Best .22 Rifles (2026): 7 Picks, Semi-Auto to Youth

Every shooter should own a .22. It's the rifle you learn on, the one you teach your kids with, the one that takes squirrels and rabbits for the pot, and the one you can shoot all afternoon for the price of a fast-food lunch. The hard part isn't deciding to buy one. It's choosing among dozens.

"Ruger 22 rifle" and "best 22 rifle" top Google's related searches for .22 rifles this month, with Savage, Winchester and bolt-actions close behind, and searches for kids' .22s climbing. We ranked seven, from a $123 youth single-shot to a walnut CZ bolt gun. Every price below is a real new listing on Guns.com checked on October 8, 2026, and every spec comes from the maker unless we say otherwise. This is a research guide, not a hands-on test.

How we chose

Nobody at OSS America shot these rifles for this guide. We started from what people are searching: "Ruger 22 rifle," "best 22 rifle," "22 rifle scope," "Savage 22 rifle," "bolt action 22 rifle" and "Winchester 22 rifle" lead the related searches, while "Marlin 22 rifle semi auto," "Chipmunk 22 rifle" and "kids 22 rifle" are rising. Then we checked which of those rifles Guns.com had new and in stock in .22 LR on October 8, 2026, and pulled specs from Ruger, CZ, Savage, Henry, Winchester and Keystone.

We covered every action type, semi-auto, bolt, lever and youth single-shot, and weighed trigger, barrel, sights and scope mounting, magazine, weight and fit and price. Two dropped out. Marlin is a rising search, but Guns.com had no new Marlin .22 in stock that day, only used and sold-out listings. Browning's T-Bolt Composite Sporter is now listed as discontinued on Browning's site.

All seven at a glance

Guns.com prices are the lowest new, in-stock .22 LR listing we found for each model on October 8, 2026. Guns.com is a marketplace and prices change daily. Ruger 10/22 = model 32033; Savage's price is from savagearms.com; Crickett price range is Keystone's own store. CZ weight is from the Guns.com listing (CZ doesn't list one).

How to read the chart: the semi-autos (Wildcat, 10/22) are the lightest adult rifles here at about 4 lb, while the bolt guns cluster around 6 lb because of heavier barrels and stocks. Nearly everything was selling 13 to 23 percent under MSRP on Guns.com. The CZ costs more than twice as much as the Savage, and what it buys is the trigger, the walnut and swappable barrels, not a lighter rifle.

The 7 best .22 rifles, ranked

#1

Ruger 10/22

Best .22 rifle overall

Guns.com, new: from about $260 · Ruger MSRP: $299.00 (model 32033) · Weight: 4.2 lb

"Ruger 22 rifle" is the single biggest .22 search in America right now, and the 10/22 is why. It's the semi-auto most people picture when they think of a .22: light, simple, reliable, and supported by more aftermarket parts, stocks and magazines than any other rimfire. If you want one .22 for plinking, squirrels, teaching and the truck, start here.

Ruger's current 10/22 line has a refreshed model worth knowing about. The 32033 has a black polymer stock with M-LOK slots, a scope rail already installed, Ruger's BX-Trigger with a 2.5 to 3 pound pull, and a new rear cleaning port so you can clean the barrel from the back of the receiver. Ruger lists an 18.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:16 twist, a 10-round rotary magazine, a 13.5-inch length of pull and 4.2 lb.

Ruger's suggested retail is $299.00. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had the 32033 new from about $260, and the classic wood-stocked 10/22 Carbine (model 1103) for $296.99. There were 351 new and used .22 LR listings for "Ruger 10/22" that day, so you can pick the stock and finish you like.

Model	32033 (.22 LR)
Action	Semi-auto, 10-round rotary magazine
Barrel	18.5 in cold hammer-forged, 1:16
Trigger	BX-Trigger, 2.5 to 3 lb
Weight / LOP	4.2 lb / 13.5 in
Sights	None; scope rail installed
MSRP	$299.00

Pros

• + The most popular .22 semi-auto, with endless parts and magazines
• + Light at 4.2 lb
• + Rear cleaning port and BX-Trigger on the new model
• + Under $300 new the day we checked

Cons

• − No iron sights on the 32033 (plan on a scope or red dot)
• − Many versions and model numbers to sort through
• − Plain polymer stock on the cheapest version

See Ruger 10/22 at Guns.com →

#2

CZ 457 American

Best bolt-action .22 for accuracy

Guns.com, new: from about $620 · CZ MSRP: from $729

If small groups and a fine trigger matter more to you than speed, the CZ 457 American is the bolt gun to look at. CZ rates it at 2 MOA, gives it a fully adjustable trigger from 1.8 to 3.4 pounds, and builds the 457 so the owner can swap barrels and calibers.

