WE TESTED All .22 Mag Pistols – And Here’s the KING of 2026!

Published on May 16, 2026
Duration: 11:29

This video provides an expert-level comparison of various .22 Magnum pistols, evaluating them for practical use beyond novelty. The host, Ted from Line45, emphasizes control, consistency, and reliability, arguing that the Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum stands out for its defensive handgun characteristics, while the Kel-Tec PMR-30 excels in capacity and range fun. The Ruger LCR .22 WMR is highlighted for deep concealment, the Taurus 942 for simplicity and reliability, and the Rock Island Armory XT for its service-pistol feel and manageable recoil. The North American Arms Mini Revolver is positioned as a last-ditch, ultra-concealable option.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum is presented as the 'King of 2026' for .22 WMR pistols, excelling in control and consistency for defensive use. Its Tempo Barrel System manages recoil effectively, and its full-size grip and optics-ready slide make it a practical choice, distinguishing it from novelty rimfire options.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Intro: .22 WMR vs .22 LR
  2. 00:22Ranking Criteria & Host Introduction
  3. 00:34Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum Review
  4. 01:02Tempo Barrel System & Control
  5. 01:16Comparison: M&P vs. Kel-Tec PMR / Ruger LCP II
  6. 01:29Optics-Ready Slide & Sights
  7. 01:45M&P .22 Magnum vs. PMR-30 Field Test
  8. 02:18Capacity vs. Practicality
  9. 02:43Kel-Tec PMR-30: Range Fun & Field Use
  10. 03:07M&P .22 Magnum: Defensive Handgun Focus
  11. 03:26Excitement vs. Consistency
  12. 03:34Rimfire Reliability & Maintenance
  13. 03:49M&P .22 Magnum vs. PMR-30: Trust Factor
  14. 04:03Tiny Revolvers: Design Pitfalls
  15. 04:15Ruger LCR .22 WMR: Deep Concealment
  16. 04:38Ruger LCR Specs & Features
  17. 05:12LCR Trade-offs: Barrel Length & Velocity
  18. 05:31LCR: Carry Gun Standard
  19. 05:44LCR vs. Wrangler: Different Problems
  20. 05:59Taurus 942: Reliability Over Capacity
  21. 06:20Trusting Your Firearm
  22. 06:26Taurus 942 Specs & Simplicity
  23. 06:36Taurus 942: Straightforward Design
  24. 07:03Taurus 942: Ease of Use for New Shooters
  25. 07:17Taurus 942 Trade-offs: Trigger & Reloads
  26. 07:44North American Arms Mini Revolver: Cleverness vs. Reality
  27. 08:06NAA Mini Revolver: Extreme Concealment
  28. 08:27NAA Mini Revolver: Shooting Experience
  29. 08:55NAA Mini vs. Taurus 942: Defensive Role
  30. 09:27Rock Island Armory XT: Normal Service Pistol
  31. 09:37Rock Island Armory XT Specs & Weight
  32. 09:53RIA XT: Recoil Control with Weight
  33. 10:27RIA XT: Practical Accuracy & Control
  34. 10:42RIA XT: Comfort Over Multiple Boxes
  35. 11:01RIA XT: 1911-Style Controls
  36. 11:16Conclusion: Least Compromise Pistol

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes .22 WMR cartridges more demanding for pistols than .22 LR?

.22 WMR cartridges have higher velocity and pressure, requiring more robust magazine, slide timing, and ignition systems in a pistol compared to the less demanding .22 LR.

Which .22 Magnum pistol is recommended for serious defensive use?

The Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum is highlighted for its defensive handgun characteristics, offering better control and consistency than many other .22 WMR options.

What are the key advantages of the Kel-Tec PMR-30?

The Kel-Tec PMR-30 excels in magazine capacity (30 rounds) and is praised for its lightweight design, making it fun for range use, trail carry, and as a field pistol with soft recoil.

Why is the Ruger LCR .22 WMR suitable for deep concealment?

The Ruger LCR .22 WMR is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing around 15.4 oz with a 1.87-inch barrel, making it ideal for situations requiring maximum discretion.

How does the Rock Island Armory XT handle .22 Magnum recoil?

The Rock Island Armory XT's heavier steel frame (around 38 oz) significantly helps control .22 Magnum recoil, providing a slower, more manageable impulse than lighter pistols.

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