What are Rimfire Pistols?
Rimfire pistols are a type of handgun that uses rimfire cartridges, which have a primer located on the rim of the cartridge case instead of in the center. This design allows for a simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing process, making rimfire pistols a popular choice for recreational shooting and hunting.
History of Rimfire Pistols
The concept of rimfire cartridges dates back to the mid-19th century, when French inventor Casselberry developed the first rimfire cartridge in 1836. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that rimfire pistols began to gain popularity. The first rimfire pistols were developed in the 1880s by firms such as Remington and Smith & Wesson.
Characteristics of Rimfire Pistols
Rimfire pistols are designed to fire cartridges that have a rimfire mechanism, which means that the primer is located on the rim of the cartridge case instead of in the center. This design allows for a few key benefits, including:
- Less complex manufacturing process: Because the primer is located on the rim, rimfire pistols require less complex machining and assembly compared to centerfire pistols.
- Less expensive to produce: The simpler design of rimfire pistols makes them cheaper to manufacture, making them a more affordable option for recreational shooters.
- Less recoil: Rimfire pistols typically have less recoil than centerfire pistols, making them a good choice for beginners or for shooting smaller game.
Types of Rimfire Pistols
There are several types of rimfire pistols available on the market, including:
- Single-shot rimfire pistols: These pistols are designed to fire one cartridge at a time, making them a good choice for target shooting or hunting small game.
- Revolver rimfire pistols: These pistols are designed to fire multiple cartridges from a revolving cylinder, making them a good choice for hunting larger game or for self-defense.
- Semi-automatic rimfire pistols: These pistols are designed to fire multiple cartridges from a detachable magazine, making them a good choice for recreational shooting or for hunting.
Popular Rimfire Pistol Brands
Some popular rimfire pistol brands include:
- Ruger: Known for their affordable and reliable rimfire pistols, including the popular 10/22 model.
- Smith & Wesson: Offers a range of rimfire pistols, including the popular M&P and 22A models.
- Remington: Offers a range of rimfire pistols, including the popular 51 and Nylon 66 models.
- Marlin: Offers a range of rimfire pistols, including the popular Model 60 and Glenfield models.
Ammunition for Rimfire Pistols
Rimfire pistols require special ammunition, which is designed specifically for use in rimfire pistols. .22 Long Rifle is one of the most popular and widely available rimfire cartridges, and is a good choice for recreational shooting and hunting small game. Other popular rimfire cartridges include.22 Short,.22 Long, and.17 HMR.
Table: Rimfire Pistol Cartridges
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 Long Rifle | 1,250 ft/s | 130 ft-lbs | Recreational shooting, hunting small game |
| .22 Short | 1,000 ft/s | 60 ft-lbs | Target shooting, plinking |
| .22 Long | 1,100 ft/s | 80 ft-lbs | Target shooting, plinking |
| .17 HMR | 2,500 ft/s | 250 ft-lbs | Hunting small game, varmint hunting |
Conclusion
Rimfire pistols are a type of handgun that uses rimfire cartridges, which have a primer located on the rim of the cartridge case instead of in the center. They are known for their simplicity, affordability, and reliability, making them a popular choice for recreational shooting and hunting. With a range of brands and models available, there is a rimfire pistol out there for everyone.