The American version has a varnished walnut stock in a classic American shape, checkering with a fleur-de-lis pattern, and a light-profile, cold hammer-forged 24-inch barrel with no sights; it's made to wear a scope. The Guns.com listing gives 6.2 lb and a 5-round magazine. CZ lists it from $729.

On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had the walnut 457 American new from about $620, plus a left-hand version at $681.99 and the synthetic, camo 457 American Hunter at $716.99.

Action	Bolt, 5-round detachable magazine
Barrel	24 in cold hammer-forged, no sights
Trigger	Fully adjustable, 1.8 to 3.4 lb
Accuracy	2 MOA (CZ spec)
Weight	6.2 lb (Guns.com listing)
MSRP	From $729

Pros

• + Best trigger adjustment range here
• + Swappable barrels and calibers
• + Walnut stock and classic lines
• + Left-hand version in stock

Cons

• − Most expensive rifle in this guide
• − No iron sights
• − 5-round magazine

See CZ 457 American at Guns.com →

#3

Ruger American Rimfire

Best value bolt-action .22

Guns.com, new: from about $380 · Ruger MSRP: $469.00 · Weight: 6 lb

The Ruger American Rimfire gives you most of what makes a good bolt-action .22 for well under the CZ's price. Ruger's Marksman Adjustable trigger sets between 3 and 5 pounds, Power Bedding free-floats the cold hammer-forged barrel, and the rifle takes every 10/22 magazine, including the BX-25s, so one set of mags can feed both of your Rugers.

Ruger lists the Standard (8301) with a 22-inch barrel, 1:16 twist, a Williams fiber-optic front and adjustable rear sight, a 13.75-inch length of pull and 6 lb. It comes with two stock modules so you can set the comb height for iron sights or a scope, and smaller compact modules are sold separately. Ruger's suggested retail is $469.00; on October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $380, and the 18-inch Compact (8303) for $389.99.

Model	8301 Standard (.22 LR)
Action	Bolt, BX-1 10-round rotary magazine (takes all 10/22 mags)
Barrel	22 in cold hammer-forged, 1:16
Trigger	Marksman Adjustable, 3 to 5 lb
Sights	Williams fiber-optic front, adjustable rear
Weight	6 lb
MSRP	$469.00

Pros

• + Shares magazines with the 10/22
• + Adjustable trigger and free-floated barrel
• + Iron sights included, plus stock modules for a scope
• + Compact version for smaller shooters

Cons

• − Heavier than the semi-autos
• − Synthetic stock feels basic next to the CZ
• − Rotary mag is slower to load than a box

See Ruger American Rimfire at Guns.com →

#4

Savage Mark II FV

Best budget bolt-action .22

Guns.com, new: from about $240 · Savage price: $319.00 · Weight: 6 lb

The Savage Mark II FV is the cheapest way into a heavy-barrel bolt gun with a trigger you can actually tune. Savage's AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 pounds, and the 21-inch button-rifled barrel is a heavy varmint contour, which helps keep the rifle steady and the groups tight.

Savage lists the FV (28700) with a 1:16 twist, a 5-round detachable box magazine, two-piece Weaver-style scope bases already on the receiver, a black synthetic varmint stock with a 13.9-inch length of pull, 39.75 inches overall and 6 lb. Savage's own price is $319.00. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $240, and the shorter, threaded FV-SR from about $280.

Model	28700 (.22 LR)
Action	Bolt, 5-round detachable box magazine
Barrel	21 in button-rifled heavy carbon steel, 1:16
Trigger	AccuTrigger, 2.5 to 6 lb
Scope mounts	2-piece Weaver-style bases installed
Weight	6 lb
Price (Savage)	$319.00

Pros

• + AccuTrigger at a budget price
• + Heavy barrel for steady shooting
• + Scope bases already installed
• + Threaded FV-SR version available

Cons

• − No iron sights
• − Plain synthetic stock
• − 5-round magazine

See Savage Mark II FV at Guns.com →

#5

Henry Classic Lever Action .22

Best lever-action .22

Guns.com, new: from about $340 · Henry MSRP: $440.00 · Weight: 5.25 lb

Some .22s are tools and some are rifles you hand down. Henry's Classic Lever Action .22 (H001) is both: a smooth, light lever gun with an American walnut stock that's been the first rifle for a lot of shooters. It's also one of the few rifles here that shoots .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle.

