When most people think of a .22 caliber firearm, they think of the bolt-action rifles they learned to shoot on.
However, the small but mighty .22 cartridge is also available in a range of revolvers. Handy for self-defense, target shooting, plinking, and some hunting, a .22 revolver is a great addition to any gun collection.
Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in a .22 revolver and to choose the best .22 revolver for you!
Comparison of the Best .22 Revolvers
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What to Watch For When Buying a .22 Revolver
There are a few different factors to consider when shopping for a .22 revolver. Let’s go over some of the most important things to watch for.
This Section Written By:
Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Taking Aim on Your Needs
Not every .22 revolver is created equally. Some are designed for self-defense and some are better off kept as plinking and target shooting firearms. Knowing what your own intended use for a .22 revolver is will have a big effect on your final purchasing decision.
Sizing Up the Options
Size can be a big determining factor on which .22 revolver is right for you. If you plan to conceal carry your .22 revolver, you’ll obviously be looking for something more on the compact side. However, if you only plan on making tin cans and paper targets, or maybe a pest or two, your only targets, then a larger .22 revolver might just fit the bill.
Photo credit: americanshootingjournal.com
Playing the Long Game
Revolvers are pretty simple firearms. Few moving parts mean there is less that can go wrong. What I’m trying to say here is that when taken care of properly, a .22 revolver will easily last you a lifetime and still be sending rounds down range with reliability in the next generation. No barn, cabin, campsite, or farm is complete without a .22 revolver kicking around somewhere (stored safely of course!). You never know when it might come in handy or when you might feel like testing your aim on some targets.
Balanced Budget
One of the best parts of owning a .22 revolver is its affordability. With some models coming in at under $200, .22 revolvers won’t put much of a dent in your budget. Well, at least not compared to larger caliber firearms, rifles, and shotguns. When you can find it in stock, .22LR ammo is relatively cheap as well.
.22LR’s Bigger Cousin
During your .22 revolver shopping, you’ll probably come across some revolvers chambered in .22 Magnum. Keep in mind that this is not the same thing as .22LR and that they are NOT interchangeable. Some revolvers come with a cylinder for both calibers so that is an option if you are interested in shooting both.
Review of the Best .22 Revolvers
The following is a list of the eight best .22 revolvers currently on the market. As you go through each one, you should make a note of any of the characteristics and features that stand out.
This way, you’ll have a good idea of which one of these revolvers will match your ideal description of what you want personally. If you find a revolver that fits your ideal description, you have found a winner. Now, let’s take a look at the first .22 revolver on our list-our best overall choice:
Best Heritage .22 Revolver:
Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5" Revolver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This revolver was a favorite among new users, especially those who were looking for a revolver that was not just aesthetically pleasing, but also reliable and accurate enough to make target shooting or even varmint hunting so enjoyable. One user said he was able to hit his targets with ease from a good 25 yards out consistently using this revolver.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Heritage Rough Rider has a barrel that is slightly longer than most revolvers. When you first look at this, it looks like the kind that would only be used in the Wild West by lawmen and outlaws alike. So it stands out as your classic six-shooting revolver that will be great for target practicing and even knocking down a few pests. It may not be for showing off your inner John Wayne skills, however.
Who Will Use This Most
This revolver might stand out as a really good model to shoot targets with. It can be used casually or for competitive purposes. Either way, you’ll be amazed by how this sharp-looking, easy-to-use revolver will work to your advantage.
Bottom Line
The Heritage Rough Rider has a classic look, but it’s reliable and accurate like the revolvers of old times. If you want something that will make you look like an intimidating force to be reckoned with, whether out on the range against a few targets or anything that might be damaging your property, this revolver might be right up your alley.
2. Ruger LCR .22 LR
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were quite happy with the revolver. They were able to land accurate shots ranging from 25 to 30 yards out through various applications. One user said he was able to take it out to an outdoor range and managed to hit his targets close to or on the bullseye from that range. They also reported that little felt recoil was present with this pistol.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a pistol that is small, concealable, and can be perfect for those that conceal carry. It can also fit in a lot of CCW holsters (depending on the size). Find a holster that is the perfect size to keep this pistol secure and you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go (in jurisdictions where concealed carry is legal). Other than that, it is a pistol built to take on some beatings thanks to the high-quality polymer construction.
Who Will Use This Most
This revolver will be your best friend out on the range or in a self-defense situation. Ideally, it can even be a great EDC revolver to have on hand. You might not ever need to use it in a dangerous situation, but it’s good to be prepared in case it happens. Other users will also range from casual target shooters to those that use a revolver for competitive purposes.
Bottom Line
The Ruger LCR is a .22 pistol that is durable, reliable, and concealable for most users. Use the pistol to your advantage regardless of your intended application. You’ll be quite satisfied with the accuracy and overall performance this pistol can put together.
