22 Caliber for Sale

Looking to buy 22 Caliber? Discover new and used listings from verified sellers across the U.S. Only on GunsAmerica.

Quick Look

The .22 caliber cartridge originated in the mid-19th century as an affordable, low-recoil option. It is designed for accuracy and economy, making it ideal for training and small-game hunting. Today, .22 caliber remains a highly popular choice among shooters worldwide for plinking and target practice.

Why It's a Top Choice

Low recoil enhances beginner-friendly shooting
Wide availability of ammo at low cost
Highly accurate for target and small-game
Compatible with many rifle and pistol platforms
Ideal for quiet range practice and plinking

Key Variants

22 Long Rifle

The most common .22 caliber variant, perfect for general use, training, and hunting small game.

22 Magnum

A higher velocity offering with greater stopping power, suitable for varmint hunting and self-defense in compact pistols.

22 Short

A low-noise, low-recoil variant mainly used for quiet target shooting and indoor practice.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.22 Caliber (LR)	5.56 NATO	9mm Luger
Typical MSRP	$0.10 - $0.50 / round	$0.40 - $1.00 / round	$0.20 - $0.60 / round
Capacity/Size	Rimfire, standard 40-50 rounds	Centerfire, 30+ rounds typical	Centerfire, 15-20 rounds typical
Weight (ammo)	~20 grains / round	~55 grains / round	~115 grains / round
Optics-Ready Platforms	Many rimfire rifles and pistols	Almost all modern rifles	Most pistols and carbines
Trigger Type	Varies by platform, often light triggers	Striker or hammer-fired	Mostly striker-fired
Notable Pro	Extremely low recoil and cost	Military proven and versatile	High capacity for compact size
Notable Con	Limited stopping power	Higher recoil and cost	Moderate recoil

Best Use Cases

Beginner training and marksmanship practice
Small-game hunting and pest control
Casual plinking and recreational shooting
Quiet target shooting with low noise
Collection and classic firearm platforms

FAQs

Can I use .22 caliber ammo in centerfire firearms?

No, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is not compatible with centerfire firearms due to different primer and firing mechanisms.

What is the typical velocity of .22 Long Rifle ammo?

Standard .22 Long Rifle rounds travel between 1,000 and 1,300 feet per second depending on load and barrel length.

How does .22 Magnum compare to .22 Long Rifle?

.22 Magnum offers higher velocity and energy than .22 Long Rifle, making it better for hunting and self-defense.

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