09-Oct-2026
If you are looking at rimfire rifles, the first decision is not which rifle but which calibre. Three cartridges dominate UK rimfire shooting: the .22 LR, the .17 HMR and the .22 WMR. They look similar on a shelf; they are all small and relatively affordable to shoot, and yet they behave very differently once they leave the muzzle.
This guide explains what a rimfire is, how the three calibres compare, and how to match one to the shooting you actually do. It avoids hard numbers where they vary between loads and manufacturers, because the best advice is always to check the specific ammunition you intend to use.
What is a rimfire rifle?
A rimfire rifle fires a cartridge that is ignited by the firing pin striking the rim of the case, rather than a primer in the centre of the base. That design is simple, cheap to manufacture and well suited to small cartridges. It is why rimfire rounds have always been the entry point for target shooting and small-quarry control.
Rimfires sit between air rifles and centrefire rifles in terms of power, cost and noise. If you are weighing up the jump from an air rifle, our guide to air rifle versus rimfire is a useful read, and our piece on rimfire versus centrefire covers the step up in the other direction.
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.22 LR: The all-rounder
The .22 Long Rifle is the most popular rimfire in the world and the sensible default for most UK buyers. Ammunition is widely available, comes in a huge variety of loads, and is the cheapest of the three to shoot. That matters if you want to practise often, and it is why the .22 LR dominates target shooting, plinking and general small-game work.
It is also the most forgiving calibre to learn on. Recoil is negligible, and subsonic loads are quiet, particularly when paired with a moderator. For rabbits and similar quarry at sensible ranges, a well-placed shot from a .22 LR is entirely adequate, though its trajectory drops away faster than the other two calibres, so range estimation matters.
The choice of rifles is enormous, from semi-automatics to premium bolt-action target guns. Our guide to the best .22 LR rifles in the UK walks through the options.
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.17 HMR: Flat, fast and fussy
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is a small, light bullet driven at much higher speed than the .22 LR. The result is a notably flatter trajectory, which makes longer shots easier to judge. Many shooters choose it for fox and for rabbits in open country where ranges stretch out.
The trade-offs are cost and handling. Ammunition is more expensive per round than .22 LR, the cartridge is crisper and louder, and the light, fast bullet can be more affected by wind and by what lies beyond the target. On some ground, a ricochet or a bullet that does not stop where you expect needs careful thought, so know your ground and your backstop.
The .17 HMR is also sometimes less forgiving of ammunition choice, with some rifles preferring particular brands. If you are drawn to it, think of it as a specialist tool for open-country quarry rather than a general-purpose plinker.
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.22 WMR: More punch, more noise
The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire fires a heavier bullet than the .17 HMR and carries more energy than the .22 LR. Shooters pick it when they want extra authority on fox-sized quarry while staying within a rimfire format. It can be a good choice when the .22 LR feels marginal but a centrefire would be overkill.
The compromises are familiar: ammunition costs more, noise is higher, and fewer rifles are chambered for it than for .22 LR. You will find good bolt-action and lever-action options, but the pool of used rifles is smaller, so patience helps. Moderators are available, but magnum rimfire rounds are inherently louder than subsonic .22 LR.
If you already shoot .22 LR and find yourself wanting a little more reach and impact on certain quarry, the .22 WMR is the logical next conversation to have.
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Comparing cost, noise and quarry
Think of the three calibres as points on a line. At one end, the .22 LR is cheap, quiet and easy, with a looping trajectory that rewards practice. At the other end, the .22 WMR is more powerful and more expensive. In the middle, the .17 HMR offers a flat trajectory and lighter recoil than you might expect, but at a price and with extra ground considerations.
For pure practice and target work, the .22 LR wins on cost and availability. For rabbits at moderate range, it is hard to fault. For fox and open-country shots, many UK shooters lean to the .17 HMR or .22 WMR, depending on how they weigh trajectory against bullet weight and noise. Our CZ 457 guide and the wider CZ range can help you narrow the rifle once you know the calibre.
Whichever you choose, factor in the whole package: a good scope, a moderator where appropriate and sensible storage. Cost per shot is only part of the picture.
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Buying second-hand rimfire rifles
Rimfire rifles are among the best second-hand buys, because many owners look after them well and they are not subjected to the barrel wear of heavy centrefire use. Check the bore with a torch for pitting or heavy fouling, work the action to make sure it feels smooth, and look for loose screws or damage around the scope mounts.
With semi-automatics, ask whether the rifle has been run with a mixture of ammunition and how it has been cleaned. For bolt actions, check the bolt travel and the trigger. If a rifle comes with a scope and moderator, treat those as separate items to inspect.
Always make sure the seller can lawfully transfer the rifle and that the paperwork is in order before you pay.
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FAQ
What is a rimfire rifle? It is a rifle that fires cartridges ignited by a strike on the rim of the case. The .22 LR, .17 HMR and .22 WMR are the three most common rimfire calibres in the UK.
Which rimfire calibre is best for beginners? The .22 LR is the usual recommendation. It is cheap, widely available, and has very little recoil, so it is ideal for learning good habits.
Is the .17 HMR better than the .22 LR? It is flatter shooting, which helps at longer range, but it costs more per round and needs more thought about ground and backstop. Neither is better in every situation.
Do I need different rifles for each calibre? Yes, a rifle is chambered for one specific cartridge, so you should buy for the calibre you want to shoot.
Find your rimfire on Rightgun.uk
Whichever calibre suits you, you can browse rimfire rifles from trusted UK sellers on Rightgun.uk, compare new and second-hand listings and find the right rifle for your shooting. Got one to sell? List it and reach UK buyers who are already searching.
Further reading: Best .22 LR rifles in the UK, Air rifle vs rimfire rifle, Rimfire vs centrefire and AR-15 style .22 LR rifles.
