For decades, the .22 Long Rifle has been the gateway cartridge, since it’s cheap to shoot and forgiving to learn. Entire generations of shooters have cut their teeth on rimfire rifles, and even seasoned enthusiasts keep one close for training, hunting or simply burning through a brick of ammo on a lazy afternoon. With the introduction of the new KR22, TriStar Arms is making a calculated move into this crowded but beloved market, offering a rimfire rifle that feels instantly familiar while quietly updating the formula. (Watch the video above or at YouTube.)
Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a straightforward semi-automatic blowback system, the KR22 is designed to accept Ruger 10/22-pattern rotary mags, immediately opening the door to a massive existing ecosystem. Compatibility with 10/22 magazines means replacements and spares are easy to find. That kind of logistical convenience matters, especially for a rifle meant to see frequent use, rather than live in a safe. Two 10-round rotary magazines ship with the rifle, so buyers can head straight to the range without additional purchases. (You might want to buy Ruger or aftermarket mags, however.)
KR22 Rimfire
TriStar Arms has built its reputation on affordable, utilitarian firearms—particularly shotguns—made in Turkey and aimed at shooters who want value over flash. The KR22 fits neatly into that philosophy. The rifle features an 18.6-inch barrel, a length that balances velocity and maneuverability, and it comes threaded from the factory for attaching a muzzle brake or suppressor (1/2x28 TPI). That single detail signals how much the rimfire world has changed. Suppressor ownership is no longer niche, and a threaded barrel is increasingly seen as a baseline feature rather than a luxury. For rimfire competition, quiet backyard pest control (where legal), small-game hunting or simply protecting your hearing, the KR22 is ready out of the box.
Molded to the top of the polymer receiver sits an integrated Picatinny rail, another nod to contemporary shooting habits. Whether it’s a budget red-dot sight or a magnified scope for small targets at distance, there is plenty of real estate for mounting optics. Shooters who prefer irons aren’t left out either: the KR22 includes a red fiber-optic front sight paired with a rear notch sight built into the Pic rail. The front sight is adjustable for elevation with the included Allen key.
All of this is complemented by a black synthetic stock. It’s not fancy, but it’s practical—resistant to moisture, temperature swings and the inevitable bumps that come with field use. Another nice touch—swivel studs installed on the fore-end and buttstock for attaching a sling or bipod.
One of the quiet strengths of the KR22 is that it doesn’t try too hard to reinvent ergonomics. Instead, TriStar focuses on subtle improvements that make the rifle beginner-friendly. The adjustable cheek piece allows shooters to fine-tune cheek weld, especially useful when switching between low-profile optics and taller mounted scopes. A quick twist of an Allen wrench to loosen a screw lets you dial it up or down, perfectly syncing the rifle to your optic or the factory sights. This is a feature often missing in entry-level rimfire rifles, yet it makes a noticeable difference for shooters.
Left-handed shooters, often an afterthought in firearm design, get meaningful consideration here. The cocking handle is reversible, allowing for an ambidextrous setup without aftermarket parts or awkward workarounds. To change the side of the handle for left-side charging, you just use the included Allen key to unscrew it and make the switch.
The KR22’s trigger punches above its price point, delivering a surprisingly solid feel for an entry-level rimfire. Its flat profile incorporates a red blade-style safety, and while there’s a touch of take-up before the break, the pull settles in at a manageable 4 pounds, 8 ounces—better than you’d typically expect straight from the factory. Ahead of the trigger guard, the polymer magazine release button is well-sized and easy to manipulate.
Safety is another area where TriStar leans toward practicality. The rifle incorporates a dual safety system, combining a push-button crossbolt safety with the aforementioned blade safety on the trigger. While some purists may prefer absolute simplicity, this layered approach aligns with the KR22’s likely audience: new shooters and casual users who value additional safeguards without sacrificing ease of operation.
Weighing less than 5 pounds unloaded and measuring 38 inches overall, the KR22 is well-balanced. That makes it comfortable for extended range sessions and accessible to younger or smaller-framed shooters, while still feeling substantial enough for adults.
