The .22 LR is enjoying a resurgence among shooters. From training and suppressor use to hunting and recreation, we delve into why rimfire is thriving again. (Photo by David Fortier)
October 02, 2026
By David Fortier
For more than a century, the .22 Long Rifle has occupied a unique place in the shooting world. It has introduced countless new shooters to firearms, accounted for untold numbers of squirrels and rabbits, and provided generations of marksmen with an inexpensive way to practice. Despite its long history, however, there was a period when many shooters seemed to overlook it. Attention shifted toward modern sporting rifles, long-range precision cartridges and increasingly specialized firearms. Yet while trends came and went, the little rimfire cartridge remained quietly useful.
.22 Long Rifle Quick Look