The best 22 revolvers aren’t about finding one perfect wheelgun — they’re about matching the right one to how you’ll actually use it. Whether you’re teaching a new shooter, plinking on a relaxed range day, carrying something light on the trail, or looking for an affordable first handgun, a rimfire revolver is an underrated classic. Simple mechanics, almost no recoil, and cheap ammo make these guns easy to love and easy to shoot often.
Here we walk through five strong 22 revolvers across different lanes — from rock-bottom-budget single-actions to a versatile double-action and an ultra-light carry option — and explain honestly what each does well, what it gives up, and who should skip it. The goal isn’t to crown one winner; it’s to help you figure out which fits your situation.
How we researched thisWe cross-referenced manufacturer specifications, consistent owner feedback, and independent reviews across the rimfire community. We prioritized real-world usability and honest tradeoffs over spec-sheet marketing.
Why Choose a 22 Revolver?
Revolvers chambered in 22 LR offer a different kind of shooting experience — slower-paced, simple to operate, and remarkably forgiving. Here’s why one might earn a spot in your collection:
- Easy to use: No slide to rack, no magazines to load — just drop rounds into the cylinder and close it.
- Reliable with rimfire: Rimfire ammo can be inconsistent, and revolvers shrug off a dud better than semi-autos. If a round doesn’t fire, you just pull the trigger again to rotate to the next one.
- Great for beginners: Ideal for teaching grip, trigger control, and accuracy without the intimidation of a larger caliber.
- Low cost to shoot: 22 LR remains one of the cheapest rounds available, so regular practice stays affordable.
- Versatile: Backyard plinking, small-game work, or a light trail companion — they do a bit of everything.
If you’re not sure whether a revolver or a semi-auto suits you better, see our comparison guide on revolver vs. semi-auto for beginners.
22 Revolvers at a Glance
| Model | Action | Capacity | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger Wrangler | Single-action | 6 | ~30 oz | Budget plinking |
| Taurus 942 | Double/single | 8 | ~18–24 oz | Versatile all-rounder |
| S&W 43C | DAO | 8 | ~11.5 oz | Lightweight carry |
| Heritage Rough Rider | Single-action | 6 | ~31–33 oz | Rock-bottom budget |
| Charter Arms Pathfinder | Double/single | 6 | ~20–24 oz | Accuracy / utility |
Weights are approximate and vary by barrel length and configuration; check current manufacturer specs.
Best 22 Revolvers: Top Rimfire Picks by Use Case
1. Ruger Wrangler — Best Budget Plinker
Action: Single-action only
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel: 4.62″
Frame: Cerakote finish, transfer-bar safety
Who this is for: Shooters who want that classic cowboy-style, cock-the-hammer experience without spending much.
The Wrangler is entry-level done right. Ruger built it as a more affordable alternative to the Single-Six, and it delivers that nostalgic single-action feel with modern touches — a durable Cerakote finish, fixed sights, and a transfer-bar safety. The single-action design means you cock the hammer before each shot, which is part of the fun on a relaxed range day. Owner feedback consistently praises it as a reliable, well-made plinker that punches above its price.
The tradeoff: single-action is slower to shoot and the sights are fixed, so it’s a casual fun gun, not a defensive or precision tool. Who should skip it: anyone who wants fast double-action follow-ups or adjustable target sights.
2. Taurus 942 — Best Versatile Double-Action
Action: Double/single-action
Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel: 2″ or 3″
Also in: 22 WMR (Magnum) variants
Who this is for: Shooters who want one 22 revolver that does a bit of everything — range training, plinking, and familiarization with a double-action trigger.
The 942 is one of the few affordable 22 revolvers with a true double-action/single-action design, which is what makes it so versatile. You can fire it with a single long trigger pull (double-action) or cock the hammer first for a lighter, more precise pull (single-action) — useful for both new shooters and those practicing double-action fundamentals. The 8-round cylinder is generous for the class, and it comes in 22 LR or 22 Magnum with stainless or matte-black finishes. Owner feedback suggests Taurus has improved quality control on this line in recent years.
The tradeoff: the short barrels favor carry and handling over sight radius and velocity, and double-action rimfire triggers are heavier than a tuned single-action. Who should skip it: shooters who only want a slow single-action plinker or who prioritize target-grade accuracy.
