When it comes to self-defense, having a gun is better than not having a gun. For those who are recoil-sensitive, new to shooting or must contend with some type of physical challenge dealing with conventional, centerfire pistols, rimfire-caliber semi-automatic pistols may be a viable way to have a pistol with you when it is needed the most. The firearms industry has really increased the number of offerings in this segment, particularly with a growing variety of defensive-oriented rimfire cartridges. The .22LR cartridge is still less costly to purchase and shoot than a centerfire cartridge, which means that it’s easier to learn and practice with. However, when it comes to these types of firearms, it is crucial to verify the specific cartridge and pistol combination both for accuracy and reliability, since .22LR can behave in a finicky manner depending on the handgun model.
Taurus TX22 Compact (MSRP: $421)
Although most Taurus-produced firearms come from Brazil, the TX22 Compact .22LR is actually 100-percent made in the United States. In addition to being American-made, the Taurus TX22 Compact is Taurus’ go-to compact, but “adult-size,” rimfire pistol. From all the models listed in this round-up, the TX 22 is the one I have the most experience with. Sure, the TX22 Compact has an odd-looking form due to its slide design, but that shape also allows this semi-automatic straight blowback pistol to effortlessly cycle standard or high velocity rimfire rounds.
Glock G44 (MSRP: $430)
You might think from the name that the Glock G44 is chambered in .44 Magnum, but it is not. Glock took its most popular compact semi-automatic handgun, the 9mm Glock G19 and adapted it into a 1:1 scale .22LR rimfire model. The Glock G44 provides Glock G19 owners with a dedicated rimfire training model that still occupies the same footprint and “feel” in hand. Otherwise, it’s another option for a training/defensive .22 rimfire pistol. Even though it maintains the same proportions, the Glock G44 does weigh a few ounces less than the Glock G19.
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact (MSRP: $429)
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 22 Compact is probably the most established model in this round-up, as Smith & Wesson has had it available on the market for years. The M&P 22 Compact is a scaled-down version of Smith & Wesson’s flagship M&P semi-automatic pistol. Like the original centerfire pistol, this rimfire compact handgun also incorporates an ergonomic polymer frame and a hinged trigger. All M&P 22 Compacts are outfitted with a pair of ambidextrous thumb safeties. For legal compliance reasons that allows them to be sold in a wide number of states, they’re also outfitted with magazine disconnects.
Ruger LCP II Lite Rack (MSRP: $439)
The Ruger LCP II Lite Rack is an ultra-compact defensive .22LR pistol whose design is based on Ruger’s classic .380 ACP LCP, the Light Carry Pistol. LCP IIs were designed for ease of use, with slides that aren’t difficult to rack and low-recoil operation. Weight isn’t an issue either because the Ruger LCP II only weighs 11.2 ounces, slightly less than ¾ pound. These pistols are also quite thin, with a .81-inch maximum width. In the end, the Ruger LCP II .22LR makes for a pocket pistol that’s easy to carry and easy to shoot.
Retay RXP 22 (MSRP: $279)
Retay’s RXP 22 is one of the newer models available on the market today. The RXP 22, a compact adult-sized pistol, consists of a traditional double action (TDA) hammer-fired pistol that also includes a thumb safety and an optics-ready factory-cut slide. Retay RXP 22 slides are designed to accommodate some of the most popular optics footprints including the Shield Sights RMSc, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and the Trijicon RMR. Since Retay manufactures these firearms in Turkey, their real-world retail price is on the more affordable and accessible side of these types of guns, with an MSRP below $300. Customers can choose between models with different color combinations including flat dark earth, black or green. In addition to this, Retay offers both threaded and non-threaded barrel models of the RXP 22.
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