Best .22 Rifles Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Marlin Model 60
Test Winner: Marlin Model 60
Buying a .22 is a great decision for a lot of reasons. This is the perfect weapon to buy if you have someone you would like to teach how to shoot. The recoil is a less than many higher caliber options so it won't be as intimidating. Another reason to use this is that it is a good choice for those who want to hunt small game.

.22's have spent a long time as one of the classics, in terms of guns. Many of the options on this list have been around for a long time. As they say, it's hard to beat a classic. This list has ten of the best .22s that you can currently find on the market. There's a mix of old and new, but you can be confident in knowing that these are the best around.

Standout Picks

Marlin Model 60
The absolute, most classic, .22 , the Marlin Model 60 has been the most widely owned .22 for a long time, and there's no real reason for that to change.
Ruger 10/22
Here you have the other classic .22. The Ruger is not quite on the same level as the Model 60 as far as popularity goes, but it is close enough in terms of quality.
Marlin Model XT-22
Marlin makes another appearance on this list, mostly due to the consistent quality of all of their products. The XT-22 is a bolt-action .22 with some great features.
Mossberg 715T
The Mossberg 715T is a semi-automatic .22 that aims for a more modern military aesthetic. Beyond its great look, it is also a well-designed small caliber weapon.
Henry AR-7
This weapon is a very uniquely designed choice that is designed specifically for outdoor hunting of small game, and other survival situations.
Tikka T3X Lite
This weapon is another choice if you want that satisfying feeling of owning a bolt-action, but want something a little different than the obvious choice of a Marlin.
Savage Arms A22
The Savage Arms A22 is another bolt-action rifle that is designed to be as easy as to use as possible, while keeping the weight down, and the individual pieces durable.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport
Smith & Wesson is one of the most well-known firearm companies around, and that is for a good reason. Look no further than this .22.
Mossberg Blaze
The Blaze is an easy to use .22 from Mossberg that makes your shooting about as easy as it gets. This is a great choice for when you just want to relax and fire off a few rounds.
Browning SA-22
This is a high quality .22 that will stand the test of time just as well as its brand has. It is made of high-quality parts and is designed to last.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accuracy

.22's are considered very accurate, as long as you use them as the range that they are recommended for. .22s are not designed for large animals, due to their lack of stopping power, but they are also not recommended for bird hunting in most cases either. This is because they do not have the range to fire that far, unless you are confident that you can get close enough. Generally, .22's can shoot around one hundred yards without having to worry about the bullet falling or losing any power behind. In reality, this is more than far enough for most uses you could think of using a weapon for, be it hunting or just range shooting. The higher that the score is in this category, the more likely that the gun that you buy will reliably shoot a tight grouping at around one hundred yards.

Comfort

One of the main reasons that a .22 is most people's first gun is that it is less intimidating than many of the larger caliber options. This makes it a great choice for teaching because it is easy to get frightened by the heavy recoil and loudness associated with many other kinds of weapons. This makes it important that the option that you buy is as comfortable as possible so that any newbies don't get scared off. The products on this list will all keep the volume down, as well as have a reasonable level of recoil so that you don't lose any potential shooting partners. Other things to look for when looking for a comfortable gun is one with a cushioned butt because many people aren't ready for the soreness that can develop in the shoulder after long periods of shooting, as well as a molded grip that lets people casually rest their hands on the weapon. It will help with confidence if it feels good in the hands.

Ease of Use

There are many little things that gun manufacturers can do to make the process of shooting, reloading, and using the gun as simple as possible. Luckily, the makers of the weapons on this list thought of all of that. Look for things in your .22 like being able to easily change the magazines. Some use different kinds of magazines that are specially designed to pop out immediately when they are empty. Others use a single button press. There are other great quality of life features such as adjustable trigger pulls which allow you to choose how heavy the trigger is for firing. This allows you to choose the strength of the pull depending on the person using the .22. Another great feature is finding an option with an adjustable stock. This allows you to adjust for individual shooters even more.

