Best .22LR Rifles for Precision Rimfire in 2026

Last updated on July 28th, 2026

A good .22LR precision rifle is one of the best ways to get more trigger time without burning through centrefire ammo. You can practise wind calls, positional shooting, follow-through, scope tracking and match pressure at a fraction of the cost of running a 6.5 Creedmoor or .308.

The best precision rimfire rifle is not always the most expensive one. For most shooters, the sweet spot is a rifle that feeds reliably, holds a decent zero, has a usable trigger, accepts proper optics and gives you enough stock adjustment to build a repeatable position.

For 2026, these are the .22LR rifles I would be looking at for precision rimfire, NRL22-style shooting, range work and serious practice.

Quick Picks

What Makes a Good Precision .22LR Rifle?

Precision rimfire is different from plinking. A cheap .22 can be a lot of fun, but once you start shooting small targets from awkward positions, the little details matter.

• Consistent barrel and chamber: .22LR ammo is fussy, so a rifle that groups well with quality match ammo is worth paying for.
• Reliable magazines: feeding issues ruin stages quickly.
• Good trigger: you do not need a hair trigger, but it should break cleanly.
• Optics support: a proper rail or dovetail setup matters if you are using a larger scope.
• Adjustable stock or chassis: length of pull and cheek height matter more than people think.
• Aftermarket support: stocks, rails, magazines and triggers are handy if you want to build the rifle over time.

If you are pairing one of these rifles with glass, start with the best long range rifle scope guide and the best scope rings guide.

1. Bergara BMR-X – Best All-Round Precision Rimfire

The Bergara BMR-X is one of the more interesting rimfire rifles because it sits between a light sporter and a full-size competition trainer. It is not as heavy or expensive as a full B-14R style build, but it has enough of the right features to make sense for precision rimfire.

The stock layout, adjustable fit and modern rimfire action make it a sensible choice for someone who wants to shoot targets, practise positional work and still have a rifle that is not a complete lump to carry around.

I have already covered it in more detail in the Bergara BMR-X review, but the short version is this: it is probably the most sensible pick here for a shooter who wants one rimfire rifle that can do a bit of everything.

Best for: practical precision rimfire, range work, NRL22-style shooting and general training.

2. CZ 457 Varmint MTR / Precision Trainer – Best Classic Precision Rimfire

The CZ 457 is the rifle that keeps coming up whenever precision rimfire shooters talk about value, accuracy and aftermarket support. The Varmint MTR and Precision Trainer style models are especially relevant because they lean more toward target work than a basic field rifle.

The appeal is simple: a good action, good barrels, good triggers and a massive parts ecosystem. If you want to start with a factory rifle and slowly turn it into a more serious rimfire trainer, the CZ 457 platform gives you room to grow.

It is also one of the least risky choices. You can run it fairly standard, or build it into a chassis rifle later. That matters if you are not sure whether you want a lightweight rimfire, a dedicated match rifle or something in between.

Best for: shooters who want proven accuracy, aftermarket support and a rifle they can build over time.

3. Tikka T1x MTR – Best Simple Upgrade Base

The Tikka T1x MTR is a clean and simple rimfire that feels more serious than most entry-level .22 rifles. It has the Tikka feel, a good factory trigger and a barrel that is capable of very good results with the right ammo.

It is not as competition-focused out of the box as some chassis rifles, but that is part of the appeal. You can shoot it as a practical rimfire, then drop it into a better stock or chassis if you want a more dedicated trainer later.

For anyone already running a Tikka T3x centrefire, the T1x makes a lot of sense. It gives you a similar brand feel and a much cheaper way to practise fundamentals.

Best for: Tikka shooters, hunters who want a more accurate rimfire, and anyone building a light precision trainer.

4. Ruger Precision Rimfire – Best Budget Chassis Rifle

The Ruger Precision Rimfire is not the fanciest rifle in this guide, but it deserves a place because it gives shooters an adjustable chassis-style rimfire without a custom-build price tag.

The stock is adjustable, the rifle already has a precision-rifle look and feel, and it is easy for newer shooters to understand. That matters if you want a rifle for cheap practice, club shoots or learning the basics of prone and positional shooting.

