Best 22 Revolver: Complete Buyer's Guide for 2025

Why Choose a .22 Revolver?

A 22 revolver is often overlooked in favor of higher-caliber firearms, but it offers distinct advantages. The 22 caliber is known for its affordability, low recoil, and ease of use. These traits make it perfect for beginners, those new to shooting, or anyone who prefers a less intimidating firearm for personal defense. Looking for a .22 pistol instead of a revolver? Check out our guide to the best .22 pistols.

The .22 revolver stands out for its versatility and practical benefits:

• Low Recoil: Minimal recoil makes them ideal for beginners and extended practice sessions
• Cost-Effective: Ammunition is significantly cheaper than larger calibers
• Versatile Use: Suitable for target shooting, training, and small game hunting
• Simple Operation: Easy to maintain and operate, perfect for new shooters
• Reliability: Quality .22 revolvers offer consistent performance with proper maintenance

Key 22 revolver Features to Consider

When selecting a .22 revolver, evaluate these essential characteristics:

Top .22 Revolver Models for 2025

Not sure if you want a single or double action .22 revolver? Check out our single action vs double action and revolver guide pages.

Smith & Wesson Model 617

• 10-shot capacity
• 4-inch barrel
• Excellent accuracy
• Price Range: $700-$800

Ruger LCR

• 8-shot capacity
• Lightweight design
• Smooth trigger pull
• Price Range: $500-$600

Heritage Rough Rider

• 6-shot capacity
• Single action
• Classic styling
• Price Range: $150-$200

Apex Ordnance Has the Best .22 Revolvers

At Apex Ordnance, we offer a wide range of .22 revolvers to suit your needs. Our products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your shooting experience. We also supply a wide range of .22lr ammo and .22 revolver accessories.

What is the Best 22 Revolver for Self-Defense?

While the 22 revolver may not have the same stopping power as a larger caliber, it can still be effective in self-defense scenarios. The best 22 revolver for self-defense should be reliable, compact, and easy to handle. Some top choices include:

Ruger Bearcat:

A lightweight, compact revolver with a simple design, making it easy to carry and operate.

Taurus 94:

Known for its durability and smooth action, the Taurus 94 is a great option for self-defense at short range.

Best 22 Revolver for Beginners

If you’re just starting with firearms, the best 22 revolver for beginners should offer ease of use, safety features, and low recoil. Some top picks for new shooters are:

• Heritage Rough Rider: A budget-friendly revolver with a classic look and feel. It’s easy to operate and great for honing your shooting skills.
• Smith & Wesson 22 Compact: Perfect for those with smaller hands, the Smith & Wesson 22 Compact is lightweight and offers good accuracy.

Both revolvers have manageable recoil and simple controls, making them a great introduction to shooting.

What is the Best 22 LR Handgun?

When considering a 22 LR handgun, many shooters gravitate toward semi-automatics, but revolvers still have a place in the market. For those looking for a combination of versatility, ease of maintenance, and performance, the Ruger Single Six stands out as one of the best 22 LR revolvers. This model is also a good .22 training hand gun, providing an excellent platform for new shooters.

Best 22 Pistol for Training

Training with a 22 caliber pistol is a great way to hone your skills without the high cost of larger calibers. Some of the best 22 pistols for training include:

• Ruger Mark IV: One of the most popular and reliable 22 pistols for both new and experienced shooters. It is often consider one of the best .22 training hand guns due to its ease of use and accuracy.
• Browning Buck Mark: Known for its accuracy and smooth action, the Buck Mark is ideal for training purposes. High on the list of good .22 training hand guns for those looking to improve their shooting technique.

Both of these pistols are easy to maintain and offer excellent shooting performance, making them ideal for practicing technique. When considering a , it’s essential to evaluate factors like reliability and comfort.

good .22 training hand guns Applications

The .22 revolver excels as a training platform for several reasons:

• Affordable practice sessions due to lower ammunition costs
• Minimal recoil helps develop proper trigger control
• Similar manual of arms to larger caliber revolvers
• Perfect for teaching new shooters fundamental skills
• Excellent for developing accuracy and sight picture

Best 22lr Pistol Ammo For Performance

Ammunition selection dramatically impacts .22 revolver performance. High-velocity hollow points typically offer best expansion and accuracy. Standard velocity loads often prove more reliable in double-action mechanisms. Testing multiple loads helps identify optimal ammunition for your specific revolver.

Best .22 Pistol Ammunition Types

• Target Practice: Standard velocity round nose
• Small Game Hunting: High-velocity hollow points
• Precision Shooting: Match-grade ammunition
• Self-Defense: Premium hollow point loads

Regular testing with different ammunition types helps identify what works best in your specific revolver.

Recommendations for 22 mag revolvers

10-Shot 22 Magnum Revolver

For those looking for higher capacity in 22 mag revolvers, a 10-shot 22 magnum revolver is an excellent choice. The Ruger Single Nine is a standout in this category, offering a ten-round capacity and chambered in 22 Magnum for extra power. Its revolver design allows for quick and reliable shooting, making it ideal for both target practice and self-defense situations.

Best 22 Pistol for Accuracy

If accuracy is your top priority, the Smith & Wesson Model 617 offers unmatched precision in the 22 revolver category. With its 6-inch barrel and high-quality sights, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to sharpen their shooting skills.

Best Semi Auto .22LR Pistol

For those who prefer semi-automatic pistols, the Ruger SR22 is a top contender. Known for its versatility, low recoil, and exceptional accuracy, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking a 22lr pistol with a semi-auto action. Additionally, it’s one of the best .22lr pistols for training, making it a popular option among both beginner and experienced shooters.

22 magnum revolver Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance ensures reliable operation:

1. Clean the cylinder chambers regularly
2. Pay special attention to the forcing cone
3. Keep the barrel bore clean
4. Inspect the ejector rod and star
5. Lubricate moving parts appropriately

Remember that .22 revolvers may require more frequent cleaning due to rimfire ammunition characteristics.

Practical Applications

.22 revolvers serve multiple roles effectively:

• Training Tool: Develop fundamental skills
• Recreational Shooting: Affordable practice
• Small Game Hunting: Accurate and effective
• Home Defense: When larger calibers aren’t practical
• Competition: Specific rimfire divisions

Understanding your primary use case helps select the most appropriate model.

• What makes a .22 revolver the best choice for training?

  A .22 revolver offers minimal recoil, affordable ammunition, and similar manual of arms to larger caliber revolvers, making it ideal for developing fundamental shooting skills without developing bad habits.

• Which is the best 22 revolver for self defense situations?

  While larger calibers are typically recommended for self-defense, the Smith & Wesson 317 Kit Gun and Ruger LCR .22 offer reliable performance with minimal recoil, making them viable options for those who cannot handle larger calibers.

• What features should I look for in the best .22 LR handgun?

  Key features include reliable cylinder lockup, smooth trigger pull, good sight picture, comfortable grip ergonomics, and proven reliability with various ammunition types.

• How do .22 revolvers compare to semi-auto .22LR pistols?

  Revolvers typically offer better reliability with various ammunition types and teach better trigger control, while semi-autos can provide higher capacity and faster follow-up shots. Choose based on your training goals and intended use.

• What maintenance does a .22 revolver require?

  Regular cleaning of the cylinder chambers, forcing cone, and barrel is essential. The smaller .22 caliber requires more frequent cleaning than larger calibers due to rimfire ammunition characteristics.

• What is the effective range of a .22 revolver?

  Most .22 revolvers are accurate within 25 yards for defensive purposes, though skilled shooters can effectively engage targets at 50 yards or more with practice.