Why 22 Short Ammo Still Holds a Place in Every Shooter’s Arsenal

If you're a seasoned shooter or just getting into firearms, you’ve likely heard of .22 Short ammunition.

While it may not get as much attention as its bigger counterparts, this small but mighty cartridge has been a staple in the shooting world for well over a century.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable round for plinking, training, or even pest control, .22 Short ammo deserves a second look.

First introduced in 1857 for the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver, .22 Short is one of the oldest self-contained cartridges still in production.

Building on earlier rimfire developments like the BB Cap created by Louis-Nicolas Flobert in 1845, the .22 Short was designed as a mild-mannered cartridge with a light bullet and minimal recoil.

Its early black powder load fired a 20-grain lead bullet at around 800 feet per second, making it suitable for close-range shooting and even self-defense during its early years.

Over time, the .22 Short evolved into a versatile low-recoil round, typically featuring 27 to 29-grain bullets and reaching velocities of up to 1,100 feet per second, depending on the load.

While it lacks the power of larger rimfire rounds like .22 Long Rifle or .22 Magnum, its quiet report and smooth handling make it ideal for target practice, plinking, and small pest control.

The .22 Short also holds a special place in American firearms history.

It became the ammunition of choice for "gallery guns" – most notably the Winchester Model 1890, a pump-action rifle designed by John Browning.

These rifles were widely used in carnival shooting galleries, introducing generations of new shooters to the sport.

Today, .22 Short remains a favorite among enthusiasts who value its historic charm, low recoil, and quiet performance, proving that even the smallest cartridges can have a lasting legacy.

1. Low Recoil & Noise

One of the biggest advantages of .22 Short ammunition is its low recoil, making it a great option for beginners, youth shooters, and those who prefer a softer shooting experience.

Additionally, its reduced noise level makes it ideal for backyard plinking and discreet pest control.

2. Great for Training & Practice

Since .22 Short is affordable and easy to shoot, it’s a perfect round for new shooters learning the basics of marksmanship.

The low recoil allows shooters to focus on accuracy and technique without developing bad habits associated with flinching.

3. Perfect for Pest Control

If you need a round for small game hunting or pest control, .22 Short delivers enough energy to handle rodents, squirrels, and other small animals with precision.

It’s an excellent choice for situations where over-penetration is a concern.

4. Compatible with Many Firearms

Many firearms chambered for .22 Long Rifle can also fire .22 Short, making it a versatile option for those who already own a .22 LR firearm.

However, it’s always best to check your firearm’s manual for compatibility.

While many .22 Long Rifle firearms can chamber and fire .22 Short, semi-automatic firearms may experience cycling issues, and increased chamber cleaning may be needed. *Always consult your firearm's manual.

CCI (Cascade Cartridges Inc.)

CCI .22 Short High Velocity 27 Grain Copper-Plated Round Nose

Known for clean performance and reliable ignition, CCI’s .22 Short rounds are popular for target shooting and plinking, offering smooth cycling in both rifles and handguns.

Winchester Ammunition

Winchester Super-X .22 Short 29 Grain Lead Round Nose

A consistent choice for recreational shooting and pest control, Winchester’s Super-X line is valued for accuracy and dependable performance.

Aguila Ammunition

Aguila .22 Short 29 Grain Plated Lead Round Nose

Made in Mexico, Aguila offers affordable and reliable .22 Short options, making it a favorite for high-volume shooters and those training new shooters.

Remington Ammunition

Remington .22 Short High Velocity 29 Grain Solid

Though not as widely available as other brands, Remington’s .22 Short remains a trusted legacy option when in stock, known for smooth function and solid accuracy.

Winchester Model 1890

• Type: Pump-Action Rifle
• Overview: Designed by John Browning, this rifle was one of the most popular gallery guns and was widely used at shooting ranges and carnivals. Over a million units were produced between 1890 and 1932.
  
  

Henry Repeating Arms – Golden Boy .22 Short/.22 LR

• Type: Lever-Action Rifle
• Overview: While chambered for multiple .22 calibers, this versatile lever-action rifle cycles .22 Short smoothly and is praised for its classic design and reliability.
  
  

Beretta 950BS Jetfire (.22 Short Version)

• Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
• Overview: A compact, pocket-size pistol, the Jetfire in .22 Short was widely used for personal defense and is known for its tip-up barrel and ease of use.
  
  

Ruger Bearcat (Vintage Models)

• Type: Single-Action Revolver
• Overview: Early production Ruger Bearcats were capable of firing .22 Short, offering a lightweight, single-action revolver option for plinking and casual shooting.
  
  

High Standard Derringers (.22 Short)

• Type: Double-Barrel Derringer
• Overview: Compact and simple, these pistols were marketed for close-range self-defense, often chambered in .22 Short for their small size and manageable recoil.
  
  

Remington Model 121 Fieldmaster

• Type: Pump-Action Rifle
• Overview: A multi-caliber rimfire rifle that accepts .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, valued for its smooth action and timeless design.
  
  

Smith & Wesson Model 1 (Historic)

• Type: Revolver
• Overview: The original firearm chambered in .22 Short, introduced in 1857. While now a collector’s piece, it marked the beginning of self-contained cartridge revolvers in the U.S.

While .22 Short rimfire ammo may not be the first cartridge that comes to mind for most shooters, its low recoil, quiet report, and affordability make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s collection.

Whether you’re training, plinking, or controlling pests, this classic round remains as useful today as it was over a century ago.

Ready to stock up?

Check out our selection of .22 Short ammo at Ammunition Depot and find the perfect rounds for your next shooting session.