.22 Rifles

The Most Popular .22 Rifles: Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 & Henry

Three platforms dominate the .22 LR semi-auto market. The Ruger 10/22 is America’s best-selling .22 rifle — a rotary magazine-fed carbine with the deepest aftermarket of any rimfire rifle and a proven 60-year track record. The Marlin Model 60 uses a tubular magazine and is the most-produced .22 rifle in history, favored for its simplicity and smooth trigger. The Henry .22 lever-action brings classic western styling to rimfire shooting with Henry’s legendary fit-and-finish. For versatility and upgradability, Ruger 10/22. For simplicity and tradition, Marlin 60. For style and Henry quality, Henry lever-action.

Bolt-Action .22 Rifles: Precision Rimfire Options

Bolt-action .22 LR rifles are the choice for precision rimfire shooting — small-bore competition, training for centerfire precision, and hunting squirrels and rabbits where accuracy at 50–100 yards matters. The CZ 457 is the current benchmark for production bolt-action .22 accuracy — interchangeable barrels, excellent triggers, and consistent sub-MOA performance with quality ammunition. The Ruger American Rimfire offers Ruger quality at a lower price point. For dedicated precision rimfire competition and small game hunting, a quality bolt-action .22 is the right tool.

Ruger 10/22 Upgrades: The Most Customizable Rimfire

The Ruger 10/22’s aftermarket depth is unmatched in rimfire — every component from the trigger to the barrel to the stock can be upgraded. A Volquartsen trigger group transforms the factory pull into a precision instrument. A match-grade Volquartsen, Green Mountain, or Kidd barrel dramatically improves accuracy. A chassis stock like the Ruger Precision Rimfire or MDT systems adds precision rifle ergonomics. The 10/22 is the platform for shooters who want a customized .22 target rifle without paying custom shop prices. Starting with a factory 10/22 and upgrading incrementally is the most cost-effective path to a high-performance rimfire.

.22 LR Rifles for Youth and New Shooters

The .22 LR is the universal first rifle — negligible recoil, affordable ammunition, and enough accuracy to build the fundamentals that transfer to every other firearm. The Ruger 10/22 youth model with a shorter stock is the most recommended first rifle for teenagers. For younger children, a single-shot bolt-action like the Crickett or Savage Rascal sized specifically for small frames is the right starting point. The .22 LR’s low noise and recoil allow instructors to focus on fundamentals rather than managing flinch and fatigue.

Competition .22 Rifles: Steel Challenge and Sporter

Rimfire competition has grown rapidly — Steel Challenge, Rimfire Challenge (RFCO), and NRA Sporter divisions provide dedicated .22 competition at every skill level. The Ruger 10/22 is the most common competition platform at the entry level. Upgraded 10/22s with Volquartsen components dominate the Production and Modified categories. At the top level, dedicated Volquartsen rifles built from the ground up for competition deliver the best performance. See our Volquartsen page for competition-grade rimfire rifles.

Frequently Asked Questions: .22 LR Rifles

What is the best .22 LR rifle?
The Ruger 10/22 is the best-selling .22 LR rifle in history and the standard recommendation for most buyers — it has an enormous aftermarket, accepts detachable rotary magazines, and is available in dozens of configurations from the basic Carbine to the Competition model. The Marlin Model 60 is a strong alternative with a tube magazine and smooth action. For bolt-action precision, the CZ 457 is the benchmark for serious rimfire shooters. For a first rifle for youth, the Ruger American Rimfire in Compact configuration offers an adjustable stock at an accessible price.

Why choose a .22 LR rifle over a centerfire?
.22 LR ammunition costs approximately $0.05–$0.10 per round versus $0.40–$1.00+ for common centerfire calibers — making .22 LR the most economical caliber for high-volume practice and skill development. Recoil is negligible, making .22 LR ideal for new shooters, youth, and recoil-sensitive shooters. A quality .22 LR rifle with a red dot or scope teaches fundamentals — sight alignment, trigger control, breath control — that transfer directly to larger calibers.

What .22 LR ammunition is most reliable?
CCI Mini-Mag is the most widely recommended .22 LR for semi-automatic actions — consistent high velocity, reliable rimfire ignition, and broad compatibility across .22 LR rifles and pistols. Federal Auto Match and CCI Standard Velocity are popular for bolt-action accuracy work. Bulk economy .22 LR (Federal Champion bulk, Winchester bulk) is economical for plinking but produces more cycling failures in semi-automatics than premium ammunition. Always test your chosen ammunition for reliable cycling before depending on it.

See Also: Ruger 10/22 • Ruger American Rimfire • CZ 457 • .22 LR Ammo • Youth Guns