For over a century, the .22 Long Rifle has been underestimated, misunderstood, and occasionally dismissed as nothing more than a plinker’s round. But spend a little time with this humble rimfire cartridge, and you’ll quickly discover that it’s far more capable – and far more versatile – than it’s often given credit for. Whether you’re a new shooter, a seasoned hunter, or a backyard marksman honing your skills, the .22 LR has something to offer.
This is more than just a “beginner’s bullet.” It’s a practical, precision-friendly cartridge with deep historical roots and surprising performance.
A Cartridge Born in Simplicity
The origins of the .22 LR stretch back to the early days of metallic cartridges. Its lineage can be traced to a simple idea: attach a small pellet to a percussion cap and create a self-contained round. That early concept, developed in the mid-19th century, quickly evolved into the .22 Short, and later the .22 Long Rifle – a round that would go on to become one of the most prolific in firearms history.
What makes it unique is its design. As a rimfire cartridge, the primer compound is spun into the rim of the case, making ignition possible from any point around the edge. This innovation reduced complexity and cost, allowing for mass production on an affordable scale that persists to this day.
Not Just Cheap – Reliable and Accessible
The .22 LR stands apart in the modern ammunition world for being inexpensive, widely available, and easy to shoot. Even during times of shortage, it’s often one of the first calibers to reappear on store shelves. Its light recoil and quiet report make it perfect for teaching new shooters or for anyone sensitive to noise and kickback.
But beyond comfort and affordability lies real utility. From varmint control to survival scenarios, this small cartridge has proven itself capable time and again.
A Versatile Tool for Field Use
While most shooters associate the .22 with targets and tin cans, it’s just as comfortable in the woods. Hunters have long relied on it for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game. And in the hands of a skilled marksman, it can do even more. Stories of poachers and rural farmers using the .22 for deer – and even black bear – are well known in hunting circles. While it’s not ideal for large game and should never be used recklessly, the round has demonstrated lethal precision when shot placement is perfect.
There’s even a legendary tale of a .22 being used to dispatch an elephant raiding a garden in Africa. It sounds absurd, but it’s a testament to what can be done with a well-placed shot and a steady hand.
A Platform for Every Shooter
Another reason the .22 endures is the incredible range of firearms chambered for it. From classic single-shot rifles to semi-auto pistols, revolvers, lever guns, pump actions, and bolt-actions – there’s a flavor for every shooter. You can get a cowboy-style six-shooter or a precision rifle with match-grade optics, all in .22.
And because it’s so low-pressure and forgiving, .22 guns tend to last forever. They’re often handed down through generations, making them not just tools, but family heirlooms.
Long-Range Practice Without the Cost
One of the biggest benefits of the .22 that often goes overlooked is its value as a long-range training round. While a .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor might make hitting a 1,000-yard target possible, they’re expensive to shoot and punishing over time. A .22 LR, on the other hand, gives you that same style of shooting – wind calls, elevation holds, trigger control – just at shorter distances.
Shooting a 10-inch steel plate at 200 yards with a .22 feels a lot like ringing a gong at 800 yards with a centerfire. The ballistic challenges are similar, and you can shoot all day for the price of a single box of match-grade .308.
Realistic Field Drills and Position Work
The .22 isn’t just a paper puncher. It’s ideal for field position practice. Because it doesn’t produce much recoil, you can focus entirely on your fundamentals: breath control, follow-through, trigger discipline, and cycling your action without breaking your sight picture.
Practicing sitting, kneeling, prone, and offhand with a .22 is incredibly productive. It reveals flaws in your stance and helps you get into solid, repeatable positions without being punished by recoil. It’s a thinking man’s round – and one that rewards patience and discipline.
Training for Precision – With Feedback
If your goal is to become a better marksman, few rounds offer the same feedback as the .22. Every missed shot teaches you something. The bullet is light, slow, and susceptible to wind, so learning how to read the environment becomes critical. That makes the .22 an excellent trainer for anyone hoping to improve their long-range skills.
Even the process of zeroing and adjusting for bullet drop teaches valuable lessons. When a round drops inches at just 100 yards, you get a crash course in trajectory that will serve you well with any caliber.
Low-Recoil Doesn’t Mean Low-Skill
Because the .22 lacks recoil, there’s a misconception that it’s only useful for beginners. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the lack of punishment allows for intensive training sessions that would otherwise be cut short by fatigue.
Advanced shooters use the .22 to refine their skills without the distractions of recoil or muzzle blast. From competitive NRL22 matches to tactical rifle courses, .22s are increasingly showing up in serious circles.
Handgun Skills on a Budget
Rimfire revolvers and pistols are also a fantastic way to improve handgun marksmanship. A .22 revolver – like the classic Ruger Single-Six – is a great training tool for learning trigger control, grip, and sight alignment.
The low cost and quiet report make it easy to focus on fundamentals, especially for those who may flinch or anticipate recoil with larger calibers. It’s also a smart way to introduce family or friends to pistol shooting without intimidating them.
Beyond the Range: Real-World Application
While many think of .22s as purely recreational, the truth is that they’ve been used in self-defense situations with success. Are they ideal? No. But in rural areas and emergency situations, a .22 rifle or pistol might be the only tool available – and in capable hands, it can do the job.
That’s why many survivalists and homesteaders keep a .22 on hand. It’s lightweight, quiet, easy to carry, and can take small game for the pot without drawing too much attention. If you only had one gun in a bug-out bag, a takedown .22 wouldn’t be the worst choice.
Don’t Judge a Cartridge By Its Size
The .22 LR might not pack the power of a big game round or the flash of a modern semi-auto cartridge, but it has something that many others don’t: legacy, adaptability, and real-world value. It’s a cartridge that belongs in every gun safe – not as a backup or a toy, but as a cornerstone of practical shooting.
From teaching kids to shoot, to practicing long-range shots, to dispatching varmints, the .22 is a master of versatility. It’s not just for plinking. It’s for learning, growing, and preparing.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s a .22 rimfire good for? Just about everything. It’s not the loudest, the fastest, or the most powerful – but it might be the most useful. Whether you’re punching paper, putting meat on the table, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at the range, the .22 Long Rifle deserves far more respect than it gets.
Treat it like the serious tool it is – and you’ll discover just how much it can do.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.