The Best .22 LR Pistols for Bullseye Shooting in Australia

Choosing the best .22 LR pistols for bullseye shooting starts with the sights, trigger and balance rather than cartridge power. Low recoil makes .22 LR approachable, but tight paper groups still depend on consistent ammunition, barrel quality, sight alignment and a steady hold. The strongest choices pair precise iron sights with controllable proportions and dependable triggers.

A .22 Long Rifle cartridge is quieter and easier to control than larger rimfire rounds, making it useful for club target sessions and firearms training. Accuracy varies significantly between pistols, so model configuration matters more than the calibre alone. A suitable barrel, a clean action and an ammunition load that suits the pistol can turn an inexpensive rimfire into a capable bullseye shooter.

What Makes a Rimfire Target Pistol?

A genuine bullseye pistol should place shots near the middle of a target without constant corrections. Adjustable sights are helpful at 10 metres, while fixed sights can still perform well when their alignment is factory-consistent. Barrel length and weight also influence how quickly the muzzle settles after each shot.

Trigger feel is equally important. Many .22 LR pistols use simple, light triggers that make precision easy, although some heavy target models deliberately use heavier pulls to reduce accidental discharges. The best choice is the one that allows controlled follow-through without making the shooter work excessively.

Grip size, sight radius and overall weight should suit the shooter as well. A small pistol may feel lively, while a heavier target pistol can absorb movement and remain stable between shots. Hands-on comparison at a licensed dealer is more informative than specifications alone.

Target-Ready Pistols Worth Comparing

The Ruger 22 and 22 Long Rifle Pistol remain respected semi-automatic target options. Their heavy barrels favour consistency, while the LPR’s adjustable rear sight is useful for precision work. The large grip frame can be uncomfortable for smaller hands, and the extensive older-production variation means condition and parts availability deserve inspection.

Smith & Wesson’s 617, 618, 619 and 622 offer different barrel and magazine configurations in a straightforward .22 LR service-pistol format. Fixed sights, solid construction and a full-length grip suit shooters who prefer a substantial handgun. Ruger’s .22 LR GP100 adds adjustable target sights and revolver-style handling, although its size makes it less convenient for everyday carry.

The Walther G22 is another purpose-built rimfire target choice, with versions offering longer target barrels and adjustable sighting. These pistols generally cost more than basic .22 LR semi-automatics, but their sights, weight and stability are designed for deliberate target shooting. Used examples should be checked for barrel wear, finish and ammunition support before purchase.

Semi-Automatic Choices for Everyday Practice

The Beretta 92 FS in .22 LR combines a familiar service-pistol layout with a light recoil and higher magazine capacity. Its fixed sights and relatively compact dimensions make it a practical all-rounder, although the slide’s mass and narrow frame do not provide the planted feel of a dedicated target pistol.

The Hi-Point Model 995 is often considered when affordability is the priority. Suitable ammunition, a quality trigger and careful sight alignment can produce excellent results, but modifications and individual manufacturing variation make it less predictable than higher-grade factory rifles and pistols. The Makarov PM-22 offers a similarly straightforward approach with a strong reputation for durability.

Compact options such as the Seecamp L-22 and Walther P22 can be useful where portability matters, but slim barrels and limited sight adjustment make them less ideal as first bullseye pistols. They also tend to magnify movement and muzzle rise. Shooters should prioritise trigger control, sight clarity and a comfortable grip over magazine capacity when selecting a target handgun.

Ammunition, Sights and Range Setup

Standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition is often the easiest choice for precision because it leaves more time to control the pistol. Match-grade loads can tighten groups further, although their consistency and availability matter more than the velocity printed on the box. This choosing P+P ammunition explains how common plinking and practice ammunition differs from specialist target loads.

Australian shooters should test several brands and weights rather than relying on a single product. Eley and other match ammunition are available through some specialist dealers, but ammunition imports are controlled, so supply can be less predictable than for standard .22 LR rounds. A clean firearm, reliable magazines and consistently manufactured ammunition provide a stronger foundation than an expensive but poorly matched load.

Adjustable iron sights should be checked for sharp edges, consistent clicks and secure mounting. A red-dot sight can help with alignment, but club rules, eye protection requirements and target formats should be confirmed first. Recording results in a notebook is often more useful for spotting sight or ammunition changes than relying on occasional target photographs.

Australian Rules and Your Next Range Visit

Australia has no single national system covering every firearm purchase. Licensing, registration, ammunition purchasing, transport and storage requirements differ among states and territories, and .22 LR firearms receive no general exemption. Buyers in Victoria and NSW face different permit and pre-approval procedures, while clubs may impose further membership, competency and ammunition rules.

Melbourne and Sydney have active competitive club scenes, with Brisbane and Adelaide also offering suitable target facilities. Many shooters travel to a range with a locked, unloaded firearm case and keep ammunition secured separately. Cameras and tripods should remain behind the firing line unless the range permits them, and a hiking action camera guide can help with broader outdoor-kit planning without compromising range safety.

Start by comparing sight visibility, trigger pull, grip fit and barrel condition with a licensed Australian firearms dealer. Check local storage and transport rules, ask about reliable ammunition, and use a club-approved target before buying. A hands-on comparison of the leading .22 LR target pistols is the most practical way to prepare for the next bullseye session.