Best 22LR Rifle: A Comprehensive Guide for Shooters

Introduction to the Best 22LR Rifle Choices

The 22LR rifle is a versatile and popular choice for shooters of all levels. Finding the best 22 rifle for your needs requires careful consideration of various factors. With over a century of proven performance, whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable and easy-to-use rifle or an experienced shooter seeking precision and reliability, there’s a 22LR rifle that fits your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 22LR rifles available, focusing on performance, cost, and ideal applications. If you’re considering a 22 Pistol, check out our best 22 pistol page.

Benefits and Advantages of Choosing a 22LR Rifle

• Affordability: 22LR ammunition is inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent shooting.
• Low Recoil: The low recoil of 22LR rifles makes them ideal for beginners and younger shooters.
• Versatility: 22LR rifles are suitable for a variety of activities, including plinking, hunting, and competitive shooting.

Top Picks for a Good 22LR Rifle

Ruger 10/22

The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular 22LR rifles on the market. Known for its reliability and ease of use, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.

• Key Features:
  • Semi-automatic action
  • 10-round rotary magazine
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
• Ideal Applications: Plinking, small game hunting, and casual shooting

CZ 457: Premium Precision Bolt-Action Rifle

For those seeking precision and accuracy, the CZ 457 is a top contender. This bolt-action rifle is highly regarded for its adjustable features and consistent performance.

• Key Features:
  • Adjustable trigger
  • Interchangeable barrels
  • High-quality construction
• Ideal Applications: Precision shooting, competitive shooting, and hunting

Marlin Model 60: Classic Semi-Auto Performance

The Marlin Model 60 is a classic 22LR rifle known for its accuracy and reliability. It’s a favorite among hunters and casual shooters.

• Key Features:
  • Semi-automatic action
  • 14-round tube magazine
  • Durable construction
• Ideal Applications: Small game hunting, plinking, and casual shooting

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22

If you’re looking for a tactical-style 22LR rifle, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is a great option. It offers the look and feel of an AR-15 platform but in a 22LR caliber.

• Key Features:
  • AR-15 style design
  • 25-round magazine
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
• Ideal Applications: Tactical training, plinking, and casual shooting

Savage Mark II: Budget-Friendly Bolt Action Excellence

The Savage Mark II is an affordable and reliable bolt-action 22LR rifle. It’s a great choice for those on a budget who still want a quality rifle.

• Key Features:
  • AccuTrigger system
  • Detachable box magazine
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
• Ideal Applications: Plinking, small game hunting, and casual shooting

Anschutz 64 Series: Competition-Grade Precision

For competitive shooters, the Anschutz 64 series is a top choice. Known for its precision and reliability, it’s a favorite among serious shooters.

• Key Features:
  • Match-grade barrel
  • Adjustable trigger
  • High-quality construction
• Ideal Applications: Competitive shooting, precision shooting, and hunting

Henry Lever Action 22LR

The Henry Lever Action 22LR is a fun and reliable option for those who enjoy the classic lever-action design. It’s great for plinking and casual shooting.

• Key Features:
  • Lever-action design
  • 15-round tube magazine
  • Smooth and reliable action
• Ideal Applications: Plinking, casual shooting, and small game hunting

Tikka T1X: Long-Range Accuracy and Reliability

The Tikka T1X is a bolt-action 22LR rifle known for its accuracy and reliability. It’s a great choice for long-range shooting and precision applications.

• Key Features:
  • Match-grade barrel
  • Adjustable trigger
  • High-quality construction
• Ideal Applications: Long-range shooting, precision shooting, and hunting

Check out Apex Ordnance’s 22LR Rifles and The Best 22LR Ammo

Check out Apex Ordnance’s selection of 22LR rifles, perfect for a wide range of shooting applications.

Performance Comparison of the Best 22LR Rifles

When searching for the best 22 rifle, performance is a crucial factor to consider. The accuracy of modern 22LR rifles has come a long way since their introduction. With proper ammunition selection and maintenance, these rifles can deliver impressive results:

• CZ 457: Known for its exceptional accuracy and adjustable features, making it ideal for precision shooting.
• Anschutz 64 Series: Match-grade barrel and adjustable trigger provide top-tier accuracy for competitive shooting.
• Tikka T1X: High-quality construction and match-grade barrel ensure consistent accuracy at long ranges.

Good 22LR Reliability and Durability

• Ruger 10/22: Renowned for its reliability and ease of use, making it a favorite among shooters of all levels.
• Marlin Model 60: Durable construction and reliable semi-automatic action make it a dependable choice for hunters and casual shooters.
• Savage Mark II: Affordable yet reliable, the Savage Mark II is a great option for those on a budget.