Protection

It is likely that the people using this .22 will be newbies sometimes. This means that it is especially important to make sure that the safety features of the weapon are geared towards people who might not be sure how the gun work. Due to this, look for .22's that have safeties that need to be pressed in for every shot. This makes it easier to feel confident in your shooting student or newbie. If this is not as important to you, there are other kinds of safeties on this list, such as the options that use a simple switch to turn it from safe to active. It all depends on the kind of safety that you are looking for when you are buying your weapon.

Durability

Just because a .22 isn't as powerful as other options, doesn't mean that it doesn't go through a real beating every time it is taken for a long session at the range. Luckily, every product on this list has been designed to survive the test of time, as well as very long sessions of shooting. Look for options that have been designed with blued steel so that there won't be any surface warping of the coloration of the metal. There is also the matter of what kind of material you would like your .22 to be made of. They all do a good job of keeping it in tip-top shape but make sure it is some kind machined steel or synthetic material that can withstand high amounts of heat and force being subjected to it. The higher the rating in this category, the more likely it is that your new .22 will last for the long haul.

10 Best .22 Rifles

1. Marlin Model 60

Where to buy

The absolute, most classic, .22 , the Marlin Model 60 has been the most widely owned .22 for a long time, and there's no real reason for that to change.

The Classic
The Model 60 still looks like it did when it was made years back, and still holds onto that same reliability. However, these days it can be made with the classic hardwood stock, or with a synthetic stock that makes it a little lighter. It holds a fourteen round magazine that remains open after you are finished so that it can be quickly reloaded.

Easily Customized
This relishes in its own simplicity, but it is important that you can change it up if you think that it is time to move on. There are studs so that you can add a sling to make it easier to carry this one. The grip can have a pistol grip quickly molded onto it for extra comfort. There is even a groove so that you can attach a scope if you would like.

Cost and Value
The Model 60 is very cheap as well. It is easy to buy this gun for the same price that it would cost to buy a high-end BB gun. This is well-made and built to last. There are a few options when it comes to the one that you would like, as well as the customizables you might want to attach. This is the perfect option for anyone starting out, or otherwise.

2. Ruger 10/22

Where to buy

Here you have the other classic .22. The Ruger is not quite on the same level as the Model 60 as far as popularity goes, but it is close enough in terms of quality.

Modernized Classic
The Ruger is another classic option for those who remember just learning how to use their first gun, but the Ruger has spent more time modernizing for the times. This has been designed with a polymer grip that will give you the most comfortable feel, as well as an easy to use push button safety that makes it apparent when it is ready to use or not.

Durable Construction
The Ruger has been designed to be long-lasting and reliable, so that you don't need to worry about if it will be ready to use when you need it. The Ruger's barrel is made of hammered steel that will retain its shape without warping, even after hundreds of uses. The other advantage to the Ruger is its world-renowned rotary magazine, that will never jam on you.

Cost and Value
This product is quite a bit more than the Model 60, but if you buy it you won't have to worry about buying another .22 ever again. These are built to last, and it can be seen in every aspect of its construction. These are great for any kind of target shooting, or small game hunting that you made need them for.

3. Marlin Model XT-22

Where to buy

Marlin makes another appearance on this list, mostly due to the consistent quality of all of their products. The XT-22 is a bolt-action .22 with some great features.

Bolt Action .22
The XT-22 is a bolt-action option, which makes for a very different experience than the previous .22s on this list. Bolt-action options have a satisfying hands-on feeling that lets you really experience the entire process of using a weapon. Marlin's bolt-action is well-designed to make the act of chambering a cartridge a smooth and easy experience.

Custom-Fit Firing
The XT-22 is also cleverly designed so you can better choose the firing experience that you would like. This has an adjustable trigger pull so you can choose how easy it is to fire the gun. If you are teaching someone smaller to use this weapon then you can put the trigger pull at three pounds to make it a little easier on them, or put it to six pounds for someone larger.

