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The Best .22s For the Trail
By Brad Fitzpatrick
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When you’re way out in the woods and far beyond cell phone service, you need to fend for yourself. Sometimes survival means procuring your own food or defending yourself, and in those cases having a firearm available can be a lifesaver. But choosing a backcountry trail gun can be a challenge. You’ll need a rifle or handgun that doesn’t weigh too much or eat up space in your pack, and you need a firearm that is reliable and durable. We’ve compiled a list of eight of our favorite backcountry .22s that are perfect for the trail. Each one can be carried in a pack or holster, and none of them are so heavy that they are burdensome in the wilderness. And each of them will work when you’re counting on yourself and your gun to get back home.
Henry U.S. Survival Rifle
Eugene Stoner, the father of the AR-15, designed the U.S. Survival rifle in 1959 for Air Force pilots who needed a lightweight, compact survival gun. These rifles have also been a hit with civilian campers and survivalists who appreciate its durable, easy-to-carry design. The receiver and barrel can be removed and fit into the waterproof polymer buttstock for secure storage. When disassembled, the rifle measures just 16 inches long—perfect for a pack or the space under a truck or boat seat. The gun can be quickly reassembled and the barrel is protected by durable ABS plastic. It’s a great survival tool.
MSRP: $350 - $428
Smith & Wesson Model 63
The modern Model 63 was inspired by Smith & Wesson’s famed “kit” guns, small-frame revolvers built specifically for lightweight carry in remote wilderness areas. Based on the diminutive but sturdy J-Frame, this eight-shot .22 revolver comes with an adjustable rear sight and red HI-VIZ fiber optic front sight. Its stainless steel construction and textured synthetic grip make the 63 suitable for even the harshest environments, and at just 7.25 inches long it’s compact enough to carry in a pack or belt holster. And, just like Smith & Wesson’s original kit guns, the Model 63 is the perfect backup gun in the backcountry.
MSRP: $869
Ruger LCR 22
Ruger’s diminutive LCR .22 revolver is the lightest gun on this list at just 14.9 ounces, so it’s easy to carry even in a fanny pack or IWB holster. With its 1.87-inch barrel, it measures just 6.5 inches long but it offers a capacity of eight rounds. Weight savings are thanks to its combination of an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, polymer fire-control housing, and a lightweight stainless steel cylinder with durable PVD finish. The sights are basic and include a notch rear and replaceable pinned ramp front sight with white bar, but this barely-there .22 revolver is surprisingly accurate and fun to shoot thanks to an incredibly smooth double-action-only trigger and Hogue Tamer monogrip.
MSRP: $739
TNW Aero Survival Rifle
The TNW Aero is a very cool, lightweight survival rifle with a removable barrel made from aerospace-grade aluminum that puts its weight at under six pounds. It features a semiauto design with a reliable blowback action and comes with removable magazines. There’s a top rail for optics and the collapsible stock allows for a perfect fit for every shooter. The TNW offers a decidedly “big gun” feel despite its light weight and portability, and that makes it very accurate. It’s available in multiple color options and makes a great backup gun for your boat, truck or backpack.
MSRP: $599
Ruger 10/22 Takedown Lite
There’s not much the ubiquitous 10/22 hasn’t accomplished. It’s a favorite of small game hunters and competitive shooters, and it’s even been used in shooting demonstrations. In its various takedown versions that have been offered over the years, it’s also a great backpacking or survival rifle since it can be disassembled and stored easily. These guns feature Ruger’s ultra-reliable blowback operation system and clever rotary magazine design, and just like the other 10/22s that have been available over the years, it’s extremely accurate. Weight is a mere 4.5 pounds.
MSRP: $839
Smith & Wesson Victory
The Smith & Wesson Victory is a light, accurate, reliable trail .22 that’s a great addition to your pack. These pistols feature match-grade interchangeable barrels with high-visibility adjustable fiber optic front and rear sights, which make them plenty accurate for trail work. Two 10-round magazines come standard, as does a stainless steel frame and adjustable trigger stop. Overall length is just over 9 inches, which makes it longer than some other pistols listed here. However, the added barrel length and sight radius make this a very accurate camp/survival pistol perfect for hunting small game.
MSRP: $459
Ruger Wrangler
Who doesn’t love a solid single-action .22 revolver that’s also a superb value? The Wrangler features an aluminum frame so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to your belt or backpack (weight of the 4.62-inch version is just 30 ounces), but it holds six rounds of 22 LR ammo and the cold hammer-forged barrel allows for serviceable accuracy on the trail, even with the rather basic notch/blade sight setup. Its available in silver, burnt bronze, or black Cerakote finishes to protect it from the elements. If the standard 4.62- and 6.5-inch barreled versions are too much to carry, there’s a svelte little Birdshead model with a 3.75-inch barrel that cuts a couple ounces of weight.
MSRP: $269