KR22 Performance
In terms of intended use, the KR22 doesn’t pretend to be a precision competition rifle or a tactical trainer. Instead, it positions itself as a do-everything rimfire carbine that won’t empty your bank account. On the range, it’s solid choice for fun and training alike, shooting steel and running drills equally well. In the field, it’s light enough to carry all day while offering the accuracy and handling needed for small game like squirrel and rabbit.
Although I would normally mount a riflescope on a rimfire like this, I decided to approach the KR22 as a typical buyer might—straight from the store to the range—and stuck with the factory sights.
For my accuracy evaluation, I fired CCI Green Tag and Remington .22 Target loads, both using 40-grain lead round-nose bullets. I also tested Eley Subsonic .22 LR, which features a 38-grain lead hollow-point bullet. The CCI and Eley loads both produced groups under an inch at 50 yards. Eley Subsonic stood out as the most consistent, averaging 1.2-inch groups, with the best single group measuring just 0.78 inch.
Over the course of roughly 500 rounds, the rifle failed to cycle a new round on four occasions—twice with Eley and twice with Remington ammunition. My biggest gripe with the KR22 was the included Kral rotary magazines, which leave room for improvement. Another downside is the lack of a bolt-hold-open feature, making a chamber flag essential when using the KR22 on the range.
Shooting Results (50 Yards)
| .22 Long Rifle Cartridge | Velocity (fps) | Group Size (inches) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallest | Largest | Average | ||
| CCI Green Tag 40-gr. RN | 1,050 Avg., 12 SD | 0.91 | 1.65 | 1.25 |
| Eley Subsonic 38-gr. HP | 1,031 Avg., 17 SD | 0.78 | 1.83 | 1.20 |
| Remington Target 40-gr. RN | 1,108 Avg., 32 SD | 1.11 | 2.54 | 1.79 |
| Notes: Measured average velocity for 10 shots fired with a Labradar LX chronograph about two feet from the muzzle. Accuracy results for five consecutive, 10-shot groups at 50 yards from a rifle bag rest. Temperature 67° F. Humidity: 17%. Abbreviations: HP (Hollow Point), RN (Round Nose), SD (Standard Deviation). | ||||
Final Thoughts
From a business perspective, the KR22 represents more than just another SKU. As TriStar Arms President Ryan Bader put it, the rifle marks a “major milestone” for the company, signaling an expansion beyond its established shotgun and handgun lineup. Entering the rimfire rifle market is a logical step: demand is constant, the audience is broad and the platform serves as both an entry point for new shooters and a staple for experienced ones.
What sets the KR22 apart isn’t a single groundbreaking feature, but rather the way it bundles modern expectations—10/22 magazine compatibility, threaded barrel, ambidextrous cocking handle and an adjustable stock—into a package that remains approachable.
That approachability is reinforced by the price. TriStar Arms bills itself as the “value experts.” With a suggested retail price of $289, the KR22 lands squarely in the budget-friendly category without feeling stripped down. In a market where prices can quickly climb once accessories are added, starting with a sub-$300 rifle that’s already suppressor- and optic-ready is a compelling proposition, especially for competition shooters.
The TriStar Arms KR22 doesn’t aim to redefine the rimfire rifle. Instead, it refines a proven concept for a new generation of shooters. By leaning into familiarity while quietly updating the details, TriStar has delivered a rifle that feels instantly usable and broadly appealing.
For first-time shooters, the KR22 offers a forgiving platform. For seasoned enthusiasts, it’s a lightweight, inexpensive workhorse that doesn’t require immediate upgrades to be enjoyable. And for TriStar Arms, it’s a confident first step into the rimfire carbine realm, where value and smart design still matter most.
More information on the KR22 is available directly from TriStar Arms.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kral Arms
- Importer: TriStar Arms, tristar.com
- Model: KR22, #60003
- Action Type: Blowback-operated, semi-automatic, rimfire rifle
- Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
- Receiver: Polymer
- Barrel: 18.6 inches; 1/2x28 TPI muzzle
- Magazine: Two 10-round rotary magazines included
- Sights: Fixed 2-dot rear, adjustable red fiber-optic front; Picatinny rail
- Trigger: Single-stage; 4 lb., 8 oz. pull
- Stock: Synthetic, adjustable comb
- Length: 38 inches
- Weight: 4 lbs., 14 oz.
- MSRP: $289
