The Top 5 .22LR Rifles

Intro and Criteria for Top .22LR Rifles

The discussion opens with the idea that many shooters grew up with .22 Long Rifle and that there are numerous rifle options in this caliber. The focus is not on the cartridge itself but on rifles chambered in .22LR that stand out for training, fun, and general use. The host frames .22LR as a gateway into the broader world of firearms and briefly notes the importance of supporting gun rights organizations such as Gun Owners of America. The goal of the video is to present a personal top five list of .22LR rifles, covering different actions and roles, and to explain why each one earns a place on the list.

CZ 457 Bolt-Action and Suppressor-Ready Setup

The first rifle highlighted is the CZ 457, the updated version of the earlier CZ 455 bolt-action .22LR. It is chosen as the bolt-action representative on the list, with emphasis on the Pro Varmint suppressor-ready variant. The rifle features a threaded barrel, allowing the use of various muzzle devices or a silencer. Shooting .22LR suppressed is described as especially enjoyable due to the low noise. The Pro Varmint model mentioned has a five-round capacity and is presented as a quiet option suitable for hunting small game. CZ offers multiple configurations and stocks for the 457 platform, giving shooters several ways to tailor a bolt-action .22LR to their preferences.

Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle and Bond Movie History

Next is the Henry AR-7, a semi-automatic .22LR survival rifle known for its appearance in James Bond films such as Goldfinger and From Russia with Love. The rifle is notable because the barrel, receiver, and magazines can be stored inside the stock, creating a compact package. Modern Henry AR-7 models are marketed as survival rifles and are designed to float. The version the host grew up with had a fiberglass stock and may not have floated, but retained the same breakdown and storage concept. The AR-7 is presented as a practical, packable rifle that can be carried in a backpack for survival or emergency use, while also having a recognizable place in popular culture.

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 and Other .22LR Trainers

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is introduced as a .22LR rifle that closely mimics the controls and manual of arms of a standard 5.56 AR-15. It is recommended for shooters who want to train with an AR-style platform without the higher ammunition cost of .223 or 5.56. The M&P 15-22 retains similar functionality and control layout, making it useful for practicing magazine changes, safety manipulation, and general handling. The host notes that it feels less cheap than some other .22LR conversions or lookalikes. Other .22LR trainers are briefly mentioned, including the HK 416 .22, produced in partnership with Umarex, and the GSG-22 that resembles an MP5. These examples illustrate how .22LR versions of centerfire platforms can provide affordable, low-recoil training while preserving familiar ergonomics.

Henry Lever and Pump .22 Rifles and Fundamentals

The basic Henry .22 lever-action rifle is described as the platform on which the host learned core shooting fundamentals. This simple, no-frills lever gun in .22LR carries strong sentimental value due to extensive use in early years. It was used to learn sight alignment, breathing control, and trigger work, and could be run very quickly with practice. The rifle is portrayed as ideal for teaching new shooters and for general plinking within modest distances, such as around 50 feet. A Henry pump-action .22 is also mentioned as another childhood rifle. Pump-action .22 rifles are noted as relatively uncommon, and the host’s older example can be cycled even faster than the lever gun despite a missing part that should better secure the pump. Both Henry designs are presented as fun, mechanically engaging ways to enjoy .22LR and build skills.

Springfield M6 Survival Rifle Honorable Mention

Before revealing the top pick, the Springfield M6 rifle receives an honorable mention. This combination survival gun was issued to United States Air Force pilots and pairs a .22 barrel on top with a .410 bore shotgun barrel underneath. It is intended for hunting small game and potentially moderate game in survival situations. The stock includes an internal compartment with a cover that holds extra ammunition, such as multiple .22 cartridges and a few .410 shells. The rifle can be carried with a paracord sling, providing additional utility for tying or securing items in the field. Although it is not strictly a dedicated .22LR rifle due to the .410 barrel, its .22 capability and survival-focused design earn it a place in the discussion as a versatile, compact emergency firearm.

Ruger 10/22, Aftermarket Support, and Training Role

The top spot goes to the Ruger 10/22, shown in a basic configuration without iron sights, equipped with a simple SIG red dot and an upgraded trigger. The 10/22 is recognized for its long history, reliability, and role in teaching generations of shooters about trigger discipline, reset, magazine changes, and bolt manipulation. It is recommended for small-game hunting, general plinking, and introducing new shooters or children to firearms. The takedown 10/22 variant is mentioned as a good option for a compact woods or survival rifle. The platform’s extensive aftermarket support is emphasized, including stocks, triggers, and even bullpup conversions. The Fletcher Rifle Works 11/22, featured by 22 Plinkster, is cited as an example of how far customization can go. The segment closes by inviting comparisons of favorite .22 rifles and reflecting on how the 10/22 helped set the pace for semi-auto .22LR shooting.