When you hear the term fun gun, you can picture any number of firearms. One that I always picture is a rimfire revolver. Why?
Revolvers are plenty of fun. Both cowboy guns and modern revolvers are fun with a unique charm to them that’s hard to beat. Rimfire ammo is cheap, has low recoiling, and is fun to shoot.
The combination of rimfire plus revolver is bound to be a good time.
Today, that’s the topic of conversation. We’re going to discuss rimfire revolvers and some of our favorite models.
So, keep reading.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Cowboy Revolver
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Best .17 HMR Revolver
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Best Concealed Carry Rimfire
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Best Convertible Revolver
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Working Gun
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Best Folding Revolver
Table of Contents
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Why Trust Us
Before becoming an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry trainer out of Florida, I was a Marine infantryman. So, I know my way around guns.
Today, I use my knowledge to test and review guns for several publications, including Pew Pew Tactical. At my home range, I spend countless hours analyzing, researching, and putting guns and gear to the test to bring you the best recommendations and most accurate reviews.
Best Rimfire Revolvers
1. Chiappa 1873 22-10
There are lots and lots of cowboy-style rimfire revolvers out there. The Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider, the Wrangler, and Sidekick are all great guns.
What impresses me about the Chiappa 1873 22-10 is that they took the classic Colt SAA design to the next level.
The .22 LR is a lot smaller than the .45 Colt, so why do so many rimfire cowboy guns only pack six rounds?
Chiappa’s 1873-22 packs 10 rounds of .22 LR. It’s still a classic .22 LR Colt SAA clone, but it doesn’t need to be reloaded as often. On top of that, it’s still dirt cheap at less than $250 retail.
This revolver also lacks the safety I tend to despise on the Heritage Guns. Unlike the Ruger Wrangler, you can swap the .22 LR cylinder for a .22 Magnum cylinder. The Chiappa 1873-22 just combines all the things I want on my cowboy rimfire revolvers.
The only big downside is that it’s not as easy to find as the Heritage or Ruger options. If you don’t mind shopping online, it’s not too tough to find.
At its core, it’s a simple revolver that you’ve seen 100 times. It’s just a Colt SAA clone, but it packs the features I want and need in rimfire cowboy clones. It’s tough to find a better option to train new shooters or to just plink and have fun with.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Taurus Tracker 17
The .17 HMR is a hot-loaded rimfire round that throws a very lightweight cartridge at a very high speed. It’s not as popular as the .22 LR or Magnum, but it is a favorite of varmint shooters.
Any rimfire round that can throw a 17-grain projectile at 2,650 feet per second is pretty darn fun to shoot.
The .17 HMR finds itself mostly in bolt action and single-shot rifles. Taurus remains unafraid of being different and produced the Taurus Tracker 17.
The Tracker 17 holds seven rounds of .17 HMR and offers one of the very few handgun options for the round. This is not your typical, lightweight, lithe rimfire revolver. It’s absolutely massive!
It’s a full-sized revolver with a full underlug and vent rib barrel. The frame is huge, and the gun weighs 47 ounces unloaded.
The big 6.5-inch barrel is complete with a large front sight and an adjustable rear. This makes the gun easy to shoot accurately and perfect for taking down varmints.
It’s a modern DA/SA revolver, and while the .17 HMR flies fast, the Tracker barrel moves between shots.
The Tracker 17 is an oddity in the revolver world, but if you want a fast-flying, low-recoiling, varmint-destroying revolver, it’s tough to beat the Tracker 17.
Like most Taurus products, it’s fairly affordable, although availability wains.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Smith & Wesson 351 PD
I’m one of the few people who believe that rimfire rounds can be used for concealed carry. They are not optimal but allow for very small, lightweight, and controllable guns.
If you’re highly sensitive to recoil or have weak hands, a rimfire revolver might fit you well for concealed carry. The Smith & Wesson 351 PD is the only AirLite gun I enjoy shooting!
The weapon weighs 10.8 ounces, making it a true ultralight pistol. The gun holds seven rounds of .22 Magnum, and even though it’s light, the .22 Magnum isn’t enough to beat you up or blind you with a muzzle flash.
