Here are the best .22 caliber rifles to buy in 2022. We'll cover price, best uses, modifications and more...
©️Ron Spomer Outdoors
.22's were a major part of my childhood. I have fond memories of shooting my grandfather's Bud Light cans out in the middle of some random clear-cut. They were what we all leaned to shoot with and what we still to this day love to use for an afternoon of shooting and fellowship.
Whether you're looking for something to learn the basics with, a survival rifle or an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon, the .22 caliber rifle is definitely a must have. There's no shortage of brands or styles, so we'll select our top 5 picks for all-around use.
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#5 - Savage B22 F
©️Savage Arms
The Savage B22 F is the first on our list. Savage is a household name in the rifle industry and they've been around long enough that they have a reputation of making great rifles. They make accurate rifles that are reasonably priced for both new and intermediate shooter.
The B22 series delivers exactly what you'd expect from the Savage name. The B22 F model starts off with an MSRP of $319 which is a great price for an accurate and dependable .22. The rifle doesn't have any iron sites but is equipped with rail mounts so the price gets bumped up when you factor buying a piece of glass to make it functional.
The next feature and dare I say, the most noticeable feature is Savage's consistent innovation when creating modern and ergonomic stocks. When we're talking .22's, there's practically no recoil so I'm not as concerned with factors that aid in recoil management and maintaining natural point of aim. That being said, an ergonomic and comfortable stock is a real pleasure when shooting that makes it really fun.
The B22 has a bolt action with a 10 round removable Magazine chambered in 22LR. Savage also included an adjustable Accu Trigger™️ system that allows the user to fine tune the trigger pull; another bonus feature that allows you to make this rifle truly your rifle.
The B22 F weighs in at 6.2 lbs. which is over a full pound heavier than our first pick so if you're looking for a rifle for pack-packing and hiking, I'd opt for a lighter option. Adding an optic to this rifle could push the weight close to 7 lbs. which when you're hiking, every pound counts.
All-in-all, the B22 F is a great option if you're looking for a fun, accurate, customizable, and reliable rifle to take to the range. You might pay a little bit more in the end compared to some of our other picks, but for the quality of firearms that savage is know for, you'd be making a great choice.
Check out the B22 F on Savage's site or check active prices with Impact Guns
#4 - CZ 457 American Combo
©️CZ USA
Second on our list is a two-for-one bolt action that is something for everyone's collection. The CZ 457 is a true testament to the Czech's ability to design beautiful and reliable firearms. This rifle is the result of continued improvements made on the 452 and then later improvement to the 455, thus ushering in the 457.
First things first, it's a combo rifle that allows the user to switch between .22 LR and .17 HMR. So for this rifle you get two barrels and two 5-round magazines each chambered accordingly. Thing change over is pretty fast and its great to be able to switch depending on either what you feel like shooting, ammunition availability or your specific needs for the rifle.
The biggest feature that CZ improved on the 455 was the switching from a two-position safety to a push-to-fire safety. They also reduced the action by almost an inch along with some other improvements to reduce weight. The weight is stated to come in at 6.17 lbs which is a little more than its predecessor.
Just like our #5 pick the CZ 457 is designed for an optic, void of any iron sights. The mounting system on both the 455 and the 457 have an 11mm dovetail for mounting scopes and rings. On my personal 455, I mounted a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 rifle scope. You can pick up one of these for $100 and they work great for this rifle.
Last but certainly not the least notable feature on this rifle is the Turkish walnut stock. Its beautiful figure and grain patterns add to the rich elegance of the rifle. The MSRP of the CZ 457 American Combo comes in at $725 which is quite a bit more that the Savage B22 so if you're looking for a rifle while on a budget, some of our later picks might be a better choice. But with two rifles in one, the beautify craftsman ship and CZ's consistency, this is a must have for any collection and the perfect rifle to become your families heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.
Check out the CZ 457 on the CZ USA sight
#3 - Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport Rimfire Rifle
©️Smith & Wesson
Third on our list is a real treat for those who love .22's and the AR platform. Many shooters I know like to take their .22's and convert them into an AR rifle. Smith & Wesson saves you the time and effort by producing the M&P 15-22 Sport Rimfire that is an AR, chambered in .22LR and gives you all the bells and whistles. The best part, this rifle wont break the bank coming in at a MSRP of $489.00.
The barrel is a 16.5", carbon steal, 1 in 15" Twist with an A2 flash hider. The action is a semi-auto gas operated system. You'll be able to add all the attachments you want with the 10" M&P®️ Slim forward handguard with MAGPUL®️ M-LOK™️ system. This lets you throw on your flashlight, laser or foregrip.
Both the upper and lower receivers are made from polymer which really reduces the overall weight, coming in at 16.8 ounces which is just shy of 5 pounds! So if you're looking for something thats lightweight, this is the lightest of our picks. You have your pick of sights with the MAGPUL®️ MBUS®️ folding sights which come standard, or you can pay a little extra for a mounted red/green dot.
