The Ruger SR22 is a compact, double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle (LR). Built with a lightweight polymer frame and an aluminum slide, it’s designed for easy handling, low recoil, and versatility.
Featuring ambidextrous controls, interchangeable grips, and a 10+1 round capacity, it caters to both new shooters and seasoned marksmen looking for a reliable rimfire sidearm.
Since its release in 2012, the SR22 has earned a reputation for being one of the most dependable and ergonomic .22 pistols on the market — ideal for training, plinking, and recreational shooting.
What makes the Ruger SR22 stand out among rimfire pistols?
The Ruger SR22 has established itself as one of the most well-rounded rimfire handguns available. Introduced in 2012, it was Ruger’s answer to the growing demand for a high-quality, feature-rich .22 pistol that could function as both a training platform and a recreational plinker.
Its design balances modern ergonomics with traditional double-action/single-action operation, providing versatility that appeals to a wide range of shooters.
About Ruger
Sturm, Ruger & Co. — better known simply as Ruger — has been an American firearms mainstay since 1949. The company’s reputation is built on reliability, affordability, and strong customer service.
With successful lines like the 10/22 rifle and the GP100 revolver, Ruger brought that same philosophy to the SR22: a rimfire pistol that’s easy to shoot, easy to maintain, and hard to outlast.
Purpose and role
The SR22 is intended as a multi-role pistol: it’s equally at home as a training gun, a small-caliber target pistol, or a recreational range companion.
Because it mimics the controls of centerfire handguns, it’s a natural choice for beginners learning fundamentals or for experienced shooters wanting a low-cost practice option.
What are the Ruger SR22’s key specifications?
Technical Specifications
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Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
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Action: Double-action/single-action (DA/SA), hammer-fired, straight blowback operation
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Capacity: 10+1 rounds
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Barrel length: 3.5 inches
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Overall length: 6.4 inches
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Height: 4.1 inches
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Width: 1.25 inches
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Weight: 17.5 ounces (unloaded)
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Frame: Polymer with aluminum slide
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Finish: Black anodized or silver anodized slide options
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Sights: Adjustable three-dot sights (rear reversible for left/right preference)
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Safety features:
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Ambidextrous thumb safety/decocker
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Ruger transfer bar safety
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Visual loaded-chamber indicator
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Grip: Interchangeable rubberized grips (two sizes, tool-free)
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Accessory rail: Integrated Picatinny rail under the barrel
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Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., USA
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Year introduced: 2012
Notable design points
The SR22 was designed to be approachable and adaptable. Its light weight, adjustable sights, and tool-free grip swaps make it appealing to shooters of all experience levels and hand sizes.
Unlike many rimfire pistols, it offers full ambidextrous controls — making it especially user-friendly for left-handed shooters.
How is the Ruger SR22 built and how does it handle?
Frame and materials
The SR22’s frame is made of high-strength polymer with an aerospace-grade aluminum slide — a combination that provides durability without unnecessary weight.
The aluminum slide helps reduce reciprocating mass, ensuring smooth cycling even with standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition.
Ergonomics and grip feel
Ergonomics are one of the SR22’s strongest suits. Ruger includes two interchangeable grip sleeves — one slim and one palm-filling — allowing shooters to tailor the grip profile instantly.
The textured rubber surface provides solid traction without being abrasive. The grip angle feels natural and aligns quickly on target.
Controls and operation
Every control on the SR22 is ambidextrous — including the thumb safety, decocker, and magazine release.
The slide stop is easy to engage, and the safety operates with an upward “safe” position (some shooters note it’s the reverse of what they’re used to). The DA/SA trigger system provides flexibility for different shooting styles.
Accessory compatibility
The integrated Picatinny rail under the barrel supports lights or lasers. The pistol’s standard dovetail sight cuts also allow for aftermarket upgrades like fiber-optic or night sights.
What Ruger SR22 variants and models are available?
Standard Ruger SR22
The original model includes a 3.5-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and a black polymer frame with either a black or silver anodized slide. It’s the most popular variant and continues to be Ruger’s flagship configuration.
Threaded Barrel Version
The SR22 threaded barrel model comes with a ½x28 threaded muzzle, allowing the easy installation of a suppressor or compensator. It includes a thread protector and often ships with an adapter for compatibility.
Limited & Color Editions
Ruger periodically releases limited runs of SR22 pistols featuring distinctive color schemes — such as purple, OD green, or flat dark earth frames — catering to shooters seeking a more personalized aesthetic.
Comparisons to similar pistols
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Walther P22: The SR22’s closest competitor. The Ruger edges ahead in reliability and trigger feel, while the Walther has slightly sleeker styling.
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Browning Buck Mark: Heavier and more accurate for target work, but less compact and harder to maintain.
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Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory: Superior for competition shooting, though larger and pricier.
The SR22 sits comfortably in the middle — compact enough for carry-style training, yet accurate enough for target shooting.
How does the Ruger SR22 perform at the range?
