Best .22 LR for Plinking 2025: Affordable Fun for Shooters of All Ages
There is nothing quite like a day at the range with a .22 LR. The ammunition costs pennies per round, the recoil is virtually nonexistent, and the accuracy is exceptional. Plinking — casual, informal target shooting — is where most shooters fall in love with the sport, and the .22 LR is the perfect companion. In 2025, the .22 LR market offers more choices than ever, from faithful replicas of centerfire classics to purpose-built precision plinkers. This guide covers the best .22 LR firearms for plinking fun.
Why .22 LR for Plinking?
Economics drives the decision: quality .22 LR ammunition costs 5 to 8 cents per round versus 22 to 28 cents for 9mm. A 500-round brick of .22 LR costs about $30 — the same as two boxes of 9mm. This affordability allows shooters to practice trigger control, sight alignment, and follow-through without worrying about ammunition cost. The minimal recoil eliminates flinch development, making .22 LR the ideal training platform for new shooters and the perfect relaxing option for experienced shooters.
Additionally, .22 LR firearms are quiet — most are hearing-safe with subsonic ammunition — making them suitable for backyard shooting on appropriate property. The accuracy of modern .22 LR rifles and pistols is remarkable: sub-one-inch groups at 50 yards are routine with quality ammunition.
Best .22 LR Pistols for Plinking
Ruger Mark IV — $400 to $550
The Ruger Mark IV is the standard by which all .22 LR pistols are judged. The one-button takedown makes cleaning simple — a significant improvement over earlier Mark series pistols that required tools and patience. The Mark IV Target model features a heavy bull barrel for stability, adjustable rear sights, and a crisp trigger that teaches good trigger discipline. The Mark IV is accurate enough for competitive shooting and reliable enough for a lifetime of plinking. The aftermarket is enormous — custom barrels, triggers, grips, and optics mounts are readily available.
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact — $350 to $400
The M&P 22 Compact is a scaled-down version of Smith & Wesson's full-size M&P, with ambidextrous controls, a Picatinny rail, and a threaded barrel for suppressor use. The slide operates like a centerfire pistol, making it an excellent training tool for shooters who carry an M&P. The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. The M&P 22 Compact is reliable with standard velocity and high-velocity ammunition.
Best .22 LR Rifles for Plinking
Ruger 10/22 — $250 to $400
The Ruger 10/22 is the most popular .22 LR rifle ever made, and for good reason. It is reliable, accurate, affordable, and endlessly customizable. The rotary magazine feeds 10 rounds reliably. The action is simple and easy to clean. The aftermarket ecosystem is the largest of any firearm — you can build a 10/22 from entirely aftermarket parts if you choose. For plinking, a factory 10/22 with a 4x scope or red dot is all you need for years of enjoyment.
Best Precision: CZ 457 — $500 to $700
The CZ 457 is the finest production .22 LR rifle available. The action is glass-smooth, the single-set trigger (exclusive to CZ) allows a two-pound pull weight when pushed forward, and the cold hammer-forged barrel delivers exceptional accuracy. The 457 model features a Turkish walnut stock on the Lux model or a synthetic stock on the Scout model. The CZ 457 will shoot sub-half-inch groups at 50 yards with quality ammunition — precision rimfire performance at a production price.
Ammunition Recommendations
For plinking, bulk ammunition from CCI (Standard Velocity or Mini-Mag), Federal (AutoMatch), or Winchester (Super-X) offers the best balance of price and reliability. For precision shooting, try CCI Green Tag, Eley Club, or SK Standard Plus — these match-grade loads deliver noticeably tighter groups. Avoid bargain-bin ammunition from unknown manufacturers — the cost savings are not worth the malfunctions and accuracy loss.
Scope and Optics Suggestions
A 2-7x or 3-9x rimfire scope is ideal for a plinking rifle. Vortex Crossfire II and Nikon ProStaff rimfire optics offer excellent value. For pistols, a red dot sight (Holosun 407K or SIG Romeo Zero) transforms accuracy. Iron sights are equally valid for casual plinking and teach fundamentals that transfer to centerfire shooting.
MatchMyGun Verdict
The Ruger 10/22 and Ruger Mark IV are the ultimate plinking pair — a rifle and pistol that offer endless fun, minimal cost, and maximum customization potential. If precision matters most, the CZ 457 is the finest .22 LR rifle you can buy. Whichever you choose, a .22 LR firearm is the best investment you can make in shooting enjoyment and skill development.