (lots of hogs and bobcats where we hunt). No upgrades were needed other than a bit of white nail polish on the front site. Great you had it on the list. I also agree that the Ruger mark series should be here, particularly the mark 4. Probably are ‘better’ pistols than the newer Taurus tx22 out there but man, that little gun sure is fun to shoot. Reasonably accurate (2” or so at 15 yards). Just purchased ones a couple of weeks ago and very impressed with it. Totally reliable (almost flawless operation after 500 or so rounds). Bear in mind this two cents from 72 year old eyes and hands.
How can i purchase a 22
About the Sig Mosquito, you write:
“It’s based on the famous P series of Sig pistols, but is a bit smaller. 7/8ths smaller, in fact.”
7/8ths is 87.5% and to reduce a 7.7 inch gun that much would get you down to 1 inch.
Depending on the particular specification you use, 1/10th or a 10% size reduction is a better estimate.
Yes, I know what you meant.