Accuracy
Accuracy is excellent for a pistol in its class. With a steady hand and quality ammunition, shooters can expect 1.5–2 inch groups at 15 yards. The adjustable rear sight and crisp single-action trigger make fine aiming simple.
Recoil and handling
Recoil is virtually nonexistent, even for new shooters. The combination of the SR22’s weight, grip texture, and blowback operation keeps the pistol flat during rapid fire. This makes it an outstanding choice for teaching new shooters trigger control and sight alignment.
Reliability
For a rimfire, the SR22 is exceptionally reliable. While .22 LR ammo can vary widely in quality, the SR22 digests most standard-velocity and high-velocity loads without issue. After an initial break-in period, malfunctions are rare — a key advantage over many competitors.
Trigger performance
The double-action trigger pull is roughly 9–10 lbs but smooth. The single-action pull averages 4–5 lbs with a short, tactile reset. It’s predictable and user-friendly, particularly for shooters accustomed to hammer-fired systems.
What ammunition works best in the Ruger SR22?
Recommended loads
The SR22 cycles best with high-quality, high-velocity .22 LR rounds. Examples include:
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CCI Mini-Mag 36-grain HP
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Federal AutoMatch 40-grain
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Winchester Super-X 37-grain
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Aguila Super Extra 40-grain
Target vs. defensive use
While .22 LR is not considered a primary self-defense caliber, the SR22 can be used in a pinch with premium loads like CCI Velocitor or Federal Punch .22 LR, which deliver higher velocity and penetration.
For target shooting, standard-velocity ammunition provides tighter groups and cleaner cycling.
Extraction and feeding notes
The SR22 handles most brands well but may occasionally experience light strikes or stovepipes with lower-powered bulk ammo. Regular cleaning of the chamber and extractor area minimizes these occurrences.
How versatile is the Ruger SR22 for different uses?
Concealed or self-defense use
While .22 LR isn’t ideal for primary defense, the SR22’s light recoil and high controllability make it an effective training analog for larger centerfire carry guns. It’s also a feasible option for those with recoil sensitivity or arthritis who struggle with heavier calibers.
Home defense
The SR22 can serve as a backup home-defense tool, particularly for recoil-sensitive shooters. Its 10+1 capacity and reliability make it serviceable, though not as effective as centerfire options.
Competition and recreational use
The SR22 thrives as a range and plinking pistol. Its easy handling, affordability of ammunition, and decent accuracy make it perfect for practice and friendly competitions.
Outdoor and utility use
Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant design makes it excellent as a trail or camp gun for small game dispatching or pest control. The threaded variant allows suppressed shooting for discreet field use.
Serious training or casual plinker?
Both. The Ruger SR22 is an exceptional training pistol that doubles as a reliable range gun. It builds muscle memory for shooters using DA/SA or hammer-fired carry pistols, making it ideal for consistent skill development.
What are the best Ruger SR22 holsters?
A Ruger SR22 holster should provide stability, comfort, and retention while accommodating the pistol’s compact dimensions.
Learn more: How to Choose the Best Ruger SR22 Holster
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
A Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Ruger SR22 holster provides deep concealment with adjustable cant and ride height. Ideal for discreet carry or range transport, it maintains comfort during extended wear.
Belt Holster
A belt-mounted Ruger SR22 holster offers a traditional OWB setup for range or open carry. It ensures quick access while balancing the pistol’s lightweight frame evenly on the hip.
OWB Paddle Holster
An OWB paddle Ruger SR22 holster gives easy on-and-off convenience and firm retention, perfect for target practice or recreational shooting.
Swivel Drop Leg Holster
A swivel drop-leg Ruger SR22 holster positions the pistol lower for a fast draw during tactical training or outdoor activity.
Chest Holster
A chest-mounted Ruger SR22 holster keeps the pistol secure and accessible when hiking or working in the field, freeing up waist space for gear.
What are the Ruger SR22’s pros and cons?
Pros
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Lightweight and highly ergonomic design
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Excellent reliability for a rimfire pistol
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Ambidextrous controls and interchangeable grips
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Great accuracy for training or plinking
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Suppressor-ready variants available
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Affordable operation with inexpensive ammo
Cons
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Manual safety direction feels reversed for some users
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DA trigger pull on the heavier side
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Occasional malfunctions with low-quality bulk ammo
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Not ideal for defensive duty due to caliber limitations
What’s the final verdict on the Ruger SR22?
The Ruger SR22 remains one of the best rimfire pistols available — combining Ruger’s hallmark reliability with modern features and exceptional shootability. It’s the perfect mix of training value, fun factor, and practical versatility.
Whether you’re introducing a new shooter to firearms, practicing fundamentals, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the range, the SR22 performs well beyond its modest price tag.
Its light recoil, accuracy, and dependable function make it a top-tier choice among .22 pistols, holding its ground against the Walther P22 and Browning Buck Mark while offering better ergonomics and ease of maintenance.
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-shoot, and endlessly fun rimfire pistol, the Ruger SR22 deserves a permanent place in your range bag.