For gun enthusiasts of all disciplines and skill levels, a rimfire handgun, specifically one chambered in .22 Long Rifle, should undoubtedly be part of your collection.
Not only is .22LR amongst the most affordable ammunition to purchase in bulk, but it is also a round that produces a very manageable amount of recoil. This allows for longer and more frequent trips to the range for some much-needed practice, as we all know marksmanship is a perishable skill.
A .22 handgun can fill several roles that larger-caliber firearms sometimes cannot. Their light recoil and reduced noise allow new shooters to focus on firearms fundamentals like sight alignment and trigger control. More experienced shooters can use .22LR pistols as inexpensive training tools.
Rimfire pistols remain a practical firearm to own. Whether your goal is skill-building, casual plinking or affordable training that mirrors your defensive handgun, a quality .22LR pistol deserves a place in your gun safe.
Best .22LR Handguns in 2026
Here, we take a look at some of our favorite rimfire handgun options to consider adding to your gun safe.
Beretta B22 Jaguar Metal Competition: A Competition-Ready .22LR Pistol
Beretta recently released its new B22 Jaguar Metal Competition. Arriving decked out with a variety of upgrades meant to increase speed and accuracy once the buzzer sounds, it is a high-performance .22LR pistol for competitive shooting and serious rimfire training.
Cutting back on recoil and stabilizing the gun’s muzzle are the Tandemkross Steam Demon Compensator and Accelerator Thumb Ledge. In addition, the B22 Jaguar is outfitted with an adjustable Tandemkross semi-flat trigger, textured to enhance overall control and precision. Even the grip is customizable, with three options included so you can find the optimal fit for your hands.
Taurus TX22: A High-Capacity .22 Pistol for Training
The TX22 has been a hit since its original launch in 2019. Fast forward to today, and there are many iterations of this rimfire pistol.
Pictured here is the TX22 T.O.R.O, chambered in .22 Long Rifle. This particular model has a 22-round capacity, is suppressor-ready, and is equipped with Taurus’s Performance Trigger System (PTS). While this gun ships with irons, it is also optics-ready, should you wish to install a red dot optic.
With its capacity and reliable performance, the Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. is one of the best .22 pistols for high-volume training and recreational shooting.
SIG Sauer P322: A Modern .22LR Handgun
SIG’s P322 is a feature-rich rimfire handgun, chambered in .22 Long Rifle with an impressive 20-round capacity.
The included fiber-optic front and rear sights are quick and easy to pick up, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, while the rear sight plate can be removed if you’d like to use a red-dot optic. Adaptor plates are not required if installing a ROMEOZero red dot on this pistol.
Customization is key with the P322, as it offers ambidextrous controls, a reversible magazine catch, and a choice of flat or curved trigger shoe. It is one of the most feature-rich modern .22LR pistols for shooters who want a training gun that mirrors their defensive handgun.
Glock G44 V: A .22LR Training Pistol with Familiar Ergonomics
The G44 V is a great fit for anyone looking for a rimfire option for casual plinking or as a more affordable training alternative. If you already own a Glock, the G44 V will feel quite familiar in your hand, as it was made to mirror the size, handling and ergonomics of the Glock 19.
Equipped with a 10-round capacity and chambered in 22 Long Rifle, it also features Glock’s Safe Action System, adjustable rear sights and an assortment of backstraps, allowing it to fit nearly every hand size.
This affordable rimfire pistol provides Glock owners with realistic training using inexpensive .22LR ammunition.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite: A Highly Accurate Target Pistol
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a highly accurate rimfire, chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a capacity of 10 rounds. Ergonomic controls and features, such as an improved bolt stop, a contoured ejection port, ambidextrous safety and a push-button magazine release, enhance both handling and reliability.
The grip angle on this handgun mimics that of a 1911, often explaining why those who own a 1911 have opted to add this model to their collection, as training with .22LR is much less expensive than doing so with .45 ACP.