Henry lists an 18.5-inch round blued barrel, a 1:16 twist, a tube magazine that holds 14 Long Rifle, 16 Long or 21 Short rounds, a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with a hooded front blade, a 3/8-inch grooved receiver for scope rings, a 14-inch length of pull and 5.25 lb. Henry's MSRP for the H001 is $440.00. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had one new Henry Classic listing in stock, from about $340. If lever guns are your thing, our best lever-action rifles guide covers the centerfire side.

Model	H001 (.22 S/L/LR)
Action	Lever, tube magazine
Capacity	14 LR / 16 L / 21 S
Barrel	18.5 in round blued, 1:16
Sights	Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear, hooded blade front; 3/8 in grooved receiver
Weight / LOP	5.25 lb / 14 in
MSRP	$440.00

Pros

• + Classic walnut-and-steel lever gun
• + Shoots .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
• + Good iron sights out of the box
• + Light and easy for new shooters

Cons

• − Tube magazine is slower to load
• − Only one new listing in stock the day we checked
• − Grooved receiver limits scope mount choices

See Henry Classic at Guns.com →

#6

Winchester Wildcat 22

Best budget semi-auto .22

Guns.com, new: from about $230 · Winchester MSRP: $299.99 · Weight: 4 lb

The Wildcat is Winchester's answer to the 10/22, and it does a few things differently. Winchester describes it as a straight-blowback, striker-fired semi-auto, and the whole lower receiver, with the bolt and trigger group, comes out with the push of a button, which makes cleaning simple. It also takes 10/22-pattern magazines.

Winchester lists the 521100102 with an 18-inch matte blued sporter barrel, a 1:16 twist, a 10-round magazine, a skeletonized gray composite stock, a scope rail, a 13.5-inch length of pull and 4 lb. Winchester's launch announcement says the Wildcat ships with a ghost-ring rear sight and a ramped front sight. MSRP is $299.99; on October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $230, the lowest price on any semi-auto here.

Model	521100102 (.22 LR)
Action	Semi-auto, straight blowback, striker-fired
Barrel	18 in sporter, 1:16
Capacity	10 (accepts 10/22-pattern magazines)
Weight / LOP	4 lb / 13.5 in
MSRP	$299.99

Pros

• + Lowest-priced semi-auto in this guide
• + Push-button lower removal for easy cleaning
• + Takes 10/22-pattern magazines
• + Very light at 4 lb

Cons

• − Skeleton stock isn't to everyone's taste
• − Smaller aftermarket than the 10/22
• − Composite receiver

See Winchester Wildcat at Guns.com →

#7

Crickett Youth .22

Best .22 rifle for kids

Guns.com, new: from about $120 · Keystone store: $159 to $259 · Weight: under 3 lb

"Kids 22 rifle" and "Chipmunk 22 rifle" are both climbing in searches this month, and for good reason: a first rifle should fit a child, load one round at a time and be simple to make safe. Keystone Sporting Arms makes both the Crickett (since 1996) and the Chipmunk (since 1982), and the Crickett is the one most families start with.

Keystone lists the Crickett as a single-shot bolt action under 3 lb, with an 11.5-inch length of pull, a 16.1-inch barrel, a 1:16 twist, 30 inches overall, an adjustable rear peep and fixed front post, a rebounding firing pin safety and a lifetime warranty. Generation 2 models add an EZ Loader and swivel studs. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had new Crickett rifles from about $120, depending on stock color, and the Chipmunk at $194.99. Keystone's own store lists Cricketts from $159 to $259.

A single-shot is a feature for a new shooter, not a flaw: one round at a time slows things down and keeps the lesson on safe handling and good shots. Pair it with good hearing and eye protection and close adult supervision.

Action	Single-shot bolt, manual cocking
Barrel	16.1 in, 1:16
Length / LOP	30 in / 11.5 in
Weight	Under 3 lb
Sights	Adjustable rear peep, fixed front post
Warranty	Lifetime (Keystone)

Pros

• + Sized for young shooters
• + Single shot keeps the focus on safety
• + Under $150 new the day we checked
• + Chipmunk also in stock (see it at Guns.com)

Cons

• − Kids outgrow it
• − Single shot only
• − Peep sight takes some teaching

See Crickett at Guns.com →

Which should you buy?

