The .22 LR cartridge is over 160 years old and was said to be first manufactured in the year, 1858. To this day it remains one of the most popular gun chamberings there are. One of the biggest reasons speaking to its continued popularity is the affordability factor. While the price of other rounds continues to rise significantly over the years, this ammo can still be purchased at around the same price as always; this means you can buy more rounds and have more shooting time for your money.
There is also a high customer demand which allows the manufacturers to continue making and selling it. Also, the firearms that use this ammunition are also affordable, and you will find a reduction in both noise and recoil. 22 rifle guns are also good for both beginning and hobbyist shooters, young or old, and is the ideal choice for small game hunting and target practice.
The following are reviews of some of the best 22 rifle guns currently available:
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 rifle was introduced in the 1960’s as the name implies and is now being made by Remington. It is a semi-automatic .22 caliber long rifle and is also known as the Marlin Glenfield Model 60, or Glenfield 60. It uses micro-groove rifling that was trademarked by the company and also has a precision-crowned muzzle for improved accuracy. It has a manual bolt that can be held in a full open position and also features a self-loading and straight blowback design with an ejection port located on the right side of the rifle. The Marlin Model 60 is known for its very streamlined and timeless style and design.
Price: This rifle retails for under $$
Features
- 19-inch barrel
- Open rear sight that is adjustable for elevation and windage
- Ramp front sight
- Receiver is grooved for a scope mount
- 14-shot integral tubular magazine
- Overall length is 37.5-inches
- Overall weight is 5.5 pounds
Remington Nylon 66
The Remington Nylon 66 is one of the first guns ever to introduce synthetic stock while still having a polymer receiver. The Remington Nylon 66 was first out in 1959 and was one of the earliest mass-produced rifles. It is a semi-automatic .22-cal rifle that is lightweight and easy to handle. The sights are natural, and the checkering that is molded into the forearm and pistol grip offer a better grip. The gun also does not require any oil or lubrication to help the free movement of the autoloading action.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- Chambered for only .22 LR
- The overall length is 39-inches
- The overall weight is 4.2 pounds when not loaded
- It has a tubular, 14-round magazine
- A barrel length of 19.5-inches
- Minimal maintenance
- Precision accuracy
- Easy to operate safety whether you are right or left handed
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport
The Smith & Wesson M&P is a .22-caliber rifle with a 25-shot capacity and 6-position CAR stock. The barrel is made from carbon steel, and the frame material is polymer. It boasts a matte black frame finish with a 1 in 15-inch barrel twist. It is the ideal rifle for hunting and recreational shooting. Typically also comes standard with a popular folding sights system and a removable Magpul MBUS front and rear folding sights that are lightweight and durable.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- Folding Sights
- Rail panel is included
- 6-position CAR stock
- Shell deflector
- Receiver mounted safety lever
- Armornite barrel finish
- Compatible with a lot of standard AR 15 components and accessories
- Overall length is 33.8-inches
- Overall weight is 76.8 ounces
Winchester Model 1903/63
The Winchester Model 1903/63 is a semi-automatic rifle that is chambered in .22 LR. This rifle features iron sights, wooden stock, and a ten-round tubular magazine. The Winchester Model uses an inertia-delayed blowback operating system and comes in a steel and blue finish. It also utilizes an autoloader with a balanced breech bolt. The Model 63 was also the first semiautomatic rifle that was chambered for the standard .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge, with a square receiver that was a trademark of many Winchester models.
Price: Varies depending on dealer
Features
- .22 LR caliber
- 10-shot capacity
- Open iron sights
- Inertia delayed blowback
- Wood stock
- Overall weight is approximately 6 to 7 pounds
- Barrel length is 22-inches
- Overall length is 40-inches
Browning SA-22
The Browning SA-22 was developed by John Browning and is a .22 LR rifle that was first introduced in 1914 and is still in production today. It is an autoloading rimfire rifle with a takedown autoloader with bottom ejection and rear magazine tube loading. The receiver was also machined from steel and engraved with a scroll design. It has gold bead front sights that are adjustable with a folding leaf rear, and a scope mount can be purchased separately. It also has a manual trigger-blocking safety that is mounted on the trigger guard.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features of a Browning SA-22, Grade I
- Barrel length is 19 3/8-inches
- The overall length is 37-inches
- The overall weight is 5 pounds, 3 ounces
- Cut 20 LPI checkering
- Brushed polish bolt side finish
- 10-shot magazine capacity
- Light sporter barrel contour
- Drilled and tapped for a scope
Final Thoughts
The best 22 rifle guns are the ones that were first manufactured years ago and are still in production today due to their reliability and high-quality construction. The guns in this review are all good for shooting but are also ideal for passing down as a family heirloom and providing the opportunity to brush up on a little history to gain a better understanding of the performance level of these rifles.
While a .22 might not work as a good round for self-defense, it is still a good chambering when it comes to affordability and is a great addition for any collector that grew up with cowboy style shooting guns. These rifles are also a good choice if you are looking to teach a beginner the fundamentals or you just want to go plinking.
