The Ultimate Guide to .22 Pistols: Best Options for Self-Defense, Training & Plinking

If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and versatile handgun, .22 pistols are among the best choices for self-defense, training, and recreational shooting. Known for their low recoil, cost-effective ammo, and ease of use, these compact firearms are perfect for beginners, concealed carry, and survival kits.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Why Choose a .22 Pistol?
✔ Best .22 Pistols for Different Uses
✔ Key Features to Consider
✔ FAQs About .22 LR Handguns

Why Choose a .22 Pistol?

1. Low Recoil & Easy to Shoot

• Ideal for new shooters, youth, and those sensitive to recoil

• Great for building marksmanship fundamentals

2. Affordable Ammo & Low Maintenance

• .22 LR ammunition is significantly cheaper than larger calibers

• Less cleaning required compared to centerfire pistols

3. Versatile Uses

• Concealed carry (lightweight & compact options)

• Small game hunting (squirrels, rabbits)

• Target practice & competition shooting

• Survival & backup weapon

4. Great for Training & Skill Development

• Helps shooters master trigger control and accuracy before moving to larger calibers

Best .22 Pistols for Every Purpose

1. Best for Concealed Carry: Ruger LCP II .22 LR

• Ultra-compact (10.6 oz, 5.17” length)

• 10+1 capacity

• Reliable for deep concealment & backup use

2. Best for Beginners: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact

• Lightweight & ergonomic

• 12-round magazine

• Mimics full-size M&P pistols for seamless training

3. Best for Plinking & Fun: Taurus TX22

• 16-round capacity (one of the highest for .22 pistols)

• Great trigger & reliability

• Budget-friendly

4. Best for Precision Shooting: Browning Buck Mark

• Match-grade barrel for superior accuracy

• Adjustable sights

• Popular among competitive shooters

5. Most Unique: LifeCard .22LR (Folding Credit-Card Pistol)

• Fits in a wallet (3.375” folded)

• Single-shot survival pistol

• Ultralight at 5.5 oz

Key Features to Consider When Buying a .22 Pistol

✅ Purpose – Concealed carry, training, or plinking?
✅ Capacity – Standard (8-12 rounds) or high-capacity (16+)?
✅ Size & Weight – Compact for carry or full-size for range use?
✅ Trigger Quality – Single-action (SA), double-action (DA), or striker-fired?
✅ Sights – Fixed, adjustable, or optics-ready?
✅ Reliability – Some .22 pistols can be finicky with ammo—read reviews!