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SHOP NOWThis video counts down five notable .22 LR handguns, from classic revolvers to modern semi-autos. It highlights capacity, ergonomics, suppressor compatibility, and optics options while noting how each performs on the range.
The discussion opens with the appeal of taking a .22 LR to the range for casual plinking and especially for teaching new shooters. The host notes that there are many .22 long rifle handgun options and sets out to rank a personal top five. This list includes both pistols and revolvers chambered in .22 LR, following an earlier video that focused on .22 LR rifles. That rifle list featured several sentimental favorites, and the same approach is used here with handguns: focusing on guns that are fun, practical, or iconic in the .22 space rather than just new releases.
Number five is a simple .22 revolver, represented by the Heritage Rough Rider series. The host recalls growing up with a small single-action revolver styled after an 1873 pattern and later spending a lot of time shooting Heritage Rough Riders. These revolvers are described as excellent for backyard plinking, especially when paired with very quiet powderless .22 ammunition, such as older Aguila loads, which are useful out to roughly 20 yards. Heritage offers the Rough Rider with a wide range of barrel lengths, from very long 16-inch versions that look unconventional to shorter, handier models, along with many grip styles. The emphasis is on how fun and straightforward these single-action .22 revolvers are for learning the basics and enjoying a classic cowboy-style shooting experience.
The fourth pick is the Kel-Tec CP33, described as an unconventional but very entertaining .22 LR pistol. It is likened to an “MP7 at home” due to its futuristic layout and potential when accessorized. A standout feature is its 33-round magazine capacity, providing a large volume of .22 LR in a single pistol. The CP33 includes ambidextrous controls for the safety and a heel-style magazine release at the rear of the grip, while the bolt release is located on the left side and can feel stiff, especially on an empty magazine. The pistol has a full-length Picatinny rail on top, fiber optic sights with an orange rear and green front, and a threaded barrel that makes it suppressor-ready. Suppressed shooting is highlighted as particularly enjoyable. An M-LOK slot under the front of the gun invites ideas like adding a vertical grip on an SBR configuration with a suppressor, reinforcing the MP7 comparison.
In the third spot is the Browning Buck Mark, presented as one of the first pistols many people think of when .22 LR handguns are mentioned. Although the host notes limited personal trigger time with the Buck Mark, its long production history since the mid-1980s and strong reputation among shooters are emphasized. The Buck Mark typically uses 10-round magazines and is known for taking advantage of the .22 LR cartridge’s low recoil and inherent accuracy. It is popular in competitive shooting circles and is available in numerous configurations tailored to different uses, including general outdoor plinking, training, and more specialized competition or educational roles. Classic versions with blued metal components and wood grips are highlighted as particularly iconic, reinforcing the Buck Mark’s status as a long-standing, recognizable .22 pistol platform.
The second-place choice is the SIG P322, selected after a close comparison with the FN 502. The P322 impressed during suppressed shooting at a SIG event during SHOT Show, where it ran reliably and was notably enjoyable. The P322 Tac Pack configuration includes three 20-round magazines, fiber optic sights, and fully ambidextrous controls, with the magazine release being reversible for left- or right-handed use. The FN 502 is acknowledged as a strong competitor, offering a factory threaded barrel and a truly ambidextrous magazine release that works from either side without reconfiguration, along with fiber optic sights. However, the FN 502’s 15-round magazine capacity is lower than the SIG’s 20-round magazines, which ultimately led to the P322 taking the higher ranking. The segment suggests that a dedicated comparison between the SIG P322 and FN 502 would be worthwhile, but for this list the SIG’s capacity and suppressed performance secure the number two spot.
The top position goes to the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical, which traces its lineage back to the original Ruger Standard pistol from the late 1940s. The 22/45 Tactical is favored in part because it is easily paired with .22 caliber suppressors that match the barrel’s diameter, giving the appearance of an extended barrel while providing suppressed performance. The host notes extensive personal experience with this model and regrets having sold a previous example after moving on to larger calibers. The pistol is praised as an excellent platform for mounting a red dot sight, similar in spirit to the many Browning Buck Mark variants configured for optics. The Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is described as a smooth, accurate shooter and a versatile choice for both casual use and more serious applications, benefiting from Ruger’s long history with this family of .22 pistols.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is highlighted as the pistol on which the host first learned to use a pistol-mounted red dot sight. The low recoil of .22 LR makes it easier to acquire and track the dot, addressing a common challenge for shooters who initially struggle to find the red dot during presentation. By starting with a .22 platform that barely moves under recoil, shooters can focus on building consistent presentation and sight acquisition before transitioning to higher-recoiling calibers. The 22/45 Tactical, especially when equipped with a red dot, is also presented as a strong option for competition use. The discussion notes that there are many variations and custom builds based on the Ruger Mark IV and 22/45 frames, giving competitive shooters and enthusiasts a wide range of configurations to suit their preferences.
Custom Ruger-based builds are mentioned through an example of shooting with Dave, known as 22 Plinkster. He used a Volquartsen-built Ruger, likely based on a Ruger 22/45 or Mark IV frame with a Volquartsen barrel. That setup is described as extremely smooth and accurate, allowing him to play recognizable tunes on steel targets while demonstrating impressive precision and speed. This illustrates how far the Ruger .22 platform can be taken with aftermarket components and tuning. The segment underscores that skilled shooters can extract significant performance from these .22 pistols, and that the platform supports extensive customization for accuracy and handling.
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