The Mark IV 22/45 is equipped with iron sights, of which the rear sight is adjustable. Also included is a Picatinny rail, should you wish to forgo the included iron sights and mount an optic. One last perk of this handgun is its one-button takedown, which allows quick, easy maintenance and cleaning.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite remains one of the best .22LR pistols for target shooting, marksmanship training and recreational range sessions.
FN 502 Tactical: A Tactical Rimfire Pistol
The FN 502 Tactical is a rimfire pistol designed to be accurate and versatile to enhance your firearms training. This gun is optics- and suppressor-ready, equipped withambidextrous controls, and has ergonomics similar to those of FN’s 509 series of handguns.
The 502 Tactical comes with two magazines: a 15-round and a flush-fit 10-round magazine. If you already own an FN 509 Tactical, the 502 Tactical will most likely fit that same holster.
Being chambered in .22LR ammunition, equipped with a red dot and perhaps a suppressor, allows shooters to use a low-cost platform while still retaining the feel of their full-sized centerfire handguns, particularly those in the 509 series.
The FN 502 Tactical offers shooters a versatile .22LR handgun designed to replicate the feel of modern defensive pistols.
S&W M&P 22X: A Lightweight Rimfire Pistol
Smith & Wesson’s new M&P 22X handgun features a slim, ergonomic frame and is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, making it easy to handle, even during the longest of range sessions. With a capacity of 20 rounds, shooters spend less time reloading and more time sending lead downrange.
The 22X is optics-ready and ships with a blacked-out serrated rear sight and a HiViz fiber-optic front sight, should you wish to use iron sights instead. This rimfire pistol is also suppressor-ready, should you wish to install a new .22 caliber can.
Additional features include a flat-faced trigger, reversible magazine catch, ambidextrous manual thumb safety and more. The slim, ergonomic design and 20-round capacity of the M&P 22X make it a comfortable and easy-shooting .22LR pistol ideal for long training sessions and skill development.
| Pistol | Capacity | Best For |
| Taurus TX22 | 22 rounds | High-capacity training |
| SIG Sauer P322 | 20 rounds | Modern features |
| Glock 44 | 10 rounds | Glock training analog |
| Ruger Mark IV | 10 rounds | Accuracy and target shooting |
| FN 502 Tactical | 15 rounds | Tactical training |
Why Choose a .22LR Handgun?
A .22LR handgun offers several advantages that make it one of the most useful firearms platforms for both new and experienced shooters.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is recoil. Compared with centerfire calibers, a .22LR produces minimal kick, allowing shooters to focus on proper grip, sight alignment and trigger control. When these fundamentals are practiced without the distraction of heavy recoil or loud muzzle blast, shooters are more likely to develop solid habits early in their training.
Another major advantage is affordability. Rimfire ammunition is significantly less expensive than most centerfire cartridges, which makes frequent practice far more realistic. Many modern .22LR pistols are designed to mimic the size, controls and ergonomics of popular centerfire handguns.
Practicing with these rimfire counterparts allows shooters to save money. For many gun owners, the ability to train regularly without spending heavily on ammunition is reason enough to keep a .22 pistol in their range bag.
A .22LR gun offers greater accessibility. Some shooters, whether due to hand strength, arthritis or limited experience, may struggle to manage larger defensive calibers. In those cases, a well-chosen rimfire handgun can provide a platform that is easier to operate.
When a firearm is easier to control, the shooter is more likely to practice consistently and safely maintain proficiency. Reduced recoil, lighter slides and easier handling, along with cost savings, are all beneficial reasons shooters should add a .22LR pistol to their lineup.
Learn More:
Read 9mm vs. .22 for Self-Defense →
How to Choose the Best .22 Gun
When selecting a .22LR handgun, the same basic criteria used to evaluate any firearm still apply: reliability, ergonomics and suitability for the shooter’s intended purpose.
