GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The .22 Short cartridge, introduced in 1857, was the first American metallic cartridge. Designed for compact pocket pistols and revolvers, it offered low recoil and quiet operation. Today, it serves a niche for collectors, youth training, and small-game hunters requiring minimal noise and recoil.

Why It's a Top Choice

Extremely low recoil, ideal for beginners
Very quiet compared to other calibers
Available in both rifles and handguns
Compact ammunition size for easy storage
Offers historical interest for collectors

Key Variants

Beretta 950 .22 Short

Ideal for discreet carry and collectors; classic compact semi-auto pocket pistol.

High Standard Derringer .22 Short

Popular double-barrel for backup defense and period-style concealment.

NAA Mini Revolver .22 Short

Tiny yet functional revolver favored for deep concealment and novelty.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.22 Short	.22 LR	.25 ACP
MSRP (firearms)	$200-$400	$150-$600	$250-$700
Capacity	5–8 rounds	10–15 rounds	6–8 rounds
Weight	8–16 oz	12–25 oz	8–20 oz
Optics Ready	Rare	Occasional	No
Notable Pro	Extremely quiet operation	Widely available and versatile	Centerfire reliability
Notable Con	Minimal stopping power	Louder and bulkier	Limited availability

Best Use Cases

Historical firearm collections
Youth and beginner firearm training
Small game hunting
Close-range pest control
Recreational range shooting

FAQs

Can I use .22 Short ammo in a .22 LR chamber?

Some .22 LR rifles and revolvers can shoot .22 Short, but semi-autos may not cycle reliably.

What is the effective range of a .22 Short?

Most .22 Short loads are accurate within 25 yards; energy drops significantly beyond that.

How does .22 Short compare to .22 LR in noise?

.22 Short is significantly quieter, especially from a rifle, making it ideal for low-noise venues.

.22 SHORT for Sale