• You want one .22 that does everything: Ruger 10/22.
• You want the smallest groups: CZ 457 American.
• You want a good bolt gun on a budget: Ruger American Rimfire, or the Savage Mark II FV to spend even less.
• You want a classic you'll hand down: Henry Classic Lever Action.
• You want the cheapest semi-auto: Winchester Wildcat.
• You're buying a first rifle for a child: Crickett or Chipmunk.

What to look for in a .22 rifle

• Action type. Semi-autos are fast and fun; bolt-actions usually have better triggers and teach slower, more careful shooting; lever-actions are classic and smooth; single-shots are best for young beginners.
• Trigger. The CZ (1.8 to 3.4 lb), Savage (2.5 to 6 lb) and Ruger American (3 to 5 lb) triggers are user-adjustable, and the new 10/22's BX-Trigger is rated at 2.5 to 3 lb. A clean trigger makes a cheap rifle shoot better.
• Sights or scope. The Ruger 10/22 32033, CZ 457 and Savage FV come without iron sights. Budget for a rimfire scope or a red dot; our red dot sight guide is a good start.
• Magazines. The 10/22, Ruger American Rimfire and Wildcat all take 10/22-pattern magazines, which are everywhere and cheap.
• Ammo. .22s can be picky. Buy a few different loads and see what groups best; our best .22 LR ammo guide breaks down the options.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best .22 rifle for the money?

For most people, the Ruger 10/22. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had the current 32033 model new from about $260 (Ruger MSRP $299.00). It weighs 4.2 lb, takes cheap, common magazines and has the largest aftermarket of any .22. For a bolt-action, the Ruger American Rimfire was from about $380.

Is a bolt-action or semi-auto .22 better?

Neither is better for everyone. Semi-autos like the 10/22 and Wildcat are light and fast for plinking and small game. Bolt-actions like the CZ 457, Ruger American and Savage Mark II usually offer adjustable triggers and heavier barrels for precision, and they encourage slower, more deliberate shooting.

What is the most accurate .22 rifle under $1,000?

Of the rifles in this guide, the CZ 457 American has the strongest accuracy spec: CZ rates it at 2 MOA with a trigger adjustable from 1.8 to 3.4 lb. It was about $620 new on Guns.com on October 8, 2026. Your ammo choice will matter as much as the rifle.

What is the best .22 rifle for a kid?

A youth single-shot sized for a child, like the Crickett (Keystone lists an 11.5-inch length of pull and under 3 lb) or the Chipmunk. Guns.com had new Cricketts from about $120 and the Chipmunk at $194.99 on October 8, 2026. Close adult supervision, eye and ear protection, and safe handling come first.

Are Marlin .22 rifles still made?

Marlin is a rising search right now, but on October 8, 2026, Guns.com had no new Marlin .22 LR rifles in stock, only used and sold-out listings. If you want a new semi-auto today, the Ruger 10/22 and Winchester Wildcat were in stock.

What scope should I put on a .22 rifle?

A light rimfire scope or a compact red dot is plenty for most .22 shooting. The Ruger 10/22 32033 comes with a scope rail installed, the Savage Mark II FV comes with Weaver-style bases, and the CZ 457 American is built to wear a scope.

Can a .22 rifle be used for hunting?

Yes, for small game such as squirrels and rabbits, where your state allows it. Check your state's hunting regulations for legal calibers and seasons, and keep shots within the range where you can place them precisely.

Can I buy a .22 rifle online?

Yes. You buy online and the rifle ships to a licensed dealer (FFL) you choose. You pick it up in person with ID after the required background check. Federal, state and local laws still apply.

The bottom line

Buy the Ruger 10/22 if you want one .22 that does a little of everything. Buy the CZ 457 American if you care most about accuracy, or the Ruger American Rimfire if you want a solid bolt gun for less. And if you're buying a first rifle for a young shooter, the Crickett is built for exactly that. Whatever you pick, stock up on a couple of ammo types, wear eye and ear protection, and teach safe handling from the first shot. Squirrel hunting with something quieter? See our best air rifles for squirrels.

Get the free Blackout-Ready Home Checklist — join the OSS America newsletter for honest gear guides like this one, straight to your inbox.

Talk soon,
OSS AMERICA

God · Family · Country · Gear that earns its keep.