Photo Courtesy of Noah Wulf
High prices and low availability of popular 9mm, 5.56mm, and 7.62mm ammunition have caused many people in the last few years to turn to rimfire firearms to meet their training needs.
When I talk about a rimfire firearms as a training aid, I mean a .22LR firearm that will allow shooters to train inexpensively, but still develop their skill with similar firearms chambered for larger calibers.
Are you also wanting to hop on this trend? If so, here are three excellent options for different needs.
Photo Courtesy of Glock
1. Glock 44
While there are arguably better rimfire pistols on the market, it is my opinion that the Glock 44 is one of the best for training.
First, the Glock 44 accepts standard Glock sights and features a trigger that is identical to that of its larger-caliber brethren. This results in a rimfire pistol that, outside of the lighter weight, will be very similar to the Glocks that are so commonly carried today.
The Glock 44 also shares holster compatibility with the Glock 19, one of the most common carry pistols on the market. This is a big advantage for those that already carry Glocks and for those who do not, it means a huge aftermarket selection of a variety of holster types.
Additionally, the magazines fit nicely in a Glock magazine pouch.
Photo Courtesy of Tippmann Arms
2. Tippmann Arms M4-22 Elite
There are many nice AR-pattern .22 rifles on the market today, but the rimfire from Tippmann has some nice features for those who are looking for a training aid.
The Tippmann M4-22 Elite accepts most AR-15 stocks, grips, and free-float handguards. This means that a shooter can spec the Tippmann M4-22 out just like their personal 5.56 defensive carbine.
Coming in at just under 6lbs, even the weight will be similar.
Another advantage the Tippmann M4-22 has over some competitors is a bolt release that functions just like that of an AR in a larger caliber. This means that training with the Tippmann won’t require a shooter to change their weapons manipulation technique during training and then change back when they use their large-caliber rifle.
The Tippmann M4-22 Elite allows for drop-in AR-15 trigger assemblies and ships with a 12” aluminum free-float MLOK rail that allows shooters to transfer their favorite handstops, lights, or lasers over to their training rifle.
Photo Courtesy of Ruger
3. Ruger Precision Rimfire
Ruger designed the Precision Rimfire to be very similar to their very popular Ruger Precision Rifle, which is offered in calibers such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
The Ruger Precision Rimfire has the same trigger as its big brother and features a fully adjustable stock, ensuring that any shooter will have a comfortable, budget-friendly, precision shooting experience.
The MLOK rail keeps the barrel free-floated, contributing to accuracy, and allows shooters to attack their favorite accessories, such as bipods, with ease.
Maybe best of all, the Ruger Precision Rimfire uses the standard Ruger 10/22 magazines that you probably, like me, have laying around the house.
The Precision Rimfire does not quite mimic the weight and size of a larger-caliber precision rifle, but if you are used to shooting a precision rifle in a chassis, you’ll feel right at home.
Have you been using rimfire firearms more since ammunition prices have gone up? What are some of your favorites? Share this out on social media and let us know!
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