Few firearms teach fundamentals better than a good rimfire rifle. Affordable to shoot, light on recoil, and versatile enough for target work or small game, these .22 favorites help new shooters build confidence the right way. This gallery rounds up seven standout models that deserve a place at the top of any beginner’s wish list, plus one final slide on what matters most before buying.
Ruger 10/22
If there is a single rimfire rifle that defines the beginner category, it is the Ruger 10/22. Its reputation comes from years of dependable performance, easy handling, and a layout that feels friendly from the very first range trip. New shooters tend to appreciate how quickly it becomes familiar.
The semi-automatic action keeps practice sessions smooth and fun, while the rifle’s moderate weight helps steady the sight picture. It is also one of the easiest rifles to grow with, thanks to the huge aftermarket for stocks, sights, triggers, and magazines.
That means the 10/22 can start as a simple trainer and slowly become exactly what the owner wants. For many people, it is the rimfire they buy first and keep forever.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has introduced generations of shooters to rimfire shooting, and it still earns respect for its soft manners and classic styling. This is the kind of rifle that feels approachable, especially for someone who prefers a traditional look over tactical extras.
Its tube-fed design gives it a slightly old-school charm, but there is nothing outdated about its usefulness. The rifle is known for solid accuracy, and many owners remember how easily it punched tidy groups with basic bulk ammunition.
For new shooters, that combination of simplicity, comfort, and proven performance makes the Model 60 an easy recommendation. It rewards patience, encourages good habits, and carries a lot of history without feeling intimidating.
Savage Mark II
For beginners who want to learn marksmanship from the ground up, the Savage Mark II is a smart place to start. This bolt-action rimfire slows the pace in a good way, asking the shooter to focus on sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through with every shot.
The rifle has earned a strong reputation for accuracy at a very reasonable price. Many versions also include features like an adjustable AccuTrigger, which helps newer shooters get a cleaner, more predictable break without stepping into premium-rifle territory.
That makes the Mark II especially appealing for target practice and skill building. It does not try to do too much, and that is exactly why it succeeds as a first rifle.
CZ 457
The CZ 457 sits a little higher on the ladder, but it is still an excellent choice for a new shooter who wants quality from day one. This bolt-action rifle is widely praised for its refined feel, strong accuracy, and excellent fit and finish that stand out the moment it is picked up.
What makes it especially appealing is that it teaches fundamentals without feeling basic. The action is smooth, the trigger is well regarded, and the rifle often performs well enough to keep even experienced shooters interested for years.
For a beginner with room in the budget, the CZ 457 can be a buy-once, keep-forever option. It bridges the gap between training tool and serious precision rimfire with impressive ease.
Henry Classic Lever Action .22
Not every beginner rifle has to be a bolt action or semi-automatic. The Henry Classic Lever Action .22 offers a different kind of learning experience, one built around rhythm, control, and a connection to traditional American rifle handling.
Working the lever between shots naturally slows the pace and keeps the shooter involved in every part of the process. It is also a rifle that tends to make people smile, which matters more than some experts admit when the goal is building confidence and range enthusiasm.
Beyond the charm, the Henry is reliable, well made, and surprisingly practical. It is a great way for new shooters to learn safe handling while enjoying a rifle that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22
For beginners interested in the controls and feel of a modern sporting rifle, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 makes a lot of sense. It offers the familiar AR-style format in a rimfire package that is easier to shoot, less expensive to feed, and far less punishing for a first-time owner.
Because the controls mirror larger centerfire rifles, it can be a valuable training tool for shooters who may eventually move into 5.56 platforms. At the same time, its light weight and low recoil help keep early practice from becoming tiring or frustrating.
This rifle is not just about looks. It is a practical bridge between beginner-friendly shooting and modern rifle handling skills, which gives it a strong place on this list.
Tikka T1x
The Tikka T1x is one of the best choices for a new shooter who already knows accuracy matters most. This bolt-action rimfire has built a loyal following by delivering excellent consistency, thoughtful ergonomics, and a level of polish that feels more serious than its beginner label might suggest.
It handles like a centerfire trainer in many ways, which makes it especially useful for shooters who want cheap practice with meaningful carryover. The stock design, smooth action, and dependable performance all encourage better habits rather than masking mistakes.
For someone who wants a rimfire rifle that can support casual plinking, formal practice, and even entry-level precision work, the T1x is a remarkably capable starting point.
