Welcome back to another edition of The Rimfire Report! This ongoing series is all about the rimfire firearm world and its guns, history, ammunition, and shooting sports! Last week we talked about the key differences between 22WMR and 22LR and where each one shines and falls short. As an overall cartridge, 22LR leaves a lot to be desired in the accuracy and power departments but absolutely kills it in comparison to 22WMR when it comes to cost and versatility. Speaking of versatility, I like to be able to train on a budget with the ammunition that I have on hand – which a majority of is often 22LR. The world of rimfire firearms can be an expensive one, but rimfire handguns can also offer an affordable option for those on a budget. Rimfire cartridges are smaller and less powerful than centerfire cartridges, making them less expensive to produce and shoot and the guns are also often similarly less expensive but sometimes just as capable if your goal is training or just a fun afternoon at the range. So today, I’ll be lining up five of my favorite and most affordable rimfire pistols that are actually worth buying.

The Rimfire Report @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Fixing My Dad’s Marlin Model 60
• The Rimfire Report: First Impressions from the New Ruger Super Wrangler
• The Rimfire Report: The Winchester Xpert 22 LR Rifle

The Rimfire Report: The Five Most Affordable Rimfire Pistols Worth Buying

Ruger Wrangler series

The Ruger Wrangler is a single-action revolver that is reminiscent of the classic Colt Single Action Army revolver. It is chambered in .22 LR and has a 6-round capacity. The Wrangler has a lightweight aluminum frame and a Cerakote finish for durability. It also features a transfer bar safety system that prevents accidental discharges. The Ruger Wrangler is priced at around $250, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly revolver. The slightly more expensive Ruger Super Wrangler would also fit on this list and it might be worth your time and money if you would also like access to the much more powerful and accurate 22WMR cartridge. I’ve done individual reviews of both revolvers including the Ruger Birdshead 22LR revolver and the new Ruger Super Wrangler.

The Rimfire Report: First Impressions from the New Ruger Super Wrangler

The Rimfire Report: Ruger Wrangler Birdshead .22LR Revolver

Heritage Rough Rider

The Heritage Rough Rider is another single-action revolver that is chambered in .22 LR. It has a 6-round capacity and features a steel frame with a blued finish. The Rough Rider also has a transfer bar safety system and comes with a variety of grip options, including wood and synthetic. With a price tag of around $200, the Heritage Rough Rider is a great option for those who want a classic revolver at an affordable price. You can read my review of the 6″ version of the Heritage Rough Rider below:

The Rimfire Report: The Heritage Rough Rider Rimfire Revolver

Taurus TX22

The Taurus TX22 is a semi-automatic handgun that is chambered in .22 LR. It has a 16-round capacity and features a polymer frame with a matte black finish. The TX22 also has an adjustable rear sight and a Picatinny rail for adding accessories. Its smooth trigger pull and comfortable grip make it a joy to shoot. The Taurus TX22 is priced at around $350, making it a great option for those who want a reliable and accurate semi-automatic handgun without breaking the bank. I reviewed the TX22 Comp a number of years back and had stellar results out of my own pistol. You can read my full review of that version of the gun below:

The Rimfire Report: Taurus TX 22 Competition Pistol Review

Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact

The Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact is a semi-automatic handgun that is chambered in .22 LR. It has a 10-round capacity and features a polymer frame with a black finish. The M&P22 Compact also has an ambidextrous manual safety and adjustable sights. It’s small size and lightweight make it easy to carry and handle, while its low recoil makes it great for new shooters. The Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact is priced at around $350, making it a solid choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-shoot handgun. While I’ve shot plenty of M&P 22 Compact pistols, TFB Writer Austin Rex probably has the most experience out of anyone I know with that specific gun and he has had well over 15,000 rounds through it. You can read about that down below:

Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact: 15,000 Rounds Later

KelTec P17

The KelTec P17 is a semi-automatic handgun that is chambered in .22 LR. It has a 16-round capacity and features a polymer frame with a matte black finish. The P17 also has an adjustable rear sight and a Picatinny rail for adding accessories. Its lightweight and compact size make it easy to carry and handle, while its low recoil makes it great for new shooters. The KelTec P17 is priced at around $200, making it the most affordable option on this list, but still, an option that can mount a suppressor, and optics, and doesn’t cost a fortune upfront. You can watch TFBTV’s Hop’s review of his KelTec P17 below.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, if you’re looking for a cheaper handgun, go for one of these! Each of the options from this list are all firearms I’ve tested and shot myself and I consider all great options that won’t hurt your wallet too much. They’re easy to use, accurate enough to train with, and reliable, and you can find them for as little as $200 or as much as $400. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these guns will provide you with lots of fun at the shooting range, without breaking the bank.

I’d like to hear what your go-to option from this list would be or if you’d replace any of my picks with ones of your own. As always, thanks for stopping by to read The Rimfire Report and we’ll see you all next week!

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