The 6 Best 22 Revolvers

There are many reasons to own a .22 firearm. Not only is the ammo incredibly affordable, but the guns can also be stored and used in various ways.

However, a big issue with .22 pistols is that the flared rounds jam pretty easily. Though that can put some people off, an easy fix to that is to go with a 22 revolver. Not only do they offer reliability, but they also keep the round separated, which significantly reduces jamming.

There are many great 22 guns out there, but the best 22 revolver pistols separate themselves from the pack in a few ways.

The following options are all unique, and they each bring something notably distinct to the table. If you want to get more out of your gun, these are the best ways to go.

The first gun on this list of the best 22 revolver pistols is the Ruger LCR 22 LR. This gun comes from one of the most reliable modern revolver lines on the market and is crafted by a company that knows pistols.

Ruger tends to employ a lot of polymer when making their revolvers to both reduce weight and make the firearms more affordable. This is a great option for people who want lighter guns, and it is also perfect for people who don’t want to break the bank when making a purchase.

Most guns in the LCR series are snub nose revolvers, which means they have a short barrel and more compact appearance. In addition, they also come with a special enclosed hammer that makes them much easier to draw than normal pistols.

Weighing in at just 14.9 ounces, the LCR 22 LR is one of the best 22 revolver pistols around for people who want a comfortable gun that it is easy to carry. That small size also means the gun has little recoil.

This model holds 8 rounds in total, which is quite a lot of capacity for a revolver. More shots also mean the gun is more forgivable should any rounds fail to ignite.

Another distinct advantage of this model, and another reason it makes the list of the best 22 revolver pistols, is its great trigger. The gun has a much lighter pull that you would expect with a standard rimfire revolver.

Though the short barrel is not made for longer shots, you can hit just about anything within 15 yards with little to no issues.

On top of that, you also have a range of accessories to choose from with this gun. There are plenty of holsters, as they are many different grips and sights. If you like the base and want just a little bit more, there are ways to make that happen.

The second Ruger on this list, the GP-100 is another incredibly solid model that perfectly exemplifies what the company is best known for.

This gun is not only tough, but it also has plenty of extra characteristics that help it stand out as one of the best 22 revolver pistols around.

There are many bonuses of this gun, and a big one is its inherent durability. You always want a firearm that can last (they do deal with a lot of force after all) and that is truly where the GP-100 shines.

This model has a sturdy, monolithic design that is specifically crafted in a way that ensures it will be around for decades. In fact, if taken care of properly, you could almost certainly have the gun for your entire life.

As you can imagine, that also means the gun works with an added amount of reliability. You never have to worry about production with this model, nor do you have to worry about the gun jamming on you often.

There are a few different GD-100 versions out there, which adds to its overall versatility and provides you with extra options other guns don’t.

If you want, you can get the ten-shot model with either a 4-inch or 6-inch barrel. Both versions provide you with a lot of accuracy. The choice simply comes down to personal preference.

That doesn’t even account for the great trigger (something also noted in the above model) and the great factory fiber optic front sight post. All of those work together to create a clean gun that more than deserves to be considered one of the best 22 revolver pistols around.

While this model is definitely one of the pricier options on the list, the extra features are more than worth it. If you want high-quality and strong performance, this is the way to go.

Smith & Wesson is a classic gun brand that has been around for years. They make many different firearms, but their best 22 revolver pistol is the Model 63.

This pistol is a great mix of new age features and old school reliability. It is a spin on the company’s classic J-Frame revolver, which has been around for more than six decades.

There are many exciting aspects packed into the Model 63, and that sheer number of characteristics are what make it such a great firearm.

With this weapon, you get a stainless-steel barrel, frame, and cylinder. It comes with a fiber optic sight as well. In that way, every piece of the device is extremely high quality and made with the utmost care.

Though some stainless-steel constructions can be rather heavy, the Model 63 is a relatively light gun (weighing in at around 24.8 ounces) that is easy to both carry and use. The construction also works to reduce recoil.

With a 3-inch barrel and 8-round capacity, the Model 63 has a range of applications. Not only it is great for recreational shooting purposes, but it also can be used for both concealed carry and general defense.

