The 22 Long Rifle (22 LR) cartridge has etched its mark as one of the most versatile and enduring ammunition types in the world of firearms. This diminutive yet powerful cartridge has a rich history, evolving from its humble beginnings to becoming a favorite among shooters for various applications. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the fascinating history of this small cartridge.

Birth of the 22 Long Rifle: Late 19th Century

The roots of the 22 Long Rifle can be traced back to the late 19th century. By that time, three different .22 caliber cartridges were in production. These were the 22 Short, 22 Long, and 22 Extra Long. Each iteration of the cartridge featured slightly more powder, a longer casing, and a heavier bullet than the previous cartridge. Each cartridge had its advantages and shortcomings, but none had the balance to satisfy both sport shooters and hunters. In 1887, the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company introduced the 22 Long Rifle as a result of the merging of the 22 Long’s cartridge casing and with the 22 Extra Long’s heavier 40 grain bullet. The goal was to create a rimfire cartridge with improved performance, accuracy, and versatility, and the 22 Long Rifle proved to be the right cartridge for the job.

Photo courtesy of Remington Ammunition

Versatility Unleashed: Early 20th Century

The early 20th century witnessed the widespread adoption of the 22 Long Rifle for a myriad of purposes. Its affordability and mild recoil made it an excellent choice for recreational shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. Its popularity soared, and various firearms manufacturers began chambering their rifles and handguns for the 22 LR.

Early J Stevens Company firearms chambered in 22 LR included the No. 42 “Pocket Rifle”, the No. 34 “Hunters’ Pet”, and several of their “Tip Up” single shot rifle models. Other notable models included the No. 43 Diamond Target pistol, the No. 38 Gallery pistol, and the No. 414 Armory and No. 11 Junior rifles. Savage Arms also introduced several firearms in the newly minted .22 LR cartridge during this time, including the Model 1903 Hammerless repeater, Model 1904 Junior, Model 1905 Target, and the Model 1912 Automatic. The Model 1912 was unique in that it was only offered in 22 LR, as most Savage and Stevens models of the time were either offered in three .22 caliber offerings, or in a variety of rimfire and centerfire cartridges.

World Wars and Beyond: Military Use and Civilian Applications

In 1920, Savage Arms would acquire the J Stevens Arms Company and operate it as a separate division of Savage Arms. The Stevens branding was kept, and firearms continued to be developed and produced under the Stevens name, including multiple types of 22 Long Rifle firearms. These included bolt action rifles like the No. 66 repeater, No. 56 repeater, No. 55 single shot, and No. 53 single shot as well as autoloading rifles including the No. 76 (sold as the Model 6 by Savage), and No. 57.

During World War II, the 22 Long Rifle found unexpected utility as a training round for military personnel. The low cost and minimal recoil made it an ideal choice for introducing recruits to the basics of marksmanship. A full metal jacket bullet was also developed during World War II, mainly for use by agents with the Office of Strategic Services, who often utilized firearms chambered in 22 LR in the field. These rounds were also issued to US air crews who utilized the Stevens Model 22-410, which would later become the iconic Savage Model 24 22/410 combination survival gun. Savage offered several rifles chambered in 22 Long Rifle during this time, including the Model 23 AA Sporter, the Model 19 Target (marketed as an NRA Match rifle), Model 25 repeater, Model 04 single shot, Model 29 Slide Action, and the Model 1933 NRA Target. This period further cemented the 22 Long Rifle's reputation as a versatile and practical cartridge.

Innovation and Advancements: Mid-20th Century

As technology advanced, so did the design and performance of the 22 Long Rifle. Innovations such as hollow-point bullets and improved propellants enhanced its accuracy and effectiveness. Shooters increasingly turned to the cartridge for target shooting competitions, and the cartridge became a staple in competitive shooting events. As the round became more popular for competition shooting, many firearm and ammunition manufacturers began producing precision rifle models and match grade ammunition to refine and enhance the round’s capabilities even further. 

Photo courtesy of Remington Ammunition

Modern Era: Continuing Popularity and Innovation

In the contemporary era, the 22 Long Rifle remains a favorite among shooters of all levels of experience. Its mild recoil, affordability, and a wide variety of firearms chambered in the cartridge make it an excellent choice for introducing beginners to shooting sports. Additionally, advancements in bullet design and manufacturing technology have further improved the cartridge's accuracy and terminal performance. The cartridge now comes with a variety of bullet weights and configurations, from heavier subsonic loads to lighter high velocity rounds, to match whatever needs a hunter or shooter may have. 

Image courtesy of Federal Ammunition

Enduring Legacy: The 22 Long Rifle Today

Today, the 22 Long Rifle stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a cartridge that has stood the test of time. Whether used for plinking, target shooting, small game hunting, or competitive sports, the 22 LR continues to be a go-to option for enthusiasts worldwide. Savage continues to produce quality 22 LR rifles that offer exceptional performance and value. Dozens of different models are available to choose from, including the A Series, Mark I, Mark II, B Series, Rascal, Model 42, and Model 64 series of rifles.

The 22 Long Rifle has evolved from a simple rimfire round in the late 19th century to a multi-faceted cartridge that has left an indelible mark on the history of firearms. Its versatility, accessibility, and enduring popularity ensure that the cartridge will remain a beloved and integral part of the shooting community for generations to come.

The Next Savage 22 Long Rifle rifle

Savage’s newest 22 Long Rifle firearm is here just in time for fall! Introducing the REVEL, a 22 LR lever action rifle that will have you remembering the good old days of small game hunting and plinking at the range. The REVEL comes in two models, the Classic and DLX. The REVEL Classic is a faithful recreation of the lever action rifles of old, with a couple of twists. The Classic has the great straight profile stock and smooth lever action you love, but with a drilled and tapped receiver for easy optics mounting. The DLX has a more ergonomic stock, hooded front sight, and pistol grip checkering for an even more comfortable shooting experience. Plus, both models come with integrated takedown pins to make transportation and cleaning a breeze! With the new REVEL, we’re continuing our dedication to bringing new rimfire rifles to market that are enjoyable to shoot, easy to maintain, and fun for the whole family! 

The 22 Long Rifle has been a staple in the homes of millions of hunters and shooters for decades. Whether you’re enjoying a quick trip to the range, on the hunt for small game, or just starting out learning how to shoot, it’s hard to think of a better cartridge that’s more suited for the task. We’ve had a long history with the 22 Long Rifle since its development, and we’ll continue to ensure that Savage is a name that’s synonymous with quality 22 LR firearms. The history of the 22 LR is long and storied, but there’s certainly more innovation and development to come in the future!