The .22 LR is one of the most popular calibers in the world. It has been used for more than a century and continues to be a favorite among firearm enthusiasts. Its popularity can be attributed to its ubiquitous nature, as both rifles and handguns are chambered in it. It comes as no surprise that it is 22 rifles that often greet novice shooters at the beginning of their path and introduce them to the world of rifles. There is a good reason for it, a few, to be more precise. Hop on board our learning train, embellished by a Gritr Sports logo, and find out what makes .22 LR rifles the best rifle companions for beginners.
Forgiving Nature
The first and most prominent reason for the round’s popularity is its low recoil. One of the lowest in the industry, as a matter of fact, it doesn’t get much lower than that. This fact alone makes this caliber a true asset to teach beginners with. The first steps are always the hardest ones, and you wouldn’t want to be blown away by the ruthless energy of recoil.
The reason why .22 LR produces so little recoil lies in its technical characteristics. It has a relatively small powder charge and a lightweight bullet, which results in less energy being transferred back to the shooter when fired.
Additionally, this round is quieter than any other and produces little muzzle flash. Could a novice shooter ask for a more beginner-friendly rifle? Forgiving recoil helps shun a common mistake of a “recoil flinch” that is more likely to develop when using rifles with heavier recoil. It is pretty nasty and hard to get rid of, so it’s better not to acquire it in the first place. All these make a .22 LR rifle the best guy for the job.
The Cheapest on the Market
The affordability of a round is one of the major components of its popularity, or lack of one, if the price is unreasonably high. The .22 LR rounds are no exception to this rule. They are among the most affordable rounds on the market, and their low cost has made them a favorite for shooters of all experience levels, but beginners can benefit most from this situation.
The reason why .22 LR rounds are so cheap is because they are relatively easy to manufacture. The materials used to make them are inexpensive, and the process itself is simple. This makes it possible for manufacturers to produce large quantities of these rounds at a very low cost. Unlike with centerfire cartridges, .22 LR cases are not reloadable, and one-use things are always cheaper to produce than multi-use goods.
The comparatively low price of ammo also affects the cost of rifles chambered in .22 LR. There are models that can easily get over the three-digit margin, but the majority of .22 LR rifles are relatively cheap. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want to get into shooting without breaking the bank.
It wasn’t too long ago when .22 LR rounds were hard to acquire due to shortages caused by high demand and limited supply. Fortunately, those times have passed and now .22 LR rounds are cheap and plentiful. As all of us know, practice makes perfect, and you will need to shoot many a round to hone your accuracy. The .22 LR gives you that opportunity without stealing a fortune from you.
Do-It-All Rifle
That was actually clickbait, it isn’t capable of performing all shooting tasks. But the .22 LR rifle is still a versatile firearm that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Those include plinking, target shooting, and even small game hunting.
For plinking, the .22 LR is an ideal choice due to its low cost and minimal recoil. This makes it perfect for beginners or those who just want to have some fun at the range. The low cost also means that you can buy plenty of ammunition without breaking the bank.
When it comes to target shooting, the .22 LR is a great choice due to its accuracy and low recoil. This makes it suitable for precision shooting and long-range accuracy. It’s also great for teaching new shooters as they can learn proper techniques without being overwhelmed by too much recoil or noise from larger calibers.
Finally, the .22 LR is suitable for small game hunting. Though its effective range is pretty limited, it is still a firearm that can deliver a punch. Small game and pests are most suitable targets for .22 LR rifle hunters, though it’s perfectly possible to take down a bigger animal, given your shots are surgeon-precise.
Embarrassment of Riches
One of the great things about .22 LR rifles is that they come in all action configurations available for rifles. This means you can try out different types and decide which one you feel more comfortable shooting. This also means you have many options to choose from once you decide on the action type. Whether you’re looking for a bolt-action rifle for precision shooting, a semi-automatic rifle for plinking or any of the rest three action types for whatever it is you want to do with them, the .22 LR is ready to meet all of those needs.
This variety also applies to the price range. You can find something that tickles your fancy in all price categories. There are more expensive models with intricately engraved receivers and cheaper rifles with simple yet time-tested designs.
Cons to Balance the Scales
The .22 LR rifles are not without their cons, of course. The rifles are not particularly effective past 100 yards as the bullet loses its acceleration faster than other bullets. The .22 LR is also not the most effective round for self-defense, whether you shoot it from a rifle or a handgun. If we evaluate this round according to the concept of stopping power, it will be much less effective than other rounds.
The .22 LR ammunition also produces a lot of carbon fouling, which can build up in the barrel and reduce the accuracy of the rifle over time. To maintain accuracy, the barrel must be cleaned regularly.
Conclusion
To cut a long story short, the advantages of using 22 rifles at the beginning of your firearm-mastering path outweigh the potential disadvantages. After all, you are not married to one rifle till the end of your days. But no other caliber can boast the advantages .22 LR rifles have. Choosing one of them as your first is a reasonable decision that ensures you have a solid base for your future accomplishments.