Ease of Use and Operation Features

• Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22: AR-15 style design and lightweight construction make it easy to handle and ideal for tactical training.
• Henry Lever Action 22LR: Smooth lever-action design and reliable performance make it a fun and easy-to-use option for casual shooting.
• Ruger 10/22: Lightweight and easy to handle, the Ruger 10/22 is perfect for beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Cost Considerations of 22LR Rifles

Your budget plays a significant role in choosing the best 22 rifle for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the average prices for the top picks:

• Ruger 10/22: $250-$350
• CZ 457: $400-$600
• Marlin Model 60: $200-$300
• Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22: $400-$500
• Savage Mark II: $200-$300
• Anschutz 64 Series: $800-$1,200
• Henry Lever Action 22LR: $300-$400
• Tikka T1X: $500-$700

Ideal Applications for 22LR Rifles

Plinking and Casual Shooting Applications

• Ruger 10/22: Affordable and reliable, perfect for casual shooting.
• Henry Lever Action 22LR: Fun and easy to use, great for plinking.

Small Game Hunting

• Marlin Model 60: Accurate and reliable, ideal for hunting small game.
• Savage Mark II: Affordable and dependable, a great choice for hunters on a budget.

Competitive Shooting

• CZ 457: Adjustable features and high accuracy make it ideal for competitive shooting.
• Anschutz 64 Series: Match-grade barrel and precision performance are perfect for serious competitors.

Tactical Training

• Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22: AR-15 style design and lightweight construction make it ideal for tactical training.

Long-Range Shooting

• Tikka T1X: High-quality construction and match-grade barrel ensure consistent accuracy at long ranges.

Comprehensive Pros and Cons of Popular 22LR Rifles

Ruger 10/22: The Reliable Beginner-Friendly Option

• Pros: Reliable, affordable, easy to use
• Cons: Limited magazine capacity without aftermarket upgrades

CZ 457: Premium Precision Performance Rifle

• Pros: High accuracy, adjustable features, high-quality construction
• Cons: Higher price point

Marlin Model 60: Classic Semi-Auto Value Choice

• Pros: Accurate, reliable, affordable
• Cons: Tube magazine can be slower to reload

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22: Modern Tactical Training Platform

• Pros: Tactical design, lightweight, easy to handle
• Cons: Higher price point, less traditional design

Savage Mark II: Entry-Level Bolt Action Performance

• Pros: Affordable, reliable, easy to use
• Cons: Basic features, less customizable

Anschutz 64 Series: Professional Competition Excellence

• Pros: High accuracy, match-grade barrel, adjustable trigger
• Cons: Expensive, less versatile for casual shooting

Henry Lever Action 22LR: Traditional American Classic

• Pros: Fun to shoot, reliable, smooth action
• Cons: Limited magazine capacity, less tactical design

Tikka T1X: Precision Long-Range Performer

• Pros: High accuracy, match-grade barrel, consistent performance
• Cons: Higher price point, less versatile for casual shooting

FAQ: Choosing the Best 22LR Rifle

• What makes the Ruger 10/22 the best 22LR rifle for beginners?

  The Ruger 10/22 is known for its reliability, ease of use, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for new shooters.

• Which 22LR rifle is best for precision shooting?

  The CZ 457 is highly regarded for its accuracy and adjustable features, making it ideal for precision shooting.

• What is the best 22LR rifle for hunting small game?

  The Marlin Model 60 is a popular choice for hunting small game due to its accuracy and lightweight design.

• Are there any tactical 22LR rifles available?

  Yes, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is a tactical-style 22LR rifle that offers the look and feel of an AR-15 platform.

• What is the most affordable 22LR rifle?

  The Savage Mark II is one of the most affordable 22LR rifles, offering great value for its price.

• Which 22LR rifle has the best magazine capacity?

  The Ruger 10/22 typically comes with a 10-round rotary magazine, but higher-capacity magazines are available.

• What 22LR rifle is best for competitive shooting?

  The Anschutz 64 series is highly recommended for competitive shooting due to its precision and reliability.

• Can I use a 22LR rifle for home defense?

  While 22LR rifles are not ideal for home defense, they can be used in a pinch due to their low recoil and ease of use.

• What is the best 22LR rifle for plinking?

  The Henry Lever Action 22LR is a fun and reliable option for plinking and casual shooting.

• Which 22LR rifle is best for long-range shooting?

  The Tikka T1X is known for its accuracy and is a great choice for long-range shooting with a 22LR rifle.