TriStar Arms has officially entered the rimfire rifle space with the all-new KR22, a semi-automatic blowback.22 LR carbine that blends familiarity with modern features—making it equally suitable for first-time shooters, small game hunters and weekend plinkers.
At first glance, the KR22 may remind enthusiasts of another popular rimfire staple—the Ruger 10/22. That’s no accident. TriStar has mirrored the beloved platform’s footprint, allowing the KR22 to accept Ruger 10/22-pattern rotary magazines. Each rifle ships with two 10-round mags right out of the box, ensuring users can hit the range with minimal setup.
“The launch of the KR22 is a major milestone for TriStar Arms,” TriStar Arms President Ryan Bader said. “Our reputation has been built on delivering dependable and affordable shotguns and handguns and expanding into the rifle category reflects both our growth and our commitment to meeting the needs of a wider range of shooters. The KR22 represents the same value and reliability our customers expect from TriStar, while opening the door to exciting new opportunities for our brand and our consumers.”
But TriStar isn’t merely copying a legacy design. Rather, it’s enhancing it. The KR22 arrives with an 18.6-inch threaded barrel (½x28 TPI), making it suppressor-ready out of the gate. Mounted atop the receiver is an integrated Picatinny rail, allowing for quick red dot or scope installation. For those who prefer traditional aiming, the rifle includes an adjustable fiber-optic front sight, ideal for fast target acquisition in varied lighting.
Weighing in at just under 5 pounds and stretching 38 inches in overall length, the KR22 is light enough for long field sessions and compact enough for younger or smaller-framed shooters. The black synthetic stock keeps things field-ready and durable, while the adjustable comb allows for a personalized cheek weld.
Ambidextrous use is also front and center: the bolt handle is reversible, catering to left-handed shooters without compromise. The dual safety system, a combination of push-button and trigger-based mechanisms, adds an extra layer of security without sacrificing usability.
Whether you’re zeroing in on paper targets, knocking down cans or quietly navigating the woods for squirrel and rabbit, the KR22 brings practical performance at a price point that’s hard to ignore. With an MSRP of $289, TriStar Arms is positioning the KR22 as one of the most approachable rimfire carbines in its class.
More details are available now at tristararms.com.
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