NOT what you thought…. Rimfire 22lr VS .22 Airgun

Published on April 26, 2025
Duration: 9:29

This video compares a .22 caliber airgun (Karma SLS Compact) against a .22 Long Rifle (Bear Creek Arsenal 2011) across price, accuracy, and power. The analysis reveals that while initial costs might differ, the overall expense for a quiet setup can be comparable. Accuracy at 100 yards was found to be similar between the two platforms, with both semi-automatic options performing well. In terms of power, the airgun with specialized exploding pellets demonstrated impressive, albeit different, damage characteristics compared to the .22 LR.

Quick Summary

Comparing a .22 caliber airgun and .22 Long Rifle, this analysis reveals comparable costs for quiet setups and similar 100-yard accuracy. The airgun, especially with specialized exploding pellets, demonstrated impressive power and unique damage characteristics, potentially offering an even quieter shooting experience than a suppressed .22 LR.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the price of a quiet airgun compare to a suppressed .22 Long Rifle?

While a .22 Long Rifle firearm might have a lower initial cost, adding a suppressor, tax stamp, and transfer fees can bring the total expense close to or even exceed that of a high-end suppressed airgun like the Karma SLS compact, which costs around $1,350.

Is a .22 Long Rifle more accurate than a .22 caliber airgun?

In this comparison, both the Karma SLS compact airgun and the Bear Creek Arsenal .22 LR demonstrated comparable accuracy at 100 yards. Most semi-automatic airguns are generally on par with most semi-automatic .22 Long Rifles in terms of accuracy at this distance.

What kind of power difference was observed between the airgun and the .22 LR?

The .22 Long Rifle showed good penetration and expansion. However, the airgun, when using specialized exploding hollowpoint pellets, created a unique and impressive destructive effect in clay, with significant cavitation and a 'noodle' formation.

Can an airgun be quieter than a suppressed .22 Long Rifle?

Yes, certain airguns, like the Karma SLS, offer an ultra-silent mode using a side-lever action that eliminates the noise of the semi-automatic mechanism, potentially making it quieter than even a suppressed .22 Long Rifle.

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