If you live in a state that has laws restricting AR & AK rifles, take a moment to check the specific restrictions as they relate to this rifle. Some of the item's features that states (like mine), harp on is the detachable magazine of 25 rounds, pistol grip, flash suppressor and the 6-position adjustable stock. Smith & Wesson does have an option for a 10 round magazine, but you may still not be able to get this rifle into your state even if you plan on modifying it.
Another modification option that Smith & Wesson provides is the color of the rifle. The standard matte black is the default color and price goes up about $60 for additional colors. Some options that are available are FDE, Muddy Girl®️ pink cammo, robins egg blue platinum finish, and my personal favorite, Kryptek®️ desert cammo. With all the modifications available you can tailor this rifle to fit your personality.
So if you're looking to get a weapon that you can have a heck of a lot of fun shooting all day without feeling guilty, get someone that perfect gift that is customized just for them, or buy a dependable lightweight and reliable AR; look no further than the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport Rimfire.
Visit Smith & Wesson to see the M&P 15-22 Sport
#2 - Henry Golden Boy
©️Henry USA
Number 2 on out list is a rifle that is a genuine work of art with a heritage of greatness. Our pick for #2 is the Henry Golden Boy lever action rifle. For anyone who has ever owned a lever action, Henry rifles are the golden standard. I owned a Winchester model 94 that I loved, but I would always eyeball the Henrys at the gun shops thinking "I gotta get me one of those."
The Golden Boy comes chambered in either .22 S/L/LR, .22 Magnum or .17 HMR so there's a big variety of ammunition available if you're looking for a .22. What I like about the .22 option is that you can shoot .22 short, .22 long or .22 long rifle all from the same rifle. This is great if the availability of ammunition varies or if you want to trade out ammo for various uses.
The barrel is a 20" octagon blued steal barrel with a 1 in 16 twist. The octagon barrel is one part of what makes this piece such a beauty. It takes me back to looking at my grandfather's old lever actions, it's a characteristic rarely used anymore and it just makes you feel like you're holding a piece of American history.
The capacity of the magazine tube varies depending on the ammunition: .22 short - 21 rounds, .22 L/LR - 16 rounds, .22 Mag - 12 rounds, .17 HMR - 11 rounds. The sights are the solid front sight post with a brass bead and a semi-buckhorn (step) rear sight.
The furniture is all American Walnut and for the shooter with shorter arms a youth model is available with a shorter length of pull. The wood is perfectly complimented by the brass butt plate, barrel band and the brasslite receiver. From muzzle to butt plate, this rifle is polished to perfection and will catch the eye of anyone who sees it. While its one of our more expensive options with a MSRP of $617, you're paying for a rifle with impeccable craftsmanship of reliability, silky smooth action and beautiful design.
Find out more about the Golden Boy and other Henry products at Henry USA
#1 - Ruger 10/22
©️Ruger
Last on our list is our number 1 pick for best .22 rifles of 2022... the Ruger 10/22 carbine. This is a rifle that I am particularly fond of as it was my first rifle. With mass production beginning in 1964, this small packaged rifle is a giant within the realm of small caliber firearms. The gas action is stunningly reliable and accurate. It's easy to use, customizable and makes both a great first rifle as well as great addition to any collection.
The 10/22 has a blued 18.5" barrel with a 1 in 16" twist. The front sight post is a fixed brass bead sight utilizing a flip up rear sight. there is mounting screws in the top of the receiver to accommodate mounting an optic. I mounted a little Bushnell scope that i picked up at a pawn shop for 50 bucks. It's served me well shooting targets at 100 yards or small game
The magazine is a 10 round detachable magazine, but if you want something a little more than the standard 10, you can pick up a wide array of aftermarket 25, 30 rounders in various styles. As always, just makes sure it's okay with big brother prior to making modifications to your firearms. Part fo what makes this rifle so much fun is haw many parts are available to purchase and make this .22 exactly what you want. The action additionally contains a bolt catch that locks the bolt to the rear, A wonderful safety and cleaning feature that is incorporated into the trigger guard assembly.
The Ruger website states that the wood stock is "hardwood" but doesn't convey the specific species. Two things I do know about the stock is that it is beautifully crafted and it's incredibly rugged. The stain on the stock almost resemble cherry wood and has really tight grain. For as beautify as the stock is it can also take a beating. While dinged up, my stock withstand 2 falls from a tailgate and broke my fall when I tripped while traversing a lava flow. This rifle can take a beating and still hold a tight group. The overall weight is 5 pounds which makes it easy to strap on the side of a backpack or or cary for an extended period of time.
With an MSRP of $379, this is a rifle that anyone can afford to make a family heirloom and enjoy for generations.
If this rifle sounds good but it's just not quite what you're looking for, check out the other 7 variations of the 10/22 that Ruger offers.