Best .22 Rimfire Rifle in Australia: Simple, Honest Picks
G'day. A good .22 rimfire is the rifle a lot of us shoot most. Cheap ammo, light recoil, and it's spot on for rabbits, practice and teaching someone new. Here are the in-stock .22 LR picks we'd point you at today, from a simple bolt gun to a step-up target rifle.
Prices below are as at 18 October 2026. Stock moves, so if a pick is gone, browse our .22 rifles or ask us what's next.
Shop the picks
- Rossi 8122 Bolt Action (.22 LR) — from $399. The budget pick. Simple, light, and a sensible way into rimfire shooting.
- Howa M1100 (.22 LR) — from $699. A tidy step up if you want a threaded barrel and a synthetic stock that doesn't mind weather.
- Ruger American Rimfire (.22 LR) — from $999. A solid all-rounder for rabbits and range days alike.
- Tikka T1x MTR (.22 LR) — from $1,449. If accuracy is the point, start here. It's the rifle for shooters who like small groups.
- Bergara BMR X Carbon (.22 LR) — from $1,660. The step-up pick, with a carbon barrel for shooters who want a lighter front end without giving up a target feel.
Bolt, lever or pump?
A bolt action is the simple, accurate default, and most of the picks above are bolts for that reason. A lever action is quick and a lot of fun, and plenty of hunters grew up on one. A pump sits somewhere in between. None of them is wrong. Pick the action you enjoy shooting, because a .22 you enjoy is a .22 you'll practise with, and practice is what makes you accurate.
.22 LR or another rimfire?
.22 LR is the easy answer for most people. Ammo is cheap and everywhere, recoil is next to nothing, and it's quiet compared with centrefire. The magnum rimfires shoot flatter and hit harder, but ammo costs more and the rifles can be fussier about what they like. If you're buying your one rimfire, make it a .22 LR.
How to choose
Start with the job. Rabbits from a vehicle, walking a creek line, or shooting groups at the range all suit slightly different rifles. Then think about the stock and barrel. A threaded barrel gives you options later. A synthetic stock shrugs off knocks and wet weather. And leave room in the budget for a decent scope and a few bricks of ammo to find out what your rifle likes. Every rimfire has a favourite load, and half the fun is finding it.
Ammo, scopes and good habits
Rimfire rifles can be picky about ammo. Buy a few different types, shoot proper groups with each, and stick with the one your rifle likes. It is the cheapest accuracy upgrade there is. A scope doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be clear and hold zero. Many a good .22 has been blamed for a cheap scope that kept moving.
A .22 is also where good habits start. Safe handling, a solid rest, and taking your time on the trigger all carry across to bigger rifles. That's why we like rimfire so much. It lets you practise often without the cost or recoil getting in the way, and it makes the practise fun rather than a chore.
FAQ
What is the best .22 rifle for rabbits? For most hunters, the Howa M1100 or the Ruger American Rimfire. Light, handy, and easy to shoot. On a tight budget, the Rossi 8122 does the job.
What is the best .22 for accuracy? The Tikka T1x MTR and the Bergara BMR X Carbon are the picks above we'd point target shooters at.
Do I need a licence for a .22 in Australia? Yes. You'll need the right licence and permit for your state, so check before you buy and ask us if you're stuck.
More guides
Keen on something bigger? Have a look at our guides to the best air rifles, the best .223 rifles and the best .308 rifles. Or browse the full .22 rimfire range and tell us how you hunt. We'll help you pick.