A .22 Magnum pistol is a type of handgun that fires the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge. It is a popular choice for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting due to its relatively low cost, mild recoil, and good accuracy. Some of the best .22 Magnum pistols on the market include the Ruger Mark IV, the Smith & Wesson Model 41, and the Browning Buck Mark.
The .22 Magnum cartridge was developed in 1959 as a more powerful alternative to the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It offers improved ballistics and terminal performance, making it a better choice for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs. .22 Magnum pistols are also popular for target shooting and plinking due to their low cost and mild recoil.