Best .22 Handguns

The .22 handgun is popular with shooters at all skill levels for a reason. For beginners, the minimal recoil and blast make shooting approachable. More experienced shooters appreciate the cheap ammo, which makes it easier to practice and sharpen shooting skills without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for a gun for target shooting, concealed carry, small game hunting, or self-defense, 22 handguns are a great and affordable option. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best .22 handguns for 2022.

1. Ruger SR22
2. Ruger Mark IV .22/45
3. Ruger Wrangler Revolver 22LR
4. Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
5. Smith & Wesson Model 617 .22 LR
6. Walther P22 Semi-Auto .22 LR Pistol
7. Browning Buck Mark Camper Semi-Auto .22LR Pistol

Ruger is known for quality craftsmanship, and the American-made SR22 is no exception. This pistol features light double-action and crisp single-action trigger pulls, with a rounded spur on the external hammer for easy cocking and single-action shooting.

The rugged design includes an underside Picatinny rail with multiple cross slots, making it easy to add accessories. The Ruger SR22 includes two interchangeable rubberized grips. The 3-dot sight system has a fixed front sight, while the rear sights are adjustable for both windage and elevation. 

The Ruger Mark IV has a sleek and elegant design. It looks great and it’s easy to maintain with a simple one-button takedown for easy cleaning. One of the best .22 handguns available in 2022, it’s also a joy to shoot. The heavy bull barrel provides easy recoil management. The ambidextrous manual safety can be converted to left-only with an included washer.

Ruger makes mounting optics simple with a drilled and tapped receiver that is ready for a Weaver- or Picatinny-style rail. The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 design ensures permanent sight to barrel alignment, giving you higher accuracy potential than you’ll see with conventional moving slide design. This pistol includes two 10-round magazines and weighs 34.4 ounces. The push-button release drops the magazine free for faster reloading. It’s also located on the left side of the frame.

The Ruger Wrangler Revolver is an affordable single action revolver chambered for .22 LR ammunition. It looks and shoots like a gun with a higher price tag.

You’ll experience exceptional accuracy thanks to the cold hammer-forged barrel which results in ultra-precise rifling. The Cerakote® finish is reliable no matter the environment. This 30-ounce revolver with six-round capacity is available in a variety of finishes.

This revolver features a transfer bar mechanism and loading gate interlock for an unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge. The Ruger Wrangler Revolver includes blade front and integral notch rear sights as well as checkered synthetic grips.

Known for reliability, the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is a single-action blowback semi-automatic pistol. It includes an interchangeable match-grade barrel for accuracy whether you’re on the range or in the field. Fans love the simplicity of the one-screw takedown design.

Smith & Wesson introduced the K-Frame revolver in 1899. Since then, it has been popular among military and police professionals as well as target shooters. The Smith & Wesson Model 617 .22 Long Rifle is available with a four-inch barrel (39 ounces) or a six-inch barrel (44.1 ounces).

Made of stainless steel, this is a solid single action/double action revolver. It’s a great gun for new shooters due to lack of noise and recoil. The S&W 617 includes a pinned Patridge front sight and an adjustable black rear sight and has a 10 round capacity.

Timeless, consistent, and affordable, the Walther P22 is also one of the most comfortable handguns available today. The double/single action pistol gives you second-strike capability if you have a light primer strike.

The windage adjustable rear sight and captured recoil spring offer a premium experience. The lightweight 17-ounce Walther P22 is easy to shoot and carry. It’s perfect for both right and left-handed shooters, thanks to the ambidextrous magazine release and slide safety.

Every Browning Buck Mark begins as a solid piece of aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy that is machined to Browning’s high standards. With a crisp single-action trigger and finely adjustable target sights, the Browning Buck Mark Camper offers an excellent shooting experience.

Ultragrip RX® and Ultragrip DX® offer the latest in grip technology, designed for both left and right-handed shooters. Finger grooves, laser stippling, and wave patterns put your hand in the same place on the grip for every shot to increase accuracy. The textured surfaces are designed for comfort, and a narrow profile makes the Browning Buck Mark Camper perfect for all hand sizes. With a 10-round capacity, this pistol weighs 34 ounces.

These are just a few of the best .22 handguns on the market for 2022. If you’re having trouble deciding which gun is right for you, the experts here at Green Top Sporting Goods are happy to talk through the pros and cons of each model you’re considering.

Each of these .22-caliber handguns offers something a little bit different, so the right gun for you truly depends on your needs and what you’re most comfortable firing. Green Top offers a great selection of .22 handguns so you’re sure to find your new favorite in our inventory.