Thinking About a Rimfire Rifle? 4 Reasons to Get One

One rifle, almost no recoil, cheap ammo, and hours of fun on the range. The rimfire rifle is an understated all-rounder that deserves a place not only at the shooting range, but also in any practical firearms setup. Here are four reasons why it’s worth owning one — and how to choose the right model for you.

There’s a huge variety of rimfire firearms on the market today, so let’s first clear up what we actually mean by the term “rimfire rifle.” In the Czech shooting community, the phrase traditionally refers to a bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 LR. Generations of shooters grew up with the iconic CZ rimfire rifles, which is why they still hold a special place in many gun owners’ hearts.

That said, the category is much broader than many people think. Alongside classic bolt-action rifles, there’s also a wide selection of semi-automatic rimfire rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges. And of course, rimfire firearms aren’t limited to long guns — pistols and revolvers in .22 LR are extremely popular as well. For this article, however, we’ll focus on the most common choice: the traditional rimfire rifle.

And just like there are different types of rimfire firearms, there are also several rimfire calibers available. The .22 LR remains by far the most common — and for most shooters, the best all-around option. Hunters often lean toward faster alternatives such as .17 HMR or .22 WMR, but those calibers lose some of the biggest advantages that make rimfires so appealing in the first place. Which brings us to the first reason why owning a rimfire rifle simply makes sense.

Modern rimfire rifles offer not only impressive accuracy, but also a wide range of customization options and modern design features.

1️⃣ Affordable Ammo

The biggest advantage of a .22 LR rimfire rifle is simple: ammunition is cheap and easy to find. Virtually every gun store stocks several types of affordable training ammo, from the popular Sellier & Bellot “Club” rounds to offerings from brands like CCI, Remington, or Aguila.

A standard box of 50 rounds usually costs only a little over 100 CZK — roughly two crowns per shot. And if you buy in bulk or catch a sale, the price can drop even lower. Compared to even the cheapest 9×19 mm ammunition, which typically costs around seven crowns per round, that’s a significant difference.

2️⃣ Perfect for Beginners and Young Shooters

If you have kids, chances are they’ll eventually want to join you at the range. And let’s be honest — sharing your favorite hobby with your children is every shooting enthusiast’s dream.

Like any sport, shooting should be learned responsibly and from the ground up. Formula 1 drivers start in go-karts, and in the shooting world, a rimfire rifle plays a very similar role. Alongside air rifles, it’s one of the best tools for building solid fundamentals. Under proper supervision, young shooters can safely learn correct handling, shooting techniques, and — most importantly — firearm safety, which always comes first.

Another major advantage is the rifle’s minimal recoil. A .22 LR is easy to control and far less intimidating for new or younger shooters, making the learning process much more comfortable and enjoyable.

3️⃣ A Practical Survival Rifle

Prepping, survival, emergency preparedness — you’ve probably come across at least one of these terms before. And chances are you know someone who keeps extra supplies, gear, and a plan for worst-case scenarios. If so, there’s a good possibility they also own a rimfire rifle — for very practical reasons.

Models like the Henry AR-7, Chiappa Little Badger, or Ruger 10/22 Takedown are almost purpose-built for survival use: lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.

The .22 LR cartridge combines several advantages that matter in emergency situations. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and small enough that you can carry a large amount of ammunition without adding much weight. While the caliber is obviously not intended for combat scenarios, it can be extremely useful in situations where you’re relying mainly on yourself and your own equipment.

A rimfire rifle can serve as both a defensive tool and a practical option for hunting small game. In that role, the .22 LR truly shines — especially when paired with a suppressor, which tends to be exceptionally effective with rimfire firearms thanks to their relatively low noise levels.

4️⃣ Pure Fun on the Range

And finally, we come to the most important reason to own a rimfire rifle: it’s simply a ridiculous amount of fun. On a scale from one to ten, rimfires score somewhere around seventeen.

The recoil is barely noticeable, the ammo is cheap, and you can take one to virtually any shooting range. Rimfire rifles are also easy — and relatively affordable — to suppress, and you can mount budget-friendly optics without worrying that recoil will destroy them after the first magazine. Honestly, it’s hard to find a downside.

There’s even a dedicated English term for this kind of shooting fun: plinking. The word comes from the metallic “plink” sound of bullets hitting steel targets, cans, or other improvised targets — activities that are almost synonymous with .22 LR shooting.

And if casual plinking isn’t enough for you, there’s always precision rimfire shooting. Competitive disciplines built around rimfire rifles have become hugely popular in recent years, and the selection of rifles, optics, and accessories available today is enormous.

Traditional .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifles remain a popular choice for both recreational and sport shooting.

How to Choose Your First Rimfire Rifle

If this article has sparked your interest in rimfires, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with them after your very first range session. Shooting a .22 LR rifle is comfortable, affordable, and often surprisingly accurate.

But what should you actually look for when choosing your first rimfire rifle? Let’s assume we’re talking about a rifle primarily intended for recreational shooting and pure range fun.

Semi-Auto or Bolt-Action: Which One Should You Choose?

One of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a semi-automatic or a bolt-action rimfire rifle.

As the name suggests, a semi-auto fires one shot with every pull of the trigger. If you already own firearms like a Glock or an AR-15, the manual of arms will feel immediately familiar.

A bolt-action rifle, on the other hand, requires manual cycling after every shot. In most cases, this means a classic turn-bolt action.

Both options come with their own pros and cons.

✅ Semi-Automatic Rimfire Rifles

• Maximum fun factor — pull the trigger, keep the sights on target, and watch the cans fall

• Virtually no felt recoil thanks to the cycling action

• Higher magazine capacity

• Tactical and modern designs, including clones of popular firearms platforms

• Can be more sensitive to ammunition quality

• Usually slightly less accurate than bolt-action rifles

✅ Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifles

• Huge variety of models and configurations

• Excellent reliability, even with lower-quality ammo

• Typically better accuracy than semi-autos

• Extremely quiet when paired with a suppressor

• Slower rate of fire due to manual cycling

What Else Should You Pay Attention To?

When choosing your first rimfire rifle, also pay attention to ergonomics, barrel length, optics mounting options, and whether the barrel is threaded for a suppressor. These details can make a surprisingly big difference in how enjoyable the rifle is to shoot — and how often you’ll want to take it to the range.

So, Which One Should You Get?

Honestly, the best way to settle the semi-auto vs. bolt-action debate is at the shooting range. Visit your local range, try a few different models, and see what feels right in your hands. And as usual, the perfect solution is owning both.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable training rifle, a fun range gun, a first rifle for a young shooter, or a practical addition to your emergency gear, a rimfire rifle makes sense in almost every scenario. Low operating costs, minimal recoil, and an enormous variety of available models make it one of the most versatile firearms you can own.

If the world of rimfires has caught your attention, check out the selection of rimfire rifles, ammunition, and accessories at Rigad.