Why Shooters Choose a .22 Revolver
A 22 revolver is one of the cheapest and most fun guns to own because 22 LR ammo costs pennies a round and the recoil is almost nothing. Most 22 revolvers hold six to nine rounds, so you can shoot all day without burning through your wallet.
That low cost and soft recoil make a 22 revolver perfect for teaching new shooters, plinking cans in the backyard, or keeping in the truck for small game and pests. The simple design means there's not much to go wrong, and a good 22 revolver will outlast its owner with basic care.
We keep plenty of 22 revolvers on the shelf, and if you'd rather have a semi-auto, compare it against our 22 pistol options to feel the difference in handling and capacity.
Single-Action vs. Double-Action .22 Revolvers
22 revolvers come in two main types, and the right one depends on whether you want an old-school cowboy feel or a faster, modern trigger. The action also changes how you load the gun.
| Type | Action | Capacity | Best for |
| Single-action | Cock the hammer each shot | 6–10 rounds | Plinking, training, cowboy feel |
| Double-action | Pull trigger to fire, or cock first | 6–9 rounds | All-around use, faster shooting |
| Convertible | Swaps 22 LR and 22 Magnum cylinders | 6–9 rounds | Two calibers in one gun |
Single-action revolvers load one round at a time through a side gate and you cock the hammer for every shot, which feels classic and runs cheap. Double-action revolvers swing the cylinder out to load all at once and fire with just a trigger pull, so they're quicker and easier for most folks. A convertible model comes with two cylinders so you can shoot both 22 LR and the hotter 22 Magnum.
How to Choose a .22 Revolver
The best 22 revolver for you comes down to fit and how you'll use it, not the name on the barrel. Before you buy, work through these five things:
- Intended use. Plinking, training a new shooter, small game, or trail carry. This sets your size and barrel length.
- Action type. Single-action for a classic feel and lower price, double-action for faster shooting and easier loading.
- Capacity. Many 22 revolvers hold more than the usual six because the rounds are small, with eight, nine, and ten-shot cylinders out there.
- Barrel length. Shorter barrels handle easy and pack light, while longer barrels are steadier and more accurate at distance.
- Budget. A reliable 22 revolver starts around $150, so you don't have to spend much to get one you can trust.
The easiest way to settle it is to put a few in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options, and you can rent and shoot models on our range before you decide.
Best .22 Revolvers and Brands
The best 22 revolver is the one that fits your hand and your use for it, but a handful of models stay popular for good reason. Models like the Ruger Wrangler, Smith & Wesson 317, and Heritage Rough Rider lead the pack for reliability, easy handling, and prices anyone can swing.
Our curated 22 revolver lineup covers the brands shooters ask for most:
- Ruger -- the budget Wrangler and the rugged Single-Six convertible
- Smith & Wesson -- the lightweight 317 and the classic Model 63
- Heritage -- the Rough Rider, one of the cheapest ways into a 22 revolver
- Taurus -- the eight-shot 942 and other affordable double-actions
- Colt and Charter Arms -- proven choices for shooters who want something different
If you want a short-barreled carry gun instead, our snub nose revolver selection covers the compact models. And if you have your eye on a 22 revolver we don't have in stock, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.
What a .22 Revolver Costs
Most 22 revolvers sell for $200 to $500, with cheap single-action models starting near $150 and premium or stainless double-actions running $600 to $900 or more. You're paying for fit, finish, and capacity, so there's a good 22 revolver at almost every price.
Total Impact backs every handgun with a price-match guarantee, so if you find the same 22 revolver for less somewhere else, we'll match it.
How to Buy a .22 Revolver Online
Buying a 22 revolver online is simple, and federal law just requires that the handgun ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works with us:
- Order your 22 revolver. Pick your model and check out on our site.
- Pick your FFL. Choose a local licensed dealer (FFL) for the transfer, or pick up in our shop.
- We ship it. We send the revolver to that dealer anywhere in the country.
- Pass your background check. Complete the standard background check at the dealer, then take it home.
You must be at least 21 to buy a handgun, including a 22 revolver. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your revolver to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About .22 Revolvers
How much does a 22 revolver cost?
Most 22 revolvers run $200 to $500, with cheap single-actions near $150 and premium models higher. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price.
What is the cheapest 22 revolver?
The cheapest 22 revolvers are single-action models like the Heritage Rough Rider and Ruger Wrangler, which often run under $250. They keep the price down with simple actions and basic finishes, but they're reliable and a great first revolver. You can browse all of our revolvers for sale to compare prices across calibers.
How many rounds does a 22 revolver hold?
Most 22 revolvers hold six rounds, but plenty hold eight, nine, or even ten because the 22 LR cartridge is so small. Higher-capacity models like the Smith & Wesson 617 and Taurus 942 give you more shots before you reload.
Is a 22 revolver good for self defense?
A 22 revolver is not the first choice for self defense because the 22 LR round is small and less reliable at stopping a threat than a larger caliber. It can work in a pinch and is easy to shoot, but most folks step up to a snub nose revolver in 38 Special or a larger caliber for carry.
What is the difference between a 22 LR and a 22 Magnum revolver?
A 22 LR revolver shoots the cheap, common 22 Long Rifle round, while a 22 Magnum shoots a hotter, more powerful cartridge that costs more. Many convertible revolvers come with both cylinders, so you can run cheap 22 LR for plinking and switch to 22 Magnum for small game.
Is a 22 revolver good for beginners?
Yes, a 22 revolver is one of the best guns for a beginner because the recoil is light, the ammo is cheap, and the simple design is easy to learn. New shooters can focus on the fundamentals without flinching, which is why so many people start on a 22 revolver before moving up.
Find Your Next .22 Revolver at Total Impact
Whether you're after a cheap plinker, a trainer for the kids, or a steady trail gun, Total Impact has the 22 revolvers, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose with confidence. Browse the lineup above, and reach out if you want one we can source.