3. Smith & Wesson 317 Kit Gun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were quite satisfied with this revolver. Most were able to easily handle the pistol with excellent stability and fired off each shot with ease. They were happy with the reliability and speed of each shot. One user said this pistol is his new go-to pistol for target practice and competition shooting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is a little larger than our previous pistol. But still, it is large enough to be concealable in most holsters. So it would make sense if you’re looking for something that is concealable but won’t bulge in your holster at the same time. The grip is made from a high-quality polymer and does a great job easily fitting into many hands of different users. Most hand sizes will be able to handle this pistol without making it feel like it’s too small or large.
Who Will Use This Most
This will probably be used by those starting with concealed carry. Indeed, it is a bit larger than the smaller revolvers. But it will be good enough for those who want to give concealed carry a try and carry around a revolver each day in the event of being in potential danger. Likewise, they can still put it to use for other purposes like target shooting or even varmint hunting.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson 317 Kit Gun proves that is belongs in the company of great .22 revolvers. The performance and quality are sure to not disappoint you each time you use it. No matter whether it’s for concealed carry or a casual day at the range, this pistol will probably exceed your standards one way or another.
4. Charter Arms Pathfinder
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This revolver was a hit with many budget shoppers. They were not disappointed with what they paid for. Most of them were able to hit their targets from a wide variety of ranges. One user said he was able to hit targets accurately near the bullseye from about 30 yards out. Others have concluded that this might be put to good use as a general-purpose pistol (with a majority saying they would use it for EDC or concealed carry use).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is anything but a cheap model. It’s one of those “more than what you pay for” revolvers that will work better than expected and exceed many users' expectations. Simply put, it’s at the right size to fit in most holsters. Plus, it has a good deal of firepower that will allow each round to travel a decent distance. If it can reach targets from a range of 25 to 50 yards, you know it has to be good.
Who Will Use This Most
This revolver will probably be another choice for beginners, especially those who need a revolver on a budget since money might be a little tight. If you want something that will work miles ahead of many .22 revolvers when it comes to quality and performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pistol quite like this.
Bottom Line
The Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 Revolver might just be something to start with if you’re considering carrying something around for concealed carry use or any other purposes. It’s an excellent model that will perform much better than budget revolvers. For something fast, accurate, and affordable, this might be your best choice.
Best .22 Magnum Revolver:
North American Arms Sidewinder .22 Magnum
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This revolver was a hit with many Magnum enthusiasts. So it came as no surprise when they said they were happy with how accurate the shooting was from about 25 yards out. Most of them were able to use this to their advantage in a target shooting situation. Some others have used this pistol for varmint hunting and hit targets from a close, but effective range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made mostly of stainless steel. But the grip is made from a hardwood that makes it stand out. Aesthetics-wise, it looks like a classic pistol that has been updated for modern times. But the pistol is not known for its looks. It’s known for a few unique qualities. One of them is allowing you to load the revolver without having to completely take out the cylinder. You have five rounds to load and it will take you less time to reload rather than having to pull out the cylinder, reload it, and put it back together.
Who Will Use This Most
It will probably be used for target shooting and close-range varmint hunting. Either way, it’s a .22 revolver that can get the job done. If you’re looking for a pistol that will put a few good rounds at your disposal, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this powerful .22 magnum a closer look.
Bottom Line
The North American Arms Sidewinder .22 Magnum Single-Action Revolver is probably your best possible choice if you’re looking for something that will be easy to load and easy to use for those who are fans of the magnum. Not only that, it’s a good looking model that will serve you well in the long run.
Best Double-Action Revolver:
Smith & Wesson 617
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were happy with the revolver. They found it easy to reload in a short amount of time. Some were able to fully load the cylinder within a few minutes. As for the applications, this was proven to be effective in a target shooting situation. However, one user said that if the opportunity were to arise, he would use it for home defense.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a revolver that, once again, is one of those with a longer barrel. If anything, a longer barrel will usually equal better accuracy. Sure enough, this is a consistently accurate revolver that will get the job done at ranges up to about 40 yards. Plus, with ten rounds at your disposal, you’ll have a little more firing power compared to other revolvers with a capacity of six to eight shots.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent revolver for home defense. The only time you’ll want to take it outside of the house is when you’re planning on firing off targets at the range. Either way, it’s a revolver that will certainly give you a little more firepower than most. Make no mistake, there is no such thing as having too many rounds to fire off. Whether you have 10 or 100 rounds laying around, this revolver is excellent to use along with them.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson 617 is perhaps your best friend whether at home or out at the range. No matter how you use it, it will be a reliable revolver that will give you a lot more than you bargained for. Once you give this a whirl, you’ll never want to fire off any other revolver.
Best .22 Revolver for Target Shooting:
Smith & Wesson 17 (K-22 Masterpiece)
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers found this revolver to be quite useful for target shooting. One user said he found this to be accurate up to 50 yards. He added that it also became his go-to pistol for competitive shooting purposes. Aside from accuracy and reliability, they have also found this to be surprisingly useful when used against small, invasive critters.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver was designed after the Second World War for target shooting. Over the years, Smith & Wesson changed up the design. At first glance, it looks like an old-school revolver with the potential to stand the test of time. On top of that, it’s got a wood grip that goes above and beyond in providing excellent stability each time they fire off a shot.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used for casual and competitive target shooting purposes. Either way, it’s accurate and reliable for all the times you’ll need to use it at the range. It’s the kind of revolver you’ll enjoy using against paper targets, cans, bottles, or whatever you use for target practice.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson 17 has been around for many years. Yet, it’s the kind of revolver that has stood the test of time. If you want something that will give you a boost in target shooting, whether in a casual or competitive setting, you’ll love using this revolver.
