Even though ".22 Short" is the caliber, not the size of the gun, it's most known for the incredibly small .22 pistols that use it. We stock not only .22 pocket guns that are as compact as you can make a concealed carry weapon but also rifles for quiet, fun shooting sessions. Find the small .22 gun that's right for you at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.
The .22 Short is the tiny handgun counterpart to the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It was developed in 1857 for self-defense. While it doesn't have the same stopping power as larger and more common handgun calibers, such as 9x19mm Parabellum, it is extremely small.
And so the .22 pocket gun was created. These range in capacity from a single shot to an impressive six rounds in mini-revolvers and semi-auto pistols. These small .22 pistols are not meant to be a holstered CCW - they're designed to be an emergency firearm you can hide in your pocket or purse.
There were also a few lever-action rifles and bolt-action rifles chambered for .22 Short, mostly for small game hunting and fair shooting galleries. Because so few were made and even fewer survived to this day, these guns have become a rare collector's item.
Small .22 pistols aren't the only thing we offer. Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has been stocking firearms for every shooter since 2007. Whether you need a semi-auto handgun for everyday carry, a pump-action shotgun for duck-hunting, or an AR-15 rifle for home defense, our gun store has exactly what you're looking for. Plus, every order comes with free shipping, no matter where you are in the lower 48 states.
Shipping isn't just free. Because we never list a gun for sale that we don't have, there are no wait times. Once your order is processed, we ship it ASAP.
With our in-house customer service and easy shopping experience, it's no surprise that we've earned hundreds of positive reviews. Find your next gun here at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.
.22 Short handguns are good for everyday carry if you are a new shooter, have weak hands from chronic conditions like arthritis, or are sensitive to recoil. These guns are also easier to conceal. If you are wearing a light outfit that can't hide a holster, these can easily slip into a pocket, crossbody bag, or purse.
The .22 Short caliber is good for pocket guns and recreational shooting. Its low firepower doesn't make it as effective for taking down attackers as larger calibers, but that also means it produces minimal noise and recoil. This made it perfect for shooting galleries at fairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While it was eventually replaced at fairs by gunpowder-free air guns, it's still used for plinking and varmint-hunting.
There are three common types of .22 pocket guns: single-shot, revolver, and semi-automatic. Single-shot pistols are typically the smallest, making them the easiest to conceal. Mini revolvers give you more than one shot with a simple firing mechanism, making it both more practical and easier to maintain. Semi-auto pocket guns are not as compact as the other two but offer a similar shooting experience to a traditional handgun.