A .22 pistol is the best teacher in handgunning. Low recoil and cheap ammunition let you build trigger control and sight alignment with thousands of repetitions, and those skills carry straight over to centerfire. But ".22 pistol" covers target guns, trainers, pocket guns and single-action revolvers, and each is built for a different job. This guide sorts the handguns Ammunition Depot lists by role, so you buy the one that fits yours.
It's a buyer's guide from manufacturer and retailer listings, not a test. Capacities and features below come from listing names. Confirm the exact configuration before you buy.
| Target and precision | Ruger Mark IV Target |
|---|---|
| Centerfire trainer | FN 502 Tactical, Kel-Tec P17 |
| Fun and plinking | GSG Firefly, Kel-Tec P17 |
| Classic and compact | Walther PPK/S .22, Ruger LCP II .22 |
| Single-action revolver | Ruger Wrangler, Heritage Rough Rider |
| Remember | A .22 is a trainer first, not an ideal defensive caliber |
Target: Ruger Mark IV Target
The Mark series has been a benchmark .22 target pistol for generations. The Mark IV's big improvement was simple takedown, which fixed the older models' reputation for being hard to reassemble. The Target model's heavier barrel and adjustable sights suit bullseye-style shooting and precision practice. If accuracy is the point, start here.
Trainers for centerfire shooters
If you carry or compete with a 9mm, a .22 with similar controls lets you practice cheaply. The FN 502 Tactical is a .22 built around a full-size-pistol feel, with a threaded barrel and optic readiness per its listing. It's a natural match for shooters who run a red dot on their carry gun. The Kel-Tec P17 is a light, very affordable .22 with a high-capacity magazine (16+1 per listing), which is great for drills that need lots of rounds per magazine.
Fun and plinking
The GSG Firefly is a compact, easy-shooting .22 aimed at plinking and new shooters. It's a good way to get a spouse or teenager comfortable with a pistol before moving up. The P17 fits here too.
Classic and compact
The Walther PPK/S in .22 LR brings the famous shape at rimfire recoil levels. The Ruger LCP II in .22 LR is a very small pistol with a light recoil impulse. Small .22s are sometimes suggested for shooters with limited hand strength who struggle with centerfire slides. Try one in person first: small .22 pistols can be more sensitive to ammunition than full-size ones. Our semi-auto jam guide covers why.
Single-action revolvers
A single-action .22 revolver is slow to load, which makes every shot more deliberate. They're simple, reliable with almost any .22 LR, and fun around the farm or campsite. The Ruger Wrangler and the Heritage Rough Rider are the affordable entries. Our sister site WheelGuns.co covers revolvers in more depth.
Feed it right
Semi-auto .22 pistols usually run best on high-velocity, round-nose, plated ammunition. Revolvers will happily eat almost anything. Test one box before buying a case. See our bulk .22 guide.
Buy the Mark IV Target for precision, the FN 502 or P17 to train for centerfire, the Firefly to teach new shooters, and a Wrangler or Rough Rider for simple single-action fun. Feed semi-autos high-velocity plated ammo and test before you buy a case.
FAQ
What is the best .22 pistol for accuracy?
Among the listed options, the Ruger Mark IV Target is the precision-focused choice, with a heavier barrel and adjustable sights.
Is a .22 pistol good for training for carry?
Yes. A .22 with similar controls or an optic, like the FN 502 Tactical, lets you practice fundamentals cheaply. Finish with some practice using your carry gun.
Are small .22 pistols reliable?
They can be, but compact .22s tend to be more ammunition-sensitive. Test several loads, and prefer high-velocity round-nose ammo.
Revolver or semi-auto for a first .22 handgun?
A single-action revolver is simple and forgiving of ammo. A semi-auto is better for drills and training for centerfire pistols.
See .22 handguns in stock
Rimfire pistols sell out quickly. Check current availability.
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