Cost and Value
The XT-22 comes with a wealth of modern features that make it a great choice for anyone who needs a .22 . It is comfortable and easy-to-use. It is well-designed when it comes to making sure that this is safe to use. It is also not that much more than the Model 60. If you enjoy the feeling of using a bolt-action, then it is hard to find much better than this.

4. Mossberg 715T

Where to buy

The Mossberg 715T is a semi-automatic .22 that aims for a more modern military aesthetic. Beyond its great look, it is also a well-designed small caliber weapon.

Tactical Weapon
The 715T is designed to look more like a modern military weapon, but designed with a smaller caliber to make it safer and more apt for training purposes. Many .22 favor the classic military style of World War Two weapons, but the 715T is better designed for those who enjoy the modern military. It has the heavy-duty look, but with a lighter touch for the kids.

Solid Construction
However, it isn't just about the looks. The 715T is on this list because it is a very well-designed small arms optionthat does a great job for range shooting and small game hunting. It is made for durability, due to its blued barrel that won't let the finish become warped. It is also designed with an adjustable stock that lets you find the position that is most comfortable for you.

Cost and Value
This costs a bit more than the Marlin, and is more in the territory of the Ruger. This is mostly because it has a lot of modern polish that makes it reliable and durable in the face of heavy use. There are many ways that you can adjust this to make it more your own. It is also very easy to load and can be loaded with multiple kinds of magazines to better fit your style and budget.

5. Henry AR-7

Where to buy

This weapon is a very uniquely designed choice that is designed specifically for outdoor hunting of small game, and other survival situations.

Portable and Useful
The Henry was originally designed for pilots so that they would stand a chance in the outdoors if they ever crashed. This has a long history, just like the Marlin Model 60, but has a more specific use in mind. It is perfect for taking out on a hunting trip due to the very quick disassembly. This can be broken down into three parts so that it can easily fit into a backpack for easy travel.

Perfect for Hunting Trips
This won't take anything large down, but if you want to eat something fresh for dinner when you go out camping, then this is the weapon for you. It is very lightweight, as it weighs just under four pounds. All of the pieces can be fit into the stock for when it is not in use. The stock is waterproof so you don't have to worry about it getting warped or damaged when it is put away.

Cost and Value
This costs more than the Marlin, but it is a great choice for any sort of practical application. A lot of these are designed for training, but this one is more designed for its practical applications. You are not going to eat an entire deer when you go out on a long camping trip, but maybe a rabbit would be nice. This caters to that mindset perfectly.

6. Tikka T3X Lite

Where to buy

This weapon is another choice if you want that satisfying feeling of owning a bolt-action, but want something a little different than the obvious choice of a Marlin.

Lightweight Design
This is the perfect choice for someone who wants to keep their weapon lightweight and easy to use. Maybe just because you know you are going to have to walk it far into the bush, or perhaps you want to train someone who isn't quite as strong as you. This gun weighs an easy to carry six and a half pounds. It also has an adjustable trigger pull that can be set at either two or four pounds of pressure.

Reliable and Accurate
This is designed to be extra accurate and easy to use so that taking it out into the bush will be a positive experience for you. It will give you a tight grouping all the way up to one hundred yards, which is more than enough for anyone firing in the woods. It is also designed to withstand any kind of weather that you might have to deal with.

Cost and Value
The Tikka is more heavy-duty than the others on this list. This one is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their shooting out into the woods to tackle the real thing. This will give you a great hunting experience, but it does cost quite a bit more to match. It is much more than even the Ruger. However, this is a great choice if you have the money and the experience.

7. Savage Arms A22

Where to buy

The Savage Arms A22 is another bolt-action rifle that is designed to be as easy as to use as possible, while keeping the weight down, and the individual pieces durable.

Rotary Magazine
The A22 is designed to have as easy to use a magazine as possible. It is easy to load in, as well as easy to fire. It is designed so that it will never jam, and you can be sure that you can fire at the rate that you need to. It is designed to take the most high-quality magazines and do the best that is possible with them.