In fact, this could well be the best 22 revolver out there for people who want and use extra features. Some 22 revolvers are stripped down. Though that is fine for some, the Model 63 goes out of its way to give the user more.

Of course, it is also quite expensive. However, you are paying a premium for a premium gun. There is even a lifetime service policy to better protect your investment.​

Number four on the list of the best 22 revolver pistols is the Heritage Arms Rough Rider. This gun is a direct contrast to the above two in that it comes at an extremely affordable price.

Guns, especially premium ones with flashy features or upgrades, can be quite expensive. The Rough Rider makes the cut for the best 22 revolver pistols because it gives the user great quality without forcing you to pay a high price.

This gun has a classic styling that looks and works great. It is easy to shy away from cheaper guns for fear that they won’t give you the high-quality you want, but that is simply not the case with the Rough Rider.

The firearm has excellent styling and comes with exceptional accuracy. Though larger than most of the best 22 revolver pistols, there is no doubting its appearance.

Aesthetic appeal may not be the first thing gun owners look for when choosing a weapon, but it never hurts to own something that looks nice and feels great.

Beyond that, the accuracy comes from a mix of the long barrel and precision machining. Those two combines to ensure that each shot you take hits its mark or lands exactly where you need it to. The gun also tight tolerances, which furthers the overall reliability.

The grips on this one is wood, but you can get other materials for an additional cost. While not necessary, being able to mix up the different styles is always fun.

Beyond that, the Rough Rider has a 6-round capacity. It is also made mostly of aluminum but comes with a steel barrel and cylinder to increase the general durability.

If you want a cheaper pistol that will give you extended reliability, it is hard to find better quality for the price than with the Rough Rider.

The next best 22 revolver may be a bit of a surprise. The North American Arms 22LR may not seem like it would make the cut on this list, but do not let the small size fool you. This firearm is more than enough.

This gun is incredibly tiny. It has a 1-1/8-inch barrel, and measures just 4 inches long by 2.38 inches tall. All of that comes within a 4.6-ounce package. Though that may not be a good choice for people who want larger revolvers, the small size makes this stand out.

Not only does it make the weapon much more unique than other models, but it also makes it easy to handle and extremely simple to carry around.

Though the size is the main reason to pick up the revolver, there is more to it than just the tiny package.

The North American Arms 22LR is also an incredibly reliable weapon. There are many different sizes and features available, all of which give you an incredible amount of versatility.

A small size and reliable build make the gun perfect for any concealed carry. However, if that is the reason you purchase it, it is important to note that it does not have a trigger guard. That is not a huge set back, but it is worth mentioning.

Even so, the single-action revolver is perfect for collectors and active shooters alike. It also serves as a great way to teach people about shooting, and it is extremely fun to use.

The final best 22 revolver on this list is another Ruger. The Bearcat is one of the best 22 revolver pistols out there for people who want a large firearm or who seek a bit of extra power.

In terms of appearance and use, the Beatcat is similar to the Model 63 in many different ways. However, it stands on its own in terms of appearance with the classic revolver styling on top of the large exterior. You also get an engraved cylinder to further complement the old-school feel.

While the look is a reason to purchase the larger revolver, it also has a slew of important features that range from a precision forged barrel to extra safety measures and improved general quality.

The gun has front and notch rear sights (another aspect to complement the styling) on top special technology that shuts down the chances of any accidental discharge. The forged barrel also makes it quite accurate when compared to other models.

This weapon is best when used for general shooting, which it excels at. If you’re looking for a larger firearm that can hit targets, the Bearcat is a great way to go. It can also work for potential home defense if you want to go that route as well.

Everything about this firearm revolves around high-quality, which is an important aspect to consider when looking the best 22 revolver pistols out on today’s market. There are cheaper and smaller options out there, but no large revolver can tangle with what the Bearcat offers.

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A 22 revolver is a great purchase. However, as with so many firearms, some of the pistols are better than others. The above six models are all fantastic, and they will each provide you with something unique.

Though there are plenty of other models on the market, none of them are on this list of the best 22 revolver pistols because they lack the dependability, quality, or features, of the six that did make it.