8. Ruger SP101 .22 LR 8-Rd Stainless Revolver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were quite impressed overall with the revolver. Many of them reported hitting their targets accurately from about 25 to 30 yards out. One of them said he was a competitive shooter that prefers using a .22 for his competitions. He said it shoots quicker than some pistols he’s used. On top of that, he said this pistol gives him a better grip and handle while he’s firing off shots.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This looks like a revolver straight out of the Wild West but it has more of a modern look to it. But it can shoot straight and is reliable in almost any application where it would be appropriate to use a .22 revolver. It’s also quick and easy to reload, making it excellent for competitive applications. The quicker you can load this, the better off you may be.
Who Will Use This Most
This may be put to good use as a revolver that will put the rounds to the bullseye on paper (or other targets) at the range or in a competition. It will shoot fast, load fast, and give you a reliable performance that might just be considered second to none. If you’re a sucker for revolvers and want nothing more than a model that will excel as a competition pistol, this could be right up your alley.
Bottom Line
The Ruger SP101 has the power and ability to make this your go-to revolver for competition shooting. Make no mistake, it will stand out as the kind of revolver you’ll need for every application.
How Accurate is a .22 Revolver?
Accuracy will vary depending on the kind of .22 revolver that you use. There have been users that claim to have used them for varmint hunting and hit their targets from as far as 50 yards out. Some pistols are effective and accurate at close ranges between 10 to 25 yards.
It will also depend on the application of how they’re used. For example, in competitions, a .22 revolver will be effectively accurate when the targets are set between 25 to 50 yards.
Are All .22 Revolvers The Same?
The short answer: no. To give you a better explanation, not every .22 revolver will be the same for a few reasons. First of all, the size and design might differ. Some revolvers will be smaller in size while some will be slightly larger. The performance may differ from one pistol to another, as well. One might be effectively accurate at about 25 to 30 yards out while another can have the ability to go farther.
While the applications for this kind of revolver might be the same, there are some features and characteristics that indicate not all .22 revolvers are created equal.
Photo credit: auctionarmory.com
What Makes a Great .22 Revolver?
There are a few characteristics and features that will make a .22 revolver stand out among the rest of the pack. Yes, there are many .22 revolvers on the market. But most of them may not pass the test in some way or another. You’ll need to know how to distinguish a great .22 revolver from one that isn’t as reliable in performance. Here are some things to look for while choosing a revolver:
Accuracy Fits the Application
As mentioned before, some .22 revolvers will be effective in one application or another. Using the competition example, they are effectively accurate from 25 to 50 yards out. These revolvers can be used for hunting or target shooting if you hold accuracy to a high standard. If you have a good idea of what you’re going to be using a .22 revolver for, keep in mind how accurate it is to ensure it is the best fit.
Affordable For Your Budget
Whether money is a bit of an issue or if you have money to play around with, these eight pistols are worth the investment. What is important is if you are on a budget, you should invest more in the highest quality and performance you can afford. Never sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money. That will lead to purchasing a revolver where the reliability is questionable.
Built to Last
Every revolver on this list is made from high-quality materials. This means they are built to last you a long time so long as you take care of them regularly. That means having to clean the revolver inside and out. Not only will it lengthen the life of your revolver, but it will also prevent any jamming or other reliability issues that can pose a threat to your safety.
Why Should I Get a New .22 Revolver?
Getting a new .22 revolver is essential for many purposes. And with this handgun comes a few benefits you’ll get to enjoy. They are as follows:
Excellent For Concealed Carry
Most of these .22 revolvers are small enough for concealed carry. The smaller they are, the better chance they can be carried using a holster.
Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 6.5" Revolver
From there, you can lawfully and legally carry outside of your home (depending on your jurisdiction). Remember to find a holster, since you are required to use one if you intend to carry your revolver everywhere you go.
Excels at Target Shooting And Self-Defense
This revolver is great for many applications. But it is said to stand out as a handgun that can be used in either a self-defense or target shooting situation. Regardless, you have a pistol that will put a good number of rounds at your disposal. And you’ll be able to easily reload if and when you need to do so.
More Affordable Than Most Handguns
Compared to other calibers like the 9mm, the .22 is probably one of the more affordable in terms of pistols and even ammunition. This is good news for those looking for a pistol for concealed carry or other applications but who may not have a good amount of money to play around with.
Conclusion
The best .22 revolver is out there and one of the eight listed above might be your favorite. Be sure to find one that will work to your advantage, regardless of what your intent or purpose will be. Be sure to take good care of it and it will take care of you, in return.