3. Smith & Wesson 43C — Best Lightweight Carry
Action: Double-action only (DAO)
Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel: 1.875″
Weight: ~11.5 oz (AirLite)
Who this is for: Carriers who want an extremely light, snag-free J-frame revolver that all but disappears — for pocket, purse, or backup carry.
The 43C is Smith & Wesson’s AirLite take on the small-frame 22 revolver. Built on the J-frame with an aluminum-alloy frame and cylinder, it weighs in around 11.5 ounces — genuinely pocketable. It’s double-action-only with an internal, concealed hammer, so there’s nothing to snag on the draw, and it holds eight rounds of 22 LR with an XS white-dot front sight for quick low-light acquisition. As a light, simple, always-there carry piece, it fills a real niche.
The tradeoff: it’s the priciest gun here, and owner feedback commonly notes that the DAO trigger is heavy — some shooters report they can outrun the cylinder if they pull too fast, so it rewards a smooth, deliberate press. It’s a carry and utility revolver, not a target or high-volume plinking gun. Who should skip it: shooters wanting a crisp single-action option, target sights, or a budget price. If light-and-simple carry is the goal, though, little else matches it.
4. Heritage Rough Rider — Best Rock-Bottom Budget
Action: Single-action only
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel: 4.75″ or longer
Extras: Optional 22 WMR conversion cylinder
Who this is for: First-time buyers or anyone who wants a fun western-style plinker for the least money possible.
The Rough Rider has been a budget favorite for years. It delivers a cowboy-style single-action shooting experience at a price almost anyone can swing, with a manual safety, a wide range of grip and finish options, and an optional 22 Magnum conversion cylinder for added flexibility. Owner feedback consistently reports good reliability and accuracy for casual shooting at this price point.
The tradeoff: the action isn’t as smooth as pricier revolvers, and fit-and-finish reflects the low cost — this is a fun plinker, not an heirloom. Who should skip it: shooters who want a refined trigger, double-action capability, or target-grade build quality.
5. Charter Arms Target Pathfinder — Best for Accuracy
Action: Double/single-action
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel: 2″ or 4″
Build: U.S.-made, full-frame
Who this is for: Shooters who want a solid, dependable double-action 22 with a focus on accuracy — as a trainer, camp gun, or affordable all-rounder.
Charter Arms doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but the Target Pathfinder is a dependable, U.S.-made rimfire revolver. Available with 2- or 4-inch barrels, it works as a defensive-style trainer, a camp gun, or an affordable backup. The more substantial frame gives it a solid feel compared with the lightest alloy guns, and owner feedback frequently notes a smoother-than-expected trigger for the price — which is why the “Target” designation fits.
The tradeoff: the added heft that helps steadiness makes it less trail-friendly than an AirLite gun, and it sits at the higher end of this list on price. Who should skip it: hikers counting ounces, or bargain hunters who only need a casual plinker.
Single-action vs. double-action vs. DAOThe action type is the single most important thing to understand when choosing a 22 revolver, because it shapes how the gun shoots and what it’s good for. Here’s the plain-English version. Single-action (SA): you manually cock the hammer before every shot, which gives a light, crisp, short trigger pull that’s excellent for deliberate accuracy — but it’s slower, since you re-cock each time. The Ruger Wrangler and Heritage Rough Rider are single-action; that’s the classic “cowboy” feel, and it’s part of the fun for relaxed plinking. Double-action/single-action (DA/SA): you can fire with one long trigger pull that both cocks and releases the hammer (double-action) for faster follow-up shots, or manually cock it for a lighter single-action pull when you want precision. The Taurus 942 and Charter Arms Pathfinder work this way, which is what makes them versatile do-it-all guns. Double-action-only (DAO): there’s no external hammer to cock, so every shot is a single long, heavier pull. You give up the crisp single-action option, but you gain a snag-free draw and dead-simple operation — ideal for carry. The S&W 43C is DAO for exactly that reason. If you’re buying mainly to plink and learn, an SA or DA/SA gun gives you the most enjoyable trigger; if you’re buying to carry, DAO simplicity wins.
How to Choose a 22 Revolver
→ Just want cheap, cowboy-style fun?
The Heritage Rough Rider is the lowest-cost entry; the Ruger Wrangler steps up in fit and finish for a bit more.
→ Want one gun that does a little of everything?
The Taurus 942 — double-action, 8 rounds, available in 22 Magnum — is the versatile pick.
→ Need something ultra-light to carry?