Start by considering how the pistol will be used. Some shooters want a rimfire handgun primarily for casual plinking or informal target practice. Others prefer a training pistol that closely matches the size and controls of their everyday carry gun. Determining the intended application first helps narrow down the many available options.
Fit and handling should also be a priority. The pistol should sit comfortably in your hand, and you should be able to reach the trigger and operate the controls without strain. Trigger reach, grip angle and overall balance all play important roles in how effectively a shooter can control the firearm.
Ease of operation is another key consideration. A shooter should be able to load magazines, rack the slide and safely manipulate the firearm’s controls without difficulty.
Reliability should never be overlooked. Rimfire ammunition can be more sensitive to quality and consistency than centerfire cartridges, so choosing a well-designed pistol and quality ammunition can help ensure dependable performance.
If you intend to use your .22 for training related to your larger-caliber concealed carry gun, think about how closely the .22 pistol mirrors the handgun you already own. A rimfire handgun that replicates the feel and controls of a defensive firearm will make practice sessions more productive.
Why a .22LR Pistol Belongs in Every Shooter’s Collection
A quality rimfire handgun is more than just a range toy. For many shooters, it is one of the most practical firearms they own.
The low recoil and affordability of .22LR ammunition allow shooters to spend more time on the range refining their fundamentals. Whether the goal is introducing a new shooter to firearms, improving marksmanship or simply enjoying an afternoon of plinking, a dependable .22 pistol makes regular practice far more accessible.
Modern rimfire handguns also provide impressive versatility. Many models mirror the ergonomics and controls of popular defensive pistols, allowing shooters to train with a familiar platform while keeping ammunition costs manageable.
From competition-ready designs to tactical trainers and precision target pistols, today’s .22LR handguns offer something for every type of shooter. Any of the options highlighted here would make a valuable addition to a gun safe and a reliable companion for building and maintaining shooting skills.
This article contains material from Concealed Carry Magazine articles authored by George Harris and Ed Combs.
❓FAQs
What makes a .22LR handgun good for training?
A .22LR handgun is excellent for training because its light recoil and reduced noise allow shooters to focus on fundamentals and can new shooters build strong habits early in their training.
Why do experienced shooters use .22 pistols for practice?
Many experienced shooters use rimfire pistols because the low cost of .22LR ammunition allows them to practice more frequently.
Can .22 pistols be used for self-defense?
A .22 pistol can be used for self-defense, though many experts recommend larger calibers when possible. The most important factor in any defensive shooting is accuracy. A well-placed shot is far more effective than a miss with a more powerful cartridge.
Are .22 pistols good for beginners?
Yes, .22 pistols are good for beginners because the mild recoil and simple handling make it easier to learn safe gun handling and marksmanship fundamentals before moving to larger calibers.
What should you look for when buying a .22 handgun?
When choosing a .22 handgun, consider reliability, grip comfort, trigger reach, magazine capacity and how closely the firearm mirrors any centerfire pistol you already use for defensive training. Many modern rimfire pistols are designed to replicate the size and controls of popular centerfire handguns.
Coming Soon in Concealed Carry Magazine: The .22 Snubnose Revolver Roundup
“Chuck Haggard, a career lawman and top-tier instructor, is fond of saying that what your bullet hits is a lot more important than what kind of bullet it is. When you’re trying to stop someone from murdering you, a hit from a .22 Long Rifle is worth a lot more than a miss from a .44 Magnum.
Yes, I have written that I do not recommend .22 Long Rifle as a self-defense cartridge. But some people who will read this do not care about any of that and will not be made to care.
My job is to get the right guns into the right hands, so let’s get to it…”
— Ed Combs, Senior Editor
In the upcoming May/June issue of Concealed Carry Magazine, Senior Editor Ed Combs takes a closer look at several modern snub-nosed .22 revolvers and evaluates how they perform as practical carry guns for those who choose the “double-deuce” for personal protection.