The 351 PD is a traditional snub-nose revolver with an exposed hammer. The sights are high-visibility fiber optic sights that are quick and easy to see. It’s designed for concealment, and it does hide easily and carry comfy with the lightweight design.
This revolver provides shooters with a dedicated concealed carry gun that’s ultra-light as well as ultra-easy to shoot. The mini magnum cartridge provides enough penetration to reach deep enough to strike something vital as long as you pick the right ammunition.
It does land on the higher-priced side of the market, but it is a defensive pistol, and that’s rarely something you should cheap out on.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Ruger New Model Single Six Convertible
The Ruger Single Six series are legendary revolvers that were historically offered in small calibers, specifically the most popular rimfire rounds, but also the .32 H&R Magnum.
The New Model Single Single Six currently chambers only rimfire cartridges.
Predictably this includes the .22 LR and .22 WMR, but also some distributor exclusives have also chambered .17 HMR and .17 HM2.
The Ruger Single Six design incorporates a swappable cylinder design, so .22 LR, and .22 WMR guns can use either caliber with the correct cylinder, and the same goes for the .17 caliber rounds.
These are single-action guns with some cowboy stylings, but they are more modern than a Colt clone. They feature big, easy-to-see sights with adjustable rear sights and come in various barrel lengths from 4.62 to 7.5 inches — in both stainless and black finishes.
The Ruger Single Six series are some of the highest quality rimfire revolvers on the market. They are very well made, highly accurate, and easy to shoot. These revolvers are built like tanks and designed to function seemingly forever.
They feature outstanding triggers and great sights. Plus, their popularity makes accessorizing easy. It’s not tough to add a red dot to one of these guns and really stretch your shooting legs.
These are often dedicated wood guns and high-quality varmint hunting revolvers. If you want the best working rimfire gun, the Ruger Single Six is tough to beat.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What do you think of the Single Six series? Rate it below!
5. Ruger GP100
Let’s stick with Ruger for a minute but go in the opposite direction. It’s still a rimfire revolver, but it’s a GP100. This means it’s a more modern DA/SA revolver with an exposed hammer.
The GP100 series are big, beefy guns more often chambered in .357 Magnum. This creates a 42-ounce .22 LR revolver with a massive cylinder capable of holding an outstanding 10 rounds.
Who doesn’t want 10 rounds in their revolver? The first time I fired one, I got this overwhelming giggle in me.
The .22 LR from a 5.5-inch barrel out of a 44-ounce revolver has less recoil than an airgun. I describe it as charming.
A big set of easy-to-see and adjustable sights make accuracy easy, and driving rounds through one ragged hole is immensely satisfying.
You will notice the double action trigger is a bit heavier than other GP100s. I imagine it’s to ensure reliable ignition with rimfire primers.
It’s not terrible, and if you don’t like it cock the trigger into a single action and get on with it.
It’s a big gun, and that could be a slight downside. It’s so big it might be tougher for smaller shooters to really handle it comfortably.
My kids love shooting .22 LRs, but the GP100 barely fits in the hands of my oldest. I’m not sure exactly what I’d use the GP100 for, but boy, do I love shooting it!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
6. Smith & Wesson Model 63
When you hear the term “working” gun, it’s easy to picture a police officer’s duty handgun or a soldier’s rifle, but the term also applies to any useful field gun.
The Smith & Wesson Model 63 occupies a special place in the world of working guns. It’s not designed for concealed carry, hunting, or even plinking, although, in a pinch, it could do all three.
The Model 63 is the gun you put in a tackle box on the boat or holster on your hip in the woods or if you live in a rural area and carry around your property. It’s at home for outdooring and exploring via ATVs, mountain bikes, or the shoelace express.
The Model 63 is an 8-shot, .22 LR revolver built on a J-frame. It’s descended from the classic S&W 22/32 design. While it’s a J-frame, it’s not a snub nose and has a 3-inch barrel. The gun has a front high visibility sight and a rear adjustable sight.