The trade-off is that serious competitors may eventually outgrow it. The action and overall refinement are not in the same class as the more expensive rifles here, but for the money it is still a useful gateway into precision rimfire.

Best for: beginners, budget precision rimfire builds and shooters who want adjustability without spending custom-rifle money.

5. Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire – Best Lightweight Premium Chassis Rifle

The Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire is a more premium, modern-looking option. It makes sense if you like the idea of a rimfire trainer that feels closer to a lightweight chassis centrefire rifle than a traditional .22 sporter.

It is not the budget pick, and it will not suit everyone. But if you like carbon-fibre style rifles, folding chassis layouts and modern precision rifle ergonomics, it is one of the better-looking options in the rimfire space.

You can read more in the Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire review.

Check Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire pricing at EuroOptic.

Best for: shooters who want a lightweight premium rimfire with a modern chassis feel.

6. Bergara B-14R – Best Full-Size Trainer

The Bergara B-14R is the rifle to look at if you want a rimfire trainer that feels closer to a full-size centrefire rifle. The big attraction is the Remington 700 footprint, which opens up a huge world of stocks, triggers and accessories.

That makes it a strong choice for someone who already owns a centrefire precision rifle and wants a .22LR trainer with a similar footprint and feel. It is heavier and more serious than the BMR-X, but that is exactly the point.

The downside is cost and weight. If you just want a handy rimfire for rabbits and casual range use, it is probably more rifle than you need. If you want a full-size trainer for structured practice, it makes a lot more sense.

Best for: centrefire precision rifle shooters who want a serious .22LR training rifle.

What About Lithgow, Anschutz and Vudoo?

There are other good choices worth mentioning. The Lithgow LA101 has obvious appeal for Australian shooters who want a local rimfire with a hunting and range focus. Anschutz rifles are still excellent if pure smallbore accuracy is the goal. Vudoo and RimX builds sit in a different price bracket again and are more custom-rifle territory than general buyer-guide territory.

Those rifles can be excellent, but for most readers looking at precision rimfire in 2026, the Bergara, CZ, Tikka, Ruger and Christensen options are easier to compare as factory rifles.

What Scope Should You Put on a Precision .22LR?

A precision rimfire scope needs good parallax adjustment, reliable tracking and enough elevation to dial for longer .22LR shots. A rimfire used at 50 to 200 metres can expose weak tracking quickly because you dial more than people expect.

For a dedicated .22LR precision rifle, I would look at FFP scopes with usable turrets, a reticle that matches your turret system and parallax that focuses down close enough for 25 to 50 metre work. You do not need the most expensive optic on the market, but you do want something more serious than a basic hunting scope.

Rimfire optics affiliate links: Vortex Venom on Amazon, Vortex Diamondback Tactical on Amazon, Maven RS.1 on Amazon, and Discovery XED on Amazon.

For more optic context, see the best long range rifle scopes, best scope rings and best rifle bipods guides.

My Pick

If I was buying one practical precision rimfire in 2026, I would start with the Bergara BMR-X or CZ 457. The BMR-X is the easy all-rounder. The CZ 457 is the safer long-term platform if you like tinkering and want maximum aftermarket support.

If I wanted a full-size centrefire trainer, I would move up to the Bergara B-14R. If I wanted the cheapest way into an adjustable precision-style .22, I would look at the Ruger Precision Rimfire. The right answer depends on whether this is a fun rifle, a training rifle or a proper match rifle.

FAQ

Is .22LR good for long range practice?

Yes. .22LR is excellent for practising wind reading, positional shooting and follow-through. It does not replace centrefire recoil management, but it teaches a lot for very little money.

What distance is precision rimfire usually shot at?

Most practical rimfire shooting happens from 25 to 200 metres, but good rifles and match ammo can be pushed further when conditions allow.

Do I need match ammo?

For serious precision work, yes. Every rimfire rifle has ammunition preferences, so testing several match loads is usually worth it.

Should I buy a chassis rifle or a normal stock?

If adjustability and positional shooting matter, a chassis or adjustable stock helps. If you want a lighter field rifle, a simpler stock may be better.