You’ve likely handled a .22 LR if you’ve spent time around guns. It’s a rite of passage for new shooters—and still gets packed into the range bags of old-school pros. And yet, despite the .22 LR’s reputation in shooting culture, it’s not without its idiosyncrasies. Let’s have a real review of the biggest pros and cons of the .22 LR cartridge today, beginning with the negatives and moving up to why it’s a fan favorite.
6. Not Quite a Heavy Hitter for Defense
Let’s be real—although the .22 LR is handy for many things, not taking down threats quickly isn’t its forte. Yeah, it can kill, but its shorter velocity and smaller bullet just don’t compare to the stopping power of larger calibers such as 9mm or .45.
For defensive purposes, particularly in high-stress encounters, most people prefer something with a little more oomph. That being said, some might say that any gun is better than no gun, but if defense is your priority, the .22 may not be your best option.
5. Infamous for the Random Misfire
Anyone who’s shot a few bricks of .22 knows that not every round is going to go bang. Rimfire ammo is just more finicky by nature. You’ll sometimes run into duds, stove pipes, or light strikes—especially with cheaper brands or in certain firearms. Some guns handle .22 better than others, but if flawless reliability is high on your list, you’ll want to be selective about both your firearm and your ammo.
4. It’ll Dirty Up Your Gun in No Time
Another thing concerning .22 LR—it’s not so much clean shooting. Lots of .22 ammunition employs soft lead bullets and powder that leave loads of residue behind. Shoot enough, and your gun’s internals resemble a coal mine. Regular cleanings are part of the package if you want your .22 to function properly. It’s not a huge issue for most enthusiasts, but it’s something to know in advance.
3. Easy on the Ears and Soft Shooting
Now let’s change subjects. One of the main reasons shooters enjoy the .22 is the ease with which it can be managed. There’s very little recoil, and the report is much milder compared to centerfire ammunition, particularly when suppressed.
That means it’s perfect for beginning shooters, younger shooters, or anyone a bit sensitive to recoil. It’s just fun, too. You can shoot all day at the range with a .22 and still have energy left.
2. Friendly to Your Budget
If you’ve recently purchased ammo, you can appreciate just how fast the costs can pile up. That’s where the .22 excels—it’s one of the least expensive calibers available. You can buy a couple of hundred rounds without over-extending your budget, which is ideal for long-range shooting sessions, training exercises, or even backyard plinking. It’s not only inexpensive—it’s generally always in stock, even when other calibers run out.
1. An Actual Jack-of-All-Trades Round
The number one reason shooters return again and again to the .22 LR? Simple versatility. You can shoot it for nearly anything—plinking, target practice, pest control, small game hunting, or initiating someone.
It works great in rifles or handguns, and it’s offered in nearly every configuration you can imagine—semi-autos, bolts, levers, even revolvers. Whether you’re punching holes in paper or bagging bushy-tails, the .22 will do the trick.
So, sure, the .22 LR does have its quirks—dirtier shooting and less stopping power, among others. But its advantages are difficult to overlook. It’s fun, it’s inexpensive, and it’s always handy. For most of us, it’s the first round we ever shot—and it’s probably not going away anytime soon.