While small, light, and easy to carry, it’s also easy to shoot. No one has ever been challenged by a .22 LR gun. It’s perfect for dealing with pests, snakes, and even short-term survival should things go wrong.
The S&W Model 63 could even be a latch-ditch defensive weapon. It gives a compact but full grip and an exposed hammer for DA/SA sights. Its’ stainless-steel design makes it handy for rough environments without having to fear rust.
The Model 63 is a working gun, without a doubt.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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7. Standard Manufacturing Switch
I love the North American Arms revolvers, but I don’t think they are aimed at the concealed carry community. They are fascinating fun guns that are exquisitely built.
The Standard Manufacturing Switch is a bit better for concealed carry and designed for defensive use.
Like the NAA, this is a mini revolver. The Switch can use a .22 LR or .22 Magnum cylinder and holds five rounds total. The barrel is 0.75 inches. It’s small and easily pocketable.
The key to the Switch’s success is that it folds, and the frame folds into the gun’s handle. A press of the button activates a spring-loaded design that allows the frame to fly out of the grip for easy use. The folding design makes it easy to conceal and safe to carry in your pocket.
It is a single-action-only revolver and can’t be reloaded on the fly. Standard Manufacturing uses a massive grip that makes shooting and manipulating the revolver easy.
Across the top is a trench sight, which isn’t the most precise option. It’s certainly an across-the-room-style firearm and not a long-distance weapon.
Concealing the gun would be super simple. It weighs only 9 ounces and is absurdly small. Drop the gun in your pocket, and you can forget about it.
The Switch acts as a great deep concealment pistol or as a backup gun. It’s convenient and very easy to conceal. Standard even makes a little holster for it for more conventional carry.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Why a Rimfire Revolver?
Rimfire revolvers can be tons of fun but can also be quite versatile in function. They can be used to train, plink, and hunt various small animals and can even be used for self-defense.
They are also reliable…
.22 LR can be tricky in automatic with most .22 LR automatics using blowback operation. Blowback guns can be sensitive to varying pressures, and when you deal with cheap bulk ammo, you’ll get varying pressures.
.22LR Ammo In Stock
With a revolver, the varying pressure doesn’t matter. The gun doesn’t need to cycle a slide, so you can’t have failures to eject, extract, or feed. Fewer problems eliminate frustration.
There is also something to be said for ease of use and an appeal to new shooters. A revolver is easy to handle, and a rimfire revolver has very little recoil. Additionally, the gun is easy to load and easy to clear.
A new user can look at the weapon and visually see that it is, in fact, loaded. That’s valuable for new shooters to know.
Rimfire revolvers tend to be affordable, with very few reaching a price level worth scoffing at.
Final Thoughts
Who doesn’t love a good wheel gun? I’m a fan, and I tend to stick to rimfires because most of my serious-use guns are automatics.
I do love shooting revolvers, so a rimfire model ensures I’ll shoot it a lot!
These are my favorite rimfire revolvers. What are yours? Let us know below! Looking for more wheelguns? We have some recommendations for the Best Concealed Carry Revolvers.
3 Leave a Reply
March 7th 1976 was my 18th Birthday. To celebrate I went to the Colorado Springs Montgomery Wards and purchased my first pistol. A Ruger "Super Single Six" .22LR/.22 Mag....
(You forgot the "Super" part in your article Travis...LOL).....
I was a Senior at Fountain/Ft.Carson High School. Had a job installing C.B. radios in cars and trucks, at "WindJammer CB's" right across the street from the High school. So Figure why not ! Can't remember what it cost me, but I want to say it was like $75 or somewhere along those lines. At that time it was legal to purchase a pistol at 18.
I still have it. Still a tack driver. It will stay in my Family forever I hope. My daughter who just turned 41 will get it when I step not Glory. She started shooting it when she was 5.
Solid Built, Accurate, decent trigger for a single action. Can't ask for much more IMHO....
Excellent article Travis, except for your slight forgetfulness on the name.....LOL
Great article! Now I’m torn between getting the Walther 1911 to train for my Savage 1911, or getting a classic single action .22. Any thoughts?
GET THE 1911! The best decision I made was getting mine they are my favorites.