0
Reliable Rimfire Rifles: Our Top Picks for 2024
Rimfire rifles have been putting food on the table since your great-grandpa taught your dad how to shoot. Despite all the advancements, including most modern firearms moving to centerfire, rimfire doesn’t get the love it deserves—and it should.
Centerfire firearms do not offer the same fun and initial knowledge-building opportunities as rimfire ones. Rimfire ammunition comes in many different calibers, but it’s found primarily in .22 LR, which can be bought by the boat full for a very low price.
The small but mighty .22 LR. Source
So, to rekindle the interest in the rimfire rifle, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones available. These rifles stand out for their affordability, reliability, and ability to effectively address any varmint issues you may have.
Or, if you just want something fun to shoot at soda cans, you’re in the right spot.
So, let’s dive in and look at the best rimfire rifles in 2024.
Henry Lever Action Rimfire
The Henry Lever Action Rimfire dates back a long way. It was one of the initial offerings from Henry, and collectors do crazy things to get their hands on the originals.
There’s a low chance you could get one, but the new iterations are just as accurate.
They have all the modern safety features internally, so you can be as safe as possible while practicing your John Wayne spin, although you may need a larger lever. You’ll get extra points if you can do it with the original Henry lever.
Depending on what rimfire caliber you want to shoot, Henry has an assortment of rifles from .17 HMR to .22 WMR. If you plan on using it for soda cans, I’d say go with .22 LR since it’s cheap and easier to find.
It may not have a ton of bells and whistles, but you can’t beat the rifle that won the West.
A Henry .22 with a SilencerCo Suppressor is a hard-to-beat combination. Source
Ruger 10/22 Takedown
It would be a terrible list if Ruger didn’t make it. I mean, have you seen the 10/22 lineup? Packed with quality parts and backed by a Ruger warranty, it’s one of those rifles where you can’t go wrong.
I recommend the Takedown if you like a compact and easy-to-transport rifle that you can take almost anywhere. Pushing on a lever and twisting the assembly separates the rifle into two. Don’t worry; it goes back together and returns to zero without a problem.
I love a tactical Ruger 10/22 build. Source
The Takedown also features a rail on the top for mounting a scope, should you want to test the capabilities of the cold hammer-forged barrel and the crisp trigger that comes on every 10/22.
There are plenty of great models in case the Takedown isn’t quite your style. Plus, you can easily find factory and aftermarket magazines in a wide range of capacities.
Ruger Precision Bolt Action
Ruger again? Yes, Ruger again. This time, in the good ol’ bolt action.
The Ruger Precision is the longest gun on this list and is meant to stretch the capabilities of the rimfire cartridge. Whether it be .17 HMR, .22 LR, or .22 WMR, the Precision will give you the best in terms of accuracy and performance.
A Ruger Precision watching for varmint. Source
Why is that? Features. Out of every rifle on this list, the Precision has the most.
It has a clean and crisp adjustable trigger with a pull range of 2.25 – 5 pounds, and the adjustment wrench is stored in the bolt shroud. The Precision’s barrel is cold hammer forged from 1137 steel, and if you’ve ever shot a Ruger rifle before, you understand how accurate they can be in the hands of a good shooter.
Ruger did a great job with the buttstock when it comes to ergonomics. Everything from the comb to the length of pull was designed to be easily adjustable in case you’re wearing a big coat or if it’s a fall day and the weather changes quickly and you need to take off the layers.
Overall, the Precision is a true plinker and will be a blast to shoot in the distance. Since ammo is so cheap, it can also be a training tool for shooters who are getting into precision shooting.
HK MP5 .22 w/ Barrel Shroud
Okay, hear me out. I don’t know any shooter who wouldn’t love to slap down the charging handle of an MP5 and let loose. Heckler and Koch made that possible and easily affordable with this MP5 chambered in .22 LR.
Well, Umarex made it possible. If you’ve ever been in the airsoft world, then you’re familiar with Umarex, who creates all of HKs most realistic airsoft models. No, this isn’t an airsoft gun, but you will see “Umarex Germany” on the upper receiver.
It’s always a good idea to have several magazines loaded and ready to go. Source
Not to worry—the MP5 in .22 LR is highly reliable. I currently have one with over 2,000 rounds through it and zero malfunctions.
Why do I recommend the version with the barrel shroud? Well, since the barrel shroud is directly threaded to the barrel, you’ll be able to add a suppressor later and get your 1980s Delta Force on. Other variants come with a muzzle device that makes adding a suppressor difficult.
While the MP5 won’t be the best for accuracy purposes, it sure is one of the more fun rifles on this list.
Savage Arms Mark II FV-SR
The Mark II FV-SR is well-regarded for its trigger and smooth bolt action. The oversized bolt makes chambering a new round effortless, and the rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
The AccuTrigger is similar to the Ruger Precision trigger in that it feels great and performs well. It’s consistent, tactile, and adjustable for a more personalized feel.
The barrel is button rifled, a cold-forming process in which a button tool with a tungsten bit is used to cut into the interior of the barrel smoothly and consistently. This method provides many gains in accuracy over other methods.
The barrel is also fluted, which helps with heat dissipation and gives slight accuracy gains.
For the price, the Mark II FV-SR sure offers a lot.
Conclusion
I recommend every shooter own a rimfire rifle. We constantly talk about getting those reps in, but ammo can get expensive at times. You know what isn’t expensive? .22 LR.
Whether you’re looking for something to fight off the critters that keep getting onto your property or you simply want to have fun, a rimfire rifle can provide the solution.
Whatever your heart desires, you can find it in an affordable rifle and some cheap ammo.
Be good and take care.
