A .22 caliber pistol is a versatile firearm that you may use. You can use it for training, target shooting, concealed carry, hunting, and self-defense. But, choosing the best 22 pistols might be confusing with hundreds of handguns on the market. So, here, we'll go over the 10 best 22 pistols and their features to help you select the right one for you.
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Best 22 Pistols for 2022
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1. Browning Buck Mark
The Browning Buck Mark pistol stands out because of its light, crisp trigger. It is available in 36 different styles. All for competition, outdoor shooting, and small game hunting. It has optional features – from polymer and walnut grips to threaded and fluted barrels.
All styles provide you with:
- High build quality
- Improved stability and accuracy
- and Exceptional reliability.
Note: The video above shows the Browning Buck Mark Contour Gray variant.
2. Colt Woodsman
If you are looking for the best 22 pistols for hunting, the Colt Woodsman is perfect for you. This firearm is hard to beat when it comes to the hunting game.
It comes with a slanted magazine, making the insertion of cartridges smooth sailing. This feature solved the feeding issues encountered by other gun designers and manufacturers.
John Moses Browning designed the Colt Woodsman in 1915. In fact, it is the first-ever semi-automatic sporting .22 pistol that became successful. Some shooters consider this weapon a collector's item and one of the best .22 pistols.
3. Smith & Wesson Model 41
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is among the favorites of target shooters during post-World War 2. It remains relevant today. And is still the top pick of shooters in competitive bullseye shooting.
It comes in a metal and wood finish, making the gun look premium. Also, its angle sports a 105-degree angle to replicate a full size 1911.
You may find that it is one of the more expensive options. But with the performance it brings to the competition, you will get your money's worth.
4. Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
The SW22 Victory is one of the recent additions to Smith & Wesson's line of pistols. It is a top-of-the-line S&W weapon, offering shooters accuracy and precision.
It also provides shooters with:
- Textured polymer grips
- Picatinny Rail to mount scopes
- Adjustable fiber-optic sights
- Trigger stops
But, it is not designed for EDC since it is a full-sized firearm. But it is suppressor-ready, making it ideal for hunting.
The SW22 Victory comes in eight models. You may tweak its match-grade barrel and swap it with a threaded barrel or Kryptek camo.
If you like a high-end-looking handgun, you may opt for the versions with advanced optics and carbon-fiber barrels.
Regardless of the variant, the SW22 Victory remains one of the more affordable options.
5. Ruger LCP II
The Ruger LCP II is a small .22 pistol, making it an excellent firearm for concealed carry.
But with its tiny build, can we say that it is still easy to shoot? Definitely! This compact pistol is a shooter, too! After all, it is from Ruger, one of the leading manufacturers in the biz.
The LCP II in .22 LR is designed after the LCP II in .380 ACP. But, its functions have been tweaked, and the slide is now easier to rack.
This micro pistol is also one of the low-cost handguns on the market, making it a perfect training firearm to improve your shooting skills.
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6. Glock 44
Are you a Glock fan but not fond of 9mm caliber? Then, opt for the best Glock model in .22 caliber in Glock 44 form.
The G44 is Glock's first .22 caliber pistol. It provides shooters with a classic look featuring ergonomics, dimensions, and controls like its older sibling, the Glock 19 Gen 5.
Since the .22 caliber tends to be cheaper, the G44 tends to be more affordable.
The Glock 44 also makes for an excellent handgun for starters. You may use this gun for training purposes.
7. Ruger Mark IV
Ruger has created several great .22 caliber pistols, and the Mark IV is no exception.
The Ruger Mark IV comes in eight configurations, ranging from the Standard model to hunting, competition, and tactical variants.
With an 11-round capacity, this .22 caliber pistol is pleasant to hold and shoot.
Its bull barrel helps shooters improve recoil control.
But what will surprise you the most is its ease of disassembly. This handgun is simple to break down.
With just a button click, you can already clean this gun and perform your routine maintenance effortlessly.
Note: The photo above shows the Ruger Mark IV Competition model.
8. Walther P22 Q
If you prefer an accurate and easy-to-shoot .22 caliber pistol for self-defense, training, or concealed carry, the handy semi-auto Walther P22 Q is the way.
Unlike other handguns on this list, the P22 Q was built from scratch and not as a cut-back model of a full-sized pistol.
This modern classic is known for its tactical style, crisp trigger, and sleek look.
Additionally, Walther focuses on ergonomics.
The P22 Q features a fixed barrel, reducing vibration during firing. The serrations on the slide also make it easy to rack the round. And the gun, as a whole, fits perfectly in your hand and gives you a comfortable grip.
Note: The video above shows the Walther P22 Q in Angel Blue color.
9. FN 502
FN is famous for designing and manufacturing striker-fired handguns and tactical rifles. Eventually, they entered the world of .22 caliber pistols with the FN 502.
But, the FN 502 is different from their other pistols as it is hammer-fired. But its frame takes inspiration from FN 509 model.
It also features a low-profile optics mounting system, making it easy to add your favorite red dot. Plus, left-handed shooters would rejoice with its ambidextrous controls.
10. Browning 1911-22
In this article earlier, John Browning was a designer who developed many firearms, including the 1911 pistol.
The manufacturer that bears his name has provided shooters with a scaled-down model of the original 1911 in 1911-22.
This .22 caliber pistol comes in 14 models, offering you a wide range of optional features.
You may choose from different grip panels, sights, and finishes.
But regardless of which variant you pick, 1911-22 gives you a look and feel of the original 1911, just in an 85% reduced package.
Here's an infographic guide that you can use. Feel free to download, save and share it with your loved ones:
Note: The video above shows the Browning 1911-22 Black Label version.
Check out this video by T.REX ARMS to learn how to properly shoot a pistol:
The .22 caliber is one of the most common handgun calibers today. And there are many .22 pistol options on the market. We hope that this list can help you choose the best 22 pistols that can meet all your shooting needs. Be safe and happy shooting!
What is your favorite 22-caliber pistol? Are you also a fan of 22 LR rifles? Please let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- Top 10 Best .45 ACP Pistols of 2022
- Best 9mm Pistols in the World 2022
- 9 Best Pocket Pistol for Concealed Carry
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