The S&W 43C at ~11.5 oz is built to disappear in a pocket or on a belt.
→ Care most about accuracy and a smooth trigger?
The Charter Arms Target Pathfinder leans that direction with its steadier frame.
What to Look For in a 22 Revolver
- Action type: Single-action revolvers are simple and reliable but slower to shoot. Double-action models allow faster follow-ups and defensive-style training. DAO carry guns (like the 43C) trade a crisp single-action pull for snag-free simplicity.
- Barrel length: Short barrels (2–3″) are easier to carry and store. Longer barrels (4–6″) give a better sight radius and a bit more velocity.
- Frame material: Steel frames add weight and feel more solid; aluminum/alloy frames are far lighter and better for hiking or carry. (Recoil is minimal either way in 22.)
- Sights and grips: Adjustable sights help accuracy; upgraded grips make longer sessions more comfortable.
- Extras: Interchangeable or conversion cylinders (22 LR and 22 WMR) add flexibility.
For a deeper look at rimfire ballistics, this independent 22 LR ballistics test from Lucky Gunner Labs is a useful reference.
Who Should Consider a 22 Revolver?
- New shooters: Minimal recoil and simple controls make them ideal for learning fundamentals.
- Instructors and trainers: Great for safety classes and basic handgun instruction.
- Backpackers and hikers: Lightweight options like the S&W 43C are easy to carry all day.
- Collectors and enthusiasts: Cowboy-style wheelguns never really go out of style.
- Budget buyers: There’s a 22 revolver for nearly every budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 22 revolvers good for self-defense?
22 LR is generally not considered an ideal primary self-defense caliber — it delivers less terminal performance than centerfire options. That said, a reliable 22 revolver like the S&W 43C can be a reasonable choice for shooters who can’t handle larger calibers due to physical limitations, and the revolver’s simplicity and rimfire-friendly reliability are genuine advantages. Shot placement and a reliable defensive load matter most.
Single-action or double-action for a 22 revolver?
Single-action (like the Wrangler or Rough Rider) is simpler and often has a lighter, crisper pull once cocked, but you cock the hammer for every shot — great for relaxed plinking. Double-action (like the Taurus 942 or Charter Pathfinder) lets you fire with a single trigger pull for faster follow-ups and more versatility. For carry, a DAO like the 43C keeps things snag-free.
Why are some 22 revolvers so much more expensive than others?
Price tracks materials, build quality, and brand. Budget guns like the Heritage Rough Rider use simpler construction to hit a low price, while premium options like the S&W 43C use aluminum-alloy AirLite construction and refined fit-and-finish. All can be fun and reliable; you’re mainly paying for weight savings, trigger refinement, and finish.
Can 22 revolvers shoot 22 Magnum?
Only if they’re chambered for it or come with a conversion cylinder. The Taurus 942 is offered in dedicated 22 WMR versions, and the Heritage Rough Rider offers an optional 22 Magnum conversion cylinder. Never fire 22 WMR in a gun chambered only for 22 LR.
Is a 22 revolver a good first handgun?
For many people, yes. Low recoil, simple controls, and cheap ammo make 22 revolvers excellent for learning grip, sight alignment, and trigger control without the intimidation of a larger caliber — and the more you can afford to shoot, the faster you improve.
Final Thoughts on the Best 22 Revolvers
If you already own a semi-automatic 22 pistol, a revolver adds a whole different experience to your rimfire lineup — the simplicity, the rimfire-friendly reliability, and the plain satisfaction of running a classic wheelgun. Match the gun to how you’ll use it: the Heritage Rough Rider and Ruger Wrangler for budget cowboy-style fun, the Taurus 942 for versatile do-it-all range work, the S&W 43C for ultra-light carry, and the Charter Arms Pathfinder when accuracy and a steady frame matter most. Any of them will get you shooting affordably — and with 22 LR, shooting often is the whole point.
Related Reading
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current federal, state, and local laws before purchasing or carrying a firearm.
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Smith and Wesson model 317
what if I don’t want the entire kit? Just the revolver?
Hi Dawn.
Great question. What “Kit Gun” actually means: this trips up a lot of people. In this case, “kit” doesn’t mean a bundle of accessories. It just means the gun was designed to be carried in your kit (like a backpack, tackle box, or hiking gear).
So when you see “Kit Gun,” think purpose, not package — you can absolutely buy the revolver on its own. We hope that helps! Thank you for stopping by and reading!