High Quality Design
This rifle is designed with the highest quality parts for consistency and durability. It features a blued barrel that will never warp or have its finish discolored. The stock is made of a synthetic material that will keep the rifle very light and easy to lug around. The feed can also be controlled by the bolt, or just by using it as a semi-automatic.

Cost and Value
This costs closer to the Ruger than it does to the Marlin. This rifle is designed for those looking for something with all the more modern pieces that you would find in modern rifles. It is a great choice for anyone who wants the ability to switch between bolt-action and semi-automatic, depending on how you feel.

8. Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport

Where to buy

Smith & Wesson is one of the most well-known firearm companies around, and that is for a good reason. Look no further than this .22.

Sport Shooting by Smith & Wesson
This weapon has been designed to be as useful for sport shooting as possible, It has been designed after the classic AR-15 used by the military, but it is designed for being taken out into the woods for some small game hunting. It has a carbon-steel barrel that is easy to carry around, as well as a comfortable polymer grip that feels smooth in the hand.

Adjust to Your Fit
It is also designed to be able to be used by just about anyone. This is designed to be ambidextrous so you don't have to worry if you are a righty or a lefty. The stock can be adjusted into six different positions, depending on what feels comfortable. The sights are also able to be flipped down for the attachment of a scope, or just so that it is more comfortable when carried.

Cost and Value
This weapon is quite a bit more than the ones higher up on this list, but it is designed for comfort and adjustability. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to do some small game hunting, but also knows that the weapon will probably be switching hands often. It comes from Smith & Wesson so you know the pieces are well-made.

9. Mossberg Blaze

Where to buy

The Blaze is an easy to use .22 from Mossberg that makes your shooting about as easy as it gets. This is a great choice for when you just want to relax and fire off a few rounds.

Easy to Use
The Blaze has been designed so that it is as easy to use as possible. There are no obstructions on the stock or barrel so that it is easy to carry around and aim. It is designed to be as lightweight as possible so that you won't get tired. On top of that, it has been designed to be a comfortable fit in both the grip and butt.

Durable and Accurate
The Mossberg Blaze is also designed to be as accurate as possible. It has a 1:16 twist so that it sends bullets flying with little distraction. There are also many pieces that make it exceptionally durable for long bouts of use. The barrel is blued so that it can last for long use. There is also the vented stock so that you won't get uncomfortable firing it for long stretches of time.

Cost and Value
This is the cheapest product on this list. The biggest selling point of this is that it keeps it as simple as possible. It has a magazine that is easy to detach and refill. It is also easy to take it for a long session on the range. This is good for just letting a little bit of steam off with not very much set-up or maintenance required.

10. Browning SA-22

Where to buy

This is a high quality .22 that will stand the test of time just as well as its brand has. It is made of high-quality parts and is designed to last.

High Quality Construction
This is the weapon you want to buy if you need a cherry on top of your collection. This is an auto-loading semi-automatic that has some exquisite pieces of design. The sights have gold beads so that they help you aim, while adding a bit of class. The barrel is forged of iron, and feels expensive. On top of that, there is the walnut finish that gives a deep brown look to the product.

Great Features
The design of this was chosen a long time ago, but it has withstood the test of time. The sights are adjustable so that you can better zero them to your taste. There have been holes drilled into the gun to make it easy for you to add a scope of your choice. This has also been designed with a blued barrel so that you don't have to be worried about warping or other damage.

Cost and Value
This product costs quite a bit more than others on this list, but that is because this is more of a luxury item. You shouldn't buy this to teach somebody how to shoot, or if it is your first weapon. This is for someone who has experience and just wants something built towards a higher standard. There are finishing touches here that prove the craftsmanship.

Sources

  1. Jonathan Hatch, How to Clean a .22 Rifle, Article
  2. Wikipedia, .22 Long Rifle,
  3. Kevin Reichard, The .22 Rifle | Myths And Truths Exposed,