One of the first semi-auto .22 rifles I carried was a little Winchester 190 made back in the 70s. I’m well-aware that it was an inexpensive rifle, but back then I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. The Winchester 190 is a tube-fed semi-automatic .22 LR rimfire rifle.
As a kid, that Winchester 190 seldom left my side during the summer, especially because groundhog hunting was one of my passions. I’d spend my time with a box of .22 LR cartridges in my pocket while traversing farmers’ fields for groundhogs; I couldn’t even tell you how many I shot with this little rifle.
Any time squirrel season began, it would be the same thing: my Winchester 190 and I would get to work. I’ve owned scores of .22-caliber semi-automatic rimfire rifles since then, and such rifles hold a special place in my heart.
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While thought not to be as “accurate” as rimfire bolt-actions rifles, .22-caliber semi-autos are more than accurate enough for most shooting needs, including small-game hunting.
Today’s shooters and hunters get to enjoy a wide variety and selection of various .22-caliber rimfire rifles, across all price points and styles. Shooters can choose from basic tried-and-true classic models to more modern repeaters that arguably break the mold.
Browning SA-22
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One of the first-ever semi-auto .22 rifles, and one of John M. Browning’s designs, the Browning SA-22 gives me thrills any time I load with some .22 LR.
Its tubular magazine holds 10 rounds and is cleverly hidden inside the buttstock. The SA-22 is also built with an all-steel receiver and its barrel is highly polished and coupled with fine checkered walnut stock and forearm. The Browning SA-22 is a fine gun and represents everything a .22 ought to be.
It takes down simply and just as easily is reassembled. Its bottom ejection doesn’t impede right or left-handed shooter’s line of sight. Because it’s a classic, the Browning SA-22’s receiver is not grooved for optics. However, its barrel is drilled and tapped to accept a cantilever mount which Browning also sells.
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If you are looking for a heirloom quality .22 rimfire semi-auto rifle, the Browning SA-22 is it.
Ruger 10-22
The Ruger 10-22 is the king of the semi-auto rifmire realm. These rifles have been around for more than 50 years and Ruger has sold millions of them to sportsmen and gun owners for good reason. Ruger 10-22s are dependable and highly versatile. They’re currently available in no less than 9 different configurations, and all Ruger 10-22s all feature a cold forged barrel, a positive crossbolt safety and a detachable 10 round rotary magazine.
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These rimfire rifles can be had with wood stocks, synthetic stocks–or even backpack friendly takedown models. There are even variants that cater to competitive shooters, too.
Unsurprisingly, the Ruger 10-22 is one of the most customized and accessorized firearms in existence, thanks to its generations long reputation. There are even entire cottage industries and companies propped up around its existence
Savage 64F
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Whereas the Ruger 10-22 has its signature rotary magazine, the semi-auto Savage 64F feeds off a single-stack rimfire magazine. Savage 64F models feature a satin blued, steel barrel and a dovetailed receiver. Its 10-round detachable magazine paired with a no nonsense synthetic stock makes the Savage 64F a solid performer in the woods.
The Savage 64F reminds me of .22 rifles from yesteryear, like my Winchester 190, back when a rifle felt like a rifle–not a toy. The Savage 64F is all business, no frills.
Tippmann M4-22
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There is no shortage of rimfire-only AR-15 .22 caliber semi-auto carbines on the market. Due to the sum of its parts, the Tippmann M4-22 is likely one of the superlative options. This carbine includes a 16-inch premium barrel, a fully aluminum upper/lower receiver set, a functional forward assist, and flip-up sights just like a real 5.56 mm AR-15. The Tippmann M4-22 is also designed to be compatible with a wide variety of AR-15 specific accessories including stocks, handguards and sights. M4-22s feed from a 25-round magazine, and Tippmann also offers 10-round compliant magazines.
Whether you’re just plinking and having fun, or are looking for a faithful AR-15 .22-caliber rimfire trainer, don’t hesitate to check out the Tippmann M4-22.
Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle
Speaking of the AR-15 and Eugene Stoner, the Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle was designed by Eugene Stoner in 1959. The AR-7 .22 was originally designed for US Air Force pilots as a lightweight survival rifle in case they had to bail their aircraft. This carbine’s claim to fame is that the entire thing–lock, stock and barrel– all break down and neatly fit inside the AR-7’s own buttstock.
This allows the fully collapsed rifle to be stowed nearly anywhere there’s room for the buttstock. And At 3.5 pounds, you hardly know it’s in your pack. The 16.1-inch steel barrel is also coated with ABS plastic for additional protection against the elements. The AR-7 has earned its rightful spot in the pantheon of rifmfire rifles.
Winchester Wildcat
The Winchester Wildcat is one of the newer models to make a splash in the world of semi-auto rimfire rifles. Winchester Wildcats are built with 18-inch barrels, polymer receivers (with integral Picatinny scope bases), fully ambidextrous magazine releases and a reversible safety.
Making my point earlier about the influence of the Ruger 10-22, the Winchester Wildcat actually feeds from a Ruger 10-22 pattern rotary rimfire magazine. If the Winchester Wildcat had a theme, it would be its light weight and handiness because its polymer receiver keeps the gun light. Furthermore, the entirety of the Winchester Wildcat weighs a scant 4 pounds give or take. Wildcats come in an array of colors and camo patterns; different stock materials are available. There’s even a suppressor-ready model that comes with a threaded muzzle. If you love options, look no farther than a